Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio review: A fresh Windows 11 showcase for creators

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio blends the line between a portable notebook and a studio-grade creative device, reimagining the traditional laptop by folding the display over the keyboard and delivering a Windows 11-centric experience built for creators. It sits squarely in the premium tier, aiming to appeal to visual artists, graphic designers, and other productivity-focused professionals who want a versatile machine that can function as a traditional laptop, a drafting tablet, and a desk-bound workstation. While it offers compelling innovation and a solid Windows experience, its premium price, power envelope, and certain design quirks invite a careful consider-before-you-buy moment. This in-depth review examines the model’s design, display, input devices, performance, battery life, software integration, accessory ecosystem, and how it stacks up against competing premium laptops. The goal is to provide a clear sense of who should buy the Surface Laptop Studio, what you gain from its unique form factor, and where it may fall short compared with other options in its class.

Design and Build

The Surface Laptop Studio stands out immediately with its distinctive design language, a synthesis of the familiar Surface aesthetic and the Studio lineage that emphasizes versatility. Out of the box, the chassis presents a clean, silvery aluminum finish paired with a subdued gray keyboard and stark black display bezels. The hardware language is refined and purposeful, with a lid that carries the glossy silver Microsoft logo, which reads as both brand identity and a mark of premium construction. On the port edge, you’ll encounter a modest, purposeful selection: two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, and the Microsoft Surface Connector. It’s not a vast port collection, and that restraint becomes a talking point for users who frequently connect multiple peripherals or external displays on the go. The overall impression is of a device designed for a professional workflow rather than a gadget-first consumer approach.

A standout physical characteristic is the pronounced base that sits beneath the main body. This base is indented from the rest of the chassis, effectively lifting the laptop up and giving it a unique silhouette. In photos, the indentation can look a bit odd, and it’s noticeable when you pick the machine up or carry it around. Yet, in practical use, most users quickly acclimate to this design cue, and it ceases to be a distraction after a short period of adaptation. The indentation is not merely cosmetic; it serves a functional purpose as well. It doubles as the storage and charging location for the Surface Slim Pen 2, should you opt for the pen, and that integration adds a level of convenience for creatives who want to keep their stylus close at hand without hunting around for a separate case or pouch. When you need the pen, you lift the lid slightly and retrieve it from its designated slot, which is a small but distinctive interaction that reflects Microsoft’s emphasis on pen-based input as a core feature of the Studio concept.

The base’s thickness contributes to the overall footprint and weight distribution of the device. At roughly 0.75 inches thick, the Laptop Studio sits a touch thicker than many premium rivals, such as the MacBook Pro, which traditionally hovers around 0.61 inches in comparable configurations. It’s a trade-off that becomes more apparent when you consider the device’s hinge mechanism and form factor. The Laptop Studio’s extra girth is partly due to its dual-mode design, which supports display folding and tablet-like use while anchored to a stable base. The extra thickness may affect portability slightly, as it makes the machine less svelte in a backpack compared with thinner ultrabooks. However, the additional thickness translates into sturdier construction, improved hinge durability, and space for the specialized hinge geometry that enables the fold-down display and tent/tablet configurations.

Speaking of hinges, the most distinctive mechanical feature here is the hinge arrangement that allows the display to fold down over the keyboard. Rather than a conventional 360-degree hinge that many convertibles employ, Microsoft uses a hinge around the back to permit the display to hinge downward and rest on the desk in a tent-like configuration or, when needed, to lie flat in a tablet-like posture atop the keyboard. The result is a form factor that prioritizes a natural, ergonomic pen-and-drawing experience while maintaining a robust laptop mode. When in either tent or tablet posture, magnets inside the chassis help the display snap into place with a reassuring hold. In tablet mode, there is a slight give at the bottom edge as the display settles, but it is not something that interrupts Daily usage—unless you press hard on the screen, which would defeat the intended desk-bound tablet use-case.

The bezels around the display are functional but, by contemporary standards, not ultra-slim. In a market where rival devices push for ultra-narrow bezels to maximize the screen-to-body ratio, the Laptop Studio’s bezels appear a bit more pronounced. This is a compensating choice; the design minimizes reflection and helps the display achieve stronger wall-to-wall uniformity and stability in its folding modes. The overall chassis maintains a premium look and feel that aligns with Microsoft’s premium Surface branding, signaling to users that they are paying for build quality, thoughtful engineering, and a distinctive usage model that goes beyond a conventional clamshell laptop.

With the base panel dedicated to housing speakers and other components, the Laptop Studio also emphasizes a particular audio solution strategy. The speaker grills are integrated around the underside of the base, which means the sound is directed toward the user from the bottom edge rather than from side-firing or top-firing arrangements. In practice, the sound is loud enough for everyday tasks such as video calls, music streaming at reasonable volumes, and casual media consumption, but it does not match the depth and precision of higher-end MacBook Pro speakers for bass extension and overall tonal clarity. The design therefore leans into the broader Windows ecosystem and the creative workflow, where the need for a robust pen-and-drawing experience sits alongside serviceable but not exceptional audio performance.

In sum, the Surface Laptop Studio’s design is a deliberate expression of versatility, built around a distinctive hinge, a stable base, and a premium, modern aesthetic. It trades a few inches of slimness and port variety for a unique interaction paradigm—the ability to fold the display over the keyboard and rest it on a desk in a tent or tablet-like posture—while providing enough structural integrity to support both productivity tasks and stylus-driven creativity. For creators who value the combination of a high-quality keyboard, pen input, and a display that can adapt to different work modes, the design delivers a compelling, if not universally perfect, hardware platform.

• Notable design features at a glance:
  • Premium aluminum chassis with silver finish and a contrasting dark interior.
  • Slim, practical port set: two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a headphone jack, and a Surface Connector.
  • A pronounced, functional base that houses the Slim Pen 2 storage and speaker grills.
  • A distinctive hinge system enabling folding the display over the keyboard for laptop, tent, and tablet-like modes.
  • Magnetic alignment ensures the display snaps into place in each mode.
  • A display with a relatively thick bezel by modern standards, contributing to a slightly chunky overall look.
  • Weight and thickness trade-offs that favor durability and versatility over featherweight portability.

Display, Pen, and Input Experience

The Surface Laptop Studio centers its creative mission on a robust display and a highly integrated input experience. The 14.3-inch panel presents a resolution of 2400 x 1600 and supports a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. This combination yields crisp, detailed imagery, smooth scrolling, and noticeably fluid pen input—an especially important attribute for digital artists, designers, and anybody who relies on precise stylus work. The 3:2 aspect ratio aligns with professional workflows that involve documents, photo editing, and design canvases, delivering more vertical real estate that keeps essential tools and palettes in view without excessive horizontal scrolling. In practice, the display strikes a compelling balance between clarity and color reproduction, offering vibrant hues and good brightness levels that perform well both indoors and in more challenging lighting.

Color accuracy and calibration are important for creators, and the Laptop Studio benefits from a display that responds well to stylus input. The touch experience is responsive and precise, with palm rejection performing effectively so users can rest their hand on the screen while drawing with the Surface Slim Pen 2. This is a key usability feature that helps reduce interruptions and increases the sense of natural drawing or sketching, much closer to a traditional pen-and-paper workflow than a typical touch-enabled laptop might provide. The stylus compatibility is enhanced by the high refresh rate, which yields a smoother drawing and writing experience—an outcome many artists will appreciate when sketching, outlining, or detailing in visuals.

The display’s thickness relative to competing panels might draw some attention, but the visual quality remains compelling. The 120Hz refresh rate contributes to a smoother interaction experience, particularly when animating, editing, or navigating through complex software interfaces. The 14.3-inch real estate allows for comfortable window management and multitasking, especially when paired with Windows 11’s Snap Layouts and productive workflows. The color gamut and brightness levels are sufficient for most professional uses, and the display remains readable in bright environments, which is essential for outdoor or on-site work.

In addition to the core display, the Laptop Studio supports a built-in pen ecosystem that integrates naturally with the device’s design language. The Surface Slim Pen 2 can be charged or stored within the base, depending on whether you choose to add the optional charging/storage slot. In practice, this storage location is convenient for quick access to the pen when you’re on a desk and using the device in laptop or tent mode. While the pen storage and charging solution are not the primary reasons to purchase the Laptop Studio, they contribute to a more cohesive workflow for artists and designers who frequently switch between drawing and typing.

The webcam, a 2-megapixel, 1080p module, sits above the display, offering Windows Hello facial recognition for quick sign-in. The camera quality is serviceable for video calls, but it doesn’t stand out as an extraordinary imaging system. Skin tones occasionally read with a reddish tint in mixed lighting, a nuance that is not unusual for laptop webcams under certain conditions. For most professional conferencing tasks, the webcam remains adequate, especially given Windows Hello’s convenience and the broad availability of external capture solutions if users require higher-quality video.

Overall, the display and input experience on the Surface Laptop Studio is designed to serve a creator’s workflow, combining a high-refresh-rate panel with precise touch, strong palm rejection, and reliable pen input. The form factor—especially the ability to fold the display over the keyboard—opens a spectrum of practical modes for different tasks, from drafting to design review to on-desk sketching. While the bezels aren’t the slimmest in the category, the screen quality, touch responsiveness, and pen performance make this a compelling choice for users who would benefit from an adaptable display and a tactile workflow that feels more hands-on than a conventional laptop.

• Core display and input highlights:
  • 14.3-inch display with 2400 x 1600 resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate.
  • 3:2 aspect ratio for enhanced vertical workspace, ideal for documents and creative canvases.
  • High color fidelity with vibrant, accurate colors suitable for design work.
  • Touchscreen with accurate input and strong palm rejection for pen use.
  • Surface Slim Pen 2 compatibility with dedicated storage and optional charging mechanism.
  • Pens allow for smooth, natural drawing experiences enhanced by the high refresh rate.
  • 2-megapixel 1080p webcam with Windows Hello support, adequate for conferencing.

Keyboard, Trackpad, and Audio

The typing experience on the Surface Laptop Studio remains one of its most consistently praised attributes. The keyboard offers generous key travel and a noticeable, tactile click that users who type for extended periods will enjoy. While some premium laptops make trade-offs to achieve ultra-thin profiles, Microsoft preserves a comfortable keyboard experience in this device, aligning with its position as a premium productivity tool. The layout provides ample spacing, which reduces fatigue over long typing sessions, and the backlighting is bright enough to be useful in dim environments. For professionals who rely on long-form writing, code, or content creation, this is a critical part of the user experience and a strong point in favor of the Laptop Studio.

The large, well-calibrated trackpad rounds out the input experience. It sits comfortably under the user’s palm and remains accurate across the edges and corners, a quality that many reviewers and users value when navigating complex UI workflows or working with precise cursor control in design software. The combination of a robust keyboard and a precise trackpad makes the Laptop Studio a competent all-around input device, even outside the context of the pen. The overall feedback—haptics in the keyboard keys and the smooth glide of the trackpad—contributes to a refined, premium-feeling experience that aligns with its higher price point.

Audio performance is a mixed bag. On the positive side, the speakers can get relatively loud, providing usable volume for video calls, media consumption, and background music. The sound quality, however, does not reach the level of the best MacBook Pro speakers known for their depth and clarity, particularly in low-end frequencies. The Laptop Studio’s bass response isn’t as deep as some rivals, and while the detail is acceptable for most tasks, it may not satisfy audiophiles or users who rely on precise audio for certain professional tasks. For those who need a richer sound for music or film editing, using external speakers or headphones is advisable to achieve better dynamic range and fidelity.

In terms of webcam and microphone use for professional settings, the built-in camera performs adequately for typical video conferencing tasks. The combination of a solid camera with Windows Hello sign-in creates a practical and secure workflow, enabling quick access without sacrificing privacy. The overall camera and microphone quality remains serviceable for most business needs, though it’s not the primary reason most creators would choose the Laptop Studio.

• Quick recap of input and audio takeaways:
  • Excellent keyboard with comfortable travel and tactile feedback; backlit keys standard for the class.
  • Large, accurate trackpad that complements the keyboard for precise navigation.
  • Speakers deliver solid loudness and clarity for everyday tasks, but their bass and tonal depth lag behind top-tier rivals.
  • Web camera with Windows Hello sign-in offers practical, secure conferencing, though image quality is not a standout feature.
  • Pen input remains a core strength, supported by palm rejection and high-screen refresh rate for fluid stylus work.

Performance, Battery Life, and Thermals

Performance on the Surface Laptop Studio is a nuanced story that reflects its premium positioning and creator-oriented focus. Microsoft offers several configurations, but even in its strongest enterprise-oriented variant with higher-end GPU options, the Laptop Studio does not always deliver top-tier performance for the price when compared with some rivals. The base model pairs an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 processor with 16GB of RAM and Intel Iris Xe graphics. This configuration can be upgraded to an Intel Core i7 with 32GB of RAM and an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, which significantly improves graphics tasks and general productivity workloads. In certain enterprise configurations—like the unit tested for this review—an RTX A2000 professional-grade GPU replaces the consumer RTX 3050 Ti. This change is not typically available to consumer buyers and pushes the price into a different tier, highlighting the Laptop Studio’s appeal to enterprise customers who might need workstation-level acceleration for certain workflows.

In synthetic benchmarking, the results indicate a respectable but not standout performance for a machine at this price point. Geekbench 5 scores show a CPU result of roughly 1275 in single-core workloads and about 5219 in multi-core workloads. Cinebench R23 yields around 1522 in single-core and 5879 in multi-core tests. These numbers are solid, reflecting capable everyday performance and adequate handling of multi-tab workflows and moderate creative tasks. However, compared with the Apple M1 Pro/Max lineup, or with other high-end Windows machines that employ more aggressive processors and more powerful GPUs, the Laptop Studio sits a notch below the top performers. The RTX A2000-equipped model, while robust for certain professional tasks, still does not deliver the same all-around performance envelope as some of its closest, higher-tier PC competitors in pure CPU and GPU workloads.

For day-to-day work—email, Slack, many Chrome tabs, document editing, and light photo or video work—the Laptop Studio performs well and remains responsive. It clears typical productivity tasks with ease, and its display and input system contribute to a fluent workflow that helps offset some performance headroom limitations. Where the Laptop Studio truly shines is in tasks that benefit from the high-refresh display and stylus support: digital drawing, graphic design, and other art-focused workloads. The pen input remains comfortable and natural, and the 120Hz display helps deliver a smooth, intuitive drawing experience. For power users who expect sustained heavy workloads or long video render times, you’ll want to temper expectations and plan for potentially longer processing times compared with other machines that rely on more aggressive CPUs and higher-end GPUs.

Battery life is a critical factor for any premium laptop, and the Surface Laptop Studio makes a reasonable showing. The 58Wh battery is the stated capacity, and Microsoft claims up to 18 hours of typical device usage. In practical testing with a workload that included an external display connected via HDMI and fairly intense usage, the device delivered around four hours of use before dipping to roughly 30% charge. This is not surprising given the power draw of a high-resolution, high-refresh-rate panel and a dedicated GPU workload when the external display is involved. Remove the second display and run the device at standard brightness, and you will likely extend the day considerably; however, it’s unlikely you’ll hit the 18-hour mark in real-world scenarios with heavy creative tasks or multiple peripherals connected. In everyday productivity use—browsing, document work, and streaming—the battery life will be more forgiving, but it’s still a factor to consider when evaluating all-day usability without access to a charger.

The thermal behavior of the Laptop Studio also plays a role in performance and user experience. In typical workloads, the cooling solution maintains comfortable temperatures, allowing the device to operate without excessive throttling during short bursts. In sustained heavy creative tasks such as long-form rendering, the device will get noticeably warm, and fan noise becomes more audible. The premium build does provide adequate cooling headroom, but users should anticipate some thermal throttling in prolonged, demanding workloads when configured with the RTX 3050 Ti or the RTX A2000. This is a common compromise for premium all-in-one design devices that blend portability with workstation-level graphics acceleration. In summary, the Laptop Studio offers solid performance for most professional workflows and excellent support for pen-based design, but it is not the fastest option in its class for heavy, sustained workloads or the most demanding gaming scenarios.

• Performance snapshot:
  • Configurations range from Core i5 with 16GB RAM to Core i7 with 32GB RAM and RTX 3050 Ti, with enterprise-grade RTX A2000 available in some models.
  • Benchmarks indicate solid but not top-tier CPU/GPU performance for a premium creator-laptop class.
  • Real-world use excels in productivity and stylus-driven design tasks; gaming and heavy rendering are less ideal for sustained periods.
  • Battery life is adequate for typical day-to-day use but does not meet the optimistic 18-hour claim in real-world heavy-use scenarios, especially with external displays.
  • Cooling is capable but will exhibit more fan activity and warmth during prolonged heavy workloads.

Software, Features, and Accessories

The Surface Laptop Studio is built to showcase Windows 11 in a way that complements the hardware’s creative intent. Out of the box, the device runs Windows 11, providing a modern, cohesive user experience designed to optimize productivity and creativity. The integration with Windows 11 features—such as Snap Layouts, the Widgets pane, and improved window management—helps users take full advantage of the higher screen real estate and the display’s 3:2 aspect ratio. The software experience aligns with the hardware’s strengths, particularly for individuals who rely on multitasking and quick switching between design tools, documents, and communication apps.

Microsoft also pushes the Studio’s accessory ecosystem, particularly the Surface Slim Pen 2, which is compatible with the device and can be purchased separately for around $130. The pen’s low-latency input, aimed at providing a natural drawing experience, complements the high-refresh-rate display, and the pen works well enough for drafting, note-taking, and artistic tasks. While I’m not an artist by trade, the pen’s performance is convincing enough to support creative workflows without feeling optional for those who require a pen-based toolkit. The ability to store or charge the pen within the base adds a practical convenience that appeals to mobile creators who want to minimize desk clutter and keep essential tools within reach.

Windows Hello support continues to be a positive aspect, enabling quick and secure sign-in using facial recognition. This feature enhances the overall user experience by enabling rapid access in professional environments where speed and security matter. The webcam, while adequate for video calls, is not a standout—its performance sits in line with typical business class laptops of this range. The combination of the pen, the display, and the Windows 11 feature set makes the Studio feel like a cohesive platform for creative professionals who value a seamless workflow.

In terms of software features beyond Microsoft’s core ecosystem, the Laptop Studio ships with the expected mix of driver support, firmware updates, and hardware-optimized tools that ensure a stable, reliable operation. The experience is designed to be smooth and predictable, with the caveat that higher-end configurations, particularly those with the RTX A2000, are aimed more at enterprise workflows. This is a device whose software story complements its hardware, rather than one that relies on software gimmicks to justify its price. The combination of Windows 11, a responsive pen experience, and a thoughtful hardware-software integration makes the Laptop Studio a capable platform for both creative work and general productivity.

• Key software and feature takeaways:
  • Windows 11 out of the box with a focus on productivity and creativity.
  • Surface Slim Pen 2 compatibility with optional charging and storage in the base.
  • High-refresh touchscreen and pen support for natural drawing and drafting.
  • Windows Hello for fast, secure sign-in.
  • Adequate webcam and microphone setup for video meetings; no standout imaging advantage.
  • Robust driver and firmware support aligned with premium hardware status.

Value, Competitors, and Who Should Buy

The Surface Laptop Studio sits at a premium price point, reflecting its design ambition and its emphasis on a specific creator-centric workflow. The base configuration, which pairs a modern CPU with solid RAM and a capable GPU, is already strong for productivity and light-to-moderate creative tasks. However, the higher-tier configurations—especially those including RTX options or the enterprise RTX A2000—significantly raise the price. The enterprise-focused variant, in particular, demonstrates Microsoft’s intent to offer a workstation-class platform for professionals who require dependable acceleration in demanding software environments. The trade-off is a steep price tag that makes it less accessible to everyday buyers unless the features and performance align perfectly with their needs.

From a competitive standpoint, the Laptop Studio faces strong challenges from a few well-established lines. The Dell XPS 15 has historically offered robust performance with a strong balance of display quality and price. In some scenarios, the XPS 15 can deliver higher sustained performance for the same or lower price, though it may not offer the same pen-centric experience that the Studio provides. The MacBook Pro line, particularly the 14-inch and 16-inch models based on Apple’s M1 Pro/Max chips, presents a compelling alternative with exceptional performance, efficiency, and display quality. While the Mac platform provides a different software and hardware ecosystem, many creators weigh MacBook Pro’s raw power and battery life against the Studio’s Windows-focused versatility and Surface-branded pen experience. For those who want a Windows alternative with an emphasis on stylus input and form-factor versatility, MSI and other creators-oriented laptops are also part of the broader competitive set, offering powerful GPUs and larger thermal budgets at varying price points.

In terms of recommendations, the Surface Laptop Studio makes the most sense for users who genuinely value the unique folding-display design and the pen-centric workflow. If your work involves intensive drawing, CAD, 3D design, or other stylus-driven tasks where the display immersion and the tactile pen experience can contribute meaningfully to your daily productivity, the Laptop Studio offers a compelling value proposition that justifies its premium price. Conversely, if your primary use case centers on traditional productivity, software development, or tasks that do not require heavy stylus input or multi-mode usage, the Laptop Studio’s premium price can be harder to justify. In those cases, alternatives like the Surface Laptop 4—though lacking the folding display and stylus-centric features—offer solid performance at a lower baseline price, opening the door to a more conventional, but still capable, Windows laptop experience.

• Buyer’s guide highlights:
  • Creator-focused users who want a versatile device that supports drawing, design, and productivity will find the Laptop Studio compelling.
  • Those who require maximal performance for long, sustained workloads or heavy gaming may prefer configurations with stronger GPUs, additional cooling headroom, or entirely different platforms depending on software needs.
  • Power users considering Windows-based creative workflows should compare Tesla-level graphics capabilities, CPU cores, RAM, and real-world application benchmarks to ensure value justifications.
  • If budget is a significant constraint or if the folding display isn’t a priority, look to Surface Laptop 4 or other premium Windows laptops with strong keyboard/touchpad experiences.

Should You Buy the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio?

Yes, if you are specifically seeking a creator-focused laptop with a unique folding-display design, combined with strong input experiences (including pen support) and a premium build that can serve as both a productivity machine and a drafting/illustration tool. The Studio’s strengths—an excellent keyboard, precise trackpad, comfortable pen interaction, and a display that supports detailed, nuanced work—make it a strong contender for professionals who want a single device that can transition between traditional laptop tasks and on-desk design work. Just be prepared for a premium price and the realities of thermals and battery life in more demanding scenarios, especially when you opt for configurations featuring RTX-class GPUs.

If, however, your primary needs center on pure, sustained performance, or you want a longer battery life without the pen-focused workflow, you may want to consider alternatives within the same price tier. The Surface Laptop 4 remains a strong option for those who want a reliable Windows laptop without the Studio’s folding-display innovation. The Dell XPS 15 presents another compelling choice for users who want a strong balance of display quality, performance, and a more traditional laptop experience, while Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup offers a different ecosystem and exceptional efficiency that can be advantageous for certain creative workflows. For those who truly want to push creative capabilities, the Mac platform—where the top-tier models deliver strong performance and endurance—may be worth considering even if it means stepping into a different software ecosystem.

• Quick verdicts for potential buyers:
  • Choose the Surface Laptop Studio if you want a premium, versatile Windows laptop with a novel folding-display design and a robust pen workflow, and you’re comfortable with a premium price.
  • Choose the Surface Laptop 4 if you want a more traditional, reliable Windows machine with strong performance for typical productivity tasks at a more approachable price.
  • Consider the Dell XPS 15 or the MacBook Pro if you prioritize performance benchmarks, display quality, and a preference for Windows vs. macOS ecosystems, depending on your software requirements and workflow.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is a bold and well-executed attempt to redefine what a premium Windows laptop can be for creators. Its folding-display design, combined with a responsive keyboard, precise trackpad, and strong pen support, creates a compelling platform for artists, designers, and professionals who benefit from a device that can function in multiple postures—from traditional laptop to desk-bound design studio. The build quality and thoughtful integration of hardware and software contribute to a premium user experience that is hard to match in its class, especially for those who value stylus input as part of their daily workflow.

That said, the Studio’s premium character comes with trade-offs. It commands a high price, and in configurations that push the GPU and cooling envelope, sustained performance may not always match the best-in-class alternatives at the same price point. Battery life, while respectable for a device of its scope, does not live up to the most optimistic forecasts when you push the system with external displays or heavy creative workloads. The bezels, while not problematic, are not among the slimmest in the market, and the port selection remains modest, which can influence how the device fits into a heavier external-monitor-centric setup.

If you are drawn to the unique experience of a creator-focused Windows laptop with a premium build and a display that can fold over the keyboard, the Surface Laptop Studio may be the right tool for you. For those who require the utmost in raw performance, endurance, or a more conventional design, there are compelling alternatives worth evaluating. In the end, the Laptop Studio represents Microsoft’s thoughtful attempt to merge form, function, and creativity into a single device—one that will appeal most if you prize the integrated pen experience and the versatility of the folding display as part of your daily workflow.