Laptops

Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop

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A spec-by-spec look at how the two newest devices in Microsoft's Surface line compare
A spec-by-spec look at how the two newest devices in Microsoft's Surface line compare
Built-in storage
RAM
Starting price
Release date
Operating system
Camera
Battery
Speakers
MicroSD
Ports
Fanless
Graphics
Processor
Fingerprint sensor
Display resolution
Stylus support
Touchscreen
Facial recognition
Dedicated charging port
Display size
Build material (case)
Weight
Form factor
Dimensions
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Microsoft rounded out its Surface lineup this month by introducing the all-new education-focused Surface Laptop and the latest generation of the Surface Pro. Here's how the specs and features of these devices compare.

Form factor

Form factor

The biggest difference between these two machines is their form factor. The Surface Pro is a tablet first; it doubles as a laptop with the addition of a Type Cover keyboard accessory (sold separately). The Surface Laptop is a classic clamshell-style laptop.

Size

Dimensions

For the Surface Pro, the measurements shown here are for the tablet only. The Type Cover adds a small amount of bulk, but overall, the Surface Laptop is still the larger device.

Weight

Weight

Again, the weight shown here does not include the keyboard for the Surface Pro, but it's still considerably lighter than the Laptop. For reference's sake, the Surface Pro Signature Edition Type Cover adds an additional 0.31kg.

Build materials (case)

Build material (case)

Microsoft uses a magnesium alloy for its entire Surface lineup, excepting the Surface Laptop, which is aluminum.

If you get your hands on one of these, you'll also notice a different material used in the keyboard. The Laptop has an Alcantara fabric-covered keyboard that makes for a soft touch and sound while typing. The Signature Type Cover for the Surface Pro also incorporates Alcantara.

Display size

Display size

The smaller Surface Pro offers 83-percent of the overall display area of the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop. Both have a 3:2 aspect ratio.

Touchscreen display

Dedicated charging port

Both Surfaces have touchscreen displays.

Display resolution

Display resolution

The Surface Pro has higher resolution, but it probably not enough to make a significant difference for most day-to-day use.

Fingerprint sensor

Fingerprint sensor

Neither machine has a built-in fingerprint sensor, but some older editions of the Type Cover for the Surface Pro are equipped with one, and they appear to be forward-compatible.

Facial recognition

Stylus support

You're not out of luck when it comes to biometrics, however. Both devices support the facial recognition feature in Windows Hello, for fast, secure logins with just your face.

Stylus support

Touchscreen

Again, both devices support the Surface Pen active stylus – but it is not included with either of them. The Surface Pen retails on its own for US$99.

Processor

Processor

The latest generation Intel Core processors show up in both of these devices. However, the entry-level Surface Pro has a less-powerful core m3 processor and the Laptop goes straight for the i5 chip.

Graphics

Graphics

Every configuration has embedded graphics with no options to upgrade.

RAM

RAM

Each machine contains 4, 8 or 16 GB of RAM, but your exact options depend on which processor you choose.

Storage

Built-in storage

Both are available with 128, 256 or 512 GB of built-in storage. The Surface Pro has an additional 1 TB option.

Fanless

Fanless

For the quietest computing, you'll want to go fanless. You have that option with the m3 and i5 variants of the Surface Pro.

Ports

Ports

Ports stand pat. Microsoft has equipped each with one USB 3.0 port (not the newer USB-C standard) and a mini DisplayPort.

SD card reader

MicroSD

The Surface Pro has a microSD slot, but not the Laptop.

Dedicated charging port

Stylus support

You won't have to occupy that precious USB port to charge your device. Both are equipped with a Surface Connect port for dedicated charging.

Speakers

Speakers

The Surface Pro has standard stereo speakers, but the Surface Laptop has so-called omnisonic speakers built into the keyboard.

Battery

Battery

Microsoft's battery life estimates are fairly impressive. If they are accurate, then both of these can get you through a work day (and then some) without charging.

Camera

Camera

The Pro has a tablet-like camera configuration with both a front and rear shooter. The Laptop has a 720p webcam.

Software

Operating system

The Surface Pro runs a full version of Windows 10. The default option for the Surface Laptop is Windows 10 S, a walled version of the OS that only supports apps downloaded from the Windows Store. This is purportedly to keep prices low and the system robust.

If Windows 10 S sounds like a hassle, Microsoft is offering free upgrades to the full version of Windows 10 until the end of the year. After that, it will require an additional fee.

Release

Release date

Both are available for pre-order now to start shipping in a few short weeks.

Starting price

Starting price

The entry-level Surface Pro is the least expensive device, but once you consider accessories and upgrades, it easily becomes more expensive than the Surface Laptop. These prices do not include the Signature Type Cover (US$160), so if you want an all-in-one Intel core i5 or i7, it's cheaper to go with the Laptop.

It's likely that preferences here will come down to form factor. For some, the portability and flexibility of a tablet will be a major advantage, but for others, it could be an unnecessary complication.

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1 comment
Gregg Eshelman
$1600 and they'll gouge you another $50 for the non-S version of Windows 10.