Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: A Sleek and Powerful Windows 10 Ultrabook

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a highly anticipated update to the original Surface Laptop, and it’s clear that Microsoft has made significant improvements in various areas. As a premium Windows 10 ultrabook, the Surface Laptop 4 offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and features, making it an attractive option for users who need a powerful device for work or play.

Design and Display

The Surface Laptop 4 retains its predecessor’s sleek and compact design, but with some notable changes. The new model is available in two sizes: 13.5 inches (Surface Laptop 4) and 15 inches (Surface Laptop 4 with LTE). Both versions feature a durable aluminum body and a robust keyboard that provides excellent typing experience.

The display on the Surface Laptop 4 is one of its strongest assets. The PixelSense touchscreen boasts a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels, which provides crisp and vibrant visuals. Colors are accurate, and the screen’s brightness is suitable for indoor use, although it may struggle in extremely bright environments. For added protection, the display features Gorilla Glass 3.

Performance

The Surface Laptop 4 is powered by Intel’s latest Core i5-1130H or Core i7-1165G7 processors, depending on your configuration choice. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, while the latter offers improved performance with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage.

For demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming, the Surface Laptop 4 performs admirably. Microsoft has also included a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for added security features like Windows Hello facial recognition.

Battery Life

One of the key selling points of the Surface Laptop 4 is its impressive battery life. According to Microsoft, users can expect up to 17 hours of web browsing or 14 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 15-16 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Connectivity and Ports

The Surface Laptop 4 features a generous selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery support), an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Surface Laptop 4 boasts an improved front-facing camera with 720p resolution and Windows Hello facial recognition capabilities. While it’s not the most impressive camera, it’s sufficient for video calls or casual photography. On the rear, you’ll find a single 1080p camera that captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

For audio enthusiasts, the Surface Laptop 4 features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive listening experience.

Colors and Configurations

The Surface Laptop 4 is available in several colors, including Platinum, Cobalt Blue, Graphite Gold, and Sandstone. You can also choose from various configurations, including Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a formidable Windows 10 ultrabook that checks most of the right boxes. Its sleek design, impressive display, and robust performance make it an excellent option for users who need a powerful device for everyday tasks or demanding applications.

While it may not be the best choice for extreme gaming enthusiasts or those who require a more affordable option, the Surface Laptop 4 is an attractive alternative to traditional laptops or tablets. With its competitive pricing starting at $999 (base model) and going up to $2,299 (high-end configuration), the Surface Laptop 4 is definitely worth considering for those in search of a reliable and feature-packed ultrabook.

Technical Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core i5-1130H or Core i7-1165G7
  • RAM: 8GB or 16GB
  • Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
  • Display: 13.5-inch (Surface Laptop 4) or 15-inch (Surface Laptop 4 with LTE), PixelSense touchscreen, 2256 x 1504 pixels
  • Battery Life: Up to 17 hours web browsing or 14 hours video playback
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery support), SD card reader, headphone jack
  • Camera: Front-facing 720p camera with Windows Hello facial recognition, Rear-facing 1080p camera