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    Computers

    Microsoft Surface Laptop (Core i5, 256GB) computer

    A 13.5-inch laptop that came installed with Windows 10 Pro in S Mode but was tested with Windows 10 Pro, an Intel Core i5-7200U 2.5GHz processor, 8GB of memory, Intel HD Graphics 620 graphics, a touchscreen, and a 256GB hybrid drive solid state drive.

    About

    The Microsoft Surface Laptop (Core i5, 256GB) is a 13.5-inch laptop with a screen resolution of 2256 x 1504. It has 8GB of memory and a 256GB hybrid drive solid state drive. It has an Intel Core i5-7200U 2.5GHz processor and Intel HD Graphics 620 video adapter but no dedicated video memory. But it lacks an optical drive for burning CDs or DVDs. It came installed with Windows 10 Pro in S Mode, which limits programs to those from the Microsoft Store, but was tested with Windows 10 Pro, available with a free update.

    The Surface Laptop (Core i5, 256GB) has a touch screen, and 1 full-size USB port built-in on the laptop. It supports WiFi 802.11ac, so it's compatible with the latest high-speed routers.

    The Surface Laptop (Core i5, 256GB) measures 12.1 inches wide by 0.6 inches high by 8.8 inches deep and it weighs 2.8lbs. It's backed by a 12 month warranty, with 12 months of free tech support by telephone.

    Connections

    WiFi type WiFi type The type of built-in 802.11 wireless networking supported. Computers with 802.11n also support 802.11g routers. Some models with 802.11n also support the 5GHz "high band," a standard suitable for apartments and other crowded areas.
    802.11ac
    USB sleep and charge USB sleep and charge Unlike standard USB ports that power off when the computer is turned off or put to sleep, sleep and charge USB ports remain powered on when in sleep mode. They can be used to charge electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets.
    No
    Thunderbolt port Thunderbolt port Has a Thunderbolt port for connecting peripherals such as an external hard drive. This includes ports that may be on the keyboard dock of detachable laptops. Thunderbolt is a high-speed port that can connect to DVI, HDMI and VGA through the use of adapters. Thunderbolt 3 is the newest version that supports faster speeds.
    No
    Digital video out Digital video out Has a DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort video output for sending a digital video signal to a computer monitor or HDTV.
    Yes
    Number of USB ports Number of USB ports Number of USB ports for printers, flash drives, or other peripherals. This includes ports that may be on the keyboard dock of detachable laptops.
    1
    Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Support for 1,000 Mb/s networking.
    No
    VGA video out VGA video out A connection for an external display with a VGA input. This includes ports that may be on the keyboard dock of detachable laptops.
    No
    HDMI output HDMI output An HDMI out port for sending a digital video/audio signal to a computer monitor or HDTV.
    No

    Features

    Blu-ray or DVD Blu-ray or DVD Has either a Blu-Ray drive (B), which lets you watch Blu-Ray movies and read/write to CDs and DVDs, or a DVD drive (D), which lets you read/write to CDs and DVDs.
    None
    Memory-card reader Memory-card reader At least one flash memory-card slot (CF, SD, XD, MS, etc.)
    No
    Facial recognition Facial recognition Webcam can be set to scan your face for secure log-in.
    Yes
    Fingerprint reader Fingerprint reader A biometric fingerprint reader for logging into your PC.
    No

    Specs

    Display size (in.) Display size The diagonal measure of the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen.
    13.5
    Operating system (as tested) Operating system (as tested) The operating system that was installed on the computer at the time it was tested. The operating system is the software that controls the basic operation of the computer. Common examples are Windows and Mac OS. The operating system determines the "look and feel" of the PC.
    Windows 10 Pro
    Processor Processor Also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), the processor is responsible for running commands and handling data. Processors come in different speeds and may have two or more cores (ex. dual-core), which let you more quickly process multiple complex tasks.
    Intel Core i5-7200U 2.5GHz
    Memory (GB) Memory Also known as RAM, memory is a temporary storage area for data. Its size is an important factor for performance. We recommend at least 4GB of memory, or 8GB if you plan to run several large applications at the same time.
    8
    Storage (GB) Storage The amount of storage, a permanent area for the operating system, programs and data such as documents, music, and media files. Storage can be a hard drive, an SSD (solid state drive), or hybrid drive.
    256
    Video memory (MB) Video memory The amount of dedicated memory built into a graphics adapter. Most models have integrated graphics, which have no dedicated memory but are still suitable for most applications, including photo editing and watching movies. Others have discrete graphic adapters, which typically have 256 MB or more video memory, to deliver smoother and more realistic graphics for 3D games.
    N/A
    LCD resolution LCD resolution The number of picture elements ("pixels") across the horizontal and vertical dimension of the screen. The higher the resolution within a given size screen, the finer the detail that can be displayed.
    2256 x 1504
    Video adapter Video adapter Also known as the video card, the video adapter processes all the data that you see on your screen. They come in different speeds and may be integrated (most common, but is slower and uses up memory) or discrete (which is faster and has its own dedicated memory). If you will not be playing complex 3D games, any integrated graphics adapter will do. Otherwise, buy a discrete graphics adapter with a graphics processor from ATI or Nvidia with at least 256 MB of memory.
    Intel HD Graphics 620
    Optical drive Optical drive The optical drive reads and/or writes to CDs and DVDs. Most PCs come equipped with a DVD-RW, also known as a DVD burner, which lets you read and write to DVDs.Some models come with Blu-Ray drives, which let you play high-definition movies.
    None
    Height (in.) Height The height from the table, or thickness, of the computer while closed. This includes the keyboard dock on detachable laptops.
    0.6
    Depth (in.) Depth The depth, from the front edge to the back hinge, of the computer while closed. This includes the keyboard dock for detachable laptops.
    8.8
    Width (in.) Width The width of the computer while closed. This includes the keyboard dock of detachable laptops.
    12.1
    Thin and light Thin and light Based on weight and thickness. This includes laptops that may be labeled "Ultrabook," "Sleekbook," "Thin and light," and "Ultrathin," among other terms.
    Yes
    Warranty length (mos.) Warranty length The length in months of the manufacturer's standard warranty.
    12
    Tech support length (mos.) Tech support length The length in months of the manufacturer's free technical support by telephone.
    12
    Battery capacity (WHr) Battery capacity The total energy contained in the battery, expressed in Watt-hours. A larger capacity battery will deliver longer battery life, but will add weight and sometimes will extend beyond the edge of the laptop.
    45