Significant chip and graphics improvements impact both budget and battery life for a challenging sequel
Microsoft’s latest high-end laptop retains its innovative screen-flipping design while incorporating internal upgrades to compete with powerhouse rivals. However, these enhancements come at a significant cost.
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is priced starting at £2,069 (€2,239/$1999.99/A$3,343), marking a £620 increase from its predecessor. This places it outside the conventional premium consumer range for which Microsoft’s Surface line is known, positioning it as a creative workstation more commonly used by programmers, video editors, and photo editors.
Despite its name, the Laptop Studio 2 is substantial, weighing nearly 2kg in its top configuration. It is heavier, slightly thicker, and constructed of aluminum rather than the magnesium used in its predecessor.
The remainder of the device closely resembles the 2021-22 model. The attractive 14.4-inch LCD screen is centrally hinged, enabling it to be pulled forward for seamless transitions between stage, drawing, and laptop modes. The standout feature of this machine is its flexibility, particularly when paired with the excellent Slim Pen 2 stylus (priced at £120). While the addition of an extra USB-A port and microSD card slot on the side is appreciated, the absence of a full-sized SD card slot is a notable omission for a machine of this size.
The webcam with Windows Hello face recognition, along with the microphones and speakers, performs admirably. The keyboard and trackpad are also commendable, although the front lip of the machine is relatively high due to the thickness of the base.
Specifications
- Display: 14.4-inch LCD, 2,400×1,600 resolution (201 PPI; 120Hz)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H (13th generation)
- RAM: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB
- Storage: 512GB or 1TB
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 6GB, RTX 4060 8GB, or RTX 2000 8GB
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Camera: 1080P front-facing with Windows Hello
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2x Thunderbolt 4/USB 4, USB-A, microSD, headphones, Surface Connect
- Dimensions: 323 x 230 x 22mm
- Weight: 1,890g or 1,980g
13th-gen Intel and Nvidia RTX 40 series upgrades
The primary changes lie in the internal components of the device. Microsoft has opted to eliminate the choice of Intel processors, exclusively adopting the 13th-gen Core i7 H-series chip, a decision echoed in the impressive Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra.
While this chip is robust and capable, it is on the verge of being succeeded in Intel’s lineup. The company recently unveiled a significant design shift and potentially enhanced performance with the upcoming 14th-generation “Core Ultra” processors in September. The timing is less than ideal for Microsoft, particularly for a machine of this caliber.
There are various graphics options available. The base model comes equipped with Intel’s low-power integrated graphics, with additional costs for upgrades to Nvidia’s low-end GeForce RTX 4050 or 4060, reaching the pinnacle with an RTX 2000 designed for tasks like modeling rather than gaming or video editing.
The combination of Intel and Nvidia chips delivers considerable power. When the laptop is switched to its high-performance mode, it can even handle high-end gaming with appropriate graphics settings. However, the Laptop Studio 2 falls slightly short in raw power when compared to competitors such as the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, Dell’s latest XPS 15, and Apple’s M3 Max MacBook Pro.
Windows 11 with Copilot
The Windows 11 experience on the Surface sets a high standard, delivering smooth and user-friendly performance. The visual and functional aspects of Windows have undergone modernization in recent years, with enhancements in stylus and touch experiences that complement the strengths of the Laptop Studio 2.
A notable addition to Windows this year is Microsoft’s AI system, known as Copilot. This conversational generative AI assistant appears in a vertical bar on the right side of the screen. It can handle various tasks, such as answering questions, web searches, and general assistant activities. Additionally, Copilot can generate text and images, allowing users to paste them directly into emails, messages, or documents. However, it’s crucial to review the generated content carefully before sending, as Copilot occasionally makes mistakes, like generating an image of someone playing an Xbox but showing a PlayStation joypad, or inserting incorrect facts or figures into text.
While Copilot is entertaining as a tech demo, all the processing occurs remotely on Microsoft’s servers. Responses typically take around 10 seconds to process, and then additional time is needed for the system to type out the generated content, which can take another minute or so, depending on the response length. Image generation also takes a considerable amount of time, and the functionality requires an internet connection to operate.
Sustainability
Microsoft does not specify the anticipated lifespan of the battery, but it is expected to endure over 500 full-charge cycles with a minimum of 80% of its original capacity. If a battery replacement is needed, the cost is £437.88, and out-of-warranty screen repair is priced at £583.86.
While the SSD storage is modular, Microsoft advises that it should only be removed by technicians. The company actively promotes recycling initiatives for old devices and provides comprehensive sustainability reports, including a breakdown of each product’s environmental impact.
Price
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 starts at £2,069 (€2,239/$1999.99/A$3,343), while models with Nvidia graphics begin at £2,469 (€2,719/$2,399.99/A$3,989). The fully-reviewed configuration is priced at £3,369 (€3,799/$3,299.99/A$5,156).
For context, the Surface Laptop 5 is priced at £999, a Dell XPS 15 with similar specifications costs approximately £1,500, the Razer Blade 15 is priced at £2,500, and the Apple M3 Max MacBook Pro is available at £3,299.
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 finds itself in an unusual position—it’s a commendable machine, but its pricing places it beyond the reach of typical consumers. The entry-level model at £2,000 is not a sensible purchase.
When pitted against competitors, especially in terms of raw power and battery life, it faces challenges, which are crucial factors for its target audience of developers, photographers, videographers, and creators.
While it boasts advantages such as the fold-forward screen, superior stylus support, excellent speakers, and a high-quality keyboard and trackpad, Microsoft’s edge in these fundamentals is diminishing against Windows rivals and surpassed by Apple. Whether these advantages justify the cost remains uncertain.
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is an aesthetically pleasing machine, but it doesn’t come with a strong recommendation, except for die-hard Microsoft enthusiasts or those specifically in need of a folding screen.
