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If you’re looking for a stylish and powerful Windows device, you likely have mixed feelings about the Microsoft Surface Pro and the Surface Laptop. Both are excellent devices from Microsoft’s Surface lineup. They have a premium design, excellent performance, and are equally integrated with Windows 11. However, both products are fundamentally different in nature. The Surface Pro is a tablet and can be the preferred choice for creatives, students, and individuals who use various computer devices and iPads.
The Surface Laptop is a great clamshell laptop designed for professionals who value comfort, productivity, and all-day performance.
In this article, we’ll break down their key differences and features to help you find the best fit for your daily needs.
Table of contents
What is a Surface Pro?
The Surface Pro is a 2-in-1 device, which acts as both a tablet and a laptop. It has a detachable keyboard and a built-in kickstand, which makes it more versatile. It can be used for drawing, taking notes, typing, or just browsing the web. The device is small and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry around. This device is perfect for students, people who travel, and people doing business on the go.
What is a Surface Laptop?
The Surface Laptop, on the other hand, is a traditional clamshell laptop–built for elegance and comfort. It does not turn into a tablet; however, it has a touchscreen. You get a standalone integrated keyboard and a large display. Also, it has a great battery life. The Surface Laptop is ideal for professionals and anyone who types a lot or needs a steady work setup.
Comparison Between Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Laptop
Let’s find out which gadget fits your professional and personal needs:
Design and Build Feature
Both devices stand out in this aspect. The Surface Pro is compact and made from magnesium. It feels upscale and tough with a kickstand. This means that you can adjust it according to your desired viewing angle. It is also helpful in drawing, writing, or just watching a video, as it has multiple angles.
The Surface Laptop has a dependable aluminum design with a solid build. It offers a variety of color choices. The design is flexible and allows it to sit neatly on your lap or table, which is preferable for longer typing sessions.
Display
Both devices offer excellent display quality. The Surface Pro has a 13-inch PixelSense display and a resolution of 2880 x 1920. It is bright, sharp, and supports the Surface Pen. This is useful for creative pursuits like sketching or digital art.
The Surface Laptop comes in two sizes, similar to the Surface Pro: 13.5 inches and 15 inches. The display resolution is either 2256 x 1504 or 2496 x 1664, depending on the size. The colors are vibrant for both screens, and both support touch. However, while touch works generally on the Surface Laptop, pen input is not as seamless as on the Surface Pro.
Performance and Specifications
Both devices offer strong performance options. You can pick between Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, and some models even offer AMD Ryzen versions. RAM can extend to 32GB, and storage can reach 1TB SSD. The Surface Pro is powerful for daily tasks like browsing, video calls, and Microsoft Office. It excels when paired with the Surface Pen, especially for tasks that require note-taking or creative apps.
The Surface Laptop is better for more demanding multitasking. It can navigate larger apps and workloads in an office environment more easily. If any heavy workloads run multiple tabs, spreadsheets, or light editing, the Surface Laptop is going to be a much more reliable machine.
Typing Experience and Keyboard
The typing experience is one area where the Surface Laptop wins over the Surface Pro. The built-in keyboard is comfortable, responsive, and perfectly suited for extended periods of typing. The trackpad is smooth and accurate, too.
The Surface Pro does offer a good typing experience and relies on a separate keyboard cover. It is thin and lightweight but not as sturdy when working on unstable surfaces. The Pro is much better used on a flat surface such as a desk or table. Also, you have to buy the keyboard and Surface Pen separately, which adds to the cost.
Portability and Travel-Friendliness
The Surface Pro is a clear winner in overall portability because it offers a lighter, smaller option. You don’t feel it when it is in your bag. Ideal for those who travel frequently or intend to work from multiple locations. On the other hand, the Surface Laptop is slim and relatively easy to carry; however, it is still heavier than the Pro.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important feature if you travel with a lot of devices. Great battery life is an important aspect of any portable device, and the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are both very solid in this area. Just considering the Pro alone, the Surface Pro can run up to 15.5 hours on a full charge, depending on usage.
The Surface Laptop has the edge here, with up to 18 hours of battery life. If you are someone who forgets to carry along your charger, the Surface Laptop can offer you the extra peace of mind.
Pricing and Value for Money
Let’s discuss pricing. The Surface Pro without the keyboard or pen starts at around $1,000-$1,200. The keyboard and pen are normally sold separately, which adds to the overall cost quickly. The Surface Laptop starts at $999, but again, the price climbs with specs. Since the Surface Laptop has everything built-in, it may offer more value.
Who Should Buy a Surface Pro?
So, who decides to buy a Surface Pro? If you are inclined to use a tablet and laptop, then the Surface Pro is for you. It works well for college students, artists, or whoever likes that flexibility. You can take handwritten notes with the Surface Pen, watch videos on the tablet, and type documents with the keyboard. The Surface Pro is also ideal for digital artists who are looking for pen support and a portable screen to do their sketching or designing on.
Who Should Purchase the Surface Laptop?
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a classic laptop experience, the Surface Laptop is the right option. It’s the most suitable choice for professionals, office employees, or anyone who does a lot of typing. The larger display and robust keyboard make it perfect for long work sessions. If you don’t need a pen input device and want a solid and stylish laptop instead, then the Surface Laptop is the right device for you.
To summarize the differences, the Surface Pro offers versatility, tablet mode, pen support, and portability, while the Surface Laptop offers a better typing experience, longer battery, and extra multitasking power. Consider your lifestyle and work habits when making your decision.
Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
In summary, we can say that both the Microsoft Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are exceptional high-end devices. They offer the same performance, style, and reliability. If you’re looking for something that is flexible and used for creativity, then you must prefer the Surface Pro. If you want a laptop that delivers high performance and comfort, prefer the Surface Laptop. Either way, you are purchasing an exceptional Windows device that will assist you in working, creating, and staying productive.
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FAQs
- What is the main difference between the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop?
The Surface Pro is classified as a 2-in-1 device that can serve as a tablet or laptop with a detachable keyboard. The Surface Laptop is a recognizable, conventional clamshell laptop with a keyboard attached to the device with a more conventional form factor to provide a more stable typing experience.
- Which one is better for students?
Typically, students select the Surface Pro over the Surface Laptop because of the lightweight nature of the device, touchscreen with pen functionality, and overall portability for note-taking and classes.
- Can the Surface Laptop be used as a tablet?
No, the Surface Laptop has the keyboard fixed to the device, meaning it cannot detach or rotate completely. It has a touchscreen but is not intended to be used as a tablet.
