Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2: Specifications

• CPU Intel Core i7-13700H, 14-core 
• GPU Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 (80W)
• RAM 64GB RAM
• Storage 1TB SSD
• Ports 1 x USB 3.1 Type-A, 2 x USB 4 (Thunderbolt 4), MicroSD Card Reader, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect Port
• Screen 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display at 2400 x 1600 pixel resolution
• Wireless Wi-Fi 6E
• Camera IR FHD 1080p
• Weight 4.37 lbs (1.98 kg)
• Dimensions 12.72” x 9.06” x 0.86 inches

Microsoft's new screen design for the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a standout innovation. It functions as a regular laptop screen but can tilt, fold, and lay flat for various uses like media playback and drawing. However, this advanced feature comes at a steep price. The device is powered by Intel 13th Gen and Nvidia 40 series components, making it powerful for creative tasks. The Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU option offers the best performance for the price. The device also includes an AI processor for enhanced functionality in web conferencing and Microsoft Copilot operations. With Dolby Atmos speakers, a high-resolution display, and a 120Hz refresh rate, media and work tasks look fantastic. Battery life is decent, lasting around 6 hours and 37 minutes during light work. Overall, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is an excellent choice for users who rely on a stylus for daily tasks like writing or drawing.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2: Design

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 looks almost the same as its previous version, but it's a bit thicker and heavier to accommodate more powerful processors. This change allows for extra features like a USB Type-A socket and a microSD Card reader, which are handy for many users. The highlight is still the screen, which has the same high resolution and fast refresh rate as before. Microsoft has made some improvements in color calibration and HDR support, but the screen doesn't offer the widest color range for professional photo or video editing. The touchscreen can be positioned like a laptop or stand up for better media viewing. It works exceptionally well with a stylus like the Surface Slim Pen 2, which has shortcut buttons for launching apps. Overall, it's a great device for writing notes or drawing, thanks to its versatile screen and stylus support.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2: Performance

The Surface Laptop Studio 2's biggest improvement is its processors, boosting performance significantly. Compared to the previous version, which had 11th gen. Intel processors, the new model offers up to 2.4 times faster performance in tasks that use multiple CPU cores. This is because of the new 14-core layout of the i7-13700H CPU, compared to the 4 cores of the i7-11370H CPU in the original model. This means faster performance overall, especially in tasks like transcoding and other demanding workloads.

Most Surface Laptop Studio 2 models come with a dedicated Nvidia graphics card, offering excellent gaming performance and handling heavy graphical software tasks well. The 16GB RAM, 512GB, 4050 model provides smooth gaming with frame rates over 60fps at 1080p Ultra settings. If you're after the best gaming experience, you can opt for the configuration with a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, although it comes at a higher price. This model also offers better performance for professional applications.

The new device includes a Gen 3 Intel Movidius 3700VC VPU for accelerating AI tasks. This is particularly useful with Microsoft's new AI assistant, Copilot, which integrates into Windows 11 to enhance workflows. The AI chip also improves web conferencing by adding auto framing, eye contact, and background blur effects to virtual meetings. Combined with studio microphones and omnisonic speakers certified with Dolby Atmos, both virtual meetings and media playback sound clear and excellent.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2: Battery

The device comes with a slightly larger 58Wh battery, but due to the more power-hungry components, it offers similar battery life to its predecessor. Despite Microsoft's marketing claims of all-day battery life, it only lasts around 6 hours and 37 minutes in PCMark 10's battery test for light tasks. For 1080p media playback, it lasts about 7 hours and 38 minutes, but it won't last a full work day with consistent use.

While this battery life is decent for a Windows device, it's much shorter compared to the best MacBook Pro laptops, which can last 2 to 3 times longer on a single charge.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2: Price

In the UAE, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is selling within price range of AED 9,599:00 to AED 11,990:00

Final Thoughts

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is perfect for those who love using a stylus for drawing, creating, and taking notes. Its adjustable screen angle and built-in pen storage make it an ideal choice for anyone who wants a 2-in-1 with a stylus.

While there are smaller Ultrabooks with discrete GPUs available, if you need both drawing capabilities and graphical power, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is hard to beat. It can even be set up as a decent entry-level gaming device.

Though AI might not seem important now, it will become crucial for many office tasks in the near future. With its dedicated AI chip, this device's integrated chatbot can quickly assist you with your tasks.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is not the most cost-effective option among professional Ultrabooks. While it's okay if you can get it at a discount, paying full price means shelling out a lot for its flexibility and drawing features. Plus, buying the Slim Pen 2 adds to the cost. If you don't need an Ultrabook's sleek design, you can find gaming laptops that are either cheaper or offer better performance for the same price.

You're essentially paying extra for the touchscreen's advanced features, so if you can manage with a regular laptop, you'll find better deals elsewhere.