The Surface Laptop is a sleek and powerful device that has gained popularity among students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts alike. However, despite its impressive specs and features, there are several reasons why you may want to think twice before buying a Surface Laptop. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key drawbacks of the Surface Laptop and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Design and Portability: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the standout features of the Surface Laptop is its sleek and compact design. Weighing in at just 2.76 pounds, it’s easy to slip into a backpack or tote bag and take on the go. However, this slim design comes at a cost. The Surface Laptop’s port selection is limited, with just one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and a headphone jack. This means you may need to invest in a separate adapter or docking station to connect your device to external monitors, printers, or other peripherals.
The Lack of Ports: A Major Inconvenience
The limited port selection on the Surface Laptop can be a major inconvenience, especially for professionals who need to connect their device to multiple external devices. For example, if you need to connect your laptop to a projector for a presentation, you may need to use a separate adapter or docking station, which can add bulk and expense to your setup. Additionally, the lack of ports can make it difficult to charge your device and connect it to external devices at the same time.
Performance: Not as Powerful as You Might Think
The Surface Laptop is available with a range of processor options, including Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. However, despite these powerful processors, the Surface Laptop’s performance can be somewhat lacking. In particular, the device’s integrated graphics can struggle with demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
Benchmarking the Surface Laptop: A Mixed Bag
In benchmarking tests, the Surface Laptop has shown mixed results. While it performs well in general productivity tasks like web browsing and office work, it can struggle with more demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. For example, in a test of the device’s graphics performance, the Surface Laptop scored just 34 frames per second in a game of Fortnite, compared to 60 frames per second on a competing device.
Software: Windows 10 in S Mode
The Surface Laptop comes with Windows 10 in S Mode, a streamlined version of the operating system that’s designed to provide improved security and performance. However, this streamlined version of Windows 10 also comes with some significant limitations. For example, you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store, which can limit your software options.
The Limitations of Windows 10 in S Mode
While Windows 10 in S Mode provides improved security and performance, it also comes with some significant limitations. For example, you can’t install traditional desktop apps, which can limit your software options. Additionally, some apps may not be available in the Microsoft Store, which can make it difficult to find the software you need.
Price: A Premium Device with a Premium Price Tag
The Surface Laptop is a premium device with a premium price tag. Starting at $999, it’s one of the more expensive laptops on the market. However, this high price tag may not be justified by the device’s performance and features.
Comparing the Surface Laptop to Other Devices
When compared to other devices in its class, the Surface Laptop can seem overpriced. For example, the Dell XPS 13, a competing device with similar specs and features, starts at just $699. Additionally, the Surface Laptop’s high price tag may not be justified by its performance and features, which can make it difficult to recommend.
Repairability: A Major Concern
The Surface Laptop is not designed to be easily repairable, which can be a major concern for some users. For example, the device’s battery is not user-replaceable, which means you may need to send it back to Microsoft for repairs if it fails.
The iFixit Teardown: A Look Inside the Surface Laptop
In a teardown of the Surface Laptop, iFixit found that the device is not designed to be easily repairable. For example, the device’s battery is glued in place, making it difficult to replace. Additionally, the device’s RAM and storage are soldered to the motherboard, making it difficult to upgrade or repair.
Conclusion: Weighing the Pros and Cons
While the Surface Laptop is a sleek and powerful device, it’s not without its drawbacks. From its limited port selection to its high price tag, there are several reasons why you may want to think twice before buying a Surface Laptop. However, if you’re looking for a device that’s designed specifically for Windows 10 and provides improved security and performance, the Surface Laptop may still be a good choice.
Alternatives to the Surface Laptop
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Surface Laptop, there are several options available. For example, the Dell XPS 13 is a competing device with similar specs and features, but at a lower price point. Additionally, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a business-focused device with a range of ports and a more affordable price tag.
| Device | Price | Processor | RAM | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Laptop | $999 | Intel Core i5 | 8GB | 256GB |
| Dell XPS 13 | $699 | Intel Core i5 | 8GB | 256GB |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | $899 | Intel Core i5 | 8GB | 256GB |
Ultimately, whether or not to buy a Surface Laptop depends on your specific needs and preferences. While it’s a powerful and sleek device, its limited port selection, high price tag, and lack of repairability may make it less appealing to some users.
What are the limitations of the Surface Laptop’s hardware?
The Surface Laptop’s hardware limitations are a major concern for many users. The laptop’s processor and RAM options are limited, which can make it difficult to run demanding applications and multitask efficiently. Additionally, the laptop’s storage options are also limited, with the base model only offering 128GB of storage, which may not be enough for users who need to store large files and programs.
Furthermore, the Surface Laptop’s hardware limitations can also make it difficult to upgrade and repair the device. The laptop’s design makes it difficult to access the internal components, which can make it challenging to upgrade the RAM or replace the hard drive. This can be a major concern for users who want to be able to customize and upgrade their device to meet their changing needs.
Is the Surface Laptop’s price justified by its features and performance?
The Surface Laptop’s price is a major concern for many users. The laptop’s starting price is around $1,000, which is relatively high compared to other laptops on the market. While the laptop’s design and build quality are certainly premium, the price may not be justified by its features and performance. The laptop’s limited hardware options and lack of upgradeability may not be worth the high price tag for some users.
Additionally, the Surface Laptop’s price may also be a concern for users who are looking for a budget-friendly option. There are many other laptops on the market that offer similar features and performance at a lower price point. Users who are on a budget may want to consider other options before committing to the Surface Laptop’s high price tag.
How does the Surface Laptop’s battery life compare to other laptops?
The Surface Laptop’s battery life is a major concern for many users. The laptop’s battery life is around 9-10 hours, which is relatively average compared to other laptops on the market. While the laptop’s battery life is certainly sufficient for most users, it may not be enough for users who need to use their laptop on the go for extended periods of time.
Additionally, the Surface Laptop’s battery life may also be affected by its power-hungry processor and high-resolution display. Users who plan to use their laptop for demanding tasks such as video editing or gaming may find that the battery life is shorter than expected. Users who need a laptop with long battery life may want to consider other options.
Is the Surface Laptop’s display worth the extra cost?
The Surface Laptop’s display is certainly one of its standout features. The laptop’s high-resolution touchscreen display is bright, vibrant, and responsive. However, the display may not be worth the extra cost for some users. The laptop’s display is certainly premium, but it may not be necessary for users who only plan to use their laptop for basic tasks such as browsing the web and checking email.
Additionally, the Surface Laptop’s display may also be a concern for users who are sensitive to screen glare. The laptop’s glossy display can be prone to glare, which can make it difficult to use in bright environments. Users who plan to use their laptop outdoors or in bright environments may want to consider other options.
How does the Surface Laptop’s port selection compare to other laptops?
The Surface Laptop’s port selection is a major concern for many users. The laptop only has a single USB-A port, a Mini DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. This limited port selection can make it difficult for users to connect their devices and accessories. Users who need to connect multiple devices at once may find that the Surface Laptop’s port selection is insufficient.
Additionally, the Surface Laptop’s port selection may also be a concern for users who are looking for a laptop with more modern ports such as USB-C or Thunderbolt 3. The laptop’s lack of modern ports can make it difficult to connect newer devices and accessories. Users who need a laptop with a wide range of ports may want to consider other options.
Is the Surface Laptop’s software compatible with all users’ needs?
The Surface Laptop’s software is certainly one of its standout features. The laptop comes with Windows 10, which is a powerful and feature-rich operating system. However, the laptop’s software may not be compatible with all users’ needs. The laptop’s operating system is designed for general use, but it may not be compatible with specialized software or applications.
Additionally, the Surface Laptop’s software may also be a concern for users who are looking for a laptop with more flexibility. The laptop’s operating system is not easily customizable, which can make it difficult for users to tailor their laptop to their specific needs. Users who need a laptop with more software flexibility may want to consider other options.
What are the alternatives to the Surface Laptop?
There are many alternatives to the Surface Laptop that offer similar features and performance at a lower price point. Some popular alternatives include the Dell XPS 13, the HP Envy 13, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. These laptops offer similar features and performance to the Surface Laptop, but at a lower price point.
Additionally, users may also want to consider other laptops that offer more flexibility and customization options. The MacBook Air, for example, offers a wide range of customization options and a more flexible operating system. Users who need a laptop with more flexibility may want to consider other options.