Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: The Game-Changing Device That Crushes MacBooks
Design: A Sophisticated and Refined Look
The Surface Laptop 7 is a sleek and polished device that exudes sophistication. With its sturdy build quality and minimalistic design, it stands out among its competitors. The laptop’s chassis, made partially from recycled aluminum, is both durable and fingerprint-resistant. The Black color option adds to its elegance, while the Microsoft logo on the lid adds a touch of luster. Weighing in at just 2.96 pounds, the Surface Laptop 7 is lightweight and portable, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go professionals.
Display: Modern Upgrades and Brightness Concerns
The Surface Laptop 7 comes in two sizes, and the 13.8-inch variant features a larger screen than its predecessor. The slimmed-down bezels give it a more modern look, and the 2,304 x 1,536-pixel LCD display with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and vibrant viewing experience. However, the screen’s reflectiveness can be a drawback, and the laptop could benefit from an anti-reflective coating. While the colors on the display are rich and vivid, some users may find that the sharpness and crispness could be improved.
Ports: A Bit Selfish, But Still Functional
The Surface Laptop 7 offers a decent selection of ports, including a USB Type-A port, two USB4 Type-C ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The proprietary Surface Connect port, similar to Apple’s MagSafe 3 connector, allows for easy charging while freeing up the other ports for additional peripherals. However, the laptop lacks a microSDXC card slot, which can be found on the 15-inch model.
Audio: Impressive Performance, But Not on Par with MacBooks
While the Surface Laptop 7 boasts impressive performance and power efficiency, it falls short in terms of sound quality compared to Apple laptops. While the audio can reach high volumes, it lacks the depth and impact that MacBook Air or MacBook Pro speakers provide.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Snappy and Responsive
The Surface Laptop 7’s keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, with enough snappiness and tactile feedback to ensure smooth and accurate typing. The touchpad now features precision haptic capabilities, providing reliable click feedback across the entire surface. However, some users may find the touchpad to be a bit stiff initially, but this can be adjusted in the settings.
Benchmarks and Performance: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Takes the Lead
One of the most significant improvements of the Surface Laptop 7 is the switch from Intel to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chipset. This change allows the laptop to outperform M3 MacBooks, as confirmed by benchmark tests. By switching the power mode to “best performance,” users can unlock even more impressive multi-core scores. The Surface Laptop 7 offers a powerful and efficient performance that rivals its competitors.
Battery Life: Unbelievably Long-Lasting
The battery life of the Surface Laptop 7 is truly remarkable, lasting an astonishing 22 hours and 50 minutes on a single charge. This is the longest battery life recorded for a Windows laptop in recent years, making it an ideal choice for users who rely on long-lasting battery power.
Webcam: Average Quality with Facial Authentication
The Surface Laptop 7 features a 1080p camera with an IR sensor for Windows Hello facial authentication. While the webcam produces relatively accurate colors, the overall quality is not as crisp as desired. However, it is still suitable for video calls and basic imaging needs.
Compatibility Quirks: Limitations in App Support
The Surface Laptop 7, being a Windows-on-ARM device, has some compatibility limitations. The Apple Music app, for example, does not currently support this device. However, most other popular apps have native support or can run with Microsoft’s emulation framework. Some games may not be playable on Windows-on-ARM devices, but gaming is not the primary focus of the Surface Laptop 7.
AI Features: Enhancing Creativity and Productivity
The Snapdragon X Elite chipset boosts the Surface Laptop 7’s AI capabilities, allowing for features like Cocreator on Paint. This AI-powered app can transform rough sketches into sophisticated artworks, making it a fun and creative tool for users. Additionally, AI-powered apps in the Photos app offer various artistic styles for image editing, although some styles may not apply well to certain images.
Is the Surface Laptop 7 Worth It?
With its exceptional battery life, impressive performance, and AI-powered creativity features, the Surface Laptop 7 is undoubtedly worth considering. It combines sleek design, powerful hardware, and long-lasting battery life to provide users with a top-notch experience. Priced competitively, it offers a better overall value compared to M3 MacBooks. Whether you’re an OS agnostic or looking to switch from macOS, the Surface Laptop 7 deserves a spot on the list of best laptops.
