I would say it is a nice laptop but it still does not have the build quality of the MBP. The fabric is weird, and the main reason that keeps me away from it.
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Surface Laptop reviews
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I would say it is a nice laptop but it still does not have the build quality of the MBP. The fabric is weird, and the main reason that keeps me away from it.
The Surface Pro seems to me a better option. And the Surface Book as well... if only Microsoft would improve the hinge.
The problem with the Surface Pro is that I need a portable computer (with physical keyboard) that I can use on my lap, or on uneven surfaces. I'm not sure what the stability is like with the Surface Pro and keyboard - it seems like it needs a flat, stable surface like a desk or table?
The Surface Laptop is an odd product for MS to release.. If they wanted a high end clamshell then fine but the specs are underwhelming -v- price and the cloth KB is a head scratcher..
Most people will want and need the $1300 version (8GB ram / 256 SSD) and for that price there are much, much, much better options out there...
Most people will want and need the $1300 version (8GB ram / 256 SSD) and for that price there are much, much, much better options out there...
I love the looks and style of the Surface Laptop. I think that the choice of Alcantara was a good one. It should hold up at least as well as the cloth covering on my old Surface TypeCover. For me, the only downside is the price.
Because of the lack of repair-ability and upgrade ability, I can't see paying a premium for it. $800 and I'd be on it. Since that isn't going to happen, I may go in the exact opposite direction and see what Lenovo cooks up for their 25th anniversary retro Thinkpad.
Because of the lack of repair-ability and upgrade ability, I can't see paying a premium for it. $800 and I'd be on it. Since that isn't going to happen, I may go in the exact opposite direction and see what Lenovo cooks up for their 25th anniversary retro Thinkpad.
I see two advantages of the Surface Laptop over other Windows laptops: (i) the screen format (3:2), more suitable for productivity on a 13" display than 16:9; and (ii) the trackpad, which is great on the Surface Laptop (and the keyboard is good as well). This, and build quality, would justify playing the premium.
I agree with the 3:2 aspect ratio and it's one thing I really miss from my Google Pixel. Funny how Google was laughed at when they went 3:2 on it..
The trackpad on my X1 Carbon is stellar and on par with the Surface Laptops that I played with. I actually prefer the X1 over it due to the nub, which I use often.
Keyboard on my X1 is much better than the Surface Laptop KB, IMHO.. Better feeling keys and slightly more key travel. They also feel much more premium than the keys on the Surface Laptop. I prefer the KB on the Surface Book over the Surface Laptop as well..
I did only briefly play around with the Surface Laptop so my impressions of it are limited..
The trackpad on my X1 Carbon is stellar and on par with the Surface Laptops that I played with. I actually prefer the X1 over it due to the nub, which I use often.
Keyboard on my X1 is much better than the Surface Laptop KB, IMHO.. Better feeling keys and slightly more key travel. They also feel much more premium than the keys on the Surface Laptop. I prefer the KB on the Surface Book over the Surface Laptop as well..
I did only briefly play around with the Surface Laptop so my impressions of it are limited..
My sister wanted a new laptop and had originally opted for a pink rMB as she liked my wife's gold one
We were on the way to check out and I showed her the new SP, but next to this was the new SL.
After a few mins she was hooked not only by the screen size, touch and KB over the rMB but was several £100's better off and no dongles etc in tow
She did have some reservations on the KB covering but liked the feel.
How anyone can doubt the build quality and better material used over the rMB is beyond me
Set-up was simplicity itself and even swapping over to W10 Pro was 2 clicks and 10mins of DL and install with simple and flawless execution that could be by KB/Touch or voice LOL (she giggled away as we set it up)
I watched her today simply enjoying her daily's and the Ipad laid untouched all day except by me when I set up her contacts/Bookmarks/Photos etc between the IPad/IPhone/SL
Like the rMB it has a niche appeal in a premium style and is worthy member of the MS line-up of devices
Other than screen ratio it's not for me but I can easily appreciate the appeal as it's a joy to use with 0 adaption time to KB and tapping the screen when the urge or reflex kicks in
We were on the way to check out and I showed her the new SP, but next to this was the new SL.
After a few mins she was hooked not only by the screen size, touch and KB over the rMB but was several £100's better off and no dongles etc in tow
She did have some reservations on the KB covering but liked the feel.
How anyone can doubt the build quality and better material used over the rMB is beyond me
Set-up was simplicity itself and even swapping over to W10 Pro was 2 clicks and 10mins of DL and install with simple and flawless execution that could be by KB/Touch or voice LOL (she giggled away as we set it up)
I watched her today simply enjoying her daily's and the Ipad laid untouched all day except by me when I set up her contacts/Bookmarks/Photos etc between the IPad/IPhone/SL
Like the rMB it has a niche appeal in a premium style and is worthy member of the MS line-up of devices
Other than screen ratio it's not for me but I can easily appreciate the appeal as it's a joy to use with 0 adaption time to KB and tapping the screen when the urge or reflex kicks in
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My only doubts are about the edge of the fabric, where it is bonded with the keyboard deck, and the flex of the keyboard deck itself.
The two machines I examined had very rough and sharp edges around the keyboard, like the fabric hadn't been milled properly. That made it feel cheap.
The keyboard flex was quite substantial - I was pressing harder than normal typing, sure, but it still made me doubt the build, especially when equally hard pressing on the Surface Book and MBP does not result in any flexing.
Just looked as the new Surface Laptop & Surface Pro. Laptop is a very nice premium notebook. Very high level of finish and detail.
Remains same for me as doesn't meet my needs, looks to be a solid product, still have reservations regarding the durability of the fabric keyboard deck.
Saw something more interesting to my needs, which I'll post later today about.
Q-6
Remains same for me as doesn't meet my needs, looks to be a solid product, still have reservations regarding the durability of the fabric keyboard deck.
Saw something more interesting to my needs, which I'll post later today about.
Q-6
Yes I understand your observations
Part of the issue is the precise fit/cut of the fabric on the edge is perfect so you cannot run your finger around the edge just on the Mag shell, your finger tip will also feel the material edge which is not as smooth but on my sisters it's certainly not rough.
I checked the KB flex against my wife's rMB which has a much smaller span between the rubber feet and that equally flex's with above normal typing pressure. I think is just the nature of these ultra thin laptops. Your MBP is substantially thicker by comparison to the two
Both of the machines I looked at had different levels of roughness/sharpness around the edges, so it's possible that it varies between batches, and that also as demo machines they may well be subjected to people (like me!) picking at the edges and over time damaging them.Yes I understand your observations
Part of the issue is the precise fit/cut of the fabric on the edge is perfect so you cannot run your finger around the edge just on the Mag shell, your finger tip will also feel the material edge which is not as smooth but on my sisters it's certainly not rough.
I checked the KB flex against my wife's rMB which has a much smaller span between the rubber feet and that equally flex's with above normal typing pressure. I think is just the nature of these ultra thin laptops. Your MBP is substantially thicker by comparison to the two
It is true my MBP is thicker... my wife has a MBA and having just tried it it does flex quite a lot, although I'm not sure how much compared to the Surface Laptop. But you are right, thin laptops will flex, and I haven't tried the flex test on a plastic-style laptop like a Dell XPS (which I think is part metal, part plastic?).
I need to get to a proper store with knowledgeable people to take the Surface Laptop for a proper test. Sadly there are no dedicated MS stores here in the UK.
John Lewis is where my sister bought hers
In truth with touch typing your never going to see it flex
unless your a bit heavy on the trackpad which is central span so will deflect the mostIf you want flex
go for a carbon fibre laptop, I had the last gen Sony Z, it was like paper blowing in the wind especially the screen
You never know what people will do in store to demo models. I was in a furniture store with my wife recently where we observed a women scratching the sharp part of her keys rapidly back and forth across a spot of fabric couch, apparently trying to test durability. There aren’t many materials that would stand up to that kind of single minded abuse without showing some sign of wear, leather included. I am really not sure what she was trying to prove.
I have seen the same done with with iPhones in store with kids using keys to test how scratch resistant screens and finishes are various devices. It would not surprise me in the least if someone damaged the keyboard padding by attempting to peel it off.
I am not necessarily a fan of the Alcantara look, but I know they use it in the auto industry for headliners, steering wheels and shift knobs, which I think would take as much, if not more wear and tear.
The build quality on them is fine for the most part from the ones I played with.. My concerns are with the fabric KB and deck. There are plenty of instances where the same fabric on the SP4 typecovers have been stained and dirtied beyond cleanability.. My 2nd issue is the edges. They are sharp and I can see them getting frayed over time. My 3rd issue is that the machine is non repairable at every level. This is not a SL only issue though as the new MacBook & Pro's are the same in that regard. I do still worry that even a minor failure = the entire machine heads for the dumpster...
Headphone jack failure? To the trash! SSD failure? To the trash! Ect..
Headphone jack failure? To the trash! SSD failure? To the trash! Ect..
The fabric is slightly protected if you look closely in this photo you can see it sits on a tiny chamfer as IMO the only exposure to rubbing would be in and out of a sleeve or bag as it's not like a phone case edge that protects the device
Else
Yes agreed a trend of reparability I think on the front page of MR Greenpeace with Ifixit scored most of Apple products and others including MS as 1 out of 10 for repairs etc
Went and looked at them again today and I have to say, it's wearing on me.. I almost snarfed up the i5 / 8 / 256 but might just have to order the 16GB version..
I still have the same concerns but dang it's sexy... If I get one I'll also get Microsoft Complete as that will at least give a better warranty just incase the fabric stains or develops an issue...
I still have the same concerns but dang it's sexy... If I get one I'll also get Microsoft Complete as that will at least give a better warranty just incase the fabric stains or develops an issue...
Maybe a bottle of Alcantara cleaner. Sonax and Swissvax make some, but a bit pricey. Audi has a smaller bottle for less money.
The Surface Pro is fine in the lap and on uneven surfaces. The kickstand is very strong and can be in any position.
I love how it goes almost flat the other direction after opening. I have been able to prop it on my legs or even just a knee if sitting cross legged on the couch. I haven't found too many situations where I haven't been able to find a way or means to prop it up using the kickstand. Actually I have found more way to do that, than I have with my MBP or iPad.
Agreed there is more than one way to sit and the SP can adapt to far more positions, sure if you sit like a nun then maybe a clamshell feels more stable and you do not have the kickstand edge on your legs but at times when a conventional clamshell is running hot there is no heat transfer or blowing from the SP to your legs etc
I was thinking the other day, while propping it up, that it reminded me a bit of one of those gorillapod stands, in the way that it can be maneuvered to fit. You can also just lay the surface pro flat and use the tablet mode keyboard to type or use the pen to write, rather than type. The input methods are versatile.
Yes but the most important question is... which colour would you go for?