Apparently it’s much better than the original …
When Microsoft launched the original Surface Laptop last year, I was taken with its gorgeous, minimalist design. This year, I thought, the company can’t possibly outdo itself on aesthetics. But then Microsoft went ahead and unveiled a matte-black option that somehow managed to look classier than the three earlier color options. Beyond its elegant exterior, though, the Surface Laptop 2 promises powerful performance upgrades and a long-lasting battery that substantiate its stylish package. Microsoft hasn’t changed a whole lot with the new Surface Laptop, even sticking to the same proprietary power charger instead of adopting the more popular USB-C. But despite that inconvenience and some unfulfilled promises, the Surface Laptop 2 still shines.
At 2.76 pounds (for the Core i5 version we received), the Laptop 2 is exactly the same weight as its predecessor. It’s also about as light as the new Retina Display MacBook Air and the Dell XPS 13 without a touchscreen.
The Laptop 2’s bright, beautiful 13.5-inch display shows off every tiny detail, even in the gloomiest scenes in The Haunting of Hill House. The screen did get slightly hard to see in harsh light though. The speakers were loud and clear enough for me to hear the ghostly creaks and squeaks, so I was fully immersed in the show.
Pros
- Stunning design
- Stylish new black color option
- Long battery life
- Comfortable keyboard
- Responsive trackpad
Cons
- No USB-C
- Charger falls out too easily
Summary
Microsoft didn’t just up the style game on the Surface Laptop 2 — it brought the heat in performance and battery life as well. The speed and battery improvements aren’t as huge as promised, but they’re still significant. A comfortable keyboard, responsive trackpad and brilliant display bring the whole package together nicely. All told, this is one of the best notebooks of the year.
Source: Engadget
