Guide to buying a Microsoft Surface

The Microsoft Surface range consists of several models: laptops, convertibles and desktop all-in-one devices. All of them have in common a very marked line of design. However, each range is focused on a type of user.

If you are interested in getting a Microsoft computer, you may be interested in reading this guide first to find out which of them best suits your needs and thus know which Microsoft Surface computer to buy.

Which Microsoft Surface to choose

The great advantage that products under the Microsoft Surface brand have, compared to other alternatives, is that they have the most used operating system in the sector installed: Windows 11. This achieved almost 70 percent of the market share last year. 2023, according to data published by Statista.

If you add to this that they are manufactured by the same creator of the software, this will make Surface computers take full advantage of Windows. But you must take into account which of all the teams best fits your user profile. And here are some tips.

Microsoft Surface model for mobile users

If there is a product in the Microsoft Surface catalog that has stood out over the years that it has been sold on the market, it is the Microsoft Surface Pro. Currently, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is sold. This is the only device that can be used both as a tablet as well as a laptop, thanks to the accessories that you can buy such as its external keyboard or its digital pen to take freehand notes and use, for example, the OneNote application that is present in all operating systems on the market.

In addition, it is the ideal device for those users who want mobility and autonomy to be able to last hours outside the office or home without having to carry the charger with them. According to company data, the battery included in this computer is capable of lasting up to 15.5 hours of operation on a single charge.

So much so that this Microsoft Surface Pro 9 establishes itself as one of the most direct competitors of Apple’s iPad Pro. But, if we move it to the software that is usually used in a large majority of companies, perhaps the Microsoft convertible is more compatible with programs or applications used in the company and does not have to resort to third-party solutions.

On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 can be obtained in different configurations, being able to equip the latest generation Intel Core processor – up to a 12th generation Core i7 – as well as RAM memories of up to 16 GB and storage space of up to 1 TB . In addition, the chassis of this two-in-one is made of magnesium, which makes it resistant to use and light to transport. Its screen is 13 inches in size, but, if you need it, like the iPad Pro, you can connect it to an external monitor to work more comfortably. The price of this equipment starts at 1,019 euros.

Microsoft Surface model for mobile but more traditional users

Maybe the two-in-one concept is not your thing. You need a device that allows you to move wherever you want, but with a more traditional form factor. In this case, Microsoft also has a team for your needs. This is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, the only conventional laptop, although with a premium finish and very much in the style of Apple’s MacBook Air.

Furthermore, while you will only find the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with a 13-inch screen size, you can buy this Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 in two sizes: 13.5 inches and 15 inches. As an extra, whatever size you choose, both screens are touch screens.

They also have great power thanks to the Intel EVO platform with 12th generation Intel Core i7 processors, although their RAM can reach 32 GB if you choose the 15-inch model. Its internal storage space can reach TB.

Perhaps, one of the aspects that will catch your attention the most – leaving aside its appearance – is the autonomy that this Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 can offer: between 17-18 hours of typical operation without using the charger.

Its keyboard is backlit for those places with little lighting. It is compatible with the Surface Pen -the stylus digital from the company – and depending on the model chosen, its finish can offer a combination of alcantara on the keyboard part and aluminum on the cover. The price of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 starts at 929 euros.

Microsoft Surface model for creatives on the go

Those from Redmond have created a very complete catalog of work equipment. And there are not only users who blow smoke out of their office suite or spend all day managing thousands of emails wherever they are. But there is also a creative public that wants to work with enough power away from a table. And there lies the market for the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, a laptop capable of becoming a work table for designers and illustrators.

The versatility of this device means that it can be used like a conventional laptop, while thanks to the hinges it is equipped with, you can move the 14.4-inch screen forward, taking up the keyboard space and becoming a complete surface for Unleash your creativity.

In addition, this computer has the 13th generation Intel EVO Core i7 processor and RAM memory of up to 32 GB and space in the form of an SSD (solid state) of up to 1 TB. But, to give more graphical power to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, the company has decided to integrate a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, which will allow you to work with two external 4K monitors; being able to play more demanding video games, as well as being able to use applications such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom with ease, as long as you are a content creator.

All this hardware power is not cheap and the price of the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 starts at 2,239 euros.

Microsoft Surface model for students

Microsoft also considers students among its future clients. And perhaps for a user with this type of profile, the previous models are somewhat high in price. Hence there is the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, a laptop with smaller dimensions, with a weight that barely exceeds one kilogram in weight and that also provides a touch screen.

This device is only sold with a 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor that can be accompanied by 8 or 16 GB RAM and 256 GB internal storage space. Its price starts at 899 euros, and with this amount you will get a device with a 12.4-inch screen with HD resolution, HD webcam, several connection ports, as well as a theoretical battery life of 15 hours with a single charge.

It does not have enough power to run the latest video games on the market, but it will work with ease in office tasks, web browsing or calendar or email management, in addition to being able to connect to an external screen when you are at your work desk.

Microsoft Surface model for desktop creatives

The perfect companion to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 for desktop work environments is the Microsoft Surface Studio 2+, a 28-inch display that functions as an all-in-one. It is, perhaps, the direct competition of Apple’s iMac, but with a completely multi-touch and operational screen so you can work directly on it with a digital pen.

Regarding its power, it is also equipped with a powerful Intel EVO Core i7 processor, although 11th generation. Of course, it has 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal storage space.

Like a good desktop computer, this Microsoft Surface Studio 2+ has a multitude of connection ports to connect both peripherals and an extra screen, and work with different views or applications at the same time.

The set is expensive: starting at 5,369 euros, although it is also true that you will not have to buy anything extra, since the sales package comes with everything you need to work with whatever you want: keyboard, mouse, stylus and even a dial (Microsoft Dial) to be able to move better through the menus of certain applications and to be able to change – for example – the thickness of the brush, change the tone of the color used or move through the frames of the video that you have recorded with your camera and whatever you are working on.