If thats what youre looking for, you might stop reading.
Instead, the Surface Laptop Studio is the most versatile PC ever made.
I realize some of you are rolling your eyes right now at such a hyperbolic-sounding statement.
Yes, its an opinion, but one that I think is reasonable.
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It is the proverbial jack of all trades, except it actually is a master ofsome,too.
Design: Master
The Surface Laptop studio is stunning.
I can see how the devices two-tiered base can be divisive, especially in static photos.
It is a little weird.
But it also stands out, and in this case, form follows function.
For reference, the XPS 15 is 18mm thick, while the 15 MacBook Pro is 16mm.
Of course, everything changes once you use that secondary hinge in the lid.
Nonetheless, the SLS is the best take on the concept Ive seen yet.
Microsoft instead takes a goldilocks approach.
As a photographer, I find this far more valuable than a few more pixels.
It also has a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is the best aspect ratio.
Especially if you ever use the rig as a tablet.
The one thing Im ambivalent about is the rounded corners.
I like the look, but its a little awkward how it sometimes cuts off UI elements in Windows.
The low end emerges through the side-firing vents, while the higher frequencies shoot up through the keyboard.
Somehow this combination works fantastically.
They are also relatively free of distortion at high volumes too.
But just as importantly, the sound isconsistent.
That opens up worlds of possibilities for fast external storage, more powerful GPUs, and better multi-monitor setups.
Many 2-in-1 devices only have two USB-C ports, one of which is used for power.
Its reassuringly clicky, with ample travel and no flex, while also being very quiet.
Its simply my new benchmark for laptop keyboards.
The click itself is utterly convincing, and the large surface reliably responds to Windows 11s gestures.
Unfortunately, whether haptics are actually supported depends on how developers implemented inking.
In general, it works apps from the Windows Store, and doesnt in apps from outside the store.
The other caveat: Youll have to pay $130 extra for the pen.
But they also dont tell the full story.
As a Windows guy, I just like to pretend M1 doesnt exist (let alone theupcoming M1X).
In fact, I was worried the 120 Hz panel would only highlight performance flaws.
I experienced nary a slowdown in regular use whether plugged in or on battery power.
Even more welcome than the performance improvements alone is the improved thermal management.
The Surface Laptop Studio, on the other hand, refuses to throttle.
Its a similar story when it comes to the GPU.
But then, if thats you, you probably wouldnt be buying this laptop anyway.
Youll struggle to find a comparably-sized 2-in-1 with this level of performanceandpolish.
Battery life: Jack
Battery performance was also a pleasant surprise given the specs.
Somehow, its the opposite.
I went through 8-hour workdays with 20% battery left.
Still, I cant give Microsoft full marks here.
Battery capacitywilldecrease with time and its always better to have more of it.
And optimizations arent always practical.
Value: Jack
The Surface Laptop Studio is expensive.
It starts at $1,600 for a Core i5 with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
My review units 32GB 512GB configuration costs $2,700.
For many who want a stylus or touch-friendly gear, it replaces the need for a separate tablet.
Its not cheap, but I do feel like you are getting your moneys worth.
Ive certainly enjoyed using it more than machines that pack much more power.
You then had to awkwardly realign the screen with the base.
Its simply more elegant at switching between the two modes than almost anything else out there.
It may not seem like much, but this seamlessness makes a meaningful difference.
But I also run several CPU and RAM-crunching virtual instruments in my DAW (desktop audio workstation).
Its what I used to do.
For most people, performance hasnt been a major bottleneck in their workflow in years.
Dont get me wrong.
For this reviewer, its simply the best computer Ive ever used.
