Surface Laptop Studio Review Ended in DISASTER
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Visit squarespace.com and use offer code LTT for 10% off Get 15% off the ModMic Wireless and other ModMic products at antlionaudio.com The Surface Laptop Studio is a new premium windows machine from Microsoft. Too bad they didn't make it easier to open... Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► AFFILIATES, SPONSORS & REFERRALS: lmg.gg ► PODCAST GEAR: lmg.gg ► SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Facebook: @LinusTech Instagram: @linustech TikTok: @linustech Twitch: twitch.tv MUSIC CREDIT --------------------------------------------------- Intro: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High Video Link: youtube.com Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi Artist Link: youtube.com Intro animation by MBarek Abdelwassaa @mbarek_abdel Monitor And Keyboard by vadimmihalkevich / CC BY 4.0 geni.us Mechanical RGB Keyboard by BigBrotherECE / CC BY 4.0 geni.us Mouse Gamer free Model By Oscar Creativo / CC BY 4.0 geni.us CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:59 Display and design 2:11 Trackpad, keyboard, and I/O 4:55 Performance 7:32 Pencil shavings 8:59 Aesthetics and convertibility 10:38 Speakers and webcam, wherein Linus makes a bad joke 12:16 Pricing tiers 12:45 The Teardown Experience... 14:44 Internals 17:10 Conclusion
The video begins with a dramatic setup around the Surface Laptop Studio, framing Microsoft’s device as a potential high point for Windows laptops and simultaneously hinting at notable issues. The host discusses the display as a core selling point, highlighting a 120 Hz refresh rate, the classic Surface 3:2 aspect, and a concern about rounded corners and pixel clipping that could affect perceived quality. He compares input responsiveness, like the trackpad polling rate, to how a high refresh display should feel, noting how a high polling rate can reduce input latency yet also reveal synchronization quirks with the display. The segment delves into hardware choices and the lack of USB-A ports, replacing them with Thunderbolt 4, while also praising the trackpad and keyboard for their accuracy and travel, and calling the chassis rigidity excellent. The discussion then pivots to performance, stressing that while a Core i7-11370H paired with an RTX 3050 Ti is capable for many tasks, it sits in a similar price bracket as more powerful configurations (e.g., XPS 15 with an 8-core CPU), which could influence purchasing decisions for power users and gamers. As the host moves into real-world tests, he remarks on the device’s quiet operation and relatively cool temps, though he notes the Palm rests can get warm under load. The stylus experience is celebrated for strong magnet attachment and quick usability, with a side note about Windows' touch support limitations. The video also covers practical use cases in Studio Mode and how the form factor supports easy transitions between modes, contrasting it with other 2-in-1 designs. Finally, the teardown portion reveals a challenging disassembly, exposing design tradeoffs around repairability, battery layout, and internal components, while the host remains balanced about the device’s strengths such as battery life, a compelling display, and the unique form factor, tempered by the reality that upgradeability is limited and the device remains expensive at higher configurations.
Topics · technology · hardware · laptops · design · review
Questions answered
- What are the main selling points of the Surface Laptop Studio according to the review?
- The main selling points are the high refresh rate display at 120 Hz, the versatile Steam-like studio mode and form factor, the excellent trackpad and keyboard, strong chassis rigidity, and the stylus integration with magnet attachment.
- Why does the reviewer criticize the repairability of the laptop?
- The reviewer notes hidden screws and a design that makes disassembly difficult, arguing that Microsoft positions the device as non-user serviceable and that parts like the battery and storage are not easily replaceable by owners.
- How does the performance compare to competing laptops in the same price bracket?
- The Surface Laptop Studio uses a Core i7-11370H and RTX 3050 Ti, which is capable for many tasks but sits in a price range where more powerful CPUs (e.g., 8-core models) and faster GPUs may be available, potentially offering better performance for demanding workloads and gaming.
- What is a key advantage of the form factor highlighted in the video?
- A key advantage is the quick transition between laptop, studio, and tablet modes, with a seamless touchscreen interaction that allows users to switch modes without lengthy setup, especially useful for on-the-go productivity and drawing or sketching tasks.