4 days ago
9
Yes, it's just a premium laptop. But it sure looks pretty.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
When we first caught a glimpse of the Surface Laptop Ultra back in June, I was struck by how normal it seemed. Even though Microsoft claimed it was the most powerful Surface Laptop ever, it really looked like a straightforward MacBook Pro clone, even more so than the Surface Laptop (or the Laptop Studio, which nobody talks about anymore). There aren't any weird hinges or flashy Surface features — it appeared to be just pure premium laptop.
After spending a bit of time with it today, I can confirm that remains the case. At the same time, it feels better than any other Windows laptop I've held before. And given its $2,599 starting price, it damn well better.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
There's nothing flashy about the Surface Laptop Ultra, but for the AI developers who want powerful a portable system that can hold up to 128GB of RAM, it could be their dream machine. Even before I got my hands on it, the Laptop Ultra exuded a sense of quality. Its aluminum case glowed amid the studio lights, its screen was surprisingly bright and its overall aesthetic was clean. Think of it like a sturdy and minimalist Volvo, compared to a flashy BMW or Audi.
Beyond just looking great, everything about the Surface Laptop Ultra exudes quality. Its keyboard has just the right amount of tactile feedback, something I've always appreciated about Microsoft's keyboard. It's massive haptic touchpad feels smooth and responsive. It's a heavy machine, coming in under 4.5 pounds, but that's par for the course with 16-inch workhorses. It's still lighter than Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro, and it feels just as sturdy.
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
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