Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
$999
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 offers a perfect balance of style, speed, and performance. Its minimalist design makes it an attractive option for anyone looking for a sleek, high-performance laptop.
Our take
Style meets performance in this minimalist masterpiece.
So, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. It’s trying to be all sleek and professional while keeping it simple. The design is pretty classy and minimal, which is nice if you’re into that clean look. It’s not going to win any awards for being flashy, but it’s solid. The thing is light enough to not break your back when you’re lugging it around, and the keyboard feels good under your fingers—like it’s made for typing those long emails or essays without cramping up your hands.
This laptop has a screen that's pretty darn nice, too. The 3:2 aspect ratio is a bit different if you’re used to the usual 16:9, but it’s great for productivity. More vertical space means less scrolling, which is a win if you’re reading or editing documents. The touch screen is responsive, and colors pop nicely, making it a treat for the eyes. Watching videos or doing anything visual is a pleasure, but if you’re a gamer, it might not be the powerhouse you’re hoping for.
Speaking of power, the Surface Laptop 4 comes with a few options. You can choose between AMD or Intel processors. The AMD version gives you more bang for your buck, while Intel is a bit pricier but offers better performance for certain tasks. Battery life is a standout here, lasting a good chunk of the day for regular use, which is awesome if you’re not always near a power outlet. But if you’re doing heavy-duty stuff, keep that charger handy.
Now, let’s talk about ports. Or rather, the lack of them. You get a USB-C, USB-A, and headphone jack. That’s it. If you’re someone who needs a bunch of peripherals plugged in, you’ll be reaching for a dongle. It keeps the design clean, sure, but sometimes you just wish for a little more versatility without extra gadgets hanging off the side.
Overall, the Surface Laptop 4 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a reliable, everyday laptop with a bit of style. It does the basics really well and looks good doing it. But if you’ve got specific needs, like gaming or needing lots of ports, you might need to look elsewhere or make some compromises. It’s not trying to be everything for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s just trying to do what it does well, and for the most part, it succeeds.
