Microsoft has been on a tear with its innovative Surface hardware. Now the Surface Pro, Surface Studio and Surface Book are joined by Microsoft’s first traditional laptop: the Surface Laptop.


Surface Laptop Key Specs (Base Configuration)

  • 13.5-inch PixelSense, touchscreen display at 2256 x 1504 resolution
  • 7th generation Intel Core i5 CPU with 4GB or 8GB RAM, Intel HD620 graphics
  • 128GB or 256GB solid state storage
  • 720p HD web cam with windows Hello
  • Stereo microphones, Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Audio Premium
  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
  • Surface Connect, headphone jack, Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0
  • Aluminum case with Alcantara fabric keyboard and palm rest
  • Battery rated at up to 14.5 hours
  • Surface Pen and Surface Dial support
  • Runs Windows 10 S (can switch to Windows 10 Pro)
  • 22.3 x 30.8 cm, 14.47 mm thick, weighs 1.25 kg

A Premium, Ultra-Portable Windows Laptop

On May 2 in New York, Microsoft unveiled a new addition to its Surface product line. The all new Surface Laptop is a Microsoft first, a traditional laptop with a clamshell form factor.

Despite an affordable price point, Microsoft has gone all out to make the Surface Laptop a trendsetter—in more ways than one.

Fans of premium design, ultra-portable laptops will love the Surface Laptop. With an anodized aluminum case and Alcantara fabric keyboard, it’s just 14.47 mm thick and weighs only 1.25 kg. It ships with Microsoft’s new Windows 10 S operating system, for the ultimate in secure operation and cloud integration—but it can be switched to Windows 10 Pro. And it’s built for performance, with the latest 7th generation Intel Core CPUs, a 13.5-inch touch-capable PixelSense display with 3.4 million vibrant pixels and plenty of solid state storage. And Surface Laptop delivers a whopping 14.5-hours of battery life.
It not only looks and feels elegant, Surface Laptop is a powerful performer with the security and battery life needed to appeal to everyone from students to professionals.

Alcantara

Some laptop manufacturers have used carbon fibre for the palm rest, but to the best of my knowledge the Surface Laptop is the first time one has gone for an actual fabric cover. With its Alcantara keyboard and palm rest, expect Microsoft’s new laptop to not only have a uniquely stylish appearance, it should make using the laptop much more pleasant and comfortable. Last year, I reviewed the Alcantara Signature Type Cover for the Surface Pro. This durable, premium fabric added a real upscale look, while offering a very pleasant feel.

Focus on Security

Microsoft also focused on security with the Surface Laptop. There’s a TPM chip for enterprise-level security and support for Windows Hello sign-in. With the default Windows 10 S, the Surface Laptop runs apps that are downloaded from the Windows Store. Each is verified by Microsoft. Add the included one year subscription to Office 365 Personal and 1TB One Drive storage and Surface Laptop owners can count on safe, secure productivity with cloud-based backups.

Accessories

With USB 3.0 support, all your favourite peripherals and accessories will work, without the need for dongles. The Surface Laptop also supports Microsoft’s advanced creativity accessories like the Surface Dial and Surface Pen. Or add a Bluetooth mouse, like the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse.

Look for the all new Surface Laptop to land at Best Buy soon, adding yet another compelling choice to an already unbeatable selection of laptops, 2-in-1s, Ultrabooks, MacBooks, Chromebooks and gaming laptops.

Brad Moon
Editor Computing solutions
I’m a long-time electronics and gadget geek who’s been fortunate enough to enjoy a career that lets me indulge this interest. I have been writing about technology for several decades for a wide range of outlets including Wired, Gizmodo, Lifehacker, MSN, About.com, Kiplinger, and GeekDad. I’m in my 10th year as a senior contributor for Forbes with a focus on reviewing music-related tech, Apple gear, battery power stations and other consumer electronics. My day job is with the Malware Research Center at AI-native cybersecurity pioneer CrowdStrike.