
Microsoft
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The first‑generation Surface Laptop is a premium 13.5" Windows notebook launched in 2017 with a sleek aluminum body, Alcantara‑wrapped keyboard, and a high‑resolution 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen. It offers strong performance for everyday tasks, long battery life, and integrated Windows Hello, but its non‑upgradable internals and limited ports feel dated today.
Pros
Current
$2,730.99
Average
$1,002.98
Lowest
$27.30
Highest
$1,699.00
Lower = better sales rank
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Cons
From Expert Reviews
Praised by Experts
Criticized by Experts
From User Reviews
Users Love
Users Complain About
Best For
Students who need a lightweight, long‑lasting notebook for note‑taking and web work; business professionals who value secure Windows Hello login and a premium aesthetic; casual users invested in the Microsoft ecosystem who prioritize design over raw power.
Not Ideal For
Video editors, 3D designers, gamers, and power users who require a strong GPU, upgradeable RAM or storage, multiple high‑speed ports, or a device that meets Windows 11 TPM 2.0 requirements.
Expert Opinion
Professional reviewers praised the Surface Laptop’s premium build, beautiful 3:2 PixelSense display, comfortable Alcantara keyboard, and impressive battery life, positioning it as a stylish lifestyle device. However, they criticized its lack of USB‑C, non‑upgradable internals, and modest graphics performance, noting that it feels more like a design showcase than a performance powerhouse.
What Users Say
Everyday users love the laptop’s look and feel, especially the soft keyboard, vivid screen, light weight, and seamless Windows Hello login. Common frustrations revolve around the stubborn Alcantara material, the absence of modern ports like USB‑C, the inability to expand storage, and battery wear after a few years of use.
Common Complaints
Alcantara staining and wear, lack of USB‑C/Thunderbolt, non‑upgradable RAM and SSD, battery capacity loss over time, and occasional slow wake from sleep.
What People Are Saying
“The keyboard feels amazing — like typing on a cloud.”
“The screen is gorgeous and perfect for reading and note-taking.”
“It’s light and lasts all day on a charge.”
“Windows Hello works flawlessly — I never type a password.”
“The Alcantara® gets dirty quickly and can’t be cleaned without damage.”
“No USB‑C is a dealbreaker in 2024+.”
“Wish I could upgrade the SSD — ran out of space after a few years.”
“It’s slow to wake from sleep sometimes.”
“After 3+ years, battery degraded significantly.”
How It Compares
vs. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Choose the MacBook Air if you need superior performance, battery life, and modern ports; stick with the Surface Laptop for a Windows experience and premium Alcantara design.
vs. Dell XPS 13 (2022)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Pick the XPS 13 for up‑to‑date internals and upgradeability; the Surface Laptop is better for users who prioritize the unique keyboard feel and Windows 10 S simplicity.
vs. Surface Laptop 5 (2022)
Advantages
Disadvantages
The Surface Laptop 5 is the natural upgrade for anyone who loves the original’s design but needs modern connectivity and Windows 11 support.