Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2: Unique but room for improvement

Significant chip and graphics enhancements impact both the budget and battery life in a challenging second phase

Microsoft’s latest high-end laptop maintains its unique screen-flipping design while incorporating internal upgrades to compete with powerful rivals. However, these enhancements come with a significant price hike.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 starts at £2,069 (€2,239/$1999.99/A$3,343) – a £620 increase compared to the previous model. This places it well beyond the usual premium consumer price range associated with Microsoft’s Surface reputation, positioning it squarely in the category of creative workstations commonly used by programmers, video editors, and photographers.

Despite its name including “laptop,” the Laptop Studio 2 is a substantial device, weighing nearly 2kg in its highest specification. It is heavier, slightly thicker, and crafted from aluminum instead of the magnesium used in its predecessor.

The remainder of the device closely resembles the 2021-22 model. The attractive 14.4-inch LCD screen is centrally hinged, enabling it to move forward for transitioning between stage, drawing, and laptop modes. The device’s main appeal lies in its flexibility, especially when paired with the excellent Slim Pen 2 stylus (£120). While the additional USB-A port and microSD card slot on the side are welcomed features, the absence of a full-sized SD card slot is a drawback for a machine of this size.

Notable features include the webcam with Windows Hello face recognition, as well as the microphone and speakers. The keyboard and trackpad are also commendable, although the front lip of the machine is elevated due to the thickness of the base.

Specifications

Display: 14.4-inch LCD, 2,400×1,600 resolution (201 PPI; 120Hz)
Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H (13th generation)
RAM: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB
Storage: 512GB or 1TB
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 6GB, RTX 4060 8GB, or RTX 2000 8GB
Operating System: Windows 11
Camera: 1080P front-facing, Windows Hello
Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2x Thunderbolt 4/USB 4, USB-A, microSD, headphone jack, Surface Connect
Dimensions: 323 x 230 x 22mm
Weight: 1,890g or 1,980g

Upgrades to 13th-gen Intel and Nvidia RTX 40 series

The most significant alterations are within the device. Microsoft has opted to forego the selection of Intel processors and is now exclusively utilizing the 13th-gen Core i7 H-series chip, a feature also observed in the impressive Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra.

It is a potent laptop chip, but its impending replacement in Intel’s lineup is imminent. The company revealed a significant design shift and potential performance enhancements with the upcoming 14th-generation “Core Ultra” processors announced in September. The timing is less than ideal for Microsoft, especially with a machine of this caliber.

There are various graphics choices available. The baseline model comes with Intel’s low-power integrated graphics, while upgrades to Nvidia’s lower-tier GeForce RTX 4050 or 4060 incur additional costs. The highest-tier option is the RTX 2000, tailored for activities such as modeling rather than gaming or editing.

The combination of Intel and Nvidia chips delivers considerable power. When the laptop is switched to its high-performance mode, it can handle high-end gaming with the appropriate graphics settings. However, the Laptop Studio 2 falls slightly behind in raw power when compared to competitors like the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, Dell’s latest XPS 15, and Apple’s M3 Max MacBook Pro.

A notable area where the Laptop Studio 2 lags behind its predecessor and key rivals is in battery life. The machine lasts only around seven hours of light office work, falling short by two hours compared to last year’s model and about half of what a top-spec 14-inch MacBook Pro can achieve. When subjected to photo and video editing, the battery life further diminishes. This implies that it is suitable for brief periods of creative work on the go, but carrying the charger is advisable.

Windows 11 with Copilot

The Windows 11 experience on the Surface is unparalleled, providing a smooth and effortless user interface. The visual and operational aspects of Windows have undergone modernization in recent years, incorporating enhanced stylus and touch experiences that leverage the strengths of the Laptop Studio 2.

A significant addition to Windows this year is Microsoft’s AI system, known as Copilot, serving as a conversational generative AI assistant that appears in a vertical bar on the right side of the screen. It can handle queries, perform web searches, and execute various general assistant tasks. Additionally, Copilot can generate text and images for direct insertion into emails, messages, or documents. However, careful verification of the generated text/images is essential before sending, as it occasionally makes errors, such as depicting a PlayStation joypad in an image of someone playing an Xbox or inserting incorrect facts or figures in text.

While it serves as an entertaining tech demo, all processing occurs remotely on Microsoft’s servers. Responses typically take around 10 seconds to process, followed by an additional wait for the complete typing out of the response, which may take another minute or so, depending on its length. The generation of images also requires a similar amount of time, and none of these features function without an internet connection.

Sustainability

Microsoft doesn’t specify the anticipated battery lifespan, but it is expected to endure over 500 full-charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Battery replacement is priced at £437.88, and screen repair costs £583.86 outside the warranty.

The SSD storage is modular, but Microsoft recommends that only technicians handle its removal. The company runs recycling initiatives for old devices and provides a comprehensive sustainability report for the entire company, including a detailed breakdown of each product’s environmental impact.

Price

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is priced starting from £2,069 (€2,239/$1999.99/A$3,343), while models featuring Nvidia graphics begin at £2,469 (€2,719/$2,399.99/A$3,989), and the reviewed configuration is priced at £3,369 (€3,799/$3,299.99/A$5,156).

For comparison, the Surface Laptop 5 is priced at £999, the Dell XPS 15 with similar specifications costs around £1,500, the Razer Blade 15 is priced at £2,500, and the Apple M3 Max MacBook Pro is listed at £3,299.

Verdict

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a commendable device caught in an unusual position. Priced too high for a consumer laptop, the entry-level machine at £2,000 is not a wise purchase.

It faces challenges when compared to competitors, especially in terms of raw power and battery life – crucial aspects for the target audience of developers, photographers, videographers, and creators.

While it boasts certain advantages such as the fold-forward screen, top-notch stylus support, excellent speakers, and an impressive keyboard and trackpad, Microsoft’s edge in these fundamentals is diminishing against Windows rivals and often surpassed by Apple. Whether these features are sufficient to justify the cost remains uncertain.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is an appealing device but doesn’t receive a firm recommendation, except for Microsoft enthusiasts or those specifically in need of a folding screen.