Redmond-based software firm, Microsoft Corp. has launched the Surface Laptop at its New York Spring event that comes packed with an education-focused ‘Windows 10 S’ operating system. The laptop has been made available in four color variants – Burgundy, Graphite Gold, Platinum, and Cobalt Blue and have been lined up for pre-order with shipping scheduled to kick off on June 15.
According to online reports, the Redmond firm claims the 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display Laptop is durable, portable, and lightweight, and the design looks sleek with a premium finish, and the iconic Alcantra fabric keyboard seen on the Surface Pro 4, with backlighting. The biggest highlight is that the laptop is rated to offer up to 14.5 hours of battery life.
The base model of the Surface Laptop is powered by the latest Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD storage, while users can opt for an Intel Core i7 processor and different memory and storage configurations. Ports on board include a USB port, a mini DisplayPort, the Surface power connector, SD card slot, and the 3.5mm audio jack.
Microsoft has used vapor chambers as heat pipes at the back of the laptop to help keep components cool – important, as there are no holes on the laptop that would normally have facilitated air cooling.
With no holes, you may wonder where the speakers are – Microsoft has placed them below the keyboard. While the stunningly designed device with Windows Ink and Windows Hello support could lure some users, the price may dampen the excitement.[related-posts]
Microsoft also claims the Surface Laptop’s Intel Core i7 model is faster than the current Core i7-based MacBook Pro, and also added that it has better battery life than any MacBook Air laptop on the market today.
With the laptop running on Windows 10 S, the device has serious limitations like it can only run apps from the Windows Store – though users can choose to upgrade if they wish.
Microsoft is looking to compete with Chromebooks in the education sector, and the company even took the time to show off how apps like 3D4 Medical work on the new Surface Laptop, however, at this price range, direct competition will be impossible.
Microsoft has priced the Surface Laptop with Core i5 processor at $999 (roughly 3.6 million UGX).
source: Gadgets 360
