The 2-in-1 Microsoft Surface Pro is an outstanding little tablet. And 2022, Microsoft’s flagship can do so much more than a regular tablet. But can it replace a laptop?
With a premium display, powerful hardware, and plenty of laptop accessories, it’s definitely a smart choice for casual users and professionals alike.
But the question remains: Can the Microsoft Surface Pro do everything a laptop can? Stick with us because, in this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before you decide on a Microsoft Surface Pro.
Microsoft Surface Pro: Laptop, Tablet, or Both?
Starting with some basics: Microsoft considers the Surface Pro a tablet and a laptop. The main goal of this device is to combine the portability and touchscreen capabilities of a tablet with the high performance of a high-end laptop
To be precise, the latest Surface Pro 8 features a high-quality (2880 x 1920), 120Hz, 13″ touchscreen that can be combined with Surface Pens for note-taking, drawing, editing, and annotating. Microsoft’s flagship also pairs with the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard so you can use it like a laptop.
On the other hand, the stylus and the keyboard are not included with the Surface Pro, so you have to buy them separately. So the standard version does not include a keyboard, which is one of the most important features of all laptops.
Regarding performance, the latest Surface easily outshines most entry-level laptops on the market. It is powered by some of the best (11th generation) Intel i5 and i7 CPUs and comes with 8, 16, or 32 GB RAM. This set ensures a flawless Windows 11 experience for both casual users and demanding users alike
Of course, Microsoft claims that its 2-in-1 flagship combined with the Signature Keyboard can replace any notebook. And in most cases, the specs we mentioned can handle any daily task without any issues
But is that the case for all types of users? Let us take a closer look.
Should you Replace Your Laptop with a Microsoft Surface Pro?
Unfortunately, it is not easy to answer this question. In fact, it depends on your needs and preferences as a user. For example, the Surface Pro will not meet your needs if you need a large display (15 inches or more).
To find out if you can replace your laptop with a Microsoft Surface Pro, you should first know what you need the device for. In other words, what kind of user you are:
Office Tasks, Multitasking, and Browsing
If you spend most of your time doing simple office tasks like browsing and streaming, then the Microsoft Surface Pro is a smart choice. This device offers a lag-free experience when multitasking. In that sense, a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet can definitely replace a laptop computer.
The Surface Pro will have no trouble meeting your needs if you have 2 or 10 tabs open in your browser. The same goes for desktop software like Office. Combined with the Signature Keyboard, the Surface Pro offers a premium experience for office tasks.
Business Tasks
The same is true for business tasks. The Surface Pro 8 is one of the most popular laptops for businesses. It is powerful, lightweight, and has all the features and connectivity ports you need to annotate texts, host live presentations, etc.
Most businesses find that the Surface Pro can speed up their employees’ workflow due to its flexibility and accessories (keyboard and pen). Since battery life is also crucial for business tasks, this is another advantage of the Surface Pro. In fact, the device can last up to 10 hours of continuous usage.
Creative Software
If you are an artist, photographer, or graphics designer, you probably already know how important a touchscreen is. And this is why the Surface Pro easily outshines most laptops regarding creative software. With the Surface Slim Pen, you will have a top-notch drawing or editing experience in no time.
Moreover, the latest Surface can easily handle demanding creative apps such as Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Krita. This is why the Surface Pro is the perfect choice for creatives that need a laptop and a tablet simultaneously.
Gaming – Animation – 3D rendering
If you need a laptop for gaming or animation, there are better choices than the Surface Pro for you. Since this device doesn’t have a dedicated GPU, it can’t cover the needs of demanding gamers and animators.
Most modern games and 3D animation software require a high-end GPU to run flawlessly. At the same time, the Surface Pro’s 13” display won’t offer a top-notch gaming experience. This is why, if you’re looking for a laptop for games, you should probably opt for a high-end laptop like the Alienware x17 R2.
Microsoft Surface Pro Instead of a New Laptop: How to Stick on a Budget
If you do not need the Microsoft Surface Pro for gaming or animation, then it can definitely serve as your primary laptop device. It’s flexible, powerful, and has one of the best displays on the market. There’s just one problem: all of these features make it quite expensive. With a starting price of $799.99, this is not an affordable device
On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Pro is considered one of the best investments. If treated carefully, it will not only last for many years but also have a high resale value. Best of all, if you want to save money on your purchase, there are two solutions.
You can either:
- Sell your old laptop (or old electronics) to make cash online
- Buy a used Microsoft Surface Pro
With Gadget Salvation, you can quickly select your product and get an estimate for your device. If you’re happy with what we’re offering, you must ship your old gizmo (on us!) to us and get paid.
At the same time, you can use our website to find a nice pre-owned laptop or other gadgets at the best price. Both processes are quick and will help you stick to the initial budget you set.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Pro is surprisingly well-suited as a replacement for a laptop. At least for most users. If you do not need a laptop for gaming or animation, you will be more than satisfied with the flexibility and performance of the Surface Pro.
The device’s only downside is its relatively high price. But you can use the Gadget Salvation services to save a significant amount before your purchase.
