Key points
- The Surface Pro is a 2-in-1 device that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet.
- The Surface Laptop is a better choice if you are looking for a traditional laptop with a long battery life and a comfortable keyboard.
- The Surface Pro is a better choice if you want a 2-in-1 device that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro are two of the most popular 2-in-1 devices on the market. They offer a unique combination of portability, power, and versatility, making them ideal for students, professionals, and creatives alike. However, with so many similarities, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop is a traditional clamshell laptop with a sleek and stylish design. It features a magnesium alloy body that is both lightweight and durable, and a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the trackpad is responsive and precise.
Surface Pro: The Surface Pro is a 2-in-1 device that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. It has a slim and compact design, with a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The Surface Pro also has a built-in kickstand that allows it to be propped up at various angles for comfortable use.
Performance
Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. It offers excellent performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, email, and office productivity. It can also handle light gaming and video editing.
Surface Pro: The Surface Pro is powered by Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors, with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. It offers similar performance to the Surface Laptop, but it is slightly less powerful due to its smaller size and fanless design.
Battery Life
Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop has a battery life of up to 14.5 hours on a single charge. This makes it ideal for long days of work or study without having to worry about running out of power.
Surface Pro: The Surface Pro has a battery life of up to 10.5 hours on a single charge. This is still a respectable battery life, but it is not as long as the Surface Laptop.
Connectivity
Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop has a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a Mini DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6.
Surface Pro: The Surface Pro has a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6.
Accessories
Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop can be paired with various accessories, including the Surface Pen, Surface Dial, and Surface Dock. These accessories can enhance the functionality and versatility of the device.
Surface Pro: The Surface Pro can be paired with the same accessories as the Surface Laptop, as well as the Surface Keyboard and Surface Mouse. These accessories can make the Surface Pro more comfortable to use as a laptop.
Which One Is Right for You?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro are both excellent devices, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Surface Laptop is a better choice if you are looking for a traditional laptop with a long battery life and a comfortable keyboard. The Surface Pro is a better choice if you want a 2-in-1 device that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are still not sure which device is right for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is a lightweight and portable laptop with a long battery life. It is a good option for students and professionals who need a reliable and affordable device.
- HP Spectre x360: The HP Spectre x360 is a 2-in-1 device with a stunning design and powerful performance. It is a good option for creatives and professionals who need a versatile and stylish device.
- Lenovo Yoga 9i: The Lenovo Yoga 9i is a 2-in-1 device with a premium design and innovative features. It is a good option for users who want the best possible 2-in-1 experience.
Recommendations: The Perfect Choice for Your Needs
Whether you choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop or the Surface Pro, you are sure to get a great device that will meet your needs. Both devices offer a unique combination of portability, power, and versatility, making them ideal for students, professionals, and creatives alike.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: Both the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro have excellent PixelSense displays with a 3:2 aspect ratio. However, the Surface Laptop’s display is slightly larger at 13.5 inches, while the Surface Pro’s display is 12.3 inches.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The Surface Laptop is slightly more powerful than the Surface Pro, as it can be configured with more powerful processors and more RAM. However, both devices offer excellent performance for everyday tasks.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Surface Laptop has a longer battery life than the Surface Pro, with up to 14.5 hours on a single charge compared to 10.5 hours for the Surface Pro.