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Microsoft Unveils the Surface Laptop, a Traditional Notebook That Is 'Better' Than MacBook Pro (engadget.com)

Posted by msmash on from the battle-for-the-best dept.

On the sidelines of Windows 10 S and affordable Chromebook-like laptops announcements, Microsoft also announced the newest addition to its Surface computing lineup. Dubbed the Surface Laptop, the laptop starts at $999, and is for everyone, the company claims, though the focus is on students and professionals. From a report: The Surface Laptop includes a 13.5-inch PixelSense display (Microsoft's branding for its unique screen technology) and a keyboard draped in Alcantara, a smooth cloth-like material. It's powered by Intel's most recent Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs, and it can pack in an SSD up to 1TB (that's notably integrated directly onto the motherboard). Performance-wise, Microsoft's Surface head, Panos Panay, claims the Laptop is 50 percent faster than the Core i7 MacBook Air while also being lighter. (Editor's note: Panos added that the Surface Laptop also outpaces the MacBook Pro on performance.) You can also expect up to 14.5 hours of battery life, thanks to Windows 10 S's battery savings and more efficient hardware. One thing you won't see on the Surface Laptop: Speaker holes or grills. Microsoft managed to fit the speakers behind the keys, which Panay claims delivers a more enveloping sound. Microsoft says it has also improved the standby time -- so much so that "you could go away on spring break and still have the same battery life when you returned."

1 of 247 comments (clear)

  1. Who fucking cares? by xession · · Score: 1, Interesting
    Should this post have "AD" next to the title? This blatant advertisement counts for content now? Wouldn't even be at all shocked if this was written by a Microsoft employee.

    Here's my takeaway.
    • 1) The laptop is nice and thin, I'll give them that.
    • 2) Battery life sounds good.
    • 3) Touchscreen can be useful at times but I prefer an eraser tip. Nonetheless, this has been a key element of the Surface series.
    • 4) Inability to install your own mass storage: DUMB
    • 5) Carpetted laptop: DUMB. Now any accidental drips will last forever. Or even just hand grease. YUCK!
    • 6) Speakers behind the keys: DUMB
    • 7) Price point: DUMB. You can do a lot better for a lot less money. The 1TB version will set you back $3200! FUCK NO!
    • 8) Windows 10, obviously since its coming from Microsoft: DUMB.
    • 9) Weird ass resolution at 3000x2000: DUMB. Its nice and above HD but I'd expect HD content stretched to this weird size is going to look pretty shitty.

    My overall rating, averaging it all together: DUMB.