Microsoft Surface Laptop is the PC that can truly rival MacBook Pro

The humble PC steps up its game in design and function with the latest Surface computer
MacBook rival: Microsoft have upped their game with the Surface Laptop
Microsoft
Ben Travis13 July 2017

Apple summed it up best with its classic “I’m a Mac, and I’m a PC” adverts. Microsoft computers are functional, business-like, efficient, a bit square. Apple’s are, well, cool. Robert Webb is a Mac. David Mitchell is a PC.

Better late than never, Microsoft has finally fought back with the Surface laptop, the slick premium Windows computer you sense it has strived for over the past decade but which has never quite materialised — until now. The high-end computer is an extension of the flexible Surface Pro tablet line, which proved to be the first real rival to the iPad, thanks to its impressive performance and fully-fledged PC perks such as USB ports and the ability to run full Adobe Photoshop.

For one thing, it looks like a MacBook. The 13.5in model follows Apple’s design rule of clean lines and smooth surfaces, with an aluminium exterior entirely free of screws and fixes. The speakers are hidden under the keys, so there’s no unsightly grate for the sound to escape. Even the hinges on the back are hidden from view. There is an original touch in the soft cloth-covered keyboard, though, which doubles up as a screen protector and makes for a comfortable hand rest while typing.

It’s not just in looks that the Surface Pro competes with Apple: the Intel CPU matches the 7th generation processor that’s just been upgraded in the new MacBook Pro, and the highest-spec model packs in up to 16GB of RAM (though you’ll pay for it). It’s slightly thinner and lighter than the MacBook Pro too.

Microsoft

Of course, choosing the right laptop isn’t just down to looks — it’s about picking the right operating system. Apple’s Mac OS has always been designed in tandem with its hardware for seamless functionality — if you’re reliant on GarageBand, AirDrop and the Apple “ecosystem”, best stick with it. But Microsoft is making important strides with Surface, which runs on Windows 10 S and can easily be upgraded to full Windows 10 Pro.

While Windows has a one-size-fits-all remit that must be compatible with every PC on the market, the fact that the Surface laptop is designed in-house by Microsoft means it’s closer to challenging Apple’s ability to make form and function sing together.

One of the most impressive things across the Surface range is the Surface Pen, a hi-tech stylus that lets you draw onto the screen.It costs an extra £60 — but it’s worth it. Even just messing about with Windows 10’s basic Paint 3D software, the accuracy and responsive touch of the pen is satisfying. It’s force-sensitive, which means you can accurately recreate pencil shading by pressing harder on the screen. The pen also lets you scrawl notes and add highlighter to any webpage or document, and attaches magnetically to the top of the laptop when you’re not using it.

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Drawing on the screen is fluid and smooth, leaving no marks on screen. If you’re a Photoshopper who needs the full functionality of a laptop, this is a compelling proposition.

The imagination of the design sets the Surface apart from other premium Windows laptops. The ASUS Zenbook 3, Dell XPS and HP Spectre X360 all pack similar performance into thin, attractive designs that could theoretically rival the MacBook but the Surface laptop combines looks and power with added creativity and functionality under the hood. Microsoft has acquired an edge at last.

Follow Ben Travis on Twitter: @BenSTravis

Microsoft Surface Laptop, from £979, microsoft.com

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