Tablets that replace laptops, laptops that behave like tablets... the Surface series has explored both ends of the spectrum, and for its new generation it basically decided to stay firmly in the middle. Every new operating system needs accompanying hardware, and in the case of Windows 10 S we find the brand new Surface Laptop, which uses Kaby Lake chips and solid-state storage. With a base price of $999, the plan is to make some phones ring in Cupertino...
The users were begging for a hardware update for the Surface product line. This doesn't mean there's a critical problem with the Surface Pro 4, the Surface Book, and the Skylake processors, but Microsoft was resting on a too-thin bed of laurels. Both computers will turn two years in October, the market didn't take long to respond, and now we have something like 60 more powerful and cheaper clones. Fortunately for Redmond, there's a significant number of users willing to continue the Surface experience, and with the official launch of Windows 10 S, there's hardly a better time to introduce a new computer. That said, let's make room for the Surface Laptop:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/74kPEJWpCD4Yes, a standard laptop. No hybrids, no special hinges. The Surface Laptop adopts the traditional clamshell form factor, which from a certain point of view doesn't sound bad. Its PixelSense touch screen is 13.5 inches with a 3:2 aspect ratio, and it features a native resolution of 2,256 by 1,504 pixels (?). Depending on the model chosen, RAM goes up to 4, 8, and 16 GB. A similar scale is found in the solid-state storage, ranging from 128 to 512 GB. Processors are Intel Core i5 or i7 with Kaby Lake architecture, and graphics modules are Intel HD 620 (i5) or Iris Plus 640 (i7). Connectivity includes WiFi ac and Bluetooth 4.0 LE, it has only one front webcam (remember it's not a tablet) with 720p resolution, and battery life reaches fourteen and a half hours while playing video. All Surface accessories (Pen, Dial) are compatible with the computer.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/8HCVUCqZoHISo far everything sounds great, but as we go deeper into its specifications, it's evident that Microsoft made a couple of tactical mistakes. Port availability is very limited, with a single full-size USB 3.0, a mini DisplayPort, a 3.5mm audio output, and the proprietary charging connector. At minimum we expected an additional USB C, an HDMI, and a slot for reading SD cards, not to mention that the demand for Thunderbolt 3 connectivity hasn't disappeared. The computer comes in four colors (Burgundy, Platinum, Cobalt Blue, Graphite Gold), but that customization was only enabled for the Intel Core i5 model with 8GB and 256GB of storage. Thirdly, the base model at $999 delivers only 4GB of RAM, and we are convinced that Microsoft could have raised a step there. The presence of Windows 10 S is not so problematic in this case, since Surface Laptop owners can switch to the Pro edition at no charge until the end of the year. First deliveries will take place on June 15.
