Microsoft has officially unveiled the Surface Laptop 7 for Business during a special event in New York, coinciding with the launch of the Surface Pro 11 for Business. Both devices are now available for preorder. This article will explore how the Surface Laptop 7 for Business stacks up against its predecessors, the Surface Laptop 6 for Business and the Surface Laptop 5.
Design and Aesthetics
At first glance, the Surface Laptop 7 for Business may seem quite similar to its consumer counterpart, but it includes several noteworthy updates. Key enhancements include upgraded processors, added ports, and improved connectivity options. Additionally, the laptop is limited to two color choices: Platinum and Black.
Performance: Processors and RAM
Differences extend to performance as well. The Surface Laptop 7 for Business equips Intel’s state-of-the-art Core Series 2 processors, complete with Neural Processing Units (NPUs), unlike its previous versions that relied on Qualcomm chips. These processors promise not only faster performance but also superior software compatibility compared to ARM-based systems. They enable the use of Copilot+ features such as Recall, Click To Do, and semantic Windows Search, along with modern connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Display Innovations
Microsoft has also refreshed the display technology in the new lineup. The compact model now features a larger 13.8-inch screen (up from 13.5 inches), with both models supporting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Users will benefit from slimmer bezels, rounded corners, and a brightness peak of 600 nits that enhances overall viewing experiences.
Expanded Connectivity Options
The Surface Laptop 7 for Business introduces a significant upgrade: optional 5G connectivity, making it the first Surface Laptop to offer this feature. In the past, 5G capabilities were exclusive to Surface Pro devices, marking a significant evolution in Microsoft’s business laptop offerings, although it is surprising to note that the Surface Pro 11 for Business lacks a 5G variant.
Drawbacks to Consider
Despite the advancements, not all changes are favorable. For instance, Microsoft has discontinued the 64GB RAM option, relegating customers to choose between 16GB and 32GB configurations. Furthermore, the pricing reflects the upgrades, as the base model now starts at $1, 499—a noticeable increase from the Surface Laptop 6 for Business, which began at $1, 199.
Summary of Key Changes
Below is a brief overview of the primary updates to the Surface Laptop 7 for Business:
- Increased display size in the smaller model
- Narrower bezels and a sleeker overall design
- Enhanced display brightness at 120Hz
- Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 2 processors with NPUs
- Support for Copilot+ AI features
- Reduced RAM options: Now only 16GB and 32GB available; the 64GB option is absent
- Improved connectivity via Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Optional 5G connectivity
- Better battery performance
- Additional ports
- Higher starting price
Detailed Specs Comparison
For a comprehensive comparison of specifications, see the table below:
| Surface Laptop 7 for Business | Surface Laptop 6 for Business | Surface Laptop 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size |
 13.8-inch: 11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69″(301 x 220 x 17.5mm), 2.97lbs (1.35kg) 15-inch: |
 13.5-inch: 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.66″(308 x 223 x 16.7mm), 3.06lbs (1.38kg) 15-inch: 13.4 x 9.6 x 0.67″(340 x 244 x 16.9mm), 3.70lbs (1.68kg), 3.71lbs (1.68kg) with smart card reader |
 13.5-inch: 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.57″(308 x 223 x 14.5mm), 2.8lbs (1.272kg) Fabric, 2.86lbs (1.297kg) Metal 15-inch: 13.4 x 9.6 x 0.58″(340 x 244 x 14.7mm), 3.44lbs (1.545kg) |
|
| Display |
13.8″2, 304 x 1, 536 PixelSense Flow with Adaptive color 15″2, 496 x 1, 664 PixelSense Flow with Adaptive color 3:2 aspect ratio | 600 nits brightness | 120Hz 1300:1 contrast ratio | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 with anti-reflective coating |
13.5″2, 256 x 1, 504 Pixel Sense display with Adaptive color 15″2, 496 x 1, 664 Pixel Sense display with Adaptive color 3:2 aspect ratio | 400 nits brightness (SDR) | 60Hz 1300:1 contrast ratio | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 with anti-reflective coating |
13.5″2, 256 x 1, 504 Pixel Sense 15″2, 496 x 1, 664 Pixel Sense 3:2 aspect ratio | 400 nits brightness (SDR) | 60Hz 1300:1 contrast ratio | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 5 236V Intel Core Ultra 5 238V Intel Core Ultra 7 266V Intel Core Ultra 7 268V | Intel Core Ultra 5 135H Intel Core Ultra 7 165H | Intel Core i5-1235U Intel Core i7-1255U | |
| NPU | Intel AI Boost 40 TOPS in Core Ultra 5 48 TOPS in Core Ultra 7 | No | ||
| Copilot+ | Yes | No | ||
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics | Intel Graphics (8GB configurations)Intel Arc Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | |
| RAM | 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB LPDDR5x | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x | |
| Storage | User-replaceable PCIe 4.0 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB | User-replaceable SSD256GB, 512GB, 1 TB | ||
| Battery |
13.8-inch: – Wh of nominal capacity Up to 20 hours of video playback Up to 12 hours of active web usage 39W charger included 15-inch: – Wh of nominal capacity Up to 22 hours of video playback Up to 14 hours of active web usage 65W charger included |
13.5-inch: 47Wh of nominal capacity Up to 18.5 hours of typical use 39W charger included 15-inch: 47Wh of nominal capacity Up to 19 hours of typical use 65W charger included |
||
| Ports |
13.8-inch: 2x USB4/Thunderbolt 4 Type-C 1x USB-A 3.2 1x 3.5mm headphone jack Surface Connect port 15-inch: |
13.5-inch: 1x USB4/Thunderbolt 4 Type-C 1x USB-A 3.1 1x 3.5mm headphone jack Surface Connect port 15-inch: 2x USB4/Thunderbolt 4 Type-C 1x USB-A 3.1 1x 3.5mm headphone jack Surface Connect port Optional smart card reader |
1x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C 4.0 1x USB-A 3.1 1x 3.5mm headphone jack Surface Connect | |
| Camera |
1080p Full HD camera with Windows Hello |
720p HD front-facing camera with Windows Hello | ||
| Sound | Dual Studio microphones with voice focusOmnisonic Speakers with Dolby Atmos | Dual Studio microphonesOmnisonic Speakers with Dolby Atmos | ||
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor | |||
| Network | Wi-Fi 7Bluetooth 5.4Optional 5G | Wi-Fi 6EBluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6 802.11axBluetooth 5.1 | |
| YOU | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro Windows 10 Pro | Windows 11 Home | |
| Colors | Platinum and Black | Platinum, Sage, Matte Black, Sandstone | ||
| Price | $1, 499+ | $1, 199+ | $999+ | |
The Surface Laptop 7 for Business is set to launch on February 18, 2025, alongside the Surface Pro 11 for Business. For additional specifications and insights, refer to the accompanying article on Specs Appeal.
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