Performance: Overall this laptop's performance was very good. Tasks like email, word processing and web browsing will be accomplished quickly. Compared to other tested laptops, it was fast for common tasks such as web browsing and video conferencing. Applications start up quickly. It was among the fastest when composing multiple documents with images, calculating large complex data spreadsheets, and running other demanding productivity tasks, and its speed was adequate for manipulating filters on images, converting and editing videos, and rendering models and calculating simulations. Graphical tasks run faster among other models with only integrated graphics.
Portability: This laptop is a very good choice for traveling. Battery life lasted 20.75 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 18.25 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results were outstanding enough to last well beyond a typical day of mixed use, lasting longer than most other similar laptops. At 2.9 lbs, weight was typical for a laptop of this size category. To help with long-term battery health, this laptop has adjustable charge options, such as modifying when and how much to charge the battery.
Ergonomics: Some features of the keyboard, touchpad, and labeling, were well-designed, and were comfortable or convenient to use. The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. Its high contrast letters were easy to read, and the backlighting can be useful in dark rooms. The power button was well labeled and conveniently located. The touchscreen is smooth enough for fast swipes, and fingerprints clean off easily.
Display: The display quality was very good overall. Colors were accurately reproduced, realistic, and natural looking. The laptop's display was brighter than most, a plus for viewing in bright indoor lighting or outdoors. It has HDR settings that can show fine detail and is helpful for use in dark rooms. The display has a wide viewing angle, especially important if more than one person needs to see the screen at a time, say, for a video or presentation. Its display produces a wider array of colors than on most other tested laptops.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: Laptop has a touchscreen. You can connect common external devices such as hard drives and Blu-ray burners using USB4 for maximum performance. This laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C for connecting to an HDTV or monitor.
Downsides: Some software is incompatible with the ARM processor on this model, including third-party anti-virus, cloud apps, and accessories with specialized drivers. There is no memory-card reader, so you'll need to buy an external reader or connect your digital camera directly to this laptop to transfer photos. Based on results of a CR member survey, Microsoft laptops of a similar price to this model stood out as being meaningfully worse than typical for experiencing certain problem areas such as unresponsive or too sensitive keyboards.
