Microsoft 13.5" Surface Laptop (Platinum)

It does not come easy for us to draw a definitive conclusion about the Microsoft Surface Laptop i7. The Intel Core i7-7660U is and remains a double-edged sword. On the one hand, we have the disappointing results with the Turbo performance, and it appears as though Microsoft has learned nothing from...

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  better graphics performance on account of the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, faster Samsung SSD, unique Alcantara texture, outstandingly good speakers, support for Windows Hello, wrist rest remains cool, quiet fan, long battery life

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  relatively loud coil whine, difficult-to-open case gets in the way of repairs and upgrades, poor I/O, throttling - also during graphics loads, high premium for the i7

Microsoft knows how to make sleek hardware. If the Surface Book is handsome but bulky, and the Surface Pro is more minimalistic but suffers a less-compelling keyboard, then the Surface Laptop falls happily in-between. You don’t get a fancy detachable display, no, or even a 360-degree hinge.

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  Handsome, considered design, Freedom from dongles, Performance and battery life are solid, Easy upgrade route to Windows 10 Pro

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  No USB-C limits futureproofing, $1,299 version is the minimum spec worth considering, No SD card slot, Windows 10 S is very locked-down

Microsoft’s attempt at a traditional clamshell laptop leaves us a little conflicted. The look, feel, and usability of the Surface Laptop is outstanding. The Alcantara-covered keyboard is unique and a pleasant surface (literally) to rest your palms on for long term use.

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  Impeccable materials and build quality, PixelSense display, Alcantara covered keyboard, Windows Hello face sign-in, Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Audio

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  Windows 10 S, Budget SSD, Only one USB port, No SD card reader

While it doesn't necessarily stand out in a crowded field, the Surface Laptop has a great design and is a solid, travel-friendly clamshell PC.

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  The Surface Laptop has a slim, modern design and comes in a selection of cool colors. Battery life is very good, and the keyboard and touchpad are both excellent.

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  The included Windows 10 S operating system can only install preapproved apps by default (but it's upgradable). The long-term life of the fabric covering remains a question. The cooler colors are only available in more expensive configurations, and the port selection is limited, skipping USB-C...

“Microsoft’s Surface Laptop will lure you in with Alcantara fabric, then cage you into Windows 10 S.”

The Google Pixelbook is a powerful, upscale 2-in-1 convertible laptop that will serve well-heeled Android and Chromebook fans well.

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  Premium construction and styling., Android apps for offline use., Instant Tethering with Pixel 2 phone., Contextual search with Pen and Google Assistant.

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  Very expensive for a Chromebook., Only two USB-C ports., Pen is separate purchase.

Ever since the first Surface Pro was released, critics have been nagging Microsoft to make a “proper” laptop. It brought out the Surface Book, which wasn’t enough of a “proper” laptop to keep the critics happy.

We’re testing Microsoft’s more conventional laptop

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  very accurate colors and grayscale before calibration, bright display backlight; excellent black levels, excellent construction quality; rigid design, nearly full sRGB coverage, unique Alcantara texture, above average speakers, Windows Hello support, palm rests remain cool, quiet system fan, long...

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  no USB type-C, Thunderbolt 3, SIM, SD reader, Kensington Lock, or fingerprint reader, bottom of base can become very warm under heavy processing load, chassis reverberates noticeably during audio playback, weak integrated HD Graphics 620 performance, unable to maintain maximum CPU Turbo Boost, not...

Surface Laptop is the answer to many critics' prayers. But its not quite the machine everyone wanted Microsoft to make

I thought it would be helpful for anyone reading the following comments to know that S mode is not a permanent setting. S mode is what all Microsoft Laptops come with and it essentially creates a secure environment for searching and using the computer.

I work in IT so I get to see/touch and go through a lot of Windows PC's, Chromebooks and tablets. This is, by far, the best computer of any sort, Mac or otherwise, that I have ever touched, seen, owned or used. It's just perfect in every way. The hardware design is beautiful.

Just wanted to point out the bad reviews for this product. I'm pretty sure the laptop is amazing! Windows 10 S, not so much. That doesn't mean this laptop is not worth buying. You have the option of switching to Windows 10 Pro with a few clicks and a couple of minutes.

Having used a surface pro 3, then 4 for the past few years I was ready to try the new surface laptop. The surface book was a bit too heavy . With the sp4's I opted for the i5 with 16gb ram to extend battery life. Also the i7 on the surfaces pro 4 were getting too hot.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop is a very fast computer. I would say it is very similar to the Apple’s Air Book which I also own. Even my tech guy said it is one of the fastest computer he worked on

Amazing product, the materials are great. Feels that it is a premium quality. The battery may disappoint you because in tech specs you can see that it will work 14.5 hours. As for me I couldn't get from it more than 8 hours. It may heat if you will play games, then you need some additional cooling.

I brought two of this type laptop, one for me and the other for my girlfriend. We are both very pleased with the purchase. I sold my Apple MacBook to purchase this laptop, which as of this writing, I am very satisfied with my decision.

Overall it's a very nice laptop -- light, thin, with a very nice screen and a great keyboard. I'll just mention one downside: the i7 version gets HOT, uncomfortably hot to leave it on your lap (especially if you're wearing shorts!).

I've owned a surface laptop for about a year now, and it has been fantastic. rock solid performance, zero issues with operating systems and drivers, and it's battery life is stunning. It wakes up super face, and with windows hello login is instant. This is easily the best laptop I've every owned.

Not my first time buying a surface product and wont be the last. Perfect for a person who primarily needs email, internet, music and media organization. I also do light picture editing from raw format and this handles that very well.