Surface Laptop Studio 2: Unique, yet room for improvement

Significant chip and graphics enhancements result in challenges for wallet and battery life in the demanding second iteration

Microsoft’s latest high-end laptop maintains its distinctive screen-flipping design while incorporating internal upgrades to compete with powerful rivals. However, these enhancements come with a significant price hike. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 now starts at £2,069 (€2,239/$1999.99/A$3,343), marking a £620 increase from the previous model. This places it beyond the typical premium consumer range associated with Microsoft’s Surface line, positioning it firmly among creative workstation-class machines favored by programmers, video editors, and photo editors.

Despite its name including “laptop,” the Laptop Studio 2 is substantial, weighing nearly 2kg in its top configuration. It is heavier, slightly thicker, and constructed of aluminum, departing from the magnesium build of 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 transitioning between stage, drawing, and laptop modes. The machine’s significant appeal lies in its adaptability, particularly when paired with the excellent Slim Pen 2 stylus (priced at £120). While the additional USB-A port and microSD card slot on the side are commendable, the absence of a full-sized SD card slot is a drawback for a device of this size.

The webcam with Windows Hello face recognition, along with the microphones and speakers, performs admirably. The keyboard and trackpad are also of high quality, although the front lip of the machine is relatively elevated 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, Windows Hello
Connectivity: WiFi 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

Upgrades to 13th-gen Intel and Nvidia RTX 40 series

The most significant alterations lie within the machine. Microsoft has opted to abandon the selection of Intel processors, now exclusively opting for the 13th-gen Core i7 H-series chip, which mirrors the setup in the outstanding Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra.

This laptop chip, while potent, faces imminent replacement in Intel’s lineup. Intel announced a significant design shift, potentially affecting performance, with the upcoming 14th-generation “Core Ultra” processors in September. Unfortunately for Microsoft, especially with a machine of this caliber, the timing is less than ideal.

There are various graphics options available. The base model is equipped with Intel’s low-power integrated graphics, and opting for upgrades to Nvidia’s low-end GeForce RTX 4050 or 4060 incurs additional costs. The highest-tier option is the RTX 2000, tailored for activities like modeling rather than gaming or editing.

The combination of Intel and Nvidia chips delivers notable power. In high-performance mode, the laptop can handle some high-end gaming with appropriate graphics settings. However, the Laptop Studio 2 falls slightly short in raw power compared to competitors, including the Galaxy Book 3 Ultra, Dell’s latest XPS 15, and Apple’s M3 Max MacBook Pro.

The Laptop Studio 2 notably lags behind its forerunner and major competitors in the realm of battery life. The device endured approximately seven hours of light office tasks—falling short by two hours compared to last year’s model and roughly half the endurance of a high-end 14-inch MacBook Pro. Under more demanding tasks such as photo and video editing, the duration further diminishes. While suitable for brief intervals of on-the-go creative work, it necessitates carrying the charger for sustained use.

The Windows 11 experience on the Surface is unparalleled, offering smooth and effortless operation. Windows has undergone a modernization in both appearance and functionality in recent years, with enhanced stylus and touch experiences that complement the strengths of the Laptop Studio 2.

A noteworthy addition to Windows this year is Microsoft’s AI system, known as Copilot, serving as a conversational generative AI assistant that appears in a vertical bar on the right side of the screen. It facilitates tasks like answering questions, web searches, and other general assistant activities. Additionally, Copilot can generate text and images for direct insertion into emails, messages, or documents. However, it’s essential to carefully review the generated text/images before sending, as it occasionally makes errors, such as depicting a PlayStation joystick in an image of someone playing an Xbox or incorporating incorrect facts and figures in text.

Sustainability

Microsoft does not specify the anticipated battery lifespan, but it is expected to exceed 500 full-charge cycles, retaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Battery replacement incurs a cost of £437.88, while screen repair costs £583.86 when out of warranty.

The SSD storage is modular, though Microsoft advises that only technicians should handle its removal. The company implements recycling programs for outdated devices and releases a comprehensive sustainability report, along with an itemized breakdown of each product’s environmental impact.

Price

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is priced starting at £2,069 (€2,239/$1999.99/A$3,343), while models featuring Nvidia graphics begin at £2,469 (€2,719/$2,399.99/A$3,989). The reviewed configuration, with a cost of £3,369 (€3,799/$3,299.99/A$5,156), represents the top-tier offering.

For context, the Surface Laptop 5 is priced at £999, a Dell XPS 15 with similar specifications is approximately £1,500, the Razer Blade 15 is listed at £2,500, and the Apple M3 Max MacBook Pro is priced at £3,299.

Verdict

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 finds itself in an unconventional position as a commendable machine. Priced too high for the consumer laptop market, the entry-level model at £2,000 is not a recommended purchase.

When compared to competitors, especially in terms of raw power and battery life—crucial aspects for the target audience of developers, photographers, videographers, and creators—it faces challenges.

Despite its merits, including the innovative fold-forward screen, top-notch stylus support, impressive speakers, and a stellar keyboard and trackpad, Microsoft’s advantage in these fundamental features is diminishing against Windows rivals and sometimes surpassed by Apple. Whether these advantages justify the cost remains uncertain.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is an appealing device, but it doesn’t come with a strong recommendation, except for dedicated Microsoft enthusiasts or individuals with a genuine need for the unique folding screen.