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Overview of Windows ARM Laptops

Aug 7, 2024

Notes on Windows ARM Laptops

Introduction

  • Discussion on the new Microsoft Surface laptop with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip.
  • Query whether Windows laptops have caught up to Apple Silicon.

Transition to ARM

  • Apple successfully transitioned from Intel to ARM, leading to improved efficiency and performance.
  • Previous attempt by Windows (Surface Pro X) was not as successful.

Performance Observations

Battery Life

  • Significant improvement in battery life:
    • Previous Surface laptop with Intel: 19 hours
    • New Surface laptop: 23 hours (real-world usage shows all day battery life)
    • Mixed-use scenarios (web browsing, video watching) end day at ~40% charge.

General Performance

  • Laptop performs well for regular tasks:
    • Photo editing, Microsoft Office Suite runs smoothly.
    • Trackpad gestures and UI graphics are consistent across battery levels.

App Compatibility

  • Major concern with ARM architecture: app support.

Types of Apps

  1. Optimized Apps:
    • First-party apps run natively (e.g., Photoshop, Chrome, Zoom).
  2. Emulated Apps:
    • x86 apps run through emulation but may lag (e.g., Lightroom Classic, TickTick).
  3. Incompatible Apps:
    • Some apps do not run at all (e.g., Arc browser, Google Drive, VMware).

Key Observations

  • Build quality is impressive:
    • All metal design, solid keyboard, large trackpad with haptics.
  • Port selection includes full-size USB-A and two USB-C ports (no OLED option).
  • Display: 2304x1536, 120Hz LCD touchscreen (no OLED).

Performance Limitations

  • Not a high-end gaming laptop; built-in GPU limits gaming performance.
  • Weaker individual core performance, but good for multitasking.
  • Generally stays cool with minimal fan noise.

AI Features

  • First copilot PC with dedicated copilot button.
  • NPU for AI processing (studio camera effects, forced eye contact).
  • Interacts with Microsoft Copilot like Bing or ChatGPT.

Conclusion

  • Overall, the laptop represents a significant step for Windows on ARM.
  • Key question for potential buyers: Does the software you need work on ARM?

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Call to Action

  • Feedback welcome on Surface laptop and Windows on ARM.
  • Encouragement to comment and share thoughts.

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