The latest and greatest
The Surface Laptop 2 is the latest version of the Laptop line from Microsoft. It's packing updated specifications, including an Intel 8th Gen processor, a quieter keyboard, and is now also available in black. What's more, it includes faster Instant-on, and a little better battery life to get you through the day.
For
- Available in black.
- Faster instant-on
- 8th Gen processors
Against
- No USB-C
- Higher starting price
The O.G.
The original Surface Laptop is the one that catapulted Microsoft into the laptop-category. It's almost identical to the Surface Laptop 2, but with older internal specifications and no black color option. If you don't need the latest CPU, you can save yourself a few bucks going for this instead.
For
- Identical design to Surface Laptop 2
- Comes with Windows 10 Pro.
- Still an excellent buy in 2018.
Against
- No USB-C
- Alcantara can get dirty if mistreated.
The Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 are two excellent clamshell devices from Microsoft. Both are identical in many ways, with the only real differences being on the inside. If you want more power, the Surface Laptop 2 is for you, but if power isn't your main concern, you might be better off saving a few bucks and getting last years Surface Laptop instead.
Surface Laptop 2 vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Surface Laptop 2 | Surface Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 8th GenIntel Core i5-8250UIntel Core i7-8650U | 7th GenIntel Core i5-7200UIntel Core i7-7660U |
| RAM | 8, 16 GB | 4, 8, 16GB |
| Storage | 128, 256, 512 GB1 TB | 128, 256, 512GB |
| Display size | 13.5 inchesTouch | 13.5 inchesTouch |
| Display resolution | 2,256 x 1,5043:2 aspect ratio | 2,256 x 1,5043:2 aspect ratio |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel HD graphics 620Intel Iris Graphics 640 |
| Ports | USB-A 3.0Mini DisplayPortSurface Connect3.5 mm audio | USB-A 3.0Mini DisplayPortSurface Connect3.5 mm audio |
| Biometrics | IR camera for Windows Hello | IR camera for Windows Hello |
| Battery | Up to 14.5 hours | Up to 14.5 hours |
| Dimensions | 12.13 inches x 8.79 inches x 0.57 inches | 12.13 inches x 8.78 inches x 0.57 inches |
| Weight | From 2.76 pounds | From 2.76 pounds |
Design and features
The Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 are identical in almost every way. There isn't one single feature or design change that you can't find on both, because the Surface Laptop 2 is just a refresh of the original Surface Laptop, meaning nothing has changed on the surface. There is an additional color choice for the Surface Laptop 2 however; it now comes in black.
The black finish is really nice, and looks just like the original Surface RT and Surface Pro did back when they were announced in 2012. It's a callback to Surface's roots, and a subtle one that only fans will recognize. The black finish does give the Surface Laptop 2 a slightly different texture, but it's not something worth buying the Surface Laptop 2 specifically for.
Both displays are identical too, featuring the same 2504x1707 resolution and screen technology. They both feature touchscreens and pen support, and are all-round great displays. Even the port selection, which is limited to just USB-A 3.1 and Mini DisplayPort, are the same across both devices. No USB-C on the Surface Laptop 2, unfortunately. So, which to get is more-or-less entirely down to what's on the inside, unless you really must have it in black.
Performance
Here's where things start to diverge quite a bit. The Surface Laptop, released in mid-2017, is rocking Intel 7th Gen processors, meaning it's technically an older and less capable machine. However, in real-world usage, that's absolutely not the case. The 7th Gen i5 and i7 in the Surface Laptop is more than fine for daily tasks, including web browsing, editing documents in Office, listening to music in Spotify, and even doing a little bit of Photoshop.
There are some benefits to going for the 8th Gen processors found in the Surface Laptop 2 however. For one, there's more power. Unlike the 7th Gen processors, which are dual-core, the 8th Gen processors in the Surface Laptop 2 are quad-core, meaning programs that can take advantage of additional cores will perform faster — it's great for gaming, Photoshop, and video editing.
Battery life and instant-on is also improved on the Surface Laptop 2, lasting a couple more hours than the Surface Laptop did, and also powering on faster from sleep. The original Surface Laptop already had good battery life, and its instant-on capabilities aren't bad at all, but there are slight improvements in this area on the Surface Laptop 2.
In regards to graphics, both feature integrated graphics meaning you won't be getting much out of the graphical processor in either device. The Surface Laptop 2 should squeeze a bit more out of its Intel HD Graphics processor, but not by much. Neither of these devices should be your first choice for gaming or heavy video editing.
Why get the Surface Laptop 2
If you need the extra cores, slightly improved battery life, faster instant-on capabilities, and quieter keyboard, then the Surface Laptop 2 is the best choice for you. It also comes in black, so if that's something on your must-have list, then this is your only option.
Notebook computing done right.
With 8th Gen Intel Core CPU options, a beautiful touch display, and light, slim build, the Surface Laptop 2 is perfect for handling a standard day's work, but with a bit of extra horsepower when required.
Why the original Surface Laptop might be a better pick
The Surface Laptop 2 is a minor upgrade over the original Surface Laptop, meaning you can get 95 percent of what the Surface Laptop 2 offers with the original Surface Laptop, but for a lot less. What's more, the original Surface Laptop has way more configurations, including an Intel Core m3 with 4GB RAM option, great for college students.
Almost identical to the Laptop 2, but for a lot less.
The Surface Laptop is a great choice for college students and those who work primarily in Office, who browse the Internet, check email, listen to music, and use their PCs casually.
