Deals
Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024): A Polished Performer with a Familiar Face
The Surface Laptop has always occupied a unique space: a Windows machine that dares to rival the sleek simplicity of a MacBook. With the 2024 edition, Microsoft isn’t reinventing the wheel, but rather refining it. Does this iteration offer enough to entice upgrades or sway new users? Let’s dive in.
The first thing you’ll notice is the familiar design. Microsoft hasn’t drastically altered the aesthetic, sticking to the clean lines and minimalist approach that have become synonymous with the Surface Laptop. This year brings subtle refinements to the chassis, making it feel even more premium than before. Build quality is, as expected, exceptional. The laptop feels incredibly sturdy and well-constructed, inspiring confidence during everyday use. The haptic trackpad remains one of the best in the business; precise, responsive, and a joy to use. The keyboard, while comfortable, might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The key travel is somewhat shallow, but the actuation is crisp, offering a satisfying typing experience for most.
Under the hood, the 2024 Surface Laptop boasts the latest Intel or AMD Ryzen processors. Our review unit, equipped with an Intel Core i7, handled demanding tasks with ease. From video editing to running multiple virtual machines, the laptop remained responsive and rarely showed signs of struggling. The integrated graphics, however, are still the Achilles’ heel. While suitable for casual gaming and content consumption, hardcore gamers will likely need a dedicated GPU solution. Battery life is respectable, easily lasting through a full workday of mixed use. However, the increased power comes at the expense of fan noise, which can become noticeable during intensive tasks.
The display is still a standout feature. The PixelSense display remains sharp, vibrant, and boasts excellent color accuracy, making it a pleasure for content creators and consumers alike. The 3:2 aspect ratio provides more vertical screen real estate, which is a boon for productivity. The port selection remains somewhat limited, which is a disappointment. While it includes USB-C and USB-A ports, the lack of an SD card reader feels like an oversight, especially considering the target audience of creative professionals.
Ultimately, the 2024 Surface Laptop is a refined and polished offering. It doesn’t drastically reinvent the formula, but it improves upon it in subtle but meaningful ways. It’s a strong choice for professionals and students seeking a premium Windows experience with excellent performance and a sleek design, as long as they don’t demand too much from the integrated graphics.
Where to Buy:
Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024), Windows Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 93%
- Design: 91%
- Performance: 92%
- Quality: 91%
- Popularity: 90%
Top Pros
- ✅ The display boasts sharp visuals and accurate colours.
- ✅ The build quality is excellent, making it feel premium.
- ✅ Performance is snappy and responsive for everyday tasks.
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Key Cons
- ❌ Integrated graphics limit intensive gaming experiences.
- ❌ Port selection is somewhat limited, lacking an SD card reader.
- ❌ Fan noise can become noticeable during demanding tasks.
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