Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 review is the ultimate business laptop for professionals

Description

A Sleek Powerhouse: My Experience with the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (13.5″, Intel Core i7)

Design and Build Quality
Using the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 for the first time, I was struck by its minimalist and elegant design. The matte black metal finish feels premium and looks stunning, seamlessly blending professional aesthetics with a modern vibe. At just 3.4 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to carry around effortlessly, and the 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display offers crystal-clear visuals with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. The thin bezels elevate the experience, making the screen feel larger than it is.

The laptop’s keyboard is a dream to type on—responsive, with just the right amount of travel to avoid fatigue during extended use. I appreciated the large touchpad, which is smooth, precise, and supports a variety of gestures. However, it’s worth noting that the lack of additional color options might not appeal to everyone who prefers bold customization.

Performance and Speed
Equipped with an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, this laptop delivers blazing-fast performance. Running multiple applications, from heavy-duty software like Adobe Photoshop to everyday tools like Microsoft Office, was a breeze. I even tested it with several browser tabs open while streaming music, and it didn’t falter. The 16GB LPDDR4X RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 256GB SSD provides quick boot times and fast file access.

For casual gamers or those working on graphic-intensive tasks, the Intel Iris Xe Graphics does a solid job. While it’s not built for hardcore gaming, it handled light gaming and video editing without hiccups. That said, 16GB of RAM might feel limiting for professionals requiring more memory-intensive workflows, so that’s something to consider.

Key Benefits

• Superb build quality with a premium metallic finish.
• Exceptional performance powered by the Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM.
• Vivid and responsive touchscreen with high resolution.
• Lightweight and portable, ideal for students and professionals on the go.

Battery Life
The battery life on this device is truly impressive. Microsoft claims up to 17 hours, and while real-world usage varies, I consistently got around 12-14 hours of mixed usage, including web browsing, video playback, and document editing. This makes it a reliable companion for long workdays or travel. However, if you’re running demanding applications constantly, you might see a slight dip in longevity.

Charging is quick and efficient, but the lack of a USB Type-C charging port is disappointing, especially considering how common and versatile it has become in modern devices.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited storage capacity for users requiring more than 256GB.
• No support for the Surface Pen out of the box, which could be a missed opportunity for artists and note-takers.
• Port selection feels dated, with no Thunderbolt support and limited USB options.

Competing Products
Comparing the Surface Laptop 4 to others in its price range, such as the Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Air M1, reveals its strengths and weaknesses. The XPS 13 offers a slightly more compact design and Thunderbolt support, while the MacBook Air M1 excels in efficiency and battery life, thanks to Apple’s silicon. However, I found the Surface Laptop 4’s touchscreen a significant advantage over both competitors, especially for tasks requiring direct interaction. Its keyboard and overall build quality feel more premium than the Dell, though Apple’s ecosystem integration remains unparalleled.

True Value
This laptop strikes an excellent balance between performance and portability, making it worth the investment for professionals, students, and casual users alike. While it’s priced competitively, the features and overall experience it offers justify the cost. However, if you’re someone who prioritizes extensive storage or an abundance of ports, this device might fall short.

I found myself genuinely enjoying the speed, clarity, and elegance of this machine. Whether I was drafting documents, editing videos, or simply binge-watching my favorite series, the device performed admirably. It’s not without its quirks, but its winning combination of design and functionality makes it a solid contender in the laptop market.

Additional information