Why the Surface Laptop 7 Became My Go-To Daily Laptop
Introduction: From Corporate Life to YouTube Laptop Reviews
Transitioning from a stable corporate job to becoming a full-time YouTube laptop reviewer was a significant shift. While I left behind the security of a 9-to-5 career, I gained the exciting privilege of testing the latest and greatest laptops. With an entire storage room full of options, I can choose any laptop as my daily driver. Yet, despite all the choices, I keep returning to one specific device—the Surface Laptop 7.
After using this laptop extensively, I wanted to share my long-term thoughts, covering both what I love and the few things that hold it back.
Why I Needed a New Laptop
Before the Surface Laptop 7, my primary device was the MacBook Pro 14. It was my go-to machine for business tasks, research, scriptwriting, and even video editing. However, as my YouTube channel grew and I handed off video editing to my team, my needs changed. I no longer required the sheer power of a MacBook Pro.
I started looking for something more lightweight, portable, and quiet—a laptop that could keep up with my daily workflow but didn’t need to be a powerhouse. The MacBook Air seemed like a logical choice, but I found its keyboard uncomfortable. Other Windows laptops I tested had issues ranging from excessive fan noise to subpar build quality.
Then I tried the Surface Laptop 7—and it instantly felt like the perfect balance of premium design and performance for my needs.
What I Love About the Surface Laptop 7
Here’s why this laptop has become my go-to choice for daily work:
1. Premium, Lightweight Design
The Sapphire Blue color gives the Surface Laptop 7 a modern and professional look. It feels premium in hand and has excellent weight distribution, making it comfortable to carry.
2. A MacBook-Like Experience on Windows
The build quality, trackpad, and keyboard remind me of a MacBook, but with the added flexibility of Windows. The chassis is sturdy, and the keyboard is clicky yet not too loud, making it a pleasure to type on.
3. Excellent Display
The 13.8-inch panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio is perfect for reading, writing, and browsing. The higher refresh rate makes scrolling feel smooth—something I missed on the MacBook Air.
4. Quiet and Cool Operation
Unlike most Windows laptops, the Surface Laptop 7 runs silent. It rarely gets warm, thanks to the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor.
5. Convenient Charging & Connectivity
Microsoft made a great decision by including charging ports on both sides, making it easy to plug in regardless of setup.
6. Impressive Speakers
The speakers are among the top 10% of all laptops I’ve tested. They deliver clear and balanced sound, making them ideal for casual media consumption.
7. Upgradeable SSD
Unlike many modern ultrabooks, the SSD can be upgraded, allowing you to expand storage as needed.
8. Better Value Than a MacBook Air
A recommended configuration of the Surface Laptop 7 costs around $1,200. A similarly configured MacBook Air would cost $1,500, making the Surface Laptop 7 a better value proposition for Windows users.
The Downsides: What You Should Know Before Buying
While I love this laptop, no device is perfect. Here are some of the drawbacks I’ve noticed:
1. Battery Life is Overhyped
Many influencers and media outlets claim all-day battery life, but in reality, it lasts about 5-6 hours in real-world use—a far cry from the marketing claims.
2. Software Compatibility Issues
Because the Surface Laptop 7 uses a different processor architecture (ARM-based Snapdragon X), some Windows applications don’t run properly. If you rely on specialist applications like certain DJ software or games like League of Legends, you might face compatibility issues.
3. Occasional Trackpad Issues
The palm rejection isn’t perfect, and sometimes the cursor jumps unexpectedly.
4. Lower Pixel Density Than MacBooks
The screen looks great, but small text isn’t as sharp compared to a MacBook’s Retina display.
5. Unintuitive Brightness Controls
Microsoft’s brightness adjustment requires multiple button presses, which can be annoying.
6. AI Features Feel Gimmicky
The new Copilot AI key wasn’t useful in my daily work and felt like an unnecessary addition.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Surface Laptop 7?
The Surface Laptop 7 has become my go-to device for office work, browsing, and content consumption. For $1,200, it offers premium build quality, a quiet experience, and a great display.
Should You Buy It?
✅ Buy if you need a stylish, premium Windows laptop for office work, writing, and media consumption.
❌ Avoid if you need high-end software compatibility or all-day battery life.
How It Compares to Other Laptops
- Dell XPS – More expensive, lacks a physical function row.
- Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge – Larger display but worse trackpad and occasional fan noise.
- Asus Zenbook 14 – Feels cheaper in build quality.
- MacBook Air – Costs more and lacks a fast refresh rate.
If I had to pick only one laptop to own, I’d still choose the MacBook Pro 14 due to its superior application support and graphics power. However, for my everyday workflow, the Surface Laptop 7 is the best Windows laptop I’ve used in a long time.
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Let me know in the comments—would you choose the Surface Laptop 7, or is there another laptop you prefer?