Windows on ARM: Surface Laptop Review

Introduction

• New Microsoft Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X Elite chip (ARM architecture)
• Comparison to Apple’s transition to ARM from Intel
• Previous Windows ARM attempts (e.g., Surface Pro X) were unsuccessful

Key Features

• Battery Life
  • Quoted battery life: 23 hours
  • Real-world usage:
    • All-day battery life with mixed use (web browsing, video watching, etc.)
    • Ends day with around 40% battery
• Performance
  • Not high-end gaming, but smooth performance for everyday tasks
  • Photo editing, Microsoft Office Suite runs well
  • Excellent trackpad gestures and UI consistency

App Compatibility Issues

Types of Apps on ARM

1. Optimized Apps
   • First-party apps run natively (e.g., Photoshop, Lightroom CC, Chrome, Spotify)
2. Emulated Apps
   • Some apps not optimized but can run through emulation (e.g., Lightroom Classic, Tick Tick)
   • May experience lag or battery drain
3. Incompatible Apps
   • Some apps do not run at all (e.g., Arc browser, Google Drive, certain VPNs, many games)
   • Search for compatibility before purchasing

User Experience

• Build Quality
  • All-metal design, solid keyboard, large trackpad with excellent haptics
  • Port selection: Full-size USB-A, two USB-C, headphone jack
  • LCD touchscreen (2304 x 1536, 120Hz) lacks OLED option
• Performance Characteristics
  • Built-in GPU, not for high-end gaming
  • Good at multitasking with several cores but weaker performance on single-core tasks
  • Stays cool, low fan noise

Features

• AI Integration
  • Dedicated co-pilot button for Microsoft co-pilot
  • NPU for AI-related tasks without CPU/GPU load

Conclusion

• Overall, a good start for Windows ARM laptops with premium build quality
• Primary consideration: Ensure app compatibility before buying

Additional Information

• Mention of dbrand and their x-ray skins for devices
• Encouragement for audience interaction and comments on the Surface Laptop and Windows ARM experience.