Unveiling the Ultimate Laptop Upgrade

Unveiling the Ultimate Laptop Upgrade

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Surface Laptop 4: Packaging and Design
3. Connectivity: Pros and Cons
4. The Controversial Alcantara Palm Rest
5. Specs and Performance
6. Keyboard and Deck Flex
7. The Three-by-Two Display
8. Comparing Weight and Portability
9. Display and Audio Quality
10. Internals: Battery and Cooling System
11. Final Thoughts

Surface Laptop 4: A Review of Microsoft's Latest Device

Introduction

Microsoft's Surface Laptop series has gained popularity for its sleek design and impressive performance. With the release of the Surface Laptop 4, Microsoft aims to provide users with an upgraded experience. In this review, we will Delve into the packaging, design, connectivity options, keyboard quality, display, performance, and more. So, let's dive in and see if the Surface Laptop 4 lives up to its expectations.

Surface Laptop 4: Packaging and Design

When unboxing the Surface Laptop 4, You'll Notice the simple yet elegant packaging. The laptop itself comes in a silver-Blue color that looks fantastic, although some may prefer the previous black variant. The Package includes a 65-watt charger that magnetically attaches to the laptop, ensuring it disconnects instead of causing any damage when tripped over. However, it's disappointing to see only one connector, the proprietary Surface connector dock chummy, which falls short of offering the functionality of Thunderbolt-4 ports.

Connectivity: Pros and Cons

Microsoft's decision to include a three-and-a-half inch headphone/microphone combo jack and a USB Type A port is commendable. However, the absence of Thunderbolt and the use of USB-C instead is a drawback. Thunderbolt support has been a long-standing request from users, and it remains unclear why Microsoft has yet to implement it fully. Despite these limitations, the Surface Laptop 4 still provides satisfactory connectivity options.

The Controversial Alcantara Palm Rest

One of the standout features of the Surface Laptop series is the Alcantara palm rest. While some critics raised concerns about its durability, many users appreciate the luxurious feel and comfort it provides. The Alcantara surface does not feel cold like other laptops and offers a soft and pleasant experience. It is worth noting that several users have reported long-term use without significant issues, debunking the durability concerns.

Specs and Performance

The Surface Laptop 4 comes equipped with an i7, 1185 G7 processor, which provides ample power for everyday tasks. However, if budget is a concern, opting for the AMD option with slightly older generation chips may be a viable choice. Despite the sacrifice in processing speed, you gain Thunderbolt support, which enhances the device's overall connectivity. With 16 gigabytes of memory and a half-terabyte SSD, the Surface Laptop 4 ensures smooth multitasking and sufficient storage capacity.

Keyboard and Deck Flex

The Surface Laptop series has long been praised for its exceptional keyboard, and the Surface Laptop 4 is no exception. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience and is often considered one of the best in the market. However, some users have noticed a slight increase in deck flex compared to previous models, primarily in the area surrounding the keyboard. This change may be attributed to the modular design, allowing for easy access to the internals.

The Three-by-Two Display

One standout feature of the Surface Laptop 4 is its three-by-two display aspect ratio. This unique feature provides users with ample vertical space, making it ideal for productivity tasks. While other laptops, like the XPS 15, have become benchmarks for Windows laptops, the Surface Laptop 4 manages to stand out with its fantastic display. The display is color-calibrated and offers an sRGB color gamut, which is sufficient for most users' needs.

Comparing Weight and Portability

Weighing in at 2.8 freedom units (approximately 1.2 kilograms), the Surface Laptop 4 may be slightly HEAVIER when compared to other laptops in its class. However, it compensates for the slight increase in weight with a larger display, which provides a more immersive and enjoyable visual experience. The difference in weight becomes evident when carrying the laptop around, but the enhanced display is worth the compromise.

Display and Audio Quality

While the display on the Surface Laptop 4 is not the brightest or most color-rich, it still offers satisfactory performance. With a maximum brightness of around 350 to 400 nits, the display falls behind some competitors. However, for most users, the sRGB color space coverage and color calibration should be adequate. The audio quality of the built-in speakers is clear and has a decent amount of bass, although it is not comparable to larger devices like the XPS 15.

Internals: Battery and Cooling System

The Surface Laptop 4 houses a unique battery setup, consisting of six thin cells spread across the bottom. With a total of 47 watt-hours, Microsoft claims a battery life of around 17 hours. However, real-world usage might yield closer to 10 hours. The cooling system features a C pipe, although its exact purpose is unclear. Speculation suggests it may serve to cool the keyboard area, providing a pleasant typing experience with cool fingers.

Final Thoughts

The Surface Laptop 4 is not without its flaws: limited connectivity options, outdated bezels, and middling display brightness. Nonetheless, the overall user experience shines through. The Alcantara palm rest, excellent keyboard, three-by-two display, and comfortable design make it a joy to use. While the Surface Laptop 4 may not offer the most cutting-edge technology, it still captures the hearts of many users. If you prioritize comfort, aesthetics, and an enjoyable typing experience over bleeding-edge specifications, the Surface Laptop 4 may be the perfect fit for you.

Highlights:

• Sleek and elegant design with a choice of colors
• Alcantara palm rest provides luxurious feel and comfort
• Excellent keyboard for an enjoyable typing experience
• Three-by-two display offers ample vertical space for productivity
• Decent performance for everyday tasks
• Adequate connectivity options but lacks Thunderbolt support
• Comfortable for use on a table due to its design
• Slightly heavier than competitors but offers a larger display

FAQ:

Q: Does the Surface Laptop 4 have Thunderbolt support? A: No, the Surface Laptop 4 does not have Thunderbolt support, which has been a point of contention for users.

Q: How is the battery life of the Surface Laptop 4? A: Microsoft claims a battery life of around 17 hours, but real-world usage may yield closer to 10 hours.

Q: Is the display on the Surface Laptop 4 color calibrated? A: Yes, the display is color calibrated and provides an sRGB color gamut, suitable for most users' needs.

Q: What is the weight of the Surface Laptop 4? A: The Surface Laptop 4 weighs approximately 2.8 freedom units (1.2 kilograms).