Buying guide for Best Microsoft laptops
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Microsoft laptops are aimed at specific segments of the consumer market: business people and students. The software giant, best known for providing its operating system to PCs made by any company without an apple in its logo, has carved out quite a niche with its own laptops. These are tailored toward the needs — and budgets — of professionals and students, both of whom need ample computing power at a reasonable price.
Choosing the right Microsoft laptop can feel like a guessing game. As with any laptop, you need to consider how you’ll be using it and what your needs are. Is it mostly just for business apps or schoolwork? Do you want to be able to do some gaming on it as well? Are you hoping to use it as a tablet sometimes? How often will you be carrying the laptop around versus using it at a desk? These are some of the factors you’ll need to think about before you make your purchase.
To decide which Microsoft laptop has the features you need and avoid wasting money on the features you don’t, check out our guide to these powerful yet portable personal computers.
Key considerations
Screen size
Consider what screen size will be comfortable for you, as some users have a hard time working with those on the smaller end of the spectrum.
Processor
A powerful processor helps a laptop to run more efficiently and faster overall.
Graphics
Integrated graphics cards boost overall graphics depth and resolution, but they are not as powerful as the graphics cards in the tower units of desktop computers. This means that some graphics-intensive games may not run on your laptop, and advanced graphics programs may be limited.
Memory
Robust RAM is key to multitasking and gaming. Your laptop should have at least 8GB of RAM available onboard.
Internal storage
Today, data storage is increasingly being split between the computer itself and the cloud. Solid-state drives manage data storage more efficiently than traditional hard drives. So, you may not need as much onboard storage as you would have in the past, unless you need to save and work with lots of high-resolution graphics.
Battery life
Your laptop should have ample power to get you through the workday and beyond.
Weight
A laptop that weighs over five pounds may not bother users who rarely move from their desk, but business travelers and others who frequently need to carry their laptops long distances may prefer a lighter model.
Key questions to ask
Do you want a two-in-one laptop, a model with a detachable screen, or a standard laptop?
Microsoft laptops boast all three three screen configurations. A two-in-one model folds over to act as a tablet. A laptop with a detachable screen can actually separate into two parts, a keyboard, and a screen. And finally, a laptop with a standard screen is a traditional folding laptop. The more changeable the configuration, the higher the cost.
Will this be your main computer or your mobile backup?
If you have a desktop computer already, a Microsoft laptop can act as a portable extension of that device. If so, you may not need to buy the most powerful model; you may be able to get buy with a more basic (and less costly) device.
Are you a power user or casual user?
Users who multitask across graphics-intensive programs for a significant portion of the day need a more robust laptop than users who only need access to a couple of programs or apps for short periods of time.
Features
Display
Microsoft was among the first manufacturers to include a touchscreen as a standard feature in its laptops rather than an optional feature. This was an intended feature of its Surface series, as its operating system has been app-based (and touchscreen-friendly) since Windows 8, which launched alongside the Surface tablet. A high-definition display is also standard, providing better resolution and improved visibility.
Screen size
Currently, Microsoft laptops have a screen size of either 13.5 inches or 15 inches.
Keyboard
Microsoft laptops tend to edge toward the “tablet” end of the portable device spectrum, and their keyboards reflect that. Not all of the company’s hybrid laptop-tablets come equipped with a keyboard as a standard item; you may need to buy a compatible one separately if you require it.
Kickstand
Microsoft hybrid laptops that require a keyboard also need a “kickstand” to hold the screen in an upright position when placed on a desk or table. It’s part of the Type cover that is sold separately for some models.
Ports and charging
Pay close attention to the specs for USB and charging ports of any Mircosoft laptop you’re considering. What will you need to plug into your device? The specs vary between Microsoft laptop models. Currently only the Surface Pro models have USB-C ports, for example.
"Get the longest life from your laptop’s battery by keeping the laptop out of hot rooms and direct sunlight. Don’t leave it plugged in all the time. Once a month, let the battery drain below the halfway mark before recharging it."
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Microsoft laptop prices
Inexpensive
Small, hybrid Surface Go laptops (which require a Type keyboard cover and kickstand) and older Surface laptop base models can be found in the lowest price tier for Microsoft laptops, ranging between $418 and $560.
Mid-range
The price jumps for the latest models of Microsoft laptops, ranging between $900 to $1,300. In this price bracket, you can find up-to-date Surface models.
Expensive
Those who need top processing power, memory, and onboard storage can expect to pay $1,900 to $2,400 for a fully loaded Surface laptop.
Tips
- Microsoft laptops use both programs and apps. All of them are accessible by clicking the Start icon in the lower left of the screen or by typing the name in the search field on the taskbar.
- A Surface pen, available as a separate accessory, can be used on all Microsoft laptops as a stylus.
- Clean your Microsoft Type keyboard frequently with a soft cloth lightly dampened in soapy water to remove fingerprints and dust.
- When not in use, store your Microsoft laptop out of direct sunlight.
- Don’t use glass cleaner or any other all-purpose cleaner on the touchscreen.
- Remove smudges from metal surfaces and magnetic connectors using a soft cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- Avoid pinching the power cord or wrapping it too tightly. Don’t tug on the cord to unplug it from the laptop.
- If your Type cover does not work the first time you use it, try downloading and installing the latest system update on the laptop first.
