Surface Laptop 7 hands-on review

Microsoft is making a big deal out of this update by releasing the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, which has a starting price of $999 and is the first Surface Laptop to come with a Qualcomm CPU located within.

This is due to the fact that the Surface Laptop 7, or the Surface Laptop 7th Generation as it is referred to by Microsoft, is equipped with either a Snapdragon X Plus or a Snapdragon X Elite processor integrated into its internal components. The fact that these new Qualcomm processors have NPUs (Neural Processing Units) makes them eligible to be the first of Microsoft’s new Copilot+ personal computers. These are machines running Windows 11 that are equipped with NPUs that are able to handle sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities in Windows.

Surface Laptop 7 hands-on review

Because of these two innovations, this Surface Pro is the most intriguing Surface Pro in a very long time. It has the potential to give significant performance increases over prior versions such as the Surface Pro 9, without requiring any more cost.

Additionally, the Surface Pro 11 will be the first Surface Pro Copilot+ PC, which means that it will be able to handle all of the sophisticated Copilot+ capabilities that Microsoft is planning to include into Windows 11 in 2024 and all subsequent versions. The neural processing unit (NPU) that is incorporated inside the Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite processors that are used to power the Surface Pro 11 is partially responsible for enabling these functions.

We are excited to put these new chips to the test when we do a comprehensive evaluation since they are promoted as having the ability to provide long-lasting performance as well as support for artificial intelligence that is embedded inside the device. Although we have not yet had the opportunity to do so, I have had the opportunity to get my hands on the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, and I can confidently say that it is the most premium-looking Surface that Microsoft has produced to yet.

SURFACE LAPTOP 7 HANDS-ON REVIEW: SPECS

Microsoft’s website is already accepting preorders for the Surface Laptop 7, which can be purchased for a starting price of $999 for the 13-inch variant and $1,299 for the 15-inch one.

With a 13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touchscreen, a Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD), the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Generation is the entry-level model that costs $999. It is technically known as the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Generation. In order to upgrade to an X Plus Elite processor, you either spend more money, or you can purchase additional RAM and storage space.

With the 15-inch variant, which begins at a higher price of $1,299, you get a bigger screen, a more competent Snapdragon X Elite CPU, 16 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), and a 256 gigabyte solid-state drive (SSD). It is possible to spend additional money to expand the RAM and storage, reaching a maximum of 64 MB of RAM and 1 TB of solid-state storage.

A selection of the models will also be available in Sapphire and Dune (gold), and all of them are scheduled to be sold in stores beginning on June 18th. Platinum and Black are the only colors available for all of the models.

SURFACE LAPTOP 7 HANDS-ON REVIEW: DESIGN

The new Surface Laptop 7 seems to be somewhat similar to its predecessors, which is something that I find to be a little disappointing. This still has the appearance and feel of a Surface Laptop, despite the fact that the bezels seem to be somewhat narrower than they were on prior versions and that there have been some modest adjustments for both size and weight.

It is a really useful laptop that still feels just as comfortable to write on as the Surface Laptop 5 that I reviewed a while ago. Don’t get me wrong about that. As a matter of fact, the Surface Laptop 7 seems and feels very comparable to past generations, right down to the metal frame that is reminiscent of a MacBook and the screen that has a tall aspect ratio of exactly 3:2.

My observations have shown that the positive aspects of the design of the Surface Laptop continue to be present in this context. When it comes to dealing with documents and huge blocks of text, the touchscreen has a decent aspect ratio and feels snappy, while the keyboard is comfortable and pleasurable to write on.

Despite the fact that this particular edition of the Surface Laptop has a new haptic touchpad, I have not found it to be more accurate or enjoyable to use than the trackpads that were included in prior versions of the Surface Laptop.

One essential component that seems to be absent is the lining made of alcantara cloth. In earlier iterations of the Surface Laptop, there were some variants that had a keyboard deck made of a comfortable fabric rather than a cold, harsh metal. However, it seems that the Surface Laptop 7 does not have this tiny bit of luxury.

SURFACE LAPTOP 7 HANDS-ON REVIEW: DISPLAY

Microsoft has provided the Surface Laptop 7 with the same two screen choices that were available on predecessor iterations of the Surface Laptop.

The entry-level model has a PIxelSense touchscreen measuring 13.8 inches (2304 x 1536 pixels) and operating at 120Hz. The bigger variant, on the other hand, comes with a 15-inch display that measures 2496 x 1664 pixels. Despite the fact that both models support high dynamic range (HDR) and are promoted as having the ability to achieve peak brightness of 600 nits, our testing has shown that previous versions had a tendency to peak around 400 nits.

In person, I had no issue picking out details on the screen of the Surface Laptop 7, but I did not see much in the way of colors that were particularly striking or photographs that were really captivating. Despite the fact that it is a perfectly adequate screen, I couldn’t help but wish that I was rather staring at the OLED display that is included on Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 11 while I was participating in the hands-on demo.

SURFACE LAPTOP 7 HANDS-ON REVIEW: PERFORMANCE

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus and Elite CPUs are the stars of the show here, and Qualcomm is making big claims about how quick and long-lasting they will make your Surface Laptop 7. Sure, you finally get the long-awaited update to Wi-Fi 7 for your Surface Laptop, but let’s be honest: Qualcomm’s chips are the star of the show here.

Since we have not yet had the opportunity to run one of these brand-new laptops through our performance testing lab, I am unable to state with absolute certainty whether or not they live up to the hoopla that has been surrounding them. During my hands-on experience, however, there were demonstrations running on Surface Laptop 7 devices that showed 15-inch machines with Snapdragon X Elite CPUs surpassing the 15-inch MacBook Air M3 in video editing tests. This indicates that Microsoft and Qualcomm are definitely expecting that this laptop will be able to compete with the best.

In addition, during my hands-on experience with a Surface Laptop 7 that was equipped with a new Snapdragon X Elite CPU, I discovered that the laptop had a satisfactory level of responsiveness for day-to-day functioning. We will, of course, have to put these laptops through their paces in our laboratory in order to determine how well they perform in comparison to the other options available.

SURFACE LAPTOP 7 HANDS-ON REVIEW: OUTLOOK

With the Surface Laptop range, Microsoft is obviously expecting that Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X CPUs would be able to provide the much-needed boost that the Surface Laptop line could utilize.

Despite the fact that I would be thrilled to see the business begin on a more daring makeover of its workhorse laptop, it is quite evident that this will not be the case this year. After all, the Surface Laptop is designed to be a straightforward and uncomplicated portable personal computer that is ideal for those who need to get things done, like as writers, developers, and anybody else. That aim has always been backed by the large screen and the comfortable keyboard, and now the inclusion of Snapdragon CPUs within these laptops might accelerate their capabilities, even as the update to Wi-Fi 7 makes them more future-proof.

What are the next steps for the Surface Laptop? I can’t help but worry about it as we wait for a review unit and the opportunity to utilize it in the same way as you would use it in real life. Are there enough features in the line to make it stand out in a market that is becoming more competitive and dominated by the finest Windows laptops?

And what exactly happened to the cloth made of Alcantara?.

Surface Laptop 7 hands-on review Pros

• promising new Snapdragon X chips inside
• First Wi-Fi 7 Surface Laptop

Surface Laptop 7 hands-on review Cons

• dull, uninspiring design
• No Alcantara anymore