The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is the latest iteration in the popular Surface Laptop series, offering a sleek design, impressive performance, and long battery life. As a premium ultraportable laptop, it’s designed to cater to professionals and students who need a reliable device for demanding tasks while on-the-go.

Design and Display

The Surface Laptop 4 retains its predecessor’s stunning design, featuring a durable aluminum body with a subtle texture that provides a comfortable grip. The new model is available in three colors: Platinum, Sandstone, and Matte Black. The laptop measures just 0.59 inches (15mm) thick and weighs around 2.79 pounds (1.27 kg), making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize portability.

The display on the Surface Laptop 4 is a highlight of the device, boasting a stunning PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of up to 2256 x 1504 pixels (on the 15-inch model). The screen is bright and vibrant, with excellent color accuracy and a wide viewing angle. Microsoft has also included an optional Dolby Vision display on select models, which enhances the visual experience with deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and more vivid colors.

Performance

The Surface Laptop 4 offers a range of processor options, including Intel Core i5-11300H or i7-1160G7, depending on your configuration choice. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, while the latter offers improved performance with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.

For demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, or gaming, the Surface Laptop 4 delivers exceptional performance. Microsoft has also included a dedicated graphics card option (NVIDIA GeForce MX350) for select models, which provides an added boost in graphics-intensive applications.

Battery Life

One of the key strengths of the Surface Laptop 4 is its impressive battery life. According to Microsoft, users can expect up to 17 hours and 30 minutes of web browsing or 13 hours and 45 minutes of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 14-15 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Connectivity and Ports

The Surface Laptop 4 features a generous selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port with support for Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and an audio jack. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Surface Laptop 4 boasts a high-quality front-facing camera with 720p resolution and Windows Hello facial recognition capabilities. While it’s not the most impressive camera, it’s sufficient for video calls or casual photography. On the rear, you’ll find a single 5-megapixel camera that captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

For audio enthusiasts, the Surface Laptop 4 features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive listening experience. The device also includes a microphone array for improved call quality and voice recognition.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a formidable ultraportable laptop that checks most of the right boxes. Its stunning design, impressive display, and robust performance make it an excellent option for users who need a reliable device for demanding tasks or everyday productivity.

While it may not be the best choice for gamers or those requiring extreme portability, the Surface Laptop 4 is an attractive alternative to traditional laptops or ultrabooks. With its competitive pricing starting at $999 (base model) and going up to $2,399 (high-end configuration), the Surface Laptop 4 is definitely worth considering for those in search of a premium portable device.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-11300H or i7-1160G7
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
• Display: 13.5-inch (2256 x 1504 pixels) or 15-inch (3240 x 2160 pixels), PixelSense touchscreen, optional Dolby Vision display
• Battery Life: Up to 17 hours and 30 minutes web browsing or 13 hours and 45 minutes video playback
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support)
• Camera: Front-facing 720p camera with Windows Hello facial recognition, Rear-facing 5-megapixel camera