Surface Pro 11 and Laptop 7 Review: First Co-Pilot Plus PCs

Microsoft recently unveiled two new Surface devices – the Surface Pro 11 and the Surface Laptop 7. These aren’t just your average laptops; they’re the first to be dubbed “Co-Pilot Plus PCs.” This new designation signifies a built-in suite of AI features powered by an on-device Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

So, should you upgrade? Let’s dive into the details of each device and see what the Co-Pilot Plus experience offers.

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Surface Pro 11: Detachable Laptop

Additional notes:

• The base model comes with a Snapdragon X Plus chip and an LCD display.
• Microsoft sells the keyboard and pen separately from the base model.
• The Surface Pro Flex keyboard and Pen bundle costs an additional $450.
• A regular (non-Flex) keyboard is available for $280.

The Surface Pro 11 stays true to its roots as a premium Windows detachable. It has a beautiful, optional OLED display that delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, perfect for creative work.

Battery life is also impressive, clocking in at around 13 hours in our tests. The Snapdragon X Elite chip in the Surface Pro 11 and ASUS Vivobook S15 matches Intel Core Ultra 7 laptops and the M3 MacBook Air in performance.

Here’s the thing to keep in mind: the base model Surface Pro 11 comes with an LCD display and a Snapdragon X Plus chip. The OLED display and X Elite chip come at a premium.

Additionally, Microsoft sells the kickstand and keyboard separately, hiking up the total price.

Surface Laptop 7: The Classic Laptop

Additional notes:

• The display is not OLED and does not support pen input.
• The GPU performs roughly on par with Intel’s integrated Arc graphics.
• The laptop has a metal body with a solid build quality.

For those who prefer a traditional laptop form factor, the Surface Laptop 7 is a good option. This features a sleek, redesigned chassis with a larger 13.8-inch display and a comfortable keyboard with a haptic touchpad.

Battery life is truly exceptional, reaching nearly 20 hours on a single charge. Like the Surface Pro 11, the Surface Laptop 7 uses Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, ensuring smooth everyday performance.

While there’s no option for an OLED display on the Laptop 7, the LCD panel offers excellent color reproduction.

It’s important to note, however, that the Surface Laptop 7 doesn’t support pen input, so if you need that functionality, the Surface Pro 11 remains the better choice.

The Power of Co-Pilot Plus

So, what exactly is Co-Pilot Plus? It’s Microsoft’s suite of AI features designed to enhance your workflow. While Co-Pilot, the AI assistant, can perform basic tasks like web searches and answering questions, Co-Pilot Plus uses the NPU for more advanced functionalities.

One such feature is “Restyle,” which allows you to creatively edit photos with the help of AI. Another interesting feature is “Studio Effects,” which enhances your video conferencing experience. It can automatically frame you in the shot, adjust lighting, and even track your eyes to make it seem like you’re always looking directly at the camera.

It’s important to acknowledge that some Co-Pilot Plus features, like “Recall” (designed to help you quickly find things you were working on), are still under development due to privacy concerns.

Wrapping Up

The decision to upgrade depends on your specific needs. For stunning display and long battery life, the Surface Pro 11 with the OLED display is the best option.

The Surface Laptop 7, on the other hand, is a good choice for those who value exceptional battery life, a comfortable keyboard, and a traditional laptop form factor.

Regardless of the Co-Pilot Plus features, both the Surface Pro 11 and Laptop 7 give performance and long battery life. The built-in NPU is for exciting new AI functionalities, but it’s still early days for this technology.

If you’re not sold on the AI aspect, either device still gives you a top-notch Windows laptop.