
I’ve used Surface Laptops as test beds for various Windows iterations for years now, so the latest 15-inch Surface Laptop 5 feels more familiar than anything else.


Microsoft Surface Laptop 5: Out of the box Microsoft sent us an email with the pricing for the various Surface Laptop 5 models. Microsoft’s base pricing has not increased over the Surface Laptop 4’s introductory price, which earns praise in a world where “inflation” is now a common topic. Head to Microsoft US (or Microsoft UK) for discounts.

(The difference between the Core i7-1255U and Core 17-1265U is 100MHz.) Improved support may be important, as more of the Surface Laptop’s components are now replaceable, including the motherboard, battery, and more - but (officially) only by an approved technician.

But Business customers receive a slightly upgraded processor option, Windows 11 Pro, and better support. For consumers, the advantages are minimal. Microsoft also continues to provide a Surface Laptop for Business option, which provides the only option for those who prefer Windows 11 Pro, versus Windows 11 Home. (For more, see PCWorld Australia’s Dolby IQ explainer.) Dolby IQ uses what the Laptop’s light sensor tells it about the ambient light in the room, and tries to adjust the display output to give you the best experience. Microsoft made a more subtle change in the display with the addition of Dolby Vision IQ, a technology more commonly found in TVs to optimize high-dynamic range (HDR) content.
