Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 hands-on: More ports and a much-needed spec bump

The Surface Laptop Studio is sort of a unique PC thanks to its innovative hinged display, stylus support and well-rounded specs. In some ways it's the ultimate jack-of-all-trades but master of none system. And now a sequel has arrived sporting a much-needed spec bump and the addition of some long-requested features including a microSD card slot.

[AaronBrooks]

I have the first one and Im so hyped for this one. The CPU and battery life were the things holding this one back, but there isnt a comparable system for my needs. Its definitely not for everyone, but if it is for you, its amazing.

[Icebarbed]

I kinda miss the Surface book, but this is nice too.

[theinktician]

At the top end its a huge upgrade. But at the bottom spec, it's honestly more of a yearly refresh (except 2022 didn't have a model). The RXT 4050 has been a great upgrade from the 3050 - way bigger than the jump from 1650 to 3050

[TabletPro]

I like engadget, but I don't think this review really shows how MASSIVE this update actually is. They improved dramatically this machine in almost every area. The screen is better, is brighter, does support HDR now for real, not just rare circumstances, 2x performance is not a small change that is HUGE. I had the original and this addresses every single wish I had on my list. both 4050 and 4060 models are great options. wish they had a lower priced 4050 model with 32gb ram as that would have been a sweet spot for many.

[DuneDee]

I had the original SLS and used it extensively for artwork and programming before going over to the beefier Asus Flow X16. I'm going to make the jump back to the Surface Laptop Studio and pick up the SLS2. I really took for granted how excellent the palm rejection and touch controls were on the Surface, even though the Flow X16 has pen support and touch gestures it also has a noticeable lag that really disrupts my work flow while drawing. Plus, the Slim Pen 2 is unmatched. The 4060 isn't as good as the 4070 in the X16, but it's a price I'm willing to pay.

[ignaciopaulito]

Microsoft did a great job in creating the new Surface Laptop Go 3 and the one featured in this video, the new Surface Laptop Studio 2!

[LOVER_LINK]

the only person i know who uses a surface studio travels a lot while working remotely. uses it for work while doing engineering tasks, and plays games on the side

[DannysHauntedJourney]

Did this guy just say that he travels with a camera, and uses microSD? Oh no. Oh no no no. We wanted a full SD card slot.

[meen]

Demonstrating live comparisons is a confident move

[iblackfeathers]

looks promising. the more competition, the better.

[tamerhafez]

I love that he is using a fold smartphone

[EdgarEMartinez]

If it really can do stuff faster than an M2 Max chip for just $3, 700 compared to the same specs of a MacBook Pro that would cost $4, 300 then it probably won't be so bad after all. Surface Laptop Studio 2 looks really good for the price. Not to mention that I have a MacBook Pro but the M2 chips are still not compatible to run software I need for my school work so I need a Windows laptop to do so.

[ZAcharyIndy]

Even better, this machine has Intel Movidius VPU. Latest AI accelerator from Intel .
Also, configuration with RTX A2000 is great for developers.
The only complain is battery spec is just up to ~56Wh for the price.
A big big disappointment 😔

[starcandy]

Based on what i found, there is no performance difference between microsd and full sd cards. If anything, you can use a sd card adaptor for you camera!

[bharat]

Say what you say but MS actually listened to the feedback and gave consumers pretty much everything - a solid, well built premium machine with good CPU + GPU power, ports and many config choices.

This update is exciting in its own boring way.

[aliettienne]

I like the ability to tilt the laptop screen into a tablet mode. This is like transformers the movie a straight forward conversion of the screen from one form factor into another form factor on a laptop. 😎💯💪🏾👍🏾

[ALxdCrftPlays]

At least it comes with a proper latest gen RTX GPU and you don't have to buy the pen and keyboard seperately. And has 13th gen instead of 12th gen CPU like Surface Pro 9. And has more USB ports too.

[generalshakewell]

"Differently abled people" What a yoke.

[dalecipperley]

For a review of a laptop called a Studio one would expect the reviewer to discuss the stylus more.

[israelramirez]

a full sized SD card reader should have been a no brainer. absolutely no photographers or videographers will buy this now. MS messed up big with microSD.