X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Microsoft thinks you'll want to caress its new Surface Laptop

Fabric and metal makes it different, but Microsoft has never sounded more like Apple than when it emoted over its pricey new clamshell.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
microsoft-surface-laptop-001.jpg
1 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

No more 2-in-1

For its college-focused laptop, Microsoft went with a traditional clamshell design rather than the tear-off-keyboard of the Surface Pro series. But it's still wedge-shaped, because that's the current trend.

microsoft-surface-laptop-030.jpg
2 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Fabric

The most novel aspect of the Surface Laptop is the fabric overlay on the keyboard and wrist rest sections.

microsoft-surface-laptop-024.jpg
3 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Screen

Bucking the trend of 16:9 displays, Microsoft went with a 13.5-inch 3:2 aspect ratio touchscreen display with a nonstandard 2,256x1,504-pixel resolution that works out to a pixel density of about 201ppi. The aspect ratio lets you fit more on it than a 16:9 display, but streaming movies will have to be letterboxed. It also covers 100 percent of the sRGB colors space.

microsoft-surface-laptop-020.jpg
4 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Plastic keys

The keyboard keys are still made out of plastic, with the fabric inset around them. I hope the fabric is spill resistant.

microsoft-surface-laptop-003.jpg
5 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

It comes in burgundy, cobalt, platinum and graphite (aka red, blue, silver and gray).

microsoft-surface-laptop-025.jpg
6 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Burgundy

Matching mouse!

microsoft-surface-laptop-019.jpg
7 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Connectors

On the left, there's a USB Type-A, USB-C and headphone jack.

microsoft-surface-laptop-021.jpg
8 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Hinge

Unlike the Surface Book, it doesn't have a 360-degree hinge.

microsoft-surface-laptop-028.jpg
9 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Input

There's a touchpad, but the Surface Laptop also works with the Microsoft Dial -- not on the screen, though -- and a stylus, as well as a mouse.

microsoft-surface-laptop-027.jpg
10 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-022.jpg
11 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-029.jpg
12 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-026.jpg
13 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-023.jpg
14 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-018.jpg
15 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Metal

The display section is metal, like a traditional laptop.

microsoft-surface-laptop-011.jpg
16 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Power button

That power button is in a terrible location. I'd hit it accidentally every time I go for delete or backspace.

microsoft-surface-laptop-004.jpg
17 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-005.jpg
18 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Keyboard cross section

Because the keys are recessed, the rim acts as a bumper for the display when you close it. And while they look pretty flat from the side, peeking over the rim, they actually seem to have a fair bit of travel.

microsoft-surface-laptop-017.jpg
19 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Power

The only connector on the right side is power, which uses a connector similar to that of the other Surfaces.

microsoft-surface-laptop-010.jpg
20 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-016.jpg
21 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

This is what your friends see

microsoft-surface-laptop-007.jpg
22 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-015.jpg
23 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-014.jpg
24 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Keyboard in use

The keys look reasonably full-size.

microsoft-surface-laptop-013.jpg
25 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-012.jpg
26 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-009.jpg
27 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-008.jpg
28 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

Windows 10 S

It looks like Windows 10 S also comes with Microsoft do-not-want-ware.

microsoft-surface-laptop-006.jpg
29 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-002.jpg
30 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-06.jpg
31 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-07.jpg
32 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-09.jpg
33 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-10.jpg
34 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-11.jpg
35 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-14.jpg
36 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-15.jpg
37 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-13.jpg
38 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-17.jpg
39 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-18.jpg
40 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-19.jpg
41 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-20.jpg
42 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-21.jpg
43 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-22.jpg
44 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-23.jpg
45 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET
microsoft-surface-laptop-24.jpg
46 of 46 Sarah Tew/CNET

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos