Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 is the new generation of the popular Redmond laptop. In reality, more than a new generation it would be more correct to speak of simple evolution since this new product derives strictly from the proceeding model. Microsoft, in fact, has simply introduced the new and better performing eighth-generation Intel processors and added small aesthetic changes such as the new black color. For the rest, the new Microsoft laptop is essentially the same as the model it comes from.
These small updates, however, have been used to significantly increase the performance of the Surface Laptop 2. Thanks to this, users will be able to have a higher performance product that is able to offer a better user experience in a bit of all situations. The original Surface Laptop was born as a laptop designed for the student world. Thanks to this update, which offers better performance, the new Surface Laptop 2 becomes a cross product suitable for all uses.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2: Design
The new Surface Laptop 2 is basically identical to the previous model. Some variants can be requested with the new black color but overall the old and the new model are almost indistinguishable. So the new model also has a particularly elegant and modern design. The frame is made of anodized aluminum that can offer both lightness and strength.
The measurements of the Surface Laptop 2 are 308.1 mm x 223.27 mm x 14.48 mm for less than 1.3 kg of weight. The thickness, therefore, continues to be very limited. Thanks to the work of Microsoft technicians, even this new model proves to be perfectly balanced so that it can be opened with just one hand. To underline the elegance of this laptop the choice to continue to offer a keyboard covered in soft and precious Alcantara.
In addition to the new black color, the Surface Laptop 2 can also be purchased in Burgundy, Platinum and Cobalt Blue colors.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2: Technical sheet
The great technical novelty of the new Surface Laptop 2 is the adoption of the eighth-generation Intel processors, in the Core i5 and Core i7 variants, which have allowed a significant increase in performance. These processors are combined with the Intel UHD Graphics 620 GPUs, 8 or 16 GB of RAM and 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB of SSD.
The touch display of this new handset is always the appreciated 13.5-inch PixelSense with 2256 x 1504 pixel resolution (201 PPI) and 3: 2 aspect ratio. Display that supports the Surface Pen that allows you to interact on the screen to write and take notes naturally.
The new Microsoft laptop has a 720p front camera as well as a facial recognition sensor for biometric unlocking through Windows Hello. There are also stereo microphones and Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Audio Premium hidden under the keyboard. On the connectivity side, the new Surface Laptop 2 offers Bluetooth 4.1 and WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac. Microsoft guarantees up to 14.5 hours of battery life with a single charge.
The data sheet concludes with a brightness sensor, a USB 3.0 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a Mini DisplayPort and a Surface Connect port. Surface Laptop 2 is compatible with the Surface Dial.
On the software front, Windows 10 Home stands out.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2: Review
The Surface Laptop 2 is much more than a simple evolution of the first model. Although aesthetically it is still practically the same, the technical update has allowed to find that something more that was missing from the first generation of this laptop.
The eighth-generation Intel processors not only allow excellent performance in all the most diverse conditions of use, with the exception of games, but also allow good autonomy. An entire day’s work without ever seeing the electrical outlet is possible without major problems.
The machine under test is certainly the most balanced one with the Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. A hardware configuration that allows you to face all the commitments without ever remaining with the “shortness of breath” neither in terms of performance nor in terms of storage capacity.
The build quality that is perceived at the sight and touch is really premium. The finishes are perfect and the anodized aluminum used to build the laptop offers that little bit extra in terms of both lightness and strength.
The keyboard covered in precious alcantara is also very elegant, an extra touch that emphasizes the premium aspect of the device. Small note for the keyboard that certainly offers a good typing experience whose keys, however, turn out to be a bit slippery.
A demonstration of the perfect design work of this laptop, a detail more unique than rare. When closed, the display opens with just one finger without any effort. Instead, the screen was promoted with full marks. The 13.5-inch PixelSense display with 2256 x 1504 pixel resolution (201 PPI) and 3:2 aspect ratio offers excellent vision quality without over-straining the eyes even in long daily use sessions. The viewing angle is also excellent. A display, therefore, great for both working and watching videos.
Nothing, moreover, has been left to chance in this Microsoft product. Nothing to say also about performance. The eighth generation Intel Core i5 processor proves to be solid and able to satisfy the needs of those who are working on the computer without ever hesitating. Even in the most intense sessions there is no obvious overheating, a sign that Microsoft has worked very well both on the management of the processor and on the disposal of heat.
This means that the Surface Laptop 2 is also very quiet as the fan starts very little and is always not very evident.
Obviously, this device is not suitable for gaming. The lack of a dedicated GPU does not allow them to manage applications and games that require graphics processing of a certain level. In any case it is possible to have a good gaming experience by lowering the graphic effects in some games.
The audio sector is very convincing with always clear and powerful sounds. The feeling is that its emerges from the keyboard. No problem, therefore, to listen to music and watch movies.
Good also the front webcam with Windows Hello support that recognizes the faces of registered users without major problems.
However, the Surface Laptop 2 has a fairly obvious flaw which is the absence of the USB-C port, which is quite serious nowadays. It does not excel even in the allocation of classic doors since it only has a USB 3.0 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a Mini DisplayPort and a Surface Connect port.
Ultimately the Surface Laptop 2 can be considered an excellent workmate that also lends itself to ensuring good multimedia performance for those who like to watch hours of video on the PC perhaps through applications like Netflix.
Being realized by Microsoft, the integration with Windows 10 is really very valid and everything works without big problems. The Redmond house, moreover, usually releases firmware updates cyclically which improve the performance and stability of this device.
Finally, a note on the price. The almost 1,500 dollars needed to purchase it are certainly many, but it is a fair price for the quality and content offered. Within a short time, however, the first special offers should start appearing on the net, which will allow you to save a little on your purchase.
