Microsoft has just released the Surface Laptop 4, a refresh of its popular notebook computer. The Surface Laptop 3 was released in 2019, so the new model should enjoy the benefits of two years of advances in technology. A review of what's new and improved in Microsoft's latest laptop will help shoppers make an informed choice and assist those with older Surface devices in making the decision to upgrade or to wait for what may come next.
The Surface product line began in 2012 with Microsoft’s first tablet, the Surface RT. It was also the first personal computer ever designed by the company. Of course, Microsoft did launch the Xbox in 2001, so designing hardware was not completely new to it, but the launch of the Surface tablet along with the Windows Phone made it clear that the company known for Windows and the Office software suite was making a move to expand into computer and mobile device manufacturing. Unfortunately, these early devices did not make a big splash in the market, with Windows Phone being abandoned and the Surface not finding wide acceptance until the introduction of the much more powerful Surface Pro. Microsoft went on to make several more Surface devices including the low-cost Surface Go, the Surface Pro, the Surface Book line of tablets, the Surface Laptop computers, the Surface Studio desktop computers, and even the foldable Surface Duo, which saw it re-enter the smartphone market.
The Surface Laptop 4 is the latest device from Microsoft, building upon years of expertise with making thin and light devices and following the success of the previous three generations. The new version is more of an evolution than a revolution, though the two-year gap before introducing this latest offering means there are some significant upgrades over the Surface Laptop 3, most notably a choice between faster processors from Intel and AMD, and the option of up to 32 gigabytes of memory, doubling the previous maximum of 16 gigabytes. The current model offers four CPU choices, depending on which size of Surface Laptop 4 is ordered, AMD’s Ryzen 5 4680U and Ryzen 7 4980U or the eleventh generation Intel Core i5–1135G7 and Core i7–1185G7. The older model of Microsoft’s Surface Laptop could be configured with the tenth generation Intel Core i5–1035G7 or Core i7–1065G7 processor. This is likely part of the reason the newer machine sports a much longer battery life, with Microsoft claiming up to 19 hours of usage for the Surface Laptop 4 versus only 11.5 hours for the older model.
Prices & Configurations
Starting at $1,000, the Surface Laptop 4 offers a good value, matching the price of the 2019 model. Configuring for most power and size, the 15-inch size with an Intel Core i7, 32 gigabytes of memory, and 1-terabyte or storage costs $2,400 on Microsoft’s website, which is $400 less than the maximum configuration of the Surface Laptop 3 while offering a faster CPU and more RAM, so the newer model gives the greater value, as is usually the case with technology. Whether owners of the Surface Laptop 3 should upgrade is less certain. The processor is faster but doesn’t provide a huge leap in performance. The graphics for gaming and video editing should see a nice gain and the potential for more RAM gives room for more intensive workflows.
For those looking for a high-quality laptop with a stylish design and good reliability, the Surface Laptop 4 is a good solution. Shoppers moving up from a Surface Go may enjoy the larger screen, built-in keyboard, and higher performance of Microsoft’s laptop. Owners of the previous generation Surface Laptop 3 might not get enough value from an upgrade, so waiting for the fifth generation could be a better choice. Most features and specifications are nearly identical to the earlier model, but the Surface Laptop 4 brings better performance and much longer battery life.
Source: Microsoft