In benchmarks, the Laptop 5 essentially does about as you’d expect: it’s not the most powerful machine around, but it’s comparable to most similarly priced flagship rivals.

The processor comes with up to 16GB of RAM on the smaller machine and up to 32GB for the larger, with a similar split of up to 512GB storage for the little laptop and a maximum of 1TB for the 15in.

If you opt for the 13.5in model you’ll still get to choose between the i5-1235U and the more powerful i7-1255U, though the 15in laptop only comes with the i7 chip.

While last year’s Surface Laptop 4 gave buyers a choice between Intel or AMD processors, Microsoft has made the choice for you this time around: it’s Intel or bust.Īt least Microsoft is using the latest 12 th-gen Intel chips – the first 13 th-gen laptop models haven’t arrived just yet – though you are limited to the low-power U-series versions. Comfortable key spacing, decent travel, and three backlighting settings sum up to produce a comfortable typing experience that isn’t the best in a Windows laptop – Dell and Huawei lead the way there – but isn’t too far behind. The large keyboard on the Surface Laptop is generally impressive. Dolby Atmos support should help when watching movies or playing games in particular, but at this quality level won’t make a whole lot of difference. Quality is decent, with plenty of clarity, but a distinct lack of bass even by laptop standards. These are upfiring – which is good – but fire through the keyboard – which is less so. It’s a touchscreen too, giving you another option for navigating Windows, and it supports the Surface Pen stylus, though this is sold separately.Īs for audio, in addition to the 3.5mm headphone jack (no longer a guarantee on a modern laptop) you’ll get a pair of built-in speakers.

You won’t enjoy the deep blacks and wider dynamic range of an OLED panel, but this is bright enough to suit a range of lighting conditions, with vibrant colours and plenty of detail on offer.

Microsoft laptop 5