Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Gen) Review: Reliable Performance

Microsoft’s Surface Refresh: A Step in the Right Direction

Microsoft’s Surface lineup seemed to have lost its way in recent years, with minor spec bumps and lackluster updates overshadowing any sense of innovation. However, the recent unveiling of the Copilot+ PCs, alongside the new Surface Laptop 7th Edition and Surface Pro 11th Edition, has reignited excitement. Could artificial intelligence breathe new life into the Surface name?

The Surface Laptop 7th Edition boasts a bigger, brighter screen with thinner bezels, a higher refresh rate, a haptic touchpad, and a new Qualcomm processor. While these updates are promising, is the new laptop truly a game-changer? Let’s dive in.

Timely Touch-Ups

The new Surface Laptop comes in 13-inch and 15-inch versions, similar to Apple’s latest MacBook Air models. Microsoft sent me the smaller size, now slightly larger at 13.8 inches with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Despite the size increase, the thinner bezels keep the laptop portable and sleek.

The 2K-resolution LCD screen is a standout feature, boasting a maximum brightness of 600 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The option for Dynamic Refresh Rate allows for better battery optimization without sacrificing performance.

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

The enhanced screen delivers vivid visuals, even in bright daylight settings. The responsive touchscreen adds to the overall user experience, though a matte finish option would be a welcome addition to reduce screen glare. One notable miss is the absence of an OLED display option, especially for higher-end configurations.

Upgrade to a 1080p webcam and Windows Studio Effects for improved video calls. While the camera quality is sharp, lighting adjustments can be hit or miss. The new haptic touchpad offers customizable feedback settings, providing a satisfying clicking experience.