Microsoft Surface Laptop on ARM Overview

Aug 3, 2024

Windows on ARM: Microsoft Surface Laptop Overview

Introduction

  • Discussion of new Microsoft Surface Laptop with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip
  • Comparison to Apple Silicon transition and its success
  • Previous attempts at ARM laptops by Microsoft (e.g., Surface Pro X) were less successful

Key Advantages

1. Battery Life

  • New Surface Laptop claims 23 hours of battery life
  • Real-world experience reflects excellent battery performance:
    • All-day usage with high brightness
    • Ends day with ~40% battery remaining
    • Compared favorably to 13" MacBook Air (M3) in synthetic benchmarks

2. Performance

  • General smoothness and consistency for everyday tasks
  • Capable of photo editing and Microsoft Office Suite without issues
  • Good trackpad gestures and UI experience
  • Not aimed at high-end gaming performance
  • Solid performance across daily tasks, priced at $2,000 for 14" variant

Downsides of Switching to ARM

App Compatibility

  1. Optimized Apps:
    • Native apps run smoothly (e.g., Photoshop, Lightroom CC, Chrome, Spotify)
  2. Emulated Apps:
    • Some apps work via emulation (e.g., Lightroom Classic, TickTick) but experience lag
  3. Unavailable Apps:
    • Some apps are not compatible (e.g., Arc browser, Google Drive, VMware, gaming apps)
    • Difficulties finding ARM versions of certain apps

Recommendations

  • Check compatibility of essential apps before purchasing a Windows ARM laptop.

Build Quality and Design

  • High-quality, all-metal design
  • Solid keyboard and large trackpad with excellent haptics
  • Port selection includes USB-A and USB-C, with headphone jack

Display

  • 2304 x 1536 resolution, 120 Hz LCD touchscreen
  • Lacks OLED option; misses deep blacks and contrast

Performance Insights

  • Built-in GPU sufficient for general use but not for high-end gaming
  • Good at multi-core tasks but weaker on single-core performance
  • Stays cool with minimal fan noise

AI Features

  • Contains dedicated NPU for AI processing tasks
  • Co-pilot button for accessing Microsoft Co-pilot features and functionalities

Conclusion

  • Overall, a promising entry in the Windows ARM laptop category
  • Vital to ensure that necessary software is compatible with ARM architecture

Additional Note

  • Mention of dbrand's x-ray skins for devices as a promotional segment.