I recently needed a Windows laptop. Around me, the most used brand is Lenovo’s ThinkPad. Considering budget and use case (light mobile work), I narrowed it down to a few models: ThinkPad T480, Microsoft Surface Pro 5, Surface Laptop, and Apple’s MacBook/MacBook Air. After some indecision, I went to a SUNING store to get hands‑on impressions.
These direct-sales stores like Suning usually carry a full lineup, so you can experience each device directly. If you actually buy, the price isn’t necessarily higher than JD, and the service is pretty good.
Apple’s 2017 MacBook Air was just a routine hardware bump and still lacked Retina; as someone used to iPhone and rMBP, the screen was hard to accept. The MacBook’s screen is too small, so I passed on Macs. Lenovo’s T series has solid specs, expandability, and pricing; aesthetics vs. Surface is a matter of taste. ThinkPads are classics that stand the test of time. In recent years Microsoft’s laptops have come into their own — Surface is a comeback, and Nadella’s done well. After trying both the Pro and the Laptop, I decided on the Laptop. The Pro’s battery life and screen size lag a bit behind the Laptop for my needs.
OK, unboxing and getting started.
Here are a few photos.
After a few hours of use, here are some impressions:
- Touchscreen isn’t essential, but it shines.
After a day, I wished Apple would ship a touchscreen laptop. Using touch to scroll web pages, move through Word, or control video is very convenient. When explaining something to others, pinch/zoom/scroll with both hands feels natural. I’ve really grown to like touch.
- Face recognition needs improvement. Like iPhone X’s Face ID, it’s convenient compared to fingerprints, but accuracy felt average — with glasses, it sometimes failed. Touch ID only became great by its second generation; hoping Microsoft improves here.
- Clear industrial design language.
You can feel Microsoft’s distinct design language in the Surface. The Alcantara keyboard stands out. Pulling it out in a café definitely has a certain vibe.
- Still behind Apple in the details.
The laptop has only one USB port — very stingy — so I had to get a Xiaomi Bluetooth mouse. The beveled bottom for thinness makes USB plugging awkward; that’s a design detail Apple handles better. When closed, the gap is also quite large. Lots of little things for Microsoft to refine.
Final Thoughts
This is my first Microsoft laptop — partly out of curiosity. Overall it’s been good. After a few hours to upgrade Windows to Pro and install productivity apps, it’s become a proper work machine.
I hope Microsoft keeps pushing the Surface line to catch up with Apple so we all have more good choices.
