Amazon is hosting a special Amazon Prime Day from September 7, 2025, to September 8, 2025, bringing us a smorgasbord of discount deals for electronic gadgets, accessories, games, laptops, and much more.

One of the more eye-opening deals is for the Microsoft Surface Laptop, the go-to AI laptop for people looking for a reliable workplace device with advanced features like a 120Hz display, over a dozen hours of battery life, and a powerful Snapdragon X Elite processor, amongst other tech.

This laptop has a mighty MSRP of $1,999.99, but with this 25% Amazon Prime Big Deal Days discount, it can be yours for a more affordable price tag of $1,499.99 on Amazon.

Plus, if you're an Amazon Prime subscriber, you can get it for an even cheaper price of $1,349.99.

Why should you buy the Microsoft Surface Laptop?

When it comes to Windows Laptops, few manufacturers make the best AI Laptops better than Microsoft.

For several decades, Microsoft has produced some of the finest laptops in the business, and its latest iteration, the Surface Laptop 7, is no different.

This thin, clamshell-form laptop is pure perfection for people looking for a high-quality laptop to help them conquer mountains of digital paperwork in the office with its advanced features and superb design.

For instance, this device comes equipped with a Snapdragon X Elite X1E80100 CPU, a powerful Qualcomm chip/Windows on Arm processor capable of superb performance ratings on par with Intel, AMD, or Apple silicon – all without causing massive strain on the Surface Laptop 7's battery life.

Speaking of which, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 sports a long battery life of 18.5 hours before needing to recharge. With this, you will be able to get through the day writing, attending meetings, or browsing the internet with energy to spare before your work shift is long over.

Other standout features of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 include built-in Copilot+ AI, a responsive keyboard and haptic touchpad, a durable and sleek clamshell design, a 120Hz display capable of rendering images in high-quality with a dynamic refresh rate that automatically switches between 60Hz and 120Hz when scrolling, and much more.

The only major drawbacks of this laptop are that it lacks an anti-reflective coating to prevent the screen from being obscured by direct sunlight.

Plus, it's missing some presence-sensing hardware that would enable it to automatically turn off the display when you leave the room and turn back on when you return, like other Copilot+ PCs have.

Additionally, this laptop isn't capable of running AAA PC games at high settings, so you're better off getting one of the best gaming laptops, like the Alien m16 R2 or the Lenovo Legion 9i (Gen 8), for example.

If you're wondering about whether apps will run, there are very few major apps that won't run on this laptop. Indeed, it's more about being optimized for Arm64 rather than running, meaning even non-Arm64 apps run just fine under Microsoft's Prism emulation (similar to Apple's Rosetta 2), they just don't run as fast as they could were they native.

Luckily, we've compiled a list of major native Arm64 apps for you, which matches recent data showing that users now spend over 90% of their time on a Snapdragon PC using native software.

You can even check for games and other apps at WorksOnWOA.

Aside from those minor drawbacks, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is the perfect laptop for people working in the office or browsing the internet, and it can be yours for a rare 25% discount courtesy of Amazon Prime Day.

That's right. For a limited time, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7's lofty MSRP of $1,999.99 has been reduced to $1499.99 on Amazon or the even lower price of $1349.99 if you're a member of Amazon Prime.

So, what better way to mourn the end of Windows 10 support than by taking advantage of this deal and nabbing yourself one of Microsoft's best laptops at this discounted price while the deal lasts until the end of October 8, 2025.

FAQ

We've had 10 long years of Surface tablets, laptops, PCs, and phones. The product line is in a completely different place than it was when the Surface RT was first announced in 2012. In fact, the first Surface RT is considered by many to be a huge failure, leading to an almost billion dollar write-down before the Surface 2 was even announced.

So, that got us wondering, what have been the highs and lows of the Surface line over the last 10 years? Surface RT wasn't the only low point for the Surface brand, but there's also been great moments from other Surface devices that stand out above the rest. Here's our roundup of Surface products that we think mark the highest, lowest and mixed points of the Surface brand.

Surface RT: Low

It all started with the Surface RT, which ended up being a monumental failure for Microsoft at the time. With a $900 million write down not a year after launch, Microsoft bet big on the wrong product, but was it the software or hardware that let down this device?

Surface RT is the product that started it all for Microsoft. It’s the device that laid the foundation for the Surface Pro we have today. At the time, both the hardware and software were lacking. The 2-in-1 hadn’t yet proven itself, and the Windows RT platform was destined for failure from the beginning.

But the hardware did show promise. The product was praised for its incredible magnesium design, tight fit and finish, and super thin chassis. The kickstand was likened to that of a “luxury car door” and the colorful Type Cover accessories that launched alongside it made the device feel personal and productive.

But ergonomically, Microsoft hadn't yet nailed the fundamentals. Surface RT spawned the term "lapability," which was introduced because the Surface RT's kickstand and type cover design lead to an unstable typing experience when sitting the device on your lap to use as a laptop.

The Surface Pro that was announced alongside the Surface RT was a thicker and heavier alternative, with poor battery life and a much higher price tag. It was a "less-sexy" version of the Surface RT, but because it ran full Windows 8 and was compatible with all Windows apps, it was the device of choice for most people.

Microsoft only released one more ARM-based Windows RT product, that being the Surface 2 a year later in 2013. After that, the company switched to x86 with the Surface 3, and wouldn't return to the ARM architecture until Surface Pro X in 2019.

Surface Pro 3: High

It’s widely agreed that the Surface form factor didn’t hit its stride until the launch of the Surface Pro 3 in 2014. This was the first big design change for the product line, shifting from a 16:9 display and two-stage kickstand to a much larger 3:2 display and friction-hinge that allowed for positioning at any angle.

This was the point where for many, the Surface Pro form factor became a viable Windows PC. Before this, the Surface Pro line was a thick tablet with poor battery life that was too small to truly use as a laptop. The Surface Pro 3’s larger 12.-inch display, paired with improvements to the kickstand and keyboard cover propelled Surface from failure to success, and fixed most of the lapability issues that plagued the first few Surface devices.

In fact, this design would prove so popular amongst users that Microsoft ended up keeping its design with minimal changes for 7 whole years, right up to the Surface Pro 7+ which launched in January 2021. It certainly stood the testament of time. Compared to the Surface Pro 1 and Surface Pro 2, it was thin, light, portable, and much more fun to use.

As mentioned, Microsoft would make minor tweaks to this design over the next 7 years. The Surface Pro 4, which launched a year later in 2015, increased its display size by 0.3-inches and introduced Windows Hello facial recognition, something we take for granted on the Surface line today.

Then, with the Surface Pro 5, which launched two years later in 2017 (and was simply dubbed "Surface Pro" at the time) debuted with slightly rounded edges on the chassis. The final major change made to this Surface Pro design was the inclusion of a removable SSD with the Surface Pro 7+. 

Ultimately, this design was a winner for Microsoft and the Surface line as a whole. One could say the success of Surface Pro 3 is a big reason why Microsoft is still shipping new Surface products every year, and expanding its portfolio with new form factors too. Surface Pro is the money-maker, and it started with the Surface Pro 3.

Surface Book: Mixed

The Surface Book is a hard one to rank. To many, it’s one of Microsoft’s more unique and exciting products to date. When it was announced, it was unveiled in a way that built hype like no other product I’ve seen.

It was revealed as a laptop, and was demoed on stage as a laptop. But at the very end of the presentation, Microsoft decided to drop a “one more thing” moment and pull the screen away from the keyboard base. It’s a tablet too?! Just magical.

But the launch of the Surface Book was anything but smooth. The product launched with severe firmware issues thanks to the buggy launch of Intel’s Skylake chips, which led to overheating, thermal throttling, and battery draining even when the Surface Book was “off” in a bag.

Microsoft had much more success with the Surface Book 2, but it became clear soon after that this design was going to limit the kind of power Microsoft could put into it. Surface Book never shipped with more than an Ultrabook class processor, because the design and thermals simply wouldn’t allow for it.

As a result, power users looking for a Surface that had more guts in the CPU department were forced to look elsewhere, as the Surface Book couldn’t deliver that kind of power at a sustainable rate. The product design was flawed from the beginning. A cool concept no doubt, but it wasn’t able to deliver the level of power many customers expected from a flagship Surface laptop.

This came to a head with the Surface Book 3, which received mixed reviews from people who wanted a true laptop workstation, but were let down by the anemic laptop-class CPU. 

Surface Book was a beautiful product, but was flawed from a design perspective, as it was thermally limited and didn't pack enough oomph for the power users it was designed for.

Surface Studio: High

Surface Studio is an interesting one. It’s a one-of-a-kind PC for sure. You still cannot find an all-in-one on the market that offers what the Surface Studio offers from a form factor and design perspective. It has a beautiful 28-inch touchscreen display, a clean design, the ability to move between upright and drafting positions, and supports pen too. 

It’s a beautiful product that I'd go so far to say is Microsoft's best looking Surface to date, but it's one that I wish Microsoft would iterate on further with future versions. It has the potential to be great, but each one has launched with semi-outdated specs so far.

Surface Studio 1 launched with a 6th-generation laptop processor, which just didn’t have the guts to deliver true flagship AiO power. The Surface Studio 2 launched a couple of years later with an outdated 7th-generation laptop chip, which again, wasn’t enough for power users looking for a flagship desktop PC from Microsoft.

I'm marking the Surface Studio as a high because it truly is a one-of-a-kind product, and I'm still using a Surface Studio 2 to this day, even with its very aged CPU and GPU. 

The next Surface Studio needs to launch with a beefier CPU, modern GPU options, and most importantly, the ability to use its displays with other devices. That would prolong the shelf life of this beautiful panel.

Surface Laptop: High

By 2017, Microsoft had been shipping 2-in-1 PCs for a handful of years, but there's was a huge chunk of the PC market that simply doesn't want a 2-in-1 computer. Some prefer a traditional clamshell style laptop, and Microsoft delivered just that with the Surface Laptop.

The Surface Laptop is an interesting product for the Surface line, as it’s the only Microsoft PC that isn’t trying to push a unique form factor experience. It’s a literal laptop, competing head-to-head with the likes of a MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13. Its only unique aspect is that it can be configured with an Alcantara keyboard deck, something I haven’t seen offered on any other laptop to date.

It also launched with Windows 10 in S mode, a failed attempt at locking down the Windows platform to the Microsoft Store. Luckily, you could switch out of S mode with ease.

Surface Laptop's design was so iconic, Microsoft continues to use it to this day with the Surface Laptop 4. The only notable design change in the last five years is with the keyboard deck, where Microsoft introduced metal keyboard deck options alongside Alcantara with the Surface Laptop 3. It also increased the size of the trackpad, and launched a 15-inch version. 

Some would look at the Surface Laptop and consider it a "low" for the Surface line, as it doesn't try to be unique like other Surface products are. But, I'd argue it's a high because it marked the moment that the Surface brand became solidified as more than just an experiment. This is a product line that's here to stay, and I feel the Surface Laptop marked that moment for Microsoft.

Surface Pro X: Mixed

Surface Pro X was a glimpse of the future for the Surface Pro line. At the time of its announcement in 2019, the Surface Pro had been rocking the same design for five years, and critics were getting a little tired of it. So, with the Surface Pro X, Microsoft unveiled an all-new design that offered a preview of what's to come for the main Surface Pro line from a design perspective.

It was super thin, light, and featured a larger 13-inch display and new Type Cover and Pen accessories built specifically for this new design. Externally, it was a much nicer looking Surface Pro, but it was what's on the inside that drops this product down from a "high" to a mixed.

Surface Pro X was powered by a custom Snapdragon 8cx processor, known as the SQ1. It was Microsoft's first custom ARM processor with built-in LTE, but it came at the cost of performance. Surface Pro X launched with Windows 10 on ARM, which ran most apps in an emulation later, and was completely incompatible with x64 applications.

Surface Pro X was a mixed bag because it was a beautiful product that was held back by the infancy of its silicon and platform. Today, Windows on ARM is in a much better place, with support for x64 apps and upcoming more powerful chips that will runs apps in emulation with better performance. 

In fact, I'd go so far to say the Surface Pro X launched as a low, but has transformed itself into a high thanks to Windows 11, and is only going to get better later this year with the launch of a new Surface Pro X with updated silicon. 

Surface Duo: Mixed

Ah, yes. The Surface Duo. Interestingly, the launch of this product went similarly to that of the Surface Book. It was unveiled on stage to much fanfare as a “one more thing” moment, but when it actually hit store shelves, buyers realized this product was not ready for prime time.

The Surface Duo was plagued with very buggy software right out of the gate, and it would take Microsoft more than 12 months to get the device to a point where one would consider it stable enough for everyday use.

Surface Duo 2 came along and fixed many of the original Surface Duo’s shortcomings, including better cameras and displays, 5G, a flagship processor, and NFC. I’ve been using a Surface Duo 2 as my primary phone since it launched, and I absolutely love it.

Just like the Surface Pro X, the Surface Duo line shipped as a low, but has transformed into a high for the Surface brand. It’s a great product that I'd be happy to recommend to any tech fans looking to try something new to replace their smartphone. 

Surface Neo: Low

Surface Neo was announced right alongside the Surface Duo, except the Surface Neo never actually shipped. There’s probably good reason for that, but this is certainly a low point for the brand, as it’s an example of Microsoft failing to deliver a product that it thought it could make. Going so far as to announce it to the world, only to cancel those plans just half a year later doesn't look very good.

Microsoft could still ship the Surface Neo at some point, but it definitely won't be shipping with the dedicated version of Windows they announced alongside it. Windows 10X was designed for dual-screen PCs in mind, but that OS was scrapped in favor of Windows 11, and the dual-screen PC idea was put on ice.

I have a feeling Microsoft would like the world to forget the Surface Neo even happened.

Surface Laptop Studio: High

The Surface Laptop Studio is Microsoft’s attempt at fixing the Surface Book. It was designed by the Surface Book team, and is the replacement to the Surface Book line. In almost every regard, it fixes the big issues that the Surface Book had. It has a beefier CPU, a better GPU, good battery, and a high-refresh rate screen.

It still maintains that 2-in-1 convertible functionality, albeit not as a detachable display. The Surface Laptop Studio’s display can be pulled forward into a Studio mode, which allows for use of the pen when required, but without sacrificing on thermals or CPU power.

While there’s something to be said about the design of the Surface Book, the Surface Laptop Studio is the better product from a functionality perspective.

What do you think?

So those are our picks for high and low moments throughout the Surface line's lifecycle. It's been a rollercoaster for sure, but that's what makes Surface so fun. A lot of what Microsoft puts out into the world is experimental and new, so there's bound to be teething issues along the way. But often enough, the company is able to ship great products that really do push the boundaries in design and form factor.

Here's to the next 10 years of Surface! 

While both of these laptops are excellent, schools looking to buy in bulk should opt for the Surface Laptop SE thanks to its rock-bottom cost, ability to handle schoolwork well, and its excellent battery life. However, individual students who need a new device should get a Surface Go 3 instead. Not only can it handle some recreational activities as well as schoolwork, but it also has a touchscreen and is actually available to regular consumers.

Surface Laptop SE vs. Go 3: Specs and availability

Across the board, the Surface Go 3 is more capable than the Surface Laptop SE in almost every way. It has a better processor, options for a larger SSD, a sharper and more color accurate display (with touch support, no less), an option for LTE connectivity, a microSD card reader, dual microphones, and it even weighs over a full pound less. It's also important to note that the Surface Go 3 is available to all consumers, whereas Microsoft only sells the Surface Laptop SE to education facilities and personnel.

The only advantages the Surface Laptop SE has are its superb 16-hour battery life and its preinstalled Microsoft Office software. These benefits are great for schools that need to buy laptops in bulk, as staff won't need to worry about paying for Microsoft Office or charging the devices much.

Conclusion

With all of that said, it's clear that the Surface Laptop SE will be the best choice for schools looking to buy laptops in bulk, while the Surface Go 3 is ideal for individual students who may want something more multipurpose. The Surface Laptop SE's incredibly low cost, fantastic battery life, and preinstalled Microsoft Office applications make it perfect for the classroom, while the Surface Go 3's stronger specs make it a good choice if you want something that's good for schoolwork and recreational activities like watching movies and TV shows. The Surface Go 3's touchscreen also gives it more flexibility, allowing you to use it for drawing as well as educational tasks like notetaking.

For more excellent laptops to consider, review our roundups of the best Windows laptops as well as the best budget laptops available.

Microsoft has announced a new, low-cost Surface Laptop, codenamed Tenjin, and dubbed the Surface Laptop SE. It's a device designed for the K-8 education market, featuring low-end specs and not so premium design reach a vital price point $249

The education sector is rife with low-cost, low-power 11-inch laptops, and the Surface Laptop SE is supposed to fit right into that category. With low-end specs and materials, the device is officially Microsoft's most affordable Surface offering so that education establishments can buy and manage in bulk, handing them out to classrooms and students who need them.

Surface Laptop SE: Price and availability

Surface Laptop SE starts at $249 and is available to order through education channels only starting now and leading into 2022.

Surface Laptop SE: Specs

Surface Laptop SE ships with an Intel Celeron N4020 and N4120 CPU, with 4GB or 8GB RAM options, 64GB or 128GB storage, and an 11.6-inch 1366x768 display. The display is not touchscreen, which is a first for the Surface line.

Regarding ports, the Surface Laptop SE features one USB-A port, one USB-C port, a headphone jack, and a barrel-style AC port. The exterior is all plastic, with a full-sized laptop keyboard and trackpad borrowed from the Surface Laptop Go.

It's fair to say that this is not a powerful or premium laptop, but that's by design. This is a laptop designed for kids in a classroom environment, passed between students all throughout the day.

Surface Laptop SE: Who is it for?

Microsoft has built Surface Laptop SE for schools buying laptops in bulk to hand out to students in classrooms and to take home. This is a PC for kids in kindergarten all the way up to grade 8, which explains the low-end specs and plastic design. This laptop is more than equipped enough for student work in this age range.

It's important to stress that Surface Laptop SE does not compete with "consumer facing" laptops on the market. You can get way more capable and "nicer" laptops for more money which have been built with more general audiences in mind such as the Surface Go or Surface Laptop Go.

But with a starting price of $249, the Surface Laptop SE is the most affordable Surface yet. Microsoft says it's only available to buy through education channels, meaning normal consumers won't be able to grab one of these anyway. This laptop is designed to be bought in bulk by education establishments for deployment to classrooms and students with OS configurations specific to their school.

Surface Laptop SE: Windows 11 SE

Surface Laptop SE ships with a new edition of Windows 11 called Windows 11 SE, designed specifically for education PCs. This is not an edition of Windows that you'll find on normal consumer or professional grade PCs, as it's a SKU that only hardware makers can order to pre-load onto devices designed specifically for the low-end education sector.

It features optimizations, tweaks, and policy changes designed for the education sector. Some of the tweaks made to Windows 11 SE include limiting the multitasking/snapping options to just side-by-side, locking down access to This PC in the File Explorer, and much more. Windows 11 SE PCs are required to be Intune managed too.

Ultimately, the Surface Laptop SE is ideal for schools that need something affordable and reliable to provide to students in bulk. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop Go is perfect for individual students that need something for schoolwork, but also want something that can be used for fun after the school day is done.

Surface Laptop SE vs. Laptop Go: Specs and availability

When it comes to a raw performance matchup, the Surface Laptop Go outshines the Surface Laptop SE in nearly every metric thanks to its stronger specs and more advanced hardware. This includes a more capable processor, a better display with support for touch, more RAM on commercial models, additional SSD storage, a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello, and an extra microphone. The Surface Laptop SE's only advantage is its longer battery life, which is no doubt due to the performance optimizations of Windows 11 SE.

Because of this, the Surface Laptop Go is a better multipurpose device since it does a good job of handling both productivity work as well as recreational activities like media consumption and light gaming. The latter activities are things that the Surface Laptop SE simply can't do efficiently.

However, where the Surface Laptop SE pulls ahead is in the education sector. In situations where schools need to buy devices in bulk that are both affordable and performant enough for completing schoolwork, the Surface Laptop SE is a better choice thanks to its rock bottom $250 price. Windows 11 SE itself also comes with several education-focused benefits, such as preloaded access to Microsoft Office apps, restrictions on app installations, and fullscreen app launches.

It's important to note that when the Surface Laptop SE launches in early 2022, it will only be available for purchase in the education sector. Regular consumers will not be able to purchase the device, making the Surface Laptop Go the clear winner in this matchup for most people.

Laptop SE vs. Laptop Go: Which should you buy?

While both the Surface Laptop SE and the Surface Laptop Go are some of the best Windows laptops for students and educators, we feel that the Surface Laptop SE is ultimately the better choice for schools and other educational institutions looking for a classroom-friendly device to buy in bulk for students. With its extremely low cost, low-spec performance optimizations, and education-focused Windows 11 SE benefits, the Surface Laptop SE will no doubt stand as one of the top education devices.

If you're a student (or the parent of one) looking to get something that can handle work and recreational activities, the Surface Laptop Go is the clear choice here. The Surface Laptop SE doesn't have hardware that's good enough to handle the media consumption or light gaming you might want to do after your schoolwork is done, and it's not available to regular consumers anyway. This is where the Surface Laptop Go shines thanks to its 10th Gen i5 Intel CPU, support for touch, and other advantages.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is working on a low-cost 11.6-inch Surface Laptop.
• It's designed specifically for the K-12 education market.
• It's codenamed Tenjin and features an Intel Celeron N4120.

Microsoft is preparing to take its Chromebook compete strategy to the next level with a new, low-cost laptop made specifically for the education market. This laptop is designed in the same vein as other low-cost EDU laptops such as the Lenovo 100W or HP Stream series, built primarily for education establishments to buy, manage, and distribute in bulk.

According to my sources, this new laptop is codenamed Tenjin and features a fully plastic exterior, a 1366x768 11.6-inch display, an Intel Celeron N4120 and up to 8GB RAM. This is a no-frills laptop designed to be as low-cost as possible, built for student-use in a classroom environment. I'm told the device features a full-sized keyboard and trackpad, one USB-A port, one USB-C port, a headphone jack, and a barrel-style AC port.

Tenjin marks the beginning of a new K-12 education strategy for Microsoft. In addition to the new hardware, Microsoft is also preparing to launch a new edition of Windows 11 titled "Windows 11 SE" built specifically for low-cost school PCs like Tenjin. I'm told this SKU focuses on special optimizations, tweaks, and features built for education establishments deploying low-end hardware.

I also hear Tenjin might ship under the Surface Laptop brand, possibly dubbed "Laptop SE" to match the Windows 11 edition that's installed. I'm not sure what "SE" stands for specifically, but I'd guess it's something along the lines of "Student Edition" or "School Edition." Either way, Tenjin will fall in line below the Surface Laptop Go, which starts at $549 and is a more premium device.

Tenjin will compete head-to-head with low-cost Chromebooks from the likes of HP, Dell, and Lenovo which have seen huge success shipping sub $400 Chromebook devices for the education market. While I have no concrete info on pricing, I'm expecting Tenjin to target a sub $400 price bracket to remain competitive against Chromebooks. I'm told the device is pretty much ready to go, and will be announced before the end of this year if plans don't change.

Microsoft officials declined to comment.

The latest Surface Laptop from Microsoft is here! Dubbed the 'Surface Laptop 4', this latest generation features new Intel 11th-generation and AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors, up to 32GB RAM, and upgradable SSD storage. Unfortunately, the design remains the same as the previous generation, but Microsoft has made some minor improvements here and there. Here's everything you need to know about the Surface Laptop 4.

Device specifications

The Surface Laptop 4 features Intel's 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, Intel Iris Xe graphics, up to 32GB RAM, and 1TB storage. Additionally, Microsoft also offers the Surface Laptop 4 with AMD chips, powered by the AMD Ryzen 4980U Microsoft Surface Edition, AMD Radeon graphics, up to 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage.

The Surface Laptop 4 comes in 13.5-inch or 15-inch variants, and both AMD and Intel chips are available in either size. This is new to the Surface Laptop 4, as the Surface Laptop 3 had AMD chips limited to the 15-inch variant.

AMD vs Intel

For most people, the differences between the AMD and Intel variants will be insignificant. They both do productivity work very well, but each variant does specialize in its own departments. For example, Microsoft says the AMD models are better for multi-threading performance tasks, whereas the Intel variants have a slightly stronger GPU and faster single-threaded performance.

If you're looking for a device that has better multi-thread app performance and longer battery life, Microsoft recommends the AMD variant. The AMD model will be slightly better at multitasking workflows. If you're looking for a device with faster single-thread app performance, along with more RAM and storage options, the Intel variant is what you should get. This model is great for developers, researchers, and data scientists.

If you don't really understand the differences, that's okay. You'll be perfectly fine going either either model, as when it comes down to it, they all perform more or less the same in real world day to day tasks.

Design and features

The Surface Laptop 4 features the same design and featureset as its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 3. That means there are no new ports, thinner bezels, or a better screen, it's exactly the same as the last version. The only notable difference externally is the introduction of a new color; Ice Blue, which replaces Cobalt Blue on the Surface Laptop 3.

It's on the inside where most of the differences lay. We have the new processors, more RAM and storage options, and a slightly bigger battery. Microsoft has also tuned the speakers to give them bettery Dolby Atmos support.

Price and release date

The Surface Laptop 4 begins shipping in the United States, Canada, and Japan on April 15 with pricing starting at $999. The Surface Laptop 4 will begin rolling out in more markets in the coming weeks. Below is the pricing for all the Surface Laptop 4 SKUs that you can buy across Microsoft's consumer and commercial channels.

Consumer

Surface Laptop 4 (13.5-inch)

Surface Laptop 4 (15-inch)

Commercial

Surface Laptop 4 (13.5-inch)

Surface Laptop 4 (15-inch)

What do you think?

So that's everything you need to know about the Surface Laptop 4, which we think is set to become one of the best Microsoft Surface PCs. What are your thoughts on product? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• Alleged specs of the Surface Laptop 4 have leaked online.
• It appears that both the 13.5-inch and 15-inch versions of the device will have options for Intel or AMD CPUs.
• The device will reportedly launch sometime in April 2021.

Rumors continue to swirl about an upcoming Surface Laptop 4 from Microsoft. WinFuture recently shared alleged leaked specs of the Surface Laptop 4. Based on the report, the Surface Laptop 4 will have options for either AMD or Intel processors regardless of which size that you choose.

It seems that we won't have to wait long to see if the Surface Laptop 4 is one of the best Windows laptops. The report states that the Surface Laptop 4 will launch sometime in April.

It's unsurprising that the Surface Laptop 4 will have 13.5-inch and 15-inch options. This has been the case for the Surface Laptop line for years. What is different is that it appears that people will have a choice for AMD or Intel processors for each of the sizes.

Specifically, the Surface Laptop 4 will reportedly have options for the AMD Ryzen 5 4680U or AMD Ryzen 7 4980U. WinFuture notes that each of these will likely be "Surface Edition" chips. Some will be disappointed if these leaks turn out to be true, as AMD has newer chips in its 5000 Series.

On the Intel side of things, the Surface Laptop 4 will allegedly have options for the 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1145G7 or the Intel Core i7-1185G7.

The use of Iris Plus Graphics (64 EUs) is suspect as the Intel datasheet on those processors lists Iris Xe (96EUs) as the preferred GPU.

These are the alleged specs, as reported by WinFuture. These may not line up with what Microsoft ships.

As with all leaks, we need to take these with a grain of salt. Luckily, it appears that we won't have to wait long to find out if they're accurate.

Surface Laptop 3, which came out in late 2019, is currently discounted and starts at $769 (save $250).

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 recently received firmware updates.
• The updates include several security updates and bug fixes.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 each have a firmware update available. As is normally the case, the updates don't include any new features but have several improvements and bug fixes.

People with the original Surface Laptop will see the following changes:

The changes for the Surface Laptop 2 are mostly the same, though the version number of the first change is different, and you'll also receive one more change:

You should be able to grab the latest firmware update through Windows Update now.

What you need to know

• A patent from Microsoft shows the design of an interchangeable back for computing devices.
• The design could be used in a Surface Laptop or other Surface device in the future.
• As with all patents, the designs may never be used in a real device.

A patent from Microsoft discusses a new way to customize Surface devices. WindowsUnited recently spotted a patent from Microsoft for interchangeable back panels on computing devices. While the designs discussed in the patent may never come to real devices, it's interesting to see how Microsoft could take advantage of swappable backplates.

As is the case with many patents, this one doesn't refer to a specific Surface device. Instead, it just refers to "computing devices." But if this design ever saw the light of day, whichi is a big if, it could potentially be implemented on a Surface Laptop 3, Surface Book 3, or other Surface devices.

The patent describes a back panel of a computing device that you could easily swap out. This could be useful for changing the look of your device. It could also come in handy if you've damaged the back of your device and want to replace it.

Here is the abstract from the patent:

That's patent speak for "you can easily swap the back panel of the device."

There are already several ways to customize the look of a laptop, like skins and even covers made of wood. The patent acknowledges these options but points out that they aren't perfect solutions.

Some covers can't be easily removed, and taking stickers off a device can take time. People can also damage a device while trying to customize its look. Microsoft's patent describes how a replaceable panel could be an easier way to customize devices.

Ultimately, the HP Spectre x360 15 is the better choice here for the vast majority of people. A select few may find the Surface Laptop 3 15 worth choosing if they need a better battery life or can't afford to spend a little extra. Still, most should opt for the Spectre due to its better performance, display, its convertible functionality.

Spectre x360 15 vs. Surface Laptop 3 15: Comparison and specs

The HP Spectre x360 15 outperforms the Surface Laptop 3 15 in almost every metric across the board. Its Intel i7-10750H CPU is measurably more capable than either of the AMD Ryzens available for the Surface Laptop 3 15. Its NVIDIA 1650 Ti completely blows the AMD Radeon Vega 9 and 11 GPUs in the Surface out of the water. The Spectre matches the Surface on RAM and storage, and again surpasses it when it comes to displays — both the IPS and AMOLED 4K screens are more impressive than the Surface's Pixelsense. The Spectre also comes with Thunderbolt 3 and support for Wi-Fi 6, while the Surface does not. Both laptops are fantastic in terms of physical design, although the bezels on the Spectre are noticeably thinner. It's also important to note that you can use the Spectre as a convertible.

The Surface Laptop 3 15 only scores points in three areas: battery life, weight, and starting price. The Surface's battery life comes in at around 9-10 hours, a big step up compared to the Spectre's 5-6. Additionally, the Surface Laptop 3 15 weighs in at 3.40 pounds, which is over a pound lighter than the Spectre. Finally, the Surface Laptop 3 15's starting price is $300 less than the Spectre x360 15, making it more attractive to people who are on tight budgets. Outside of these advantages, though, the Spectre is simply better.

Spectre x360 15 vs. Surface Laptop 3 15: Which should you buy?

At the end of the day, we think that this duel's clear winner is the HP Spectre x360 15. Offering stronger performance, a better display, better ports, thinner bezels, Wi-Fi 6, and convertible functionality, it trumps the Surface Laptop 3 15 across the board. The only reason you should get a Surface Laptop 3 15 is if you need something as affordable as possible or if you need strong battery life.

If neither of these devices are the right fit for what you're looking for, check out our best Windows laptop picks for more options.

What you need to know

• Images of the next Surface Pro and Laptop have leaked as they pass through certification in Korea.
• The images suggest that the devices will share the same external designs as their predecessors.

Microsoft is expected to launch new versions of its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop early next year, and today images of those products have appeared online as they pass through certification in Korea. These images confirm that the devices won't be featuring any new designs, instead opting to keep the external chassis' the same as the previous generation.

The listings were spotted by Cozyplanes on Twitter, who also noted that the certification listings confirm the model number of each: 1950 for the Surface Laptop and 1960 for the Surface Pro. Because of how minor these updates are, I do wonder if Microsoft will opt to just call these the "new Surface Pro" and "new Surface Laptop" similar to what it did with the 2020 Surface Pro X.

According to my own sources, the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop will launch in mid-January and feature Intel 11th-generation processors with Intel Iris Xe graphics. The Surface Laptop will have AMD options again, but I don't know which specific CPU options will be offered just yet.

I understand that this launch will be a quiet one, with little fanfare outside of the initial announcement. The Surface Pro 8 is also expected to feature an LTE option for customers who need it, I'm told. I'm also hearing that Microsoft is hoping to start rolling out the Surface Duo in more markets shortly after the new Surface Pro launches.

So it's looking like Microsoft's early 2021 hardware lineup with consist of a new Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and the Surface Duo rolling out to more markets. I'm not expecting to see a new Surface Studio anytime soon, but I have heard that a new black option for the Surface Go 2 might show up in January too.

In the meantime, what are your thoughts on the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• New videos from Microsoft show off the Surface Laptop Go and updated Surface Pro X.
• Microsoft's Panos Panay leads one of the videos from Microsoft's Building 87.
• The Surface Laptop Go and upgraded Surface Pro X will be available on October 13 and be preordered now.

Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Go and the upgraded Surface Pro X today. In a new video on the Microsoft Surface channel, Microsoft chief product officer Panos Panay breaks down both new devices. Panay is joined by Microsoft CVP Robin Seiler and VP Pete Kyriacou to introduce the new Surface hardware.

The Surface Laptop Go is a smaller and lighter laptop from Microsoft's Surface team that starts at a more affordable $549. The Surface Pro X maintains its form factor, but now has an option with the new SQ2 processor and a faster GPU. The updated Surface Pro X starts at $1,499, though the entry-level model with the SQ1 starts at $999.

If you prefer a snappier sizzler video, you're in luck. Microsoft shared sizzlers for both new devices within the longer video with Panay and on their own.

The new Surface devices are available for preorder now.

What you need to know

• Microsoft will hold a Surface event within the next week, according to a leak.
• The event will occur on September 30 or October 1.
• The event could include the announcement of a new Surface Pro X.

Microsoft will hold a Surface event on either September 30 or October 1, according to a leak by WalkingCat on Twitter. WalkingCat is unsure of the exact date due to timezones but states the event will be within that timeframe. Microsoft regularly holds Surface events in the fall, such as last year when the company announced the Surface Pro 7, Surface Duo, and Surface Pro X.

While we don't know what will be announced at the event, we could potentially see the announcement of a Surface Pro X with a Microsoft SQ2 chip and Microsoft's midrange Surface Laptop. Both of those devices will reportedly launch in the October timeframe, so an announcement on September 30 or October 1 would make sense.

Regardless of the exact date, it appears that Microsoft's fall Surface event is only a couple of weeks away, so we shouldn't have to wait long to see more Surface hardware.

Why is a lock slot valuable?

Lock slots are valuable on laptops because they enable you to use various different types of locks to tether your device to a sturdy object, such as a table. Essentially, it lets you tie down your device like you would with a bike and a bike rack. This is a fantastic way to combat theft, especially if you need to get up and leave your device unattended for whatever reason.

Why you should still consider the Surface Laptop 3

While the lack of a lock slot on the Surface Laptop 3 is unfortunate, there are plenty of other reasons why you should consider getting the device. It's outfitted with either a 13.5-inch 2256x1504 display or a 15-inch 2496x1664 one for the smaller and larger versions of the laptop, respectively. The 13-inch variant has Intel's 10th Gen CPUs, Intel Iris graphics, and can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The 15-inch version has the same RAM and storage options but uses an AMD Ryzen 7 custom CPU and an AMD Vega 11. This CPU isn't quite as good as the 10th Gen ones, but the AMD GPUs are a step above Intel Iris.

In terms of physical design, the device is very easy to carry at just 2.79 pounds (13-inch) and 3.4 pounds (15-inch). It also comes with a Windows Hello camera, as well as a nice USB-C port that brings some extra convenience to the table.

What if you want (or need) a lock slot?

If you really want (or need) to have a lock slot on your laptop, we recommend opting for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon instead of the Surface Laptop 3. It's more expensive because it can be configured with better displays than the Surface Laptop 3 can, can be fitted with LTE connectivity, and also has more ports (including, notably, dual Thunderbolt 3 slots). However, those improvements may be worth spending some extra money on, and the price difference isn't terribly large, either.

Overall, if you like the sound of the Surface Laptop 3 but aren't willing to sacrifice having a lock slot on your device, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a fantastic alternative choice.

What you need to know

• A new set of firmware updates is available for several Surface devices.
• There are updates available for the Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and several older Surface devices.
• The updates largely focus on battery improvements and fixes for major CPU and GPU issues with Surface Book 2.

Several Surface devices have firmware updates that improve battery life or battery stability. The Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Laptop, and Surface Pro 4 all have firmware updates. The updates generally improve battery life or battery stability, but the Surface Book 2 updates in particular correct some major issues related to CPU throttling and the GPU going missing from Device Manager.

The Surface Book 2 has the longest list of changes.

• Surface Base 2 Firmware Update – Firmware
  • 1.75.139.0 improves battery stability.
• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware
  • 182.1004.139.0 resolves an issue where the CPU will throttle down to .4GHz, and improves battery stability.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware
  • 389.2837.768.0 resolves an issue where the display adapter disappears from Device Manager.

The Surface Pro 6, Laptop 2, Laptop, Pro 5, and Pro 4 have all received updates that help improve battery life. Each carries a different version number, but they are nearly all updates to the Surface System Aggregator. The only exception is the Surface Pro 4, which improves battery life with an update to its Surface Embedded Controller firmware.

The firmware updates are available for devices running Windows 10 April 2018 Update, version 1803, or greater. You can find the full list of release notes for each device at the Surface Update History site.

On Windows Central, we cover everything and anything Microsoft. That means we do a lot of stories on its Surface PCs, some of the most exciting PCs available today. By extension, that means we do a fair amount of coverage of devices with Alcantara fabric, which Microsoft has used for a while now on certain covers and keyboards. For example, it features prominently on the Surface Go's Signature Type Cover and is used in the latest Surface Pro Signature Type Covers, as well as on the Surface Laptop 2's built-in keyboard.

To give Alcantara its due, we decided to do a bit of digging and try to answer some of the most common questions about the semi-mysterious fabric. Here's everything you could possibly want to know about Alcantara.

What exactly is Alcantara?

Alcantara is an Italian-made fabric that looks and feels much like suede. The name Alcantara is actually a brand name, and it's a registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A., an Italian company.

What is Alcantara made of?

Polyester (about 68 percent) and polyurethane (about 32 percent), at least according to Wikipedia). The actual "recipe" for the fabric is unknown and is proprietary information that belongs to its maker.

Where does the name Alcantara come from?

Though the brand name is Italian, it's derived from the Arabic word "al qantara," meaning "the bridge." You could say Alcantara fabric is a "bridge" between animal leather and cotton fabric.

What is Alcantara used for?

In addition to being featured prominently in recent Microsoft Surface products, Alcantara is used by various companies in the fashion, interior, automotive, yachting, and aviation industries. One notable automaker that uses Alcantara in its vehicles is Porsche.

According to a Porsche dealer in Calif., the luxury vehicle maker uses three types of Alcantara:

Why do luxury brands (and others) use Alcantara?

For a lot of reasons. According to the manufacturer, it's good looking, first and foremost. It's stain-resistant (to a degree) and very soft. It's relatively durable and doesn't fade easily. Alcantara is also lightweight.

Additionally, it's sustainable and 100-percent carbon neutral, meaning it doesn't release any potentially harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It's versatile and can be dyed in a ton of different colors. It's easy to clean (here's how). It's nice and "grippy." And it's reportedly fire-retardant... though we've not tested that ourselves.

It's also (generally) cheaper than leather. Which leads to our next question.

How durable is the Alcantara fabric on the Surface Laptop?

Is Alcantara expensive?

Compared to leather, usually not. But like any material, it's available in a variety of different quality levels, which can be expensive. Companies that use Alcantara like to position it as a specialty material (including Microsoft) and therefore they sometimes charge a premium for it. For example, Porsche charges the same amount of money for Alcantara in its cars as it does for leather, even though it pays significantly less for the Alcantara, according to amusing Kiwi YouTuber Nick Murray.

Is it animal-free and vegan-friendly?

You betcha. Alcantara is 100-percent cruelty-free and not of animal origin. It's sometimes referred to as "Alcantara leather," but that's simply not an accurate term.

What's the difference between Alcantara and "Ultrasuede?"

The country of origin. Ultrasuede is another registered brand name, but it's very similar to Alcantara. The main difference between the two is that genuine Alcantara is made in Italy. It's like champagne. There are all kinds of sparkling white wine, but real champagne is made in Champagne, France.

Is there anything bad about Alcantara? Any disadvantages to using Alcantara?

Sure, it's not perfect. If you simply don't like the look and feel of suede, you're probably not going to like Alcantara. Like suede, it can collect "pressure marks" or signs of use. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Some people who have experience with Alcantara complain about durability issues, meaning it doesn't exactly stand up to the test of time as much as its manufacturer would want you to think. However, our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino, who has used both the Signature Type Cover and the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard, says his Alcantara still mostly looks and feels like new. Your personal mileage may vary.

All about Alcantara

There you have it. That's just about everything any reasonable person should want to know about this unique fabric. If for some reason, you have a question about the fabric that we didn't answer, drop it in the comments and we'll do our best to find an answer for you.

What you need to know

• Some Surface users can't connect to 5GHz networks following a recent update.
• The Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Pro 5th Gen seem to be affected by the issue.
• The update that seems to have caused the issue was supposed to improve Wi-Fi.

Several Surface users have reported that they can no longer connect to 5GHz networks following a recent update. Users on a Microsoft Answers forum and a Reddit thread say they've run into the issue (via Windows Latest). The Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Pro 5th Gen are reportedly affected.

According to both posts, a user updated their Wi-Fi driver to "Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Net – 15.68.17013.110." Following the update, they couldn't connect to 5GHz networks on their Surface Book. Uninstalling the driver seemed to fix the issue and reinstalling the update seems to cause it again. Other users have chimed in saying they face the same issue on their Surface devices, including the Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and Surface Pro 5th Gen.

The extent of the issue is not yet determined. It seems to only affect a subset of Surface users, even on affected devices. Microsoft has not issued a response to the issue at time of publication.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

I've been vocal about my love for the Surface Laptop. It's the perfect Surface product! I had always wanted Microsoft to build a straight up laptop, not something that could detach or something that could fold or flip into something else; I have no need for that. I just wanted a laptop, and I wanted Microsoft to make it, so as you can imagine, the Surface Laptop is my favorite device ever. As such, I like to fully kit out my Surface Laptop with accessories. These are some of my favorites, and they're all perfect for the original Surface Laptop as well as the Surface Laptop 2.

If we're making suggestions...

So there you have it, these are the accessories I use alongside my Surface Laptop. I particularly love the Surface Mobile Mouse which is reliable and gest the job done. If you're interested in the Surface Laptop, make sure you give our review a read.

I also love the Surface Headphones, providing rich audio quality in a stylish package. They really do match my Surface Laptop so well, it's hard not to get excited when wearing them. The touch controls and overal design aethestic is what pushes these further than the rest of the market for me.

If you're not a fan of trackpads, the Surface Mobile Mouse is a great accessory that helps you avoid having to use it. It small, compact, and relatively cheap, and provides accurate and pricise mouse control even on the go. It has removable batteries too, meaning you can swap out with a new pair in a flash if you start to run low, which shouldn't happen often.

Microsoft provides Surface customers with recovery images that allow you to reset your Surface as if it was just new out of the box. This requires a USB drive, some time, and an internet connection. If you're planning to sell your Surface Laptop, or are having technical difficulties, recovering the Surface Laptop is recommended. Here's how to do it.

Products Used in This Guide

• Stylish computing: Surface Laptop ($558 at Amazon)
• Stylish in black: Surface Laptop 2 ($999 at Microsoft)
• Storage on the go: SanDisk USB 3.0 drive ($8 at Amazon)

Download the recovery image

Before we get started, you have to acquire the files necessary for recovery. To do that, you're going to need your Surface Laptop or Surface Laptop 2 serial number and some time to allow the download to complete. (You can find the 12-digit serial number on the bottom of your device.) The download is around 9GB, so it may take a while depending on your internet connection.

Also, depending on whether your device is a Surface Laptop or Surface Laptop 2, you will either be recovering to Windows 10 Pro in S mode, or Windows 10 Home. The Surface Laptop 2 recovery image is Windows 10 Home, whereas the original Surface Laptop recovery image is Windows 10 Pro in S mode.

1. Open Microsoft's recovery image download page.
2. Select Surface Laptop or Surface Laptop 2 in the drop-down menu.
3. Enter your Surface Laptop serial number.

4. Select Download recovery image on the latest version available. The download will take some time depending on your internet connection.

Create a USB recovery drive

Now that you have the necessary files, you need to set up a USB drive for recovery. We'll be using the USB drive to recover the Surface Laptop. Make sure the USB drive is at least 16GB in size, and that you backed up all the data on it first.

1. Press Start.
2. Search for "Create a recovery drive".

3. Deselect Backup system files to the recovery drive.
4. Press Next.

5. Select the USB drive you'll be using as the recovery drive.
6. Press Next.

7. Select Create drive.

Extract recovery files

Once your USB recovery drive is created, you need to transfer all of the recovery files you downloaded earlier.

1. Right click on the downloaded recovery file.
2. Select Extract All.

3. Select Extract. This will create a folder in the same directory as your downloaded recovery file, into which the contents will be extracted.

4. Open the extracted contents folder. It will have a name along the lines of "SurfaceLaptop_BMR_151_12.761.0" (the specific name may vary depending on the recovery version you download).
5. Copy all the files in the extracted folder into your newly created USB recovery drive.

You can press CTRL + A to select all of the files in the folder and drag-and-drop them into the drive labeled "RECOVERY" in the left sidebar.

You may be prompted to replace already existing files in the destination. If so, select Replace files in destination.

Recover Surface Laptop

Now that you've created the USB recovery drive and loaded all the necessary files onto it, you can finally get to recovering the Surface Laptop. Make sure you backed up all your data first, as this process will remove all your apps, documents and settings.

1. Power off your device.
2. Insert the USB recovery drive we just created into the USB port on the Surface Laptop or Surface Laptop 2.
3. Hold the volume-down and power button at the same time.
4. When the Surface logo appears, let go of the buttons. A blue screen with language selection options will appear.
5. Select your language and keyboard settings.

6. Select Troubleshoot.

7. Select Recover from a drive.
8. If prompted for a recovery key, select Skip this drive.

9. Select Just remove my files.
   • If you're parting ways with your device, I recommend selecting Fully clean the drive to thoroughly erase your old files.

10. Select Recover. This will restart your Surface Laptop and take some time, but when it's done, Windows 10 S will be back on your Surface Laptop.

That's it. Your Surface Laptop should now be recovered and running Windows 10 S.

The right Surface Laptop

To complete this guide, you'll need to be using a 1st generation Surface Laptop or a Surface Laptop 2.

Additional Equipment

You'll also need an extrernal USB flash drive to complete this how-to. Here's what we used.

SanDisk USB 3.0 32GB flash drive ($8 at Amazon)

This all purpose USB-A flash drive is perfect for transferring files, reinstalling an OS, and storing content.

Our favorite accessories

Now you've got Windows 10 S back up and running, here's some of our favorite accessories you might also find useful.

Anker Ultra Slim 4-Port USB 3.0 hub ($10 at Amazon)

Need more USB ports for your Surface Laptop? This USB hub should help! Turn one port into four.

Surface Pen ($99 at Amazon)

Enhance your Surface Laptop with the Microsoft Surface Pen, which allows you to interact with the touchscreen easily.

Surface Dial ($99 at Amazon)

Twist into action with the Surface Dial Bluetooth accessory. You can play with gestures and make certain actions easier.

What you need to know

• June 2019 firmware updates are available for the Surface Book and Surface Laptop.
• The update "resolves potential security vulnerabilities."
• The update is rolling out to devices on Windows 10 version 1803 or greater.

Firmware updates are available for the Surface Book 2, Surface Book, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Laptop (via WindowsBlogItalia). The June 2019 set of updates has a short changelog that's virtually identical across all of the devices receiving it.

• Surface Book 2- 389.2706.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013.
• Surface Book- 91.2706.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013.
• Surface Laptop 2- 137.2706.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013.
• Surface Laptop- 137.2706.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013."

You can always check Microsoft's Surface update history page to stay up to date on all of the updates available for every Surface device.

Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love

Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.

VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)

This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.

Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)

Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)

This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.

The Surface Laptop is an excellent machine, with a gorgeous display and support for a digital pen. However, in most areas, the XPS 13 is the better choice, with a wider selection of ports, and better battery life. Microsoft diehards will adore the Surface Laptop, although there are some caveats.

New models of each

Both the XPS 13 and Surface Laptop have recently been updated. The XPS 13 9380 and Surface Laptop 2 still look a lot like their predecessors and many of the same pros and cons still apply. Nevertheless, they are newer and better and certainly more attractive purchases right now. You can still get the XPS 13 9370 through resellers, and the original Surface Laptop too if you're OK with refurbished models.

The stronger recommendation is the newer models of each, which we have compared in detail.

Dell XPS 13 9380 (From $900 at Dell)

The Dell XPS 13 continues to be a class leading Ultrabook, even without significant updates in recent years. It ticks almost every single box.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 (From $1,000 at Microsoft)

The Surface Laptop 2 is exceptional, and for creators in particular its a top pick. It also offers a more compelling entry level model than the Dell.

XPS 13 vs. Surface Laptop tech specs

Close but the XPS 13 has it

The Surface Laptop specs very much reflect 2017 laptops across the board. The XPS 13 9370, on the other hand, benefits from 8th generation Intel quad-core processors, providing twice the cores and threads you get on a Surface Laptop for much better multitasking and intensive performance. You'll also find better battery life in the XPS 13 and Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, which you do not get on the Surface Laptop.

The graphics performance on the Surface Laptop is superior on the Core i7 model, leaving it suitable for even some moderate gaming like Fortnite. But with only two cores, the XPS 13 is easily more powerful for intensive processes like video editing.

The Thunderbolt 3 support on the XPS 13 is a big deal, too. Not only does it mean the new USB-C standard connector is available, but you can hook up things like external high-resolution displays, docks, and even eGPUs to turn your laptop into a powerful desktop gaming PC or workstation.

And you can't forget the Alcantara-covered keyboard on the Surface Laptop. Alcantara is an Italian-made fabric that looks and feels a lot like suede and has been used on a number of Microsoft products. Fabric gets dirty easily, that's just fact, which means if you decide on the Surface, you're going to have to deal with a mess after a few weeks.

The XPS 13 is tough to top

Both are incredible laptops in their own right, but the XPS 13 9370 has more features that are more important to more people. Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C are both standards, unlike the Surface Connect, the quad-core processor is plenty powerful and you still get things like a gorgeous display, design and top-notch build quality.

It also doesn't get dirty as easily!

However, if you love Surface products and want that pen support, the Surface Laptop is a fine product, too.

Priced well, but still best for the fans

Microsoft fans will love the Surface Laptop with its amazing design and build quality, gorgeous display and maybe even the unique Alcantara keyboard.

But, it's getting a little long in the tooth and the replacement, the Surface Laptop 2 is a much better buy.

Microsoft pushed out a new set of firmware updates for both the Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 this week. Included in each update is the same patch, which improves the reliability of the ambient light sensor (via MSPU.

Here's a look at the official release notes for both the Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2:

• Surface Intersil Ambient Light Sensor (HID) – System devices: 4.1.139.0 improves device stability.

If you're using either generation of the Surface Laptop, you should be able to grab this update now via Windows Update. These are the first firmware updates to hit both models since January.

Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 are currently available starting at $699 and $945, respectively.

Unlike the Surface Pro, the Surface Laptop launched as a version 1.0 device with very few flaws. Sure, the port selection was meager, and it is expensive, but there really wasn't much to criticize. The Surface Laptop delivered what people had been asking Microsoft for: a traditional Surface clamshell PC the rivaled Apple's MacBook.

Just 16 months later, Microsoft is giving us the Surface Laptop 2. Like the Surface Pro 6 there's not a lot that's new, but the upgraded processor and new black color option make this PC even more desirable. That's not to say all is perfect, as this refresh can easily be thought more of a Surface Laptop 1.5 rather than a full generational upgrade. Here's why.

About this Surface Laptop 2 review

Microsoft supplied a loaner Surface Laptop 2 for this review. The unit tested is black with an Intel Core-i5 8250U, with 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, priced at $1,299. The starting price of the Surface Laptop 2 is $999 (platinum only) for a Core i5 with 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, and it maxes out with a Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage for $2,699 in platinum. Color options include platinum, black, burgundy, or cobalt.

Surface Laptop 2: What's new?

Like the Surface Pro 6, the Surface Laptop 2 brings only two significant changes this year:

• New Intel 8th Gen processors – Jumping from dual-core to quad-core is a big deal for performance. With nearly double the multi-core executions, the new Surface Laptop 2 is substantially faster (more than 85 percent faster, according to Microsoft) than last year's model. That's thanks to the Intel Core i5-8250U and Core i7-8650U processors now being used. Matching that is a new thermal solution to keep the heat at bay without running fans too loudly.
• Black color scheme - There is now an optional all-black color option for Surface Laptop 2. That new color is in addition to the three other colors, which stick around for 2018.

Other smaller improvements include an improved instant-on feature letting Surface Laptop 2 turn on and log in via Windows Hello facial recognition even quicker, plus enhanced solid-state drive (SSD) performance.

There is no longer a Surface Laptop Core m3 entry-model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB starting at $799. Instead, there is a quad-core Core i5 with 8GB and 128GB for $999 – a substantial bump in price but also performance.

There is also no longer an option for a more powerful Intel Graphics Iris Plus 640 graphics in the Core i7 model due to Intel not making such a GPU for the 8th Gen of 15W processors. Instead, all Surface Laptop 2's feature the Intel Graphics UHD 620 chip. To accommodate the new quad-core processors, which generate more heat, Microsoft updated the thermal solution (heat pipes and fan) for Surface Laptop 2. Not only is the fan quieter, but it should come on less frequently compared to last year's model.

Another shift is moving away from Windows 10 in S Mode (which has been modified). Instead the Surface Laptop 2 ships with Windows 10 Home. Previously, users could switch out of S Mode to Windows 10 Pro for free, but now users will need to pay a $99 upgrade fee for the Pro version of Windows 10. Enterprise and education editions of Surface Laptop 2, however, still ship with Windows 10 Pro.

Dual to quad

Surface Laptop 2 tech specs

Not a lot has changed since last year, but here's the full rundown of Surface Laptop 2 specs.

Jumping from dual- to quad-core processors for the i5 and i7 has been a trend since late 2017, which is when Intel introduced the Core i5-8250U and Core i7-8650U processors to the market. That makes these processors part of the "Coffee Lake" era of Intel chips and not the slightly improved "Whiskey Lake" which are just now hitting laptops. The uptick is the drivers used for these processors are very mature giving users a stable experience.

While on paper the shift from dual- to quad-cores may sound trivial, it results in a massive gain in processing power. Add to that the excellent battery life and faster SSD, and the Surface Laptop 2 is much more about refinement than redefining. It is a shame about the lack of an Iris Plus 640 option for graphics, but this is not Microsoft's fault. Intel does not offer anything higher than UHD 620 for its new quad-core range likely due to the increased thermal constraints. Nonetheless, the UHD 620 is still an excellent graphics option for most users.

still premium

Surface Laptop 2 design

Nothing has changed between Surface Laptop (first generation) and Surface Laptop 2 regarding design.

There is still the exceptional aluminum body, which is smooth and creak-free with no screws or visible seams. As we noted last year "Everything from the grating on the rear vent to the edge of the back of the display is symmetrical and impeccable-looking." That's all true this year too.

What is different is the new black color option. With a jet-black matte finish, matching black Alcantara keyboard deck, and blacked-out ports, the Surface Laptop 2 looks slick. It's a striking combo and makes choosing between it and the classic burgundy (our favorite) difficult. (There is also now a fifth pink color called "blush" that's available only in China.)

The black version is not as resistant to fingerprints as lighter colors and still requires an occasional wipe down. But since the deck is fabric, it hides any sweat or stains quite easily.

Everything you need to know about Alcantara

The Alcantara fabric holds up well on the Surface Laptop despite concerns of staining from long-term use, but there are still incidents where brown staining is visible, mainly on the platinum models.

While we did not do a scratch test, the first generation of Surface Laptop was prone to easy damage, if metal scraped the soft aluminum body, for example. Presumably, that is still the case.

Unfortunately, the ports have not changed either with Surface Laptop 2. There is still USB Type-A and mini DisplayPort. Unfortunately, there is no USB Type-C with 3.1 support for power, display, and data, like on the budget Surface Go, which is a weird choice for late 2018.

still a great display

Surface Laptop 2 display

There is nothing new with the screen for 2018, which is fine as this is one of the best in its class. The Surface Laptop 2 features a 2256 x 1504 (201 ppi) PixelSense multi-touch display. That is a lower resolution than the 12.5-inch Surface Pro 6 at 2736 x 1824 (267 ppi) and the 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 3000 x 2000 (267 ppi). But it would be difficult to eyeball any difference.

The bezels are thin, and you can use a Surface Pen with the Surface Laptop 2 although it would be best for signing documents or a quick sketch than a professional drawing machine. It's a great display, but maybe just a bit too glossy. It's also oleophobic to resists fingerprints, and Microsoft claims it has "the thinnest and lowest parallax LCD touch module on any laptop."

Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects the display from scratches, and each screen is calibrated for 100 percent sRGB. In my color calibration test, I saw 99 percent sRGB and 81 percent AdobeRGB. That's slightly ahead for AdobeRGB than Surface Pro 6 at 79 percent.

Brightness is decent with a peak of 330 nits in the center of the display, which is above average, but below the Suface Pro 6 at 470 nits.

My only grievance, still not addressed with this model, is the display could use some punch in the contrast. Surface Pro 6 features an "enhanced" color mode in addition to a sRGB color profile, which is not found here.

best typing around

Surface Laptop 2 keyboard and trackpad

The Surface Laptop 2 features a full-sized chicklet style keyboard with 1.5 mm of travel (versus 1.3 mm in Surface Pro 6) and three-stages of backlighting. It's an excellent keyboard especially with the non-metal keys, non-aggressive responsive curve, and soft Alcantara deck. The whole typing experience is luxurious – a rarity for laptops.

Some reports suggest that the keyboard is now quieter than last year's model, but the original Surface Laptop is already super quiet to type on, and there is nothing noticeable regarding sound improvements with Surface Laptop 2.

The large 105 mm x 70 mm Precision trackpad with a glass layer is also unchanged this year. That's OK, because Surface Laptop easily has one of the best trackpads around.

really good sound

Surface Laptop 2 audio

The are no visible grates or holes for speakers. This results in a clean-looking laptop compared to the rest of the market. Instead, Microsoft hides the Omnisonic speakers below the keyboard. That may sound like a bad design choice, but it works. To quote our review last year:

In short, these are great speakers and when combined with the excellent 3:2 display, they result in a very satisfying multimedia experience.

So much faster

Surface Laptop 2 performance, heat, and noise

One of the complaints about the original Surface Laptop was the slow performing SSD, which betrayed the Surface Laptop's very high price point and class.

Microsoft has addressed that issue with Surface Laptop 2, which now features a zippier 256GB Toshiba KBG30ZPZ256G drive almost tripling read speeds from 486 MB/s to 1,500 MB/s. Likewise, write speeds jump from 244 MB/s to a more acceptable 811 MB/s.

Those SSD speeds are still below what many high-end laptops ship with, but they're still respectable. (Higher speeds are likely to be had with the 512GB, or 1TB models as the parallel nature of NAND memory favor larger drives).

CPU

For synthetic benchmarks, the Core i5-8250U is outstanding. While the new Core i5 trails last year's Core i7 in single-core, that's not by much. This year's Core i5 multi-core score (13,233) trounces last year's Core i7 (9,535) thanks to those added cores.

Geekbench 4.0 benchmarks (higher is better)

While we did not have the new Core i7 Surface Laptop 2 to evaluate, the Core i5-8250U is an outstanding performer and fine for most users.

GPU

While not as powerful as the Iris Plus 640 due to the doubling of graphics lanes (48 versus 24), the Intel Graphics UHD 620 was admirable in an OpenCL test, besting the Iris Plus 640 from last year.

Geekbench 4.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

SSD

Raw SSD speeds have never been a strength of the Surface line; they tend to fall in the above average range but are never top performers. That's still the case in 2018, but the Surface Laptop 2 notably improves upon last year's model with a tripling in read speeds – the most important to the overall user experience.

CrystalDiskMark (higher is better)

Note that the speeds for Surface Laptop 2 were with a 256GB SSD which is a Toshiba KBG30ZPZ256G. The 512GB and 1TB models are likely to have better results due to having more channels (NAND flash chips) that run in parallel.

PCMark

Looking at PCMark Home Accelerated (where it uses the GPU) – which is an overall performance test - the new Surface Laptop 2 also does well.

PCMark (Home Accelerated 3.0)

Combined with the much-improved processor and speeds of the SSD is a quicker "instant-on." When a user opens Surface Laptop 2, the time it takes for the display to turn on and enable Windows Hello until it is logged into Windows 10 is less than last year's model. It's clear that Microsoft is doing some low-level tweaks to the software, OS, and drivers to make that happen, and it pays off.

While the Surface Laptop 2 doesn't turn into a gaming PC suddenly, nor will it crush the competition in raw performance, it is the combination of all these enhancements that make it a delight to use.

For heat and noise, the Core i5 version was cool and quiet – even more so than the first Surface Laptop. The fan rarely came on, and when it did, it was barely audible after running the CPU at 100 percent for 10 minutes.

Temperatures are the same compared to last year's Surface Laptop – 104 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (40 degrees Celsius [C]) for the bottom as a max and only around 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) for the top deck when running at full throttle for 10 minutes. These temperatures were warm, but not hot.

Casusual gaming according to PCMark 8 jumps from 32.4 frames-per-second (FPS) to 40.1 FPS - a significant boost in performance.

PCMark 8 Home Battery Accelerated

As seen on the new Surface Pro 6 battery life is also improved on Surface Laptop 2. Using an accelerated battery rundown test, which levies both the CPU and GPU in multiple repetitive tasks (e.g. web browsing, word processing, casual gaming, photo editing, and video chat) the Surface Laptop 2 beat out the original Surface Laptop by sixty minutes.

Those results may see short of the 14.5 hours promised by Microsoft, but in more casual usage the Surface Laptop 2 can easily push past eight hours and much closer to ten. That's an extra hour of usage compared to last year's model.

When you combine that improved battery life, much faster system performance, and extremely low fan noise the Surface Laptop 2 becomes the ideal laptop for work and play.

sum of its parts

Bottom line on Microsoft's Surface Laptop 2

This is one of the most beautiful, enjoyable and expensive laptops around, but it has stiff competition.

At least with Surface Pro Microsoft so far does not have too much rivalry even from its OEM partners. Each has a Surface Pro-like device, but the Surface Pro is still very much a perfected Microsoft creation, making it the head of its pack.

Standard clamshell laptops are a different matter. Dell, HP, Lenovo, and even Huawei have shown that they can create outstanding hardware that looks great and performs well, for a significantly lower price than Microsoft. That makes recommending Surface Laptop 2 rather complicated especially since some competitors offer much more functionality for a lot less money.

The biggest offender with Surface Laptop 2 is still the lack of a Type-C. It seems absurd to pay upwards of $2,700 for a laptop that does not have Thunderbolt 3. That makes Surface Laptop 2 a bit of an irrational purchase; it's expensive, has fewer features than most laptops, and it's delicate too.

And yet, I love it.

One of the most challenging things about explaining anything Surface to someone who has never used one is just how delightful they are to use. The keyboard, trackpad, display, weight, build quality, looks, colors, instant-on and smoothness of the OS are all nearly perfect. Even opening and closing it is a subtle art, not to mention the warm and inviting Alcantara. While other laptops can do more for less, they rarely achieve such a blissful feeling in execution.

The new Core i5 version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage ($1,300) is the sweet spot, and I see little reason to get the Core i7 unless you need the power of that processor. For color, black or burgundy are the best choices, but cobalt and platinum also look great.

Microsoft created a laptop that is as much art as it is functional. That balance is not for everyone, but I'm OK with it being an option for consumers. If something brings you joy and is visually stunning that has value. That's why I can say I adore using Surface Laptop 2. It's a perfect blend of art and technology for those who want a traditional laptop form factor. It may be irrational, but love almost always is even if we wish it could be even better.

Pros

• New quad-core CPU is powerful.
• Much better SSD performance.
• The instant-on feature is now quicker.
• The black color option looks fantastic.

Cons

• No Type-C or Thunderbolt 3.
• No option for 4G LTE.
• Expensive.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and previous iterations try to combine the best of tablets and full Windows 10 PCs. While the idea mostly works, the consensus is that Surface is not as good at being a tablet like an Apple iPad. Some of that is due to hardware, some of it is about the software.

One area that can be improved is touch responsiveness. This function is thought to be achieved through a simple registry change on the Surface Pro (any generation) or any Windows 10 PC with touch support, like the new Samsung Galaxy Book2.

What this touch trick does to your PC

In the Windows 10 registry, there are settings to change latency and sample time, both of which will increase the responsiveness of the touch display when decreased. The potential downside, as mentioned above, is decreased battery life. However, many users who make this change say any shift in battery life is imperceptible to detection, or at least not apparent.

Article dispute: Brandon Paddock from Microsoft notes this trick does not quite do what some think it does:

"This value does NOT change the polling frequency or sample rate of the touchscreen. All it does is lie to the prediction engine about what those values are, breaking its ability to correctly do its job... All it does is lie to the prediction engine about what those values are, breaking its ability to correctly do its job. At best you are giving invalid values that it ignores."

As always, we'll leave it to the user to determine if the experience is worse or better for themselves. Just know that Microsoft evidently does not support or endorse this modification or our article.

If you do notice a massive downgrade in battery or other anomalies, you can quickly revert the registry change and return to normal.

It is important to note that if you're using Windows 10 in S mode, like how the Surface Go or Galaxy Book 2 ship, you cannot access the registry in that configuration and would need to switch out of S mode for this to work.

Finally, the difficulty and risk factor for this "hack" is as "easy" and "low."

How to change touch sensitivity in Windows 10

Since Microsoft does not offer a way to alter touch sensitivity through the Windows 10 OS, the most direct way to do it is through the registry.

Warning: Modifying the system registry can have dire repercussions if not followed precisely, including driver failures, system instability, or not being able to boot into Windows. Users are always encouraged to run a system backup before making any changes to the registry.

To increase or decrease touch responsiveness on your PC, follow these steps:

1. Type in registry editor into the search box.
2. Click yes on the User Account Control window.

3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\TouchPrediction

4. Double-click on Latency and change value from default 8 to 2 (or less) in the Value Data box.
5. Hit OK when done.

6. Double-click on SampleTime and change value from default 8 to 2 (or less) in the Value Data box. Hit OK when done.

7. Close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart PC to make sure changes take effect.

The exact value to set Latency and SampleTime to is arguable. Most users configure it to "2," but others have set it to "1" or even "0", which presumably makes it even more responsive. Due to the likely hit on battery life setting it to "2" seems like the best choice, as it delivers a substantial improvement without any noticeable side effects.

Does this really improve touch responsiveness?

If you frequently use the touchscreen on your PC, then yes, this does make the PC feel much more natural, fluid, and responsive. As to how much value you get out of it – and whether it substantially affects battery life – is up for debate, but there does not appear to be any dramatic negative consequences hence why we are suggesting it.

The more interesting question is why Microsoft does not set a lower default value. The immediate explanation would appear to be to maximize battery life. One solution for Microsoft could be just to put this under Windows Settings and let users have access to a slider with a small warning that increasing sensitivity could impact battery life.

Like all things Microsoft these days, the best way to send Microsoft your requests is the Feedback Hub built into Windows 10.

Related reading

How to disable adaptive contrast on the Surface Pro and Surface Book

The Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 are two excellent clamshell devices from Microsoft. Both are identical in many ways, with the only real differences being on the inside. If you want more power, the Surface Laptop 2 is for you, but if power isn't your main concern, you might be better off saving a few bucks and getting last years Surface Laptop instead.

Surface Laptop 2 vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs

Design and features

The Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 are identical in almost every way. There isn't one single feature or design change that you can't find on both, because the Surface Laptop 2 is just a refresh of the original Surface Laptop, meaning nothing has changed on the surface. There is an additional color choice for the Surface Laptop 2 however; it now comes in black.

The black finish is really nice, and looks just like the original Surface RT and Surface Pro did back when they were announced in 2012. It's a callback to Surface's roots, and a subtle one that only fans will recognize. The black finish does give the Surface Laptop 2 a slightly different texture, but it's not something worth buying the Surface Laptop 2 specifically for.

Both displays are identical too, featuring the same 2504x1707 resolution and screen technology. They both feature touchscreens and pen support, and are all-round great displays. Even the port selection, which is limited to just USB-A 3.1 and Mini DisplayPort, are the same across both devices. No USB-C on the Surface Laptop 2, unfortunately. So, which to get is more-or-less entirely down to what's on the inside, unless you really must have it in black.

Performance

Here's where things start to diverge quite a bit. The Surface Laptop, released in mid-2017, is rocking Intel 7th Gen processors, meaning it's technically an older and less capable machine. However, in real-world usage, that's absolutely not the case. The 7th Gen i5 and i7 in the Surface Laptop is more than fine for daily tasks, including web browsing, editing documents in Office, listening to music in Spotify, and even doing a little bit of Photoshop.

There are some benefits to going for the 8th Gen processors found in the Surface Laptop 2 however. For one, there's more power. Unlike the 7th Gen processors, which are dual-core, the 8th Gen processors in the Surface Laptop 2 are quad-core, meaning programs that can take advantage of additional cores will perform faster — it's great for gaming, Photoshop, and video editing.

Battery life and instant-on is also improved on the Surface Laptop 2, lasting a couple more hours than the Surface Laptop did, and also powering on faster from sleep. The original Surface Laptop already had good battery life, and its instant-on capabilities aren't bad at all, but there are slight improvements in this area on the Surface Laptop 2.

In regards to graphics, both feature integrated graphics meaning you won't be getting much out of the graphical processor in either device. The Surface Laptop 2 should squeeze a bit more out of its Intel HD Graphics processor, but not by much. Neither of these devices should be your first choice for gaming or heavy video editing.

Why get the Surface Laptop 2

If you need the extra cores, slightly improved battery life, faster instant-on capabilities, and quieter keyboard, then the Surface Laptop 2 is the best choice for you. It also comes in black, so if that's something on your must-have list, then this is your only option.

Why the original Surface Laptop might be a better pick

The Surface Laptop 2 is a minor upgrade over the original Surface Laptop, meaning you can get 95 percent of what the Surface Laptop 2 offers with the original Surface Laptop, but for a lot less. What's more, the original Surface Laptop has way more configurations, including an Intel Core m3 with 4GB RAM option, great for college students.

Alongside the new Surface Pro 6, Microsoft today took the wraps off of the Surface Laptop 2. Like its tablet sibling, the Surface Laptop 2 comes packing Intel's latest 8th Gen (8650U) processors, along with a matte black finish as a color option in addition to the usual Surface colors.

According to Microsoft, the Surface Laptop 2 is significantly speedier than its predecessor, coming in at 85 percent faster. The screen has also seen a bump to a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, so your images and documents should be pretty poppy. Rounding things out is an improved keyboard that provides a quieter typing experience.

Surface Laptop 2 is expected to be available on October 16 at a starting price of $999 and preorders are available now.

• See at Microsoft
• See at Best Buy

Everything Microsoft announced at its October 2 Surface event

A new marketing image spotted by Walking Cat on Twitter has confirmed that the upcoming Microsoft hardware event will unveil refreshed Surface devices, including an updated Surface Pro and Surface Laptop in black, and a new Surface Studio.

For weeks, there have been rumors that Microsoft were planning minor refreshes of its Surface line up in October, and this marketing image all but confirms this. The devices look almost identical to the current ones on the market, with the only real differences expected to be upgraded internals.

Rumors also suggest that the new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro will come in a new black color; a call-back to the original Surface tablets that also shipped in black. It doesn't look like Microsoft is removing the grey options, only that black will be an additional color choice for customers to choose if they so wish. It doesn't look like the Surface Studio is black in the marketing image, however.

Microsoft is set to announce these new products, plus more, in just a few hours at a private event in New York. We understand that the event will not be livestreamed, meaning if you want to keep up with all the latest announcements as they happen, you'll have tune in to our live blog which we'll be running from the event itself.

Last year, Consumer Reports dropped its recommendation for Microsoft's Surface products, citing reliability issues after a survey of 90,000 tablet and laptop owners. Today, Consumer Reports reversed its stance, giving Surface devices its recommendation, with the exception of Microsoft's latest entry in the lineup, the Surface Go.

"Microsoft's reliability is now on-par with most other laptop brands," allowing its products to be recommended, says Martin Lachter, senior research associate at Consumer Reports. The firm says that this is the first year that brand reliability is being included into the overall scores. Owner satisfaction is also a factor being considered in the overall score.

In all, Consumer Reports now recommends the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Book 2. Whereas these devices were previously considered separately as laptops and tablets, the firm is now rating the devices purely as laptops "based on feedback from Microsoft."

The only Surface laptop to not score high enough for a recommendation is the recently released Surface Go. The reason for the lack of recommendation largely comes down to computing performance, which falls short compared to other laptops. Maria Rerecich, who heads up electronics testing for Consumer Reports, explains: "We weigh processing power heavily when we're evaluating laptops. A computer that doesn't do well in performance testing isn't likely to get recommended."

The reversal is a big deal for Surface as a brand. When Consumer Reports pulled its recommendation for the line last year, Microsoft quickly issued a statement that strongly disagreed with the evaluation, placing an emphasis on the strong consumer satisfaction ratings it has seen among Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book owners.

See at Microsoft

With Microsoft's upcoming media event scheduled for October 2 in New York City (we'll be there, of course) there is a lot of speculation about what will be announced. While no new Surface form factors are expected refreshes for the existing Surface product is likely.

Back when I reviewed Surface Pro (2017) and Surface Laptop last year the lack of USB Type-C was frustrating, but not quite a deal breaker for most. Fast forward one year, however, and I'm finding the absence of this universal port Microsoft's biggest Achilles heel.

The sudden rise of Type-C (and Thunderbolt 3)

Microsoft's hesitation with USB Type-C goes back to the Surface 3, which shipped with a "universal" micro USB port. The concept and expectations with Type-C were similar – it was going to be used by everyone and every device with one port for charging and data.

History has not been kind to Micro USB, and the Surface team learned some valuable lessons. The biggest problem for them was Surface 3 customers losing the Micro USB Surface 3 charger and replacing it with the one for their smartphone. The challenge was the wattage difference between a phone charger, and a Surface 3 is significant. The result was many customer complaints and returns due to slow charging that could not power the Surface 3 faster than it could drain its battery.

Why Microsoft's new Surface Pro doesn't have a USB Type-C port

Microsoft hedged with USB Type-C for the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop and instead played it safe with USB Type-A and a Mini DisplayPort. The expectation was the Type-C would take years to catch on with consumers, accessory makers, phones, and especially enterprise.

Microsoft was very wrong.

With Android phones adopting Type-C nearly across the board, Apple using nothing but Type-C ports on its laptops, and the general usefulness of being able to power devices through the same port for display and data was just too enticing to refuse.

Type-C is quickly (and thankfully) becoming ubiquitous.

In 2018, there is now an abundance of Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals including portable displays, blazing fast external storage drives, hubs, portable graphics docks and even desktop monitors.

The premium-priced Surface Pro and Surface Laptop can't use any of these. When I travel, I can't take my new HP EliteDisplay S14 with the Surface Laptop or Surface Pro. Surface Book 2 can't leverage Thunderbolt 3 external drives, which is otherwise perfect for content creators. And don't get me started on the rise of eGPUs. Can you imagine using Surface Pro with a new NVIDIA RTX 2080 at home?

While the oddly-designed Surface Type-C adapter helps it is very far from ideal and has its limitations.

Surface Book 2 and Surface Go are good signs

The good news is that Surface Book 2 and the budget-friendly Surface Go both use USB Type-C 3.1. While they equally lack the more powerful Thunderbolt 3 specification (more on this below) they can at least handle the most commonly used Type-C peripherals on the market.

For these reasons, I think it is a foregone conclusion that when Microsoft announces sequels to the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop the inclusion of Type-C in place of the outdated Mini DisplayPort is guaranteed.

The bigger question is what about Thunderbolt 3 support?

Thunderbolt 3 – It's not all Microsoft's fault

Intel's Thunderbolt 3 is the Holy Grail of USB Type-C specifications. It does all that Type-C 3.1 can do plus handle 40Gbps of data making it ideal for external GPUs (eGPUs) as its data transfer is four times that of the USB 3.1 standard. Because of that speed we're also now seeing Thunderbolt 3 external drives, which results in dramatic increase in the rate of data transfers (see my Dell Thunderbolt 3 review).

What's the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3?

So, why didn't Microsoft include it with Surface Book 2 or Surface Go? The problem is much more complicated than simple omission by choice, but rather a technical one too.

Surface Book 2 relies on Intel's i7-8650U processor, which has a maximum number of 12 PCIe lanes. When you allocate those by ports – four for Surface Connect port, four for Surface Cover Connector (for GPU and keyboard), and four the SSD and Type-A port, well, you run out of room for the four lanes needed for Thunderbolt 3.

Surface Go uses the lower-end Pentium 4415Y which only features ten PCIe lanes, and, as far as I know, does not have an option for a Thunderbolt 3 component on the board anyway.

The bottleneck for Microsoft arises from its usage of the Surface Connect port for power and data and Intel's limitation for its Coffee Lake/Kaby Lake Intel U-series processors.

Where things get interesting is Intel's latest refresh to its 8th generation Core processors – dubbed "Whiskey Lake" – bumps support for PCIe lanes from twelve to sixteen in the U-series line. That makes the new Core i7-8565U not only 400Mhz faster, but able to support more PCIe devices. (Despite Intel dropping royalty costs, however, the Thunderbolt 3 controller for Whiskey Lake is still an extra component and not yet built in. That means the cost will have to passed on to the consumer.)

In theory, if Microsoft announces new a Surface Pro and Surface Laptop (and maybe even Surface Book) with Whiskey Lake Intel processors it can finally keep the Surface Connect port and get a fully spec'd Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3 because of that change.

Hope springs eternal

The timing for Whiskey Lake processors is October and November, which lines up nicely with Microsoft's event on October 2.

Whether all of this happens remains to be seen, but at the very least a USB 3.1 Type-C port is very likely for refreshed Surfaces, but there is a possibility here for Thunderbolt 3 too.

If that happens, the Surface line may finally be what we all want it to be, and Microsoft's premium PC line will be future-proofed for many years. Just as importantly, I can stop leaving my Surface Laptop and Surface Pro home when I travel because they can't do as much as laptops from HP, Dell, or Lenovo.

Did Microsoft learn its lesson, and will Intel's refreshed U-series processor line save the day? Tune into Windows Central on October 2 to find out. I'm as curious as you.

Despite being quite expensive and rocking last year's Intel processors the Surface Laptop is still arguably the most beautiful, most pleasant Windows 10 laptop experience you can get.

But its lack of modern ports is less than ideal. The CruzHUB ($75 on Amazon) is the solution to that problem, and I consider this a must-have accessory for Surface Laptop.

What is the CruzHUB?

CruzHUB from Juiced Systems is a custom-tailored port expander for the Surface Laptop. Featuring a bevy of modern ports, the CruzHUB should make the Surface Laptop significantly more useful when traveling. Here is what you get:

• Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000).
• 4K HDMI (4K @ 30Hz).
• Two USB 3.0 Ports (5Gbps).
• SD memory slot.
• microSD slot.
• AUX input (headphones).
• LED power light.

All of this comes in a tapered-metal black body that plugs into the existing USB port, mini DisplayPort, and headphone jack.

It's an intelligent design and because it uses three ports to connect, it's very stable with no wiggle or looseness. The Ethernet port on the back is positioned at the thickest point of the hub, and it makes having this device so much more useful for situations where you need a wired connection. I find HDMI much more useful than a DisplayPort so having that converter here is fantastic. But the real winner here is the inclusion of a microSD and full SD card reader. For those who want to use Surface Laptop to edit photos or transfer data from an external card, such a feature is outstanding to have in addition to the rest of those ports.

Snapping the CruzHUB onto the Surface Laptop is easy, and you don't need to leave this on when you travel or put it in a bag. It also comes with a small travel bag.

CruzHUB makes Surface Laptop more useful

If you need more ports on your Surface Laptop, grab the CruzHUB from Juiced Systems. The custom design is excellent, the port selection is solid, and the price is fair. (Amazon has a $6 coupon that brings the hub down to $69; you can apply it when you add the product to your cart.)

There are some improvements I wouldn't mind seeing, though. While custom matching colors may be too niche for this product, a CruzHUB in burgundy, cobalt or even just Surface gray would have been killer. And instead of a second USB-A port, a Type-C would have been great.

Overall, I'm excited to see a personalized accessory like CruzHUB come to Surface Laptop. A premium laptop demands matching accessories, and the Juiced Systems CruzHUB is precisely that.

See at Amazon

Hubs for Surface Pro and Surface 3

Juiced Systems also sent over its multi-function Gigabit adapter ($30 on Amazon), which is custom made for the Surface Pro (Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 2017).

The mini adapter takes over the single USB A port on the Surface Pro and adds two USB 3.0 ports (5Gbps), and one Gigabit Ethernet Port (10/100/1000).

The adapter sits flush with the Surface Pro's body, making it feel like a proper extension versus a generic port-expander. It would have been great to get an SD card reader in there as well the Ethernet port, but two USB 3.0 ports are very helpful.

Juiced Systems also has a Surface 3 5-in-1 adapter ($24 on Amazon) that adds two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD reader, an SD card reader, and micro USB charging and pass-through.

• See Surface Pro Ethernet adapter
• See Surface 3 5-in-1 adapter

At an event in New Delhi, Microsoft has launched its latest Surface devices in the country. Unveiled at the end of last year, the Surface Book 2 offers hardware upgrades from its predecessor, including NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 1060 and eighth-gen Intel Core i7 chipsets. The Surface Laptop, meanwhile,

While it's great that the Surface devices have finally made their way to India, potential customers looking to pick up either notebook won't be as enthused when they look at the prices. The base variant of the 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 — with a 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM — retails for the equivalent of $2,010, or $700 more than what the same model costs in the U.S.

The fully decked-out model with a 15-inch screen, Core i7, 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM, and GTX 1060 costs ₹295,999 ($4,310), roughly $1,300 more than the U.S. — you can pick up another Surface Book 2 in the U.S. for the price you'll shell out for the high-end model in India.

Things aren't any different for the Surface Laptop either, as the difference from the U.S. store is around $500 to $1,000. Here's the full breakdown of what the Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop cost in India.

Surface Book 2 pricing in India

• 13.5-inch/Core i5/256GB SSD/8GB RAM/Intel HD Graphics 620 - ₹137,999 ($2,010)
• 13.5-inch/Core i7/256GB SSD/8GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 - ₹185,999 ($2,710)
• 13.5-inch/Core i7/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 - ₹222,999 ($3,245)
• 13.5-inch/Core i7/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 - ₹257,999 ($3,755)
• 15-inch/Core i7/256GB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 - ₹222,999 ($3,245)
• 15-inch/Core i7/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 - ₹258,999 ($3,770)
• 15-inch/Core i7/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 - ₹295,999 ($4,310)

Surface Laptop pricing in India

• Core i5/128GB SSD/8GB RAM/Intel HD Graphics 620 - ₹86,999 ($1,265)
• Core i5/256GB SSD/8GB RAM/Intel HD Graphics 620 - ₹114,999 ($1,675)
• Core i7/256GB SSD/8GB RAM/Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 - ₹144,999 ($2,110)
• Core i7/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 - ₹196,999 ($2,870)
• Core i7/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 - ₹233,999 ($3,405)

Both devices will go up for sale on Amazon and Flipkart as well as chain stores like Croma, Reliance, and Vijay Sales.

I can't help but wonder if Microsoft India has a long-term strategy for Surface devices, because aside from a few enthusiast users, no one will be willing to shell out $2,000 for a base variant of the Surface Book 2. If anything, you're better off buying the laptop directly from the U.S. and paying the $300 customs duty.

What are your thoughts on the latest Surface devices? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you're using a Surface Pro 4 or Surface Laptop, you'll want to make sure you check Windows Update today. Microsoft this week began rolling out a slew of firmware updates for both devices, focused largely on improving system stability (via MSPU).

Here's a look at all of what's new:

Surface Pro 4

• Intel – Camera – 30.15063.6.6082 - improves system stability.
• Intel Corporation – Display – 24.20.100.6136 - improves system stability.
• Surface Management Engine – Firmware - 11.8.50.3448 improves system stability.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware - 108.2224.768.0 improves system security.
• Intel Precise Touch Device – Human Interface Devices - 1.2.0.100 improves system stability.
• Intel Display Audio – Sound, video and game controllers - 10.25.0.8 improves system stability.
• Microsoft Control Logic – System - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel CSI2 Host Controller – System - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel Imaging Signal Processor 2500 – System - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel Management Engine Interface – System - 11.7.0.1057 improves system stability.
• Intel Serial IO GPIO Host Controller – System - 30.100.1725.1 improves system stability.
• Intel Serial IO 12C Host Controller – System - 30.100.1725.1 improves system stability.
• Intel Serial IO UART Host Controller – System - 30.100.1725.1 improves system stability.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) Audio Controller – System - 9.21.0.3347 improves system stability.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) OED – System - 9.21.0.3347 improves system stability.
• Microsoft Camera Front– System - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Microsoft Camera Rear – System - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Microsoft IR Camera Front – System - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.

Surface Laptop

• Intel – Camera – 30.15063.6.6082 - improves system stability.
• Intel Corporation – Display – 24.20.100.6136 - improves system stability.
• Surface Keyboard – Firmware - 135.2179.256.0 improves system stability.
• Surface Management Engine – Firmware - 11.8.50.3448 improves system stability.
• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware - 135.2244.257.0 improves docking compatibility.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware - 137.2230.770.0 Improves system security.
• Intel Precise Touch Device – Human Interface Devices - 1.2.0.100 improves system stability.
• Intel Display Audio – Sound, video and game controllers - 10.25.0.8 improves system stability.
• Realtek High Definition Audio(SST) – Sound, video and game controllers - 6.0.1.8242 improves system stability.
• Microsoft Control Logic – System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel CSI2 Host Controller – System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Manager - Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework - 8.3.10207.5567 improves system stability.
• Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Power Participant – Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework - 8.3.10207.5567 improves system stability.
• Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Processor Participant – Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework - 8.3.10207.5567 improves system stability.
• Intel Imaging Signal Processor 2500 – System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel Management Engine Interface – System devices - 11.7.0.1057 improves system stability.
• Intel Serial IO GPIO Host Controller – System devices - 30.100.1725.1 improves system stability.
• Intel Serial IO 12C Host Controller – System devices - 30.100.1725.1 improves system stability.
• Intel Serial IO UART Host Controller – System devices - 30.100.1725.1 improves system stability.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller – System devices - 9.21.0.3347 improves system stability.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) OED – System devices - 9.21.0.3347 improves system stability.
• Microsoft Camera Front– System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Microsoft IR Camera Front – System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Surface Integration – System devices - 2.0.546.0 improves system stability.

Both batches of updates are available now via Windows Update.

Assuming Microsoft's foldable Surface - codenamed Andromeda - ever gets released, how do we determine if it was successful? Should Microsoft release updates to the Surface line more frequently? And what about just calling Windows 10 just Windows since there will likely never be a "Windows 11" anyway?

Grab your coffee and tune into the latest episode of #AskDanWindows where I tackle these and other questions you submitted!

Audience questions Episode 52

• How important is it that Andromeda succeeds? What would be considered successful? -BW022
• Should Windows 10 be renamed to Windows? - @Swizzlerz
• Do you have any insight as to whether there will be a larger variant (15") of the Surface Laptop like there is with Surface Book 2? @Jamesewoods
• Do you think two years between each Surface book is too much? - @abdu90llah

Thanks to everyone for the questions!

Email me!

Don't use Twitter? After much feedback, we are happy to announce you can forward your questions to AskDan@WindowsCentral.com to submit your requests!

AskDan forums!

Hate using email? Join me on our #AskDan Forums at Windows Central! I'll occasionally jump in there to try and answer questions or take ideas for new episodes of our web series.

Ask Dan Forums at Windows Central

You can also find previous episodes of #AskDanWindows here on the main landing page.

• Watch the #AskDanWindows playlist on Youtube
• Subscribe to #AskDanWindows in podcast format (RSS)

Amazon may be snatching all of the attention this week with its Prime Day sales, but Microsoft is throwing its hat in the ring as well for anyone looking to pick up a Surface Device. For the next two days, you can snag a free Surface Dock when you pick up at Surface Laptop or Surface Book 2 at Microsoft.

To recap, the Surface Dock usually costs $199.99 and adds a slew of extra ports to your Surface device. In all, the dock includes two Mini DisplayPorts, one ethernet port, four USB 3.0 ports, and one audio out port. Connecting via the Surface Connect port, the dock also operates as a power brick for your device.

All you have to do to get the deal is add the Surface Dock to your cart alongside your Surface Book 2 or Surface Laptop at checkout, and the promotion should automatically apply to your cart. You'll want to move quickly, however, as the deal is set to end at 11:59 p.m. PT on July 17.

• See Surface Book 2 at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft

It's been just over one year since the Surface Pro for 2017 was announced and with it, the eventual release of a Surface Connect to USB-C adapter.

The omission of a Type-C port – even if not full Thunderbolt 3 – has been seen as a black-eye on the Surface Pro, but that is now being partially fixed with the new $79.99 adapter, which is now available.

I've been using the adapter for the last few hours and while I'll do a full review later this week here are my initial thoughts on it.

See at Microsoft Store

More of a mini-dock than a dongle

Much has been about the size of the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter. It is rather large when compared to typical dongles or Type-C adapter, but this is more than that.

Weighing in at 91 grams this accessory is more of a mini-Surface Dock meant for a desk environment versus something you use in your lap. That's because the main idea behind the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter is to let the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro connect to Type-C hubs, displays, and power sources rather than a simple USB-C thumb drive.

The size and weight let the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter lend it to working better when stationary on an office desk, or permanent setup. Instead of sliding all around or stressing the Surface Connect port it rests on the desk without slipping.

Indeed, it does work well. So far, everything I have thrown at it has worked without issue, including:

• External USB-C display (Asus ZenScreen)
• USB-C docks with SD, Ethernet, USB-A, etc.
• USB-C external drives.
• USB-C power adapters (65W and 130W tested).
• USB-C portable battery/AC adapter (Dell hybrid power bank).

As expected, the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter does not support Thunderbolt 3 so that pricey portable Dell SSD does not work.

This is for enterprise (not really consumers)

Another point of confusion is who should be buying the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter. While consumers are certainly welcomed to drop $80 if they need this accessory, it is positioned for businesses who have invested in the latest Surface Pro or Surface Laptop and who also converted to Type-C accessories and hubs in the office.

That price tag may seem expensive, but if a business is buying in bulk, they presumably get a discount. It's common for companies to sell PC and laptop accessories at a premium price, e.g., Lenovo's $25 RJ-45 adapter or Dell's $60 Type-C dongle.

From that perspective, the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter makes sense for companies who have invested in Surface Pro and Surface Laptop for the next few years.

As of now, the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter does not work with the Surface Pro 4 or original Surface Book, but support may come later through a firmware update if it's possible. That would make the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter an even better investment for companies who have those devices.

Update: Further testing so far has revealed that the adapter does work with Surface Pro 4.

First impressions are great

Putting aside some expectations that the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter would be just a small device that changes the port design the adapter does work well.

The ability to use any USB-C power source is beneficial for those who have those AC adapters laying around. Being able to leverage smaller, more affordable Type-C hubs that support Ethernet, display out, power, USB and SD cards also makes the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop much more exciting and useful in the office.

The biggest win for me is the ability to use my Asus ZenScreen with the Surface Laptop or Surface Pro — that portable second screen is great for when I travel.

We'll do a full review of the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter later this week to do some more testing. Let us know in comments below what you think and if you have any questions.

See at Microsoft Store

The time has finally arrived: Microsoft's USB-C dongle for Surface devices is now available for $79.99. If you own a Surface Laptop or the newest Surface Pro, you can snag the adapter now to add a USB-C port to your PC.

The adapter connects to the Surface Pro and Surface laptop via the Surface Connect charging port. From there, you can use the added USB-C port to power your Surface, or use it to connect to external displays and other devices.

"Simultaneously connect, charge, and display on large monitors with universal USB-C docks," the dongle's description reads. "Charging power requirements: 27W or greater, 12V minimum. Supports data speeds up to USB 3.1 Gen 1. Supports connected displays up to 1 x 4K at 60Hz or 2 x 4K at 30Hz."

It's likely we'll see USB-C ports make their way to more Surface family devices in the future. But if you own one of the current Surface Pro or Surface Laptop configuration, this is your only way to add one to your setup right now.

The Surface Connect to USB-C adapter is available from Microsoft for $79.99.

See at Microsoft Store

The wait is almost over for Microsoft's USB-C dongle for Surface devices. Speaking with The Verge, Microsoft has confirmed that the dongle will be available initially for commercial customers starting June 29 for $79.99.

The dongle will serve as a way to add a USB-C port to devices that lack one, like the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. You'll be able to connect the dongle to the standard Surface charging port for use with either USB-C accessories or for charing. However, there are some caveats, as Microsoft explains:

It isn't clear exactly when the dongle will make its way to the retail stores, but commercial customers should be able to get their hands on the connectors starting June 29 through business channels.

Why Microsoft's Surface Pro doesn't have a USB Type-C port

Given Microsoft originally announced the adapter more than a year ago, it's about time it starts trickling out to consumers. As for the future, it's likely we could see USB-C ports included on future iterations of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro. Currently, the Surface Book 2 is the only Surface with a built-in USB-C port.

• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft
• See Surface Pro at Microsoft

The Microsoft Store is now selling a new $999 configuration of the Surface Laptop, offering a little more bang for your buck. As first spotted by Neowin, the new configuration sports a Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.

The highlight here is that this represents a new entry point for the Core i5 variant. Previously, only the Core i5 configuration with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage was available for $999. That version is now listed as out of stock. Essentially, Microsoft is doubling the RAM capacity for the same price.

Last month, Microsoft made a similar move with the Surface Pro, doubling the RAM for the $999 model while seemingly retiring the previous Core i5 entry point.

If you're interested, the $999 Core i5 configuration is now available to purchase from the Microsoft Store.

See at Microsoft Store

The rate of innovation around laptops and Ultrabooks is now so rapid that what was revolutionary just twelve months ago is quickly outpaced.

Take the Microsoft Surface Laptop – arguably one of the best Ultrabooks on the market even if there are some glaring gaps. The Huawei MateBook X Pro, which came out of nowhere, is in many ways a better laptop.

In my video review smackdown above, I go over the pros and cons of each. By the end, it should be obvious which is better and why. Of course, you really can't go wrong with either, but in my opinion, there's a clear winner here.

Our Surface Laptop vs. MateBook X Pro tech specs

Future is bright for PC users

We're starting to hear rumors that Microsoft may refresh Surface Laptop before the fall, possibly in time for back to school season. If accurate, we could realistically expect newer Intel 8th Gen processors at the very least. Microsoft could even ditch that old Mini DisplayPort for a more modern USB Type-C one instead.

The real winner here though is you, the consumer. Never has there been such amazing laptops for people to buy. The Surface brand was meant to inspire – consumers and manufacturers – and that is happening. HP, Dell, Lenovo, Razer and even newcomer Huawei are all releasing outstanding PCs, which is exactly what Microsoft wants.

As we watch Computex this week and IFA in the fall, we'll only see more, and crazier PCs hit the market. I can't wait.

• See Matebook X Pro at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft

If you've been looking to pick up a Surface Laptop recently but were holding out for sales, now may be the time to strike. The laptop usually fetches a premium no matter the configuration, but the Microsoft Store is now knocking up to $300 off, depending on the model (via Neowin).

There are a couple of exceptions here. Namely, the Core m3 model and the Core i5 configuration with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage are at their normal prices of $799 and $999, respectively. However, every other configuration appears to have a pretty hefty discount applied. Here's a look:

• Core i5, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage - $799 (was $999)
• Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage - $1,099 (was $1,299)
• Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage - $1,299 (was $1,599)
• Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage - $1,899 (was $2,199)
• Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage - $2,399 (was $2,699)

When we reviewed the Surface Laptop shortly after its release last year, we called it the "best Surface ever", with Windows Central Executive Editor dubbing it "Microsoft's MacBook." Dropping the price by up to $300 only sweetens the pot further. Though, keep in mind, the Surface Laptop hasn't yet seen a refresh with Intel's latest 8th Gen processors, so you're dealing with 7th Gen chips here.

It's unclear when the sale is due to end, but if you've had your eye on one of these models for a while, you can snag these discounts at the Microsoft Store now.

See at Microsoft

It's been a little over a year since Microsoft's Surface Laptop hit store shelves, which is a long time in the world of tech. When the Surface Laptop first launched on May 15, 2017, many were curious as to how the device would hold up. After all, there were two outstanding differences between the Surface Laptop and other laptops on the market: it ran Windows 10 S, and it used Alcantara fabric on the attached keyboard base.

I've been using the Surface Laptop as my primary laptop over the last year, and I have some thoughts on how things are holding up with the device. One year is a major milestone in the lifecycle of any device. How has the Alcantara held up? Has the app situation on Windows 10 S improved? How is the port situation?

Read on for answers.

Related: Surface Laptop review

• See at Microsoft Store
• See at Amazon

Surface Laptop and Windows 10 S

Microsoft has changed up Windows 10 S quite a bit since the Surface Laptop was released. Windows 10 S is no longer a standalone edition of Windows 10. Before, Windows 10 S was an edition just like Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, but to make the choice easier for hardware makers to use Windows 10 S, Microsoft changed it so that Windows 10 S is now a mode that runs on top of Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro.

This doesn't mean much for the Surface Laptop, however. With the Windows 10 April Update, users on Windows 10 S on the Surface Laptop were upgraded to "Windows 10 Pro in S" mode for free. Windows 10 S is now a mode, so the "switch" from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro on the Surface Laptop is free forever, not just for a limited time. That's great news for those who felt pressured into the switch or never got around to doing it in time. Now there's no reason to do it unless there's an app you need that isn't in the Store.

Related: Windows 10 S review

The app situation has also improved. The Microsoft Store on Windows 10 S has most of the top apps a consumer would be looking for, including Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, Twitter and Facebook. But there's still an issue with web browsers; Microsoft Edge is still the only web browser available on Windows 10 S devices.

That might be a problem for many of you, but it's not for me. I use Microsoft Edge and have since it launched back in 2015. Microsoft Edge is also a much better browser today than it was a year ago, and it's only going to continue improving with upcoming releases of Windows 10. If you must use Chrome or Firefox, Windows 10 S still isn't a viable option for you.

Surface Laptop hardware

Let's start with the biggest curiosity of the Surface Laptop: its Alcantara keyboard. It looks and feels great, but fabrics of any kind can get dirty. Microsoft's previous efforts with Alcantara keyboards often ended up looking really gross after only a few months of use. With the Surface Laptop, however, Microsoft coated the Alcantara in polyurethane which helps fight against stains and grease marks.

Related: What the heck is Alcantara anyway?

Because of this, the Alcantara on the Surface Laptop has held up incredibly well. However, the polyurethane coating isn't perfect. After a year, there are signs of faint palm marks on the fabric. It's not terrible, and in most cases, you probably won't notice. But if you look close, there is some discoloration where you hands sit.

Of course, this all depends on how you treat your Surface Laptop. And I don't think the Alcantara is a deal-breaker, because for me it has held up well enough. However, I've seen reports online of Surface Laptop devices looking way worse than mine after just three months of use.

Regarding ports, I've found the single USB-A port to be limiting. I'd much prefer if there were two USB-A or one USB-A and one USB-C. Also, the lack of an SD card slot got to me more than I thought it would. I don't often take photos on my DSLR, but in the rare times when I do, it sucks not having that port.

Other things, including the battery, are all holding up very well. I'm still able to leave the house without my Surface Laptop's charger in the morning and feel comfortable getting through a day's worth of work.

Overall, this is my most favorite Surface yet. It may not be category-defining like other Surface devices, but it's still fantastic. It just needs USB-C and slightly better protected Alcantara.

• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft Store
• See Surface Laptop at Amazon

Surface Laptop owners, there's a fresh firmware update awaiting you. Microsoft this week rolled out a small update that brings improvements to the Surface Laptop's docking compatibility.

Here's a look at the official release notes from Microsoft's Surface Update History tracker:

• Surface – Firmware – 135.2139.257.0: Surface System Aggregator – Firmware - 135.2139.257.0 improves docking compatibility.

This is the latest firmware update to hit Surface Laptops since a similarly small update landed in March to improve battery stability.

According to Microsoft, this week's update is available for all Surface Laptops running the Windows 10 April 2018 Update. The firmware first began rolling out on May 15, so it should be available via Windows Update now.

Updated April 19, 2018: We have confirmed that updates are rolling out to Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro devices enrolled in Insider rings as well.

If you've got a Surface Laptop enrolled in the Windows Insider program, you'll want to check Windows Update. Microsoft has begun rolling out a firmware update for the machine, but it's not entirely clear what's new.

The update itself is listed in Windows Update as "Surface - Firmware - 2/28/2018." And while the date attached is the same as the most recent public release listed on the Surface Update page, the version number for the Insider update (135.2139.257.0) is newer than the public release's (135.2114.3.0).

We've spotted the update rolling out to two Surface Laptops enrolled in the Fast ring. A user on Reddit also reports receiving the update on the Slow ring.

If you have a Surface Laptop in the Insider program, the update should be rolling out now. If and when Microsoft issues release notes, I'll update this post with more information on what's new.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop is arguably one of the most beautiful PCs on the market today (though not the cheapest, or most powerful). All that flair though comes at a heavy price: it's prone to scratches.

I speak from experience, having scratched a burgundy Surface Laptop that Microsoft sent for review, and then recently denting my personal cobalt blue one. To put it mildly, you need to baby the Surface Laptop if you want it to remain pristine.

Luckily, Toast offers its famous wood covers for the entire Surface line to hide my shame. I last reviewed Toast in 2014 with a Surface Pro 3, but I wanted to see how it looks on the Surface Laptop.

Woody design

Toast makes covers for Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and the entire Surface Book line (including the new 13- and 15-inch models). They also make the covers for the HP Spectre x360, Lenovo X1, Razer Blade, and even Dell's XPS line.

Ordering is simple. Pick one of four types of wood (walnut, ash, bamboo, or ebony) and then choose your options. Pricing starts around $50, but that's just for the top cover. Additional choices include the bottom half, around the display bezel, and the keyboard deck.

Toast uses lasers to etch on the covers too. For an extra $5 they will cut out the Microsoft logo to let the mirrored symbol shine through. The company also offers custom engraving on either half of the cover with four font choices and three text sizes.

Admittedly, the toughest part is picking the wood type to go with your PC. All four choices look tremendous, but they will contrast differently with your Surface's base color.

Maxing out a Toast wood cover with all the options can run well past $100. That's a lot of cash, but remember, this isn't just some vinyl sticker. Toast uses real wood precisely cut for your device.

Installing Toast

Toast is based out of Portland, Oregon. My custom Toast cover arrived about a week after I ordered it. Communication during the process was excellent with a dispatch notice keeping me aware of its status. The packaging was also excellent, keeping the cover protected during transit.

Applying the Toast wood cover is straightforward especially with the well-documented instructions included in the box. Dry run the pieces first and when ready peel off the 3M tape and apply to the Surface Laptop (wiping down with alcohol beforehand helps too).

Putting the Toast wood cover on the Surface Laptop felt very much like putting a LEGO kit together. Each corner, strip, or top fit together like blocks. The total installation took about thirty minutes and was relatively stress-free. If part of the kit was misapplied, it was easy to pull up and reapply as the 3M tape takes a few hours before it adheres.

Unlike applying a wet-skin like Skinomi, there was no need to let the Toast dry or settle overnight.

I opted not to install the Toast keyboard deck cover. Sticking 3M tape to the Alcantara Surface Laptop seemed odd to me, and more importantly, I didn't care for the look as I wanted to leave some of the Laptop's signature blue color remain.

I'd be remiss to also not mention the cover smells great.

Final thoughts

I was expecting to be impressed by the Toast cover. After all, the company has been around since 2012 and now make wood covers for tablets, laptops, and even phones. They've earned a lot of dedicated fans.

I love this Toast cover for the Surface Laptop. Setting aside that it hid my shameful dent in the lid, I adore the design, look, and color contrast with the cobalt blue.

I'm particularly impressed with how the Toast cover rounded the edges of the Surface Laptop. I also recommend doing the Surface logo cut out for that extra five bucks. Not only did it make aligning the cover during installation much more comfortable, but it looks fantastic when contrasted with the wood.

While it is a costly option to protect your Surface PC, I felt I got my money's worth with Toast. The ordering process was great, the item is custom made and shipped appropriately, and the end-result is outstanding.

Plus, I should be able to remove the cover if I ever change my mind (though I doubt I will).

If you're looking for a way to make your Surface or premium Windows laptop stand out while adding some class, I can recommend the Toast wood cover. I like it so much I just ordered one for the Surface Pro with LTE and Surface Book 2 15-inch.

See at Toast

Pros:

• High quality, custom made, real wood cover.
• Easy to apply and precisely cut.
• Many options.
• Helps protect from scratches or cover existing ones.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Alcantara cover option seems weird.

When it comes to protecting or adding style to the Microsoft Surface Laptop, there is an increasing number of excellent options available. While the Toast wood cover (see my review) is a rather extreme makeover, XtremeSkins offers a unique twist to add some pizzazz and mild defense against scratches or nicks without breaking the bank.

For around $45 with tracked international shipping, XtremeSkins will send you a custom full skin kit for your Surface Laptop. I ordered one up and here are my results.

XtremeSkins – What you get

XtremeSkins uses high-quality adhesive-backed vinyl — these essentially big stickers. The vinyl decals use a special glue that won't leave a residue or damage the device if you choose to remove it later.

There are three optional main areas the XtremeSkins skin covers for Surface Laptop:

• Body (top lid and bottom of the laptop).
• Microsoft logo.
• Accent (sides of device, lid, and trackpad).

If you order the body skin, it'll set you back £16.50 ($23). You could also order only the side accents for £5 ($7) or even the Microsoft Logo for £2.50 ($3.50), which is neat - and if you order all three its £32.49 ($45) plus shipping.

For each area, users can choose from up to 44 color, texture, and style options including matte grey, ultra-marine gloss, driftwood, or red leather. That's an astounding number of color combinations (432 to be exact) and while I like a choice that is a lot to ponder!

I chose matte white for the body, matte green for the accent and classic for the Microsoft logo (incorrectly referred to as Windows on the website). Frankly, this is the same configuration they use in their promo ads for the Surface Laptop skin, and I thought it looked great.

Shipping only took a few days from the UK to the US. The item was packed well and includes a four-pack of alcohol wipes along with instructions for application.

Easy to install, looks great

I had no issue installing the skin for the Surface Laptop, although I'm not convinced XtremeSkins needed the cutouts for the wireless antennas on the sides. I mention this only because it's one area that could detach later and some other skin brands make the side piece solid (and easier to apply).

If you don't apply the skin correctly, XtremeSkins says the vinyl can be "re-lifted, repositioned and stretched with a hairdryer", which is great if you make a misalignment. Speaking of, I found the accuracy of the skins to be mostly spot on, although the Microsoft logo colors are just a smidge smaller requiring some careful positioning.

The vinyl skins are relatively thick too, and with a matte color option don't pick up fingerprints or scratch as easily.

There are no skins for the side of the display or top, which is odd. Though I prefer the look without the side skins for the lid, some other companies do offer those as well.

I'll admit the skins for the glossy Microsoft logo are an acquired taste, but I like the look with the classic Microsoft colors.

Interestingly, besides the traditional colors, the Surface Laptop skin comes with matte green accent logo stickers too, making the purchase a bit redundant (but it allows for more customization). Alternatively, I could leave the logo skins off and leave the default mirrored logo in all its glory.

The weirdest skin is no doubt for the giant Precision touchpad. I have seen other companies offer this before and it seems counterintuitive. I can say, however, that using the skin does not change how well the touchpad works, merely its texture and look. I'll leave the green one on for this build, but it's always up to the user.

Overall, I liked the XtremeSkins experience. The choice of color options is massive, and the ability to mix and match is something unique to this company's creations. The quality of the vinyl seems excellent, and the company's communication, shipping, and execution of the product leave me without any criticism. The company ships worldwide and the pricing seems fair for what you get.

Not everyone likes laptop skins, but if you are thinking of one for the Surface Laptop XtremeSkins should be on your list for consideration. Sadly, the company does not yet offer any skins for the Surface Pro or Surface Book.

See at XtremeSkins

Pros:

• High-quality vinyl skin that can be reapplied.
• Relatively easy to apply and precisely cut.
• Great color, texture, and finish options to choose from.
• Helps protect from scratches or cover existing ones.

Cons:

• No protection for side of display panel.
• Cutout for wireless antenna seems unnecessary.

For those looking for an excellent light computing solution, it's hard to argue against the Surface Laptop – well, except for the usual steep price.

Luckily, today is Pi Day, and Best Buy (along with Microsoft) is discounting the $799 entry-level Surface Laptop for just $699. That's a fair price for what is arguably the most beautiful Ultrabook on the market.

Spec-wise, you're getting the basics here, but if you are using it for web browsing, email, using Microsoft Office, or watching movies this configuration is perfect:

• Intel 7th generation Core i3 m3-7Y30 processor.
• 4GB of RAM.
• 128GB of internal storage (SSD).

The rest, including that 13.5-inch PixelSense touch display, Dolby Audio speakers, and what I think is one of the best keyboards and trackpads around is all here too.

Microsoft is running the same deal too online and in its physical stores but being able to order from Best Buy (or walk in and grab it today) is a better option for many.

If, however, you want more power, you can save $200 on the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. That version usually costs $1,299 but Microsoft has it for just $1,099.

If you need more details about this laptop read my full review and check out the rest of the Pi Day sales going on today.

• See at Best Buy
• See at Microsoft

HP's updated Spectre 13t is one of the finest looking laptops to recently hit the market, and its size and function put it in competition with Microsoft's own premier Ultrabook, the Surface Laptop. If you're shopping for a device in the 13-inch range, both of these options have likely hit your shortlist. Let's take a close look at the differences between the two to see which one is best for you.

• See at HP
• See at Microsoft Store

HP Spectre 13t vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Specifications

HP Spectre 13t vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Performance

The new Spectre 13t is stocked with eighth-gen Intel Core processors (CPU), with four cores and a 15W thermal design point (TDP). These U-series CPUs, whether Core i5 or Core i7, offer great performance while not sucking up a lot of battery.

The Surface Laptop is sticking with seventh-gen Intel CPUs that have a similar 15W TDP but only two cores. You'll notice this difference most when multitasking, so I'd recommend sticking with the Spectre 13t if you often have 30 browser tabs open while simultaneously editing a handful of Office documents.

The Surface Laptop does have an option for Iris Plus graphics with the Core i7 CPU, which will offer slightly better performance when it comes to gaming or multimedia editing. Still, if you need something for heavy video editing, go with a laptop that has a dedicated graphics card (GPU).

For seriously light workloads, the Surface Laptop is available in a cheaper configuration (about $800) with a Core m3 CPU, 128GB solid-state drive (SSD), and 4GB of RAM.

Winner: HP Spectre 13t. Eighth-gen Intel Core CPUs with four cores will beat out seventh-gen dual-core CPUs any day, though Iris Plus graphics in the Surface Laptop might be attractive to some.

HP Spectre 13t vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Display

Both laptops have touch displays that are in the 13-inch realm, though resolution and aspect ratio differ. The Surface Laptop's 3:2 aspect ratio means a taller display with a 2,256 x 1,504 resolution, and it's compatible with the Surface Pen for easy drawing and note-taking.

The Spectre 13t sticks with the more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, offering up more standard 1,920 x 1,080 or 3,840 x 2,160 resolutions. Yes, if you want 4K, you have to go with the Spectre. However, it doesn't have pen support, and though it has slimmer bezels along the side of the display, it has a larger chin than the Surface Laptop.

Winner: Draw. HP Spectre 13t is available in 4K, but the Surface Laptop is compatible with the Surface Pen.

HP Spectre 13t vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Keyboard and touchpad

There's no doubt about it — the backlit keyboard on the Spectre is fantastic. Key travel is spot on, keys are spaced evenly, and you won't mind typing with it for a full day's work. The same can be said about the Surface Laptop, though instead of a metal finish around the keyboard, you're getting soft Alcantara fabric.

The main difference here is that the Spectre 13t is still using Synaptics drivers for its touchpad, rather than the Precision setup that most modern Ultrabooks are now using, including the Surface Laptop. You can install Precision drivers once the Spectre is in your hands, but it would be nice to see them installed straight from the factory.

Winner: Surface Laptop. Both laptops offer up a great typing experience, but the Surface Laptop's Precision drivers push it over the edge.

HP Spectre 13t vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Design and features

For anyone who wants a laptop that looks and feels like a premium device, either one of these will do. The Spectre 13t is just 0.41 inches thick and weighs in at 2.45 pounds (1.11kg), and you can get it in dark ash silver or ceramic white colors. The Surface Laptop is just a bit thicker (0.57 inches) and just a bit heavier (2.76 pounds), but it's nevertheless highly mobile. It's also available in four colors, including burgundy, platinum, cobalt blue, and graphite gold.

Both laptops have IR cameras compatible with Windows Hello, though the Spectre 13t has a 1080p standard camera for web conferencing, while the Surface Laptop's webcam is set at 720p.

As for ports, the Spectre is the clear winner. Here you're getting two Thunderbolt 3 ports with 4x PCIe lane support in each, as well as USB-C 3.1 and a 3.5mm audio jack. You'll likely need an adapter or two to connect your older peripherals, but it's certainly looking to the future. The Surface Laptop has a USB-A 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, a 3.5mm audio jack, and the proprietary Surface Connect port, altogether offering up a selection that won't hold up as well as that of the Spectre.

Finally, the Surface Laptop has Windows 10 S installed, which is essentially the same as Home or Pro except it's meant to be used only with apps straight from the Microsoft Store. This is basically Microsoft's answer to Chrome OS, and if you don't like it, you can always upgrade.

Winner: HP Spectre 13t. This is a beautiful laptop with the ports needed to see it well into the future.

HP Spectre 13t vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Battery

Due to size, the batteries in both laptops aren't going to hit any incredible uptimes, but the Surface Laptop and Spectre 13t with FHD display should get you through a workday. Going with the Core i7 CPU in either laptop or the 4K display in the Spectre 13t will no doubt bring the life down a bit, but this one is too close to call one way or the other.

Winner: Draw. Both laptops should set you up for an eight-hour work day, but bring along a charger if you're tackling any big jobs.

HP Spectre 13t vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Pricing

While the Surface Laptop is available at a cheaper introductory price — about $800 for a Core m3, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD — compared to the Spectre 13t, prices soon grow apart.

See at Microsoft Store

A Surface Laptop with a seventh-gen Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD costs about $2,700. A Spectre 13t with similar specs — eighth-gen Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD — costs about $1,800. That's nearly $1,000 you're saving by going with the Spectre 13t. Even adding a 4K display to the configuration keeps the price below $2,000.

See at HP

Winner: HP Spectre 13t. You can get way more hardware for way less if you go with HP's Ultrabook, though the Surface Laptop does have a cheaper introductory model.

HP Spectre 13t vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Conclusion

Looking at all things together, HP's Spectre 13t comes out on top of the Surface Laptop. It's using eighth-gen Intel Core CPUs for better performance, it has a beautiful, mobile design with Thunderbolt 3 ports, and it's considerably cheaper if you're looking for a device with decent performance.

Still, the Surface Laptop is no slouch, bringing Surface Pen support, a beautiful design, a better pointing experience, and a cheaper introductory model. My suggestion? If you just need a laptop for everyday tasks, go with the Surface Laptop. Need high performance? Stick with the Spectre 13t.

More resources

For more information about both of these laptops, be sure to have a look at our in-depth reviews.

• HP Spectre 13t review: A gorgeous 13-inch Ultrabook worth your attention
• Surface Laptop review: Microsoft's best Surface ever — but you pay a premium for it

If you're using a Surface Laptop, a fresh firmware update is waiting for you. Microsoft has rolled out a small update that brings improvements to the Surface Laptop's battery stability.

Here's a look at the official release notes, taken from Microsoft's Surface Update History:

• Surface System Aggregator Firmware - 135.2114.3.0 improves battery stability.

This is the first firmware update to roll out to Surface Laptop since January 10, when Microsoft issued patches for Spectre and Meltdown across its Surface lineup.

If you've noticed any battery-related issues with your Surface Laptop, this latest firmware update may iron them out. The update itself is labeled with a release of February 28 and it should be available to download now via Windows Update. Alternatively, you can download the firmware manually from Microsoft.

Microsoft's original Surface efforts were unique and exciting. I started with a Surface RT and eventually upgraded to the Surface 3 a few years later. On the inside, however, I was never really a true believer in the "tablet that can replace your laptop" form factor Microsoft was pushing. I always preferred the more traditional laptop form factor, with a sturdy keyboard base and a hinge that didn't spin all the way around.

So when Microsoft announced the Surface Book in late 2015, I was beyond excited. Microsoft was finally building a device that positioned itself first and foremost as a laptop, not a tablet. I got one the second it became available in the UK and used it almost exclusively as a laptop. I would only ever really detach the base to show off to friends.

So imagine my surprise when Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop in 2017. It was as if Microsoft had peeked at my wish list and decided to build the device of my dreams: a true, no compromise laptop. A laptop in its truest form. I picked one up right away and forgot all about my Surface Book until later that year when the Surface Book 2 was announced.

• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft
• See Surface Book 2 at Microsoft

Related: Surface Laptop review

Surface Book 2 announcement

The Surface Book 2 announcement was the first time Microsoft had announced a Surface product that I had no real interest in. I couldn't think of a reason why I'd switch from the Laptop back to the Book line. The Book line is still a hybrid, with additional features and design choices that I simply don't prefer.

The Surface Book hinge, for example, is still present. What I don't like about the hinge is that it makes the device rather thick when closed. That, plus the fact that the Surface Book is top heavy like the Surface Pro, make the Surface Book a terrible choice for a "lap" top PC. While the Surface Book is more "lapable" than the Surface Pro, it most certainly isn't as lapable as the Surface Laptop. The Surface Book 2 is also heavier, which isn't preferred when you buy a laptop for its portability.

I recently had the chance to try out the Surface Book 2, to decide for myself whether I'd want to switch back. The short answer is no. Even with the improvements that have been made in Book 2, I still prefer the Laptop.

Why Surface Laptop?

I simply don't need the extra features or power that the Surface Book provides. The Surface Book 2 has many different models, ranging from relatively mid-range to very high-end. When it comes to laptops, I'm only ever really looking for a mid-ranger, something I can use to do writing or web browsing on when on the go. I don't do resource intensive work when I'm out and about. For that kind of task, I have a dedicated PC workstation.

Because of this, the Surface Laptop is more suited to my needs. It's not as thick or as heavy, and it's a little more stylish in my opinion. It's small enough to fit into a slim bag without taking up too much room, and it's also more appropriately priced. The Intel Core i5 7300U with 8GB RAM and 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) Surface Book 2 is $1,499, compared to the Intel Core i5 7200U with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD Surface Laptop which is just $1,299.

I also prefer the aluminum materials on the Laptop over the magnesium found on the Surface Book 2. The two things I do prefer on the Surface Book 2 over the Surface Laptop are the all-metal keyboard base compared to the Alcantara one on the Surface Laptop, and the higher-resolution screen on the Surface Book 2. I've had the chance to see both displays side-by-side, so I can see that the display in the Book 2 is much better.

It's all about your use-case

I just don't need a tablet. The Surface Book 2's main benefit is that it's a hybrid, meaning it can be both a laptop or tablet whenever you need it. You can buy a pen, and use it purely as a tablet if you want, or you can put the pen away and use it just like a normal laptop. For me, the added bulk and weight is not worth that trade-off, but if you're someone who needs a tablet often, the Book is likely a better choice for you.

It all comes down to this: I don't buy my "on the go" PCs expecting to do power user-type things. I just want a stylish, clean, and simple laptop. I am not the target demographic for the Surface Book or Surface Pro, and as such, the Surface Laptop is what I prefer and enjoy the most.

Surface Book 2 review

Now don't get me wrong. The Surface Book 2 is a beautiful and well-crafted device. It's arguably the best Surface Microsoft makes, but it's just not for me.

Of course, many will need the added horsepower the Surface Book 2 provides, or the ability to detach the display and use it as a tablet. In that case, the Surface Book 2 is absolutely the better choice.

• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft
• See Surface Book 2 at Microsoft