When Microsoft introduced the Surface Laptop in 2017, it marked a significant shift in the company’s approach to personal computing. Up until that point, Microsoft’s Surface lineup primarily consisted of hybrid tablet-laptop devices like the Surface Pro series. However, with the Surface Laptop, Microsoft officially entered the traditional laptop market, directly competing with Apple’s MacBook lineup and high-end Windows ultrabooks.
A New Category in the Surface Lineup
The Surface Laptop was a statement from Microsoft. While the company had already gained recognition with its Surface Pro devices, which featured detachable keyboards and a 2-in-1 form factor, the Surface Laptop was designed for those who preferred a more conventional clamshell laptop experience. It was aimed at students, professionals, and creatives looking for a sleek, lightweight, and well-built device with excellent battery life and performance.
Microsoft’s goal with the Surface Laptop was to provide a premium Windows experience without the compromises of detachable keyboards or kickstands. The device introduced an ultra-slim aluminum chassis, a luxurious Alcantara fabric-covered keyboard, and a high-resolution touchscreen, making it a unique offering in the laptop market.
Public Reaction and Market Positioning
The Surface Laptop was met with positive reviews, particularly for its elegant design, high-quality build, and impressive battery life. Many users appreciated Microsoft’s focus on aesthetics and portability, which made the laptop an attractive alternative to the MacBook Air and other premium ultrabooks.
However, the biggest controversy at launch was Microsoft’s decision to ship the Surface Laptop with Windows 10 S, a restricted version of Windows 10 that only allowed apps from the Microsoft Store. While this provided security and performance benefits, it also limited software compatibility. Fortunately, Microsoft offered a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for users who needed full application access.
Microsoft Surface Laptop (2017) Specifications
The first-generation Surface Laptop came with solid hardware, emphasizing performance and efficiency:
- Display: 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen (2256 x 1504 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio)
- Processor: Intel 7th Gen Kaby Lake Core i5 or Core i7
- RAM: 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB LPDDR3
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 (i5 model) or Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 (i7 model)
- Ports: 1x USB 3.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect
- Battery Life: Up to 14.5 hours (video playback)
- Operating System: Windows 10 S (Upgradeable to Windows 10 Pro)
While the specs were competitive at the time, the lack of USB-C ports was a notable drawback, especially as other premium laptops had already started adopting the new standard.
Surface Laptop vs. Surface Laptop Go – Which One to Choose?
In recent years, Microsoft expanded the Surface Laptop lineup with the Surface Laptop Go series, a more affordable alternative aimed at budget-conscious users. Here’s how the two compare:
Choose Surface Laptop If:
- You need a higher-resolution touchscreen and premium build quality.
- You want better overall performance with more powerful Intel Core i5/i7 processors.
- You need more RAM and storage options (up to 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD).
- Battery life and display quality are your top priorities.
Choose Surface Laptop Go If:
- You’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
- You need a lightweight and ultra-portable laptop for basic tasks.
- You don’t mind a lower-resolution display and slightly less powerful hardware.
- You primarily use cloud-based applications and don’t require large storage capacity.
Both devices offer the signature Microsoft Surface experience, but your choice will depend on your needs and budget. The original Surface Laptop set the foundation for a premium Windows laptop experience, while the Surface Laptop Go offers an accessible alternative for everyday users.
Conclusion
The 2017 Surface Laptop was a bold move by Microsoft, marking its entry into the traditional laptop market with a device that emphasized elegance, portability, and performance. Despite early concerns about Windows 10 S, the Surface Laptop proved to be a well-received addition to the Surface lineup. Today, Microsoft continues to refine the Surface Laptop series, offering multiple configurations to suit different user needs. Whether you choose the premium Surface Laptop or the more affordable Surface Laptop Go, Microsoft has successfully created a lineup that competes with the best ultrabooks in the market.