Surface Laptop vs. Surface Pro: Which is Better?
- Paul Thurrott
- Jun 21, 2017
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60
I’ve been switching back and forth between the Surface Laptop and the new Surface Pro this week in Haarlem, and thinking about which is the better road companion. And I think I’ve found a clear winner.
That winner, of course, is the new Surface Pro.
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And it’s not about Windows 10 S, since anyone who purchases a Surface Laptop can upgrade to the more useful and powerful Windows 10 Pro for free. And most will. Windows 10 S is a non-factor in this decision.
Surface Pro is just the more versatile device, very much in keeping with Microsoft’s new marketing slogan. It’s smaller and lighter than Surface Laptop, but it provides an excellent and full-sized typing experience, killer battery life, and the same connectivity as its laptop-based cousin.
Surface Laptop features a bigger screen, which I do prefer. And it has a more traditional laptop form factor, which I like. But that fact is offset by Surface Laptop’s lack of additional connectivity. There is plenty of room on this device for another USB port, and certainly for a USB-C port. Surface Laptop should save me from the dongles that Surface Pro also necessitates.
I’m mostly positive on the Alcantara keyboard deck that can be had with both machines. But at least with Surface Pro, you can replace that keyboard easily if the Alcantara gets stained or messy: The Type Cover comes right off and can be interchanged at any time. Better still, you can change your mind after the fact. With Surface Laptop, you’re stuck with what you chose at purchase time.
Surface Pro can be used with Surface Pen, and with Surface Dial on the screen, should you need such a thing. Surface Laptop cannot do either, not really: Yes, the Pen is compatible, but no one is going to write on a laptop screen, especially one that cannot lay flat.
Ultimately, the choice and versatility of Surface Pro are what put this device over the top. It’s also a known quantity, a proven and established product that fulfills a need.
Surface Laptop is gorgeous, and it’s new. But it’s also an unknown. And it feels like a 1.0 product, one where there are color choices, but only on some models. For some reason.
Both Surface devices are expensive, premium PCs that are well made and desirable. But if I had to choose, the new Surface Pro is the better device. And it’s the one I feel a lot more comfortable recommending to others.
That may change over time, of course. But for now, Surface Pro is the clear winner.
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Conversation 60 comments
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Bats
<p>Without question, I think the Surface Pro is better. If they made a 17 incher or more, I would most likely buy it instantly, despite the fact I just pre-order the new HP Spectre X2 (2017).</p><p>To be honest, I don't understand this issue with "lapability." I never owned a Surface Pro, though I almost did (version 1), but I do own an HP Spectre x2 (2015). LOL…I used that thing on my lap all the time…..ALL-THE-TIME. Doin so, I never felt any discomfort, no pain, no "nothin'." To be honest, I don't even think about it. My Spectre X2 is awesome during plane rides, because you can watch movies on your personal table, without…..taking up much space.</p><p>The only problem I have with the Surface Pro and Laptop line are it's looks. These two are among the most "plainest" and "boringest" looking portable computers in the market. They are so simple looking, particularly the laptop. Can anyone seriously say with a straight face that the Surface Laptop is better looking than the HP Spectre line (Ash Gray/Copper)? Ya know….I was ready to buy the new Surface Pro ("5"), then HP announced and showed the new Spectre X2. Oh man, that was a tough decision. I always wanted to own a genuine Microsoft computer, but when it came down to it, I chose the new Spectre X2, because, other than the batter, the computer was all around better, and most of all…..extremely extremely, elegant. The Surface Pro is "MaryAnne" to the Spectre X2's "Ginger."</p><p>LOL…seriously, you can't trust a tech geek's overall sense of style. LOL…especially Paul. I used to debate back and forth with an Android blogger on his website on how plain, bland, and boring the Moto 360 watch was. The fact is, when you turn the display off on the Moto 360 watch, leaving it blank, all you have is a circular watch with a band. It's when you turn on or use a particulary watch face is when that plain watch has a sense of style and character. LOL…the thing is, you can do that with all smart watches and if you can do that, than how does it make the Moto 360 the best looking?</p>