It’s been about 20 hours since I received it Microsoft Surface laptoptook it out of all its unboxing glory and placed it on the table in place of my trusted friend. MacBook Air M3. This morning, I was practically scrolling through my usual apps and services like I do every day — only this time, on a Windows PC instead of a Mac.
Perhaps it’s the fact that the Surface Laptop line has always had a more “MacBook for Windows” aesthetic with its aluminum unibody design. Perhaps it’s the fact that this year’s Surface Laptop and MacBook Air both come in 13- and 15-inch sizes. Maybe it’s the AI skills gap… Now.
Also: Microsoft’s newly announced Copilot+ PC will compete with Apple’s MacBook M3
Whatever the case, this scenario is essentially the dream of Microsoft and its latest products. Copilot+PC initiativestandardizing a new wave of computing that offers enhanced on-device AI capabilities (with NPUs that must run at least 40 TOPS), improved battery life and performance, and ultra-portable designs.
You’ll hear and see a lot more about these branded laptops in the weeks, months, and possibly years to come. But for now, here are three ways the Surface Laptop made the switch from the MacBook Air more beneficial than I expected.
1. More seamless on-device AI features
I have yet to integrate any AI tools into my daily workflow, partly because best chatbots and the available task services require me to navigate to them (read: enter a URL, register an account, or both) but not the other way around. A bit of friction in the user journey, combined with previous experiences about Illusion AIhas been giving me anxiety for the past two years.
That’s why I’m quite pleased with the range of AI features available on the Surface Laptop, most of which are seamlessly integrated across popular applications like Microsoft Word, Paint, and Teams. Instead of forcing me to use services through pop-ups and automated behavior, AI services to clean up text documents, create images, and apply video filters are always just a click away. .
Also: Microsoft delays recall after security concerns and asks Windows Insider for help
Having a dedicated Copilot lock certainly adds to this soothing experience. Because I’m relearning Windows multitasking shortcuts and tricks, and learning what apps, benchmarking services, and games are all about is actually supported on ARM platform (spoiler: it’s still not enough to mindlessly download anything), it’s useful to have an assistant accessible via keyboard, voice, and taskbar.
Perhaps the most important aspect of these new Copilot+ AI features is that they work on the device — based on local data, providing private, safer and faster processing. For everyday users, this may not be significant. But if protecting your personal data (and staying away from any remote cloud server) is a top priority, you’ll feel a little better about using the AI features on these new Copilot+ PCs.
2. Windows Hello is faster than ever
One thing I always do when testing any laptop, phone, or tablet is see how quickly the device wakes up and unlocks via facial recognition. If a device like a Macbook Air or Pro does not support facial recognition, I will evaluate the speed based on the fingerprint sensor.
Also: I just ordered the cheapest Surface Pro option – why I (probably) won’t regret it
Comparing my MacBook Air M3 to the Surface Laptop isn’t exactly an bold comparison, but since the Windows Hello setup — which takes advantage of the laptop’s infrared (IR) and front-facing cameras — I feel like I experience a new level of convenience. This is much faster than waiting for the laptop to boot and then tapping in my password or fingerprint.
The best part is that Windows Hello automatically activates when I open the laptop lid, and it can scan my face even in dimmer environments thanks to the infrared camera.
3. Support touch screen
I know. Like Windows Hello, touch screen support has always been the main advantage that Microsoft Surface Laptops (and others) have. Windows PCs) is already available on MacBooks, but this feature makes a notable difference in the context of PC Copilot+.
Also: I showed off every new AI feature coming to PC Copilot+, and I was almost sold on the hype
For example, the new Cocreator tool in Paint requires you to both write a prompt to create an image And Draw a basic sketch for Copilot to work from. Normally, I have trouble drawing circles and lines on a trackpad, but I didn’t have to do that on the Surface Laptop. Instead, I just pulled my laptop closer and started sketching with my fingers.
While I’ve always found touchscreen functionality to be more beneficial on a larger screen, using a smaller screen is a big deal 13.8-inch Surface Laptop It feels more like a 2-in-1 tablet. When my typing space is limited, such as on a bus, plane, or crowded coffee shop, being able to simply reach out and touch, swipe, and drag elements on the screen is great. Useful and intuitive.
