The First Surface Laptop: A Milestone in Microsoft’s Hardware Evolution
When Microsoft first introduced its Surface line in 2012, it marked a bold new direction for the company. Traditionally known for software, Microsoft ventured into hardware with the Surface RT and Surface Pro—devices designed to merge the best aspects of tablets and laptops. While early Surface models focused on detachable keyboards and versatile form factors, it wasn’t until June 15, 2017, that Microsoft released its first true clamshell laptop: the Surface Laptop.
A New Chapter: The Surface Laptop’s Debut
The Surface Laptop was Microsoft’s answer to the growing market of premium ultrabooks, dominated by Apple’s MacBook and Dell’s XPS series. Unlike the Surface Pro, which emphasized flexibility with its kickstand and detachable keyboard, the Surface Laptop embraced a traditional design while maintaining the premium aesthetics and engineering that defined the Surface brand.
Design and Build Quality
One of the defining characteristics of the original Surface Laptop was its elegant and minimalist design. It featured a sleek aluminum chassis and came in several colors, including Platinum, Burgundy, Cobalt Blue, and Graphite Gold. The keyboard was covered with Alcantara fabric, a soft-touch material that gave the device a luxurious feel.
At just 2.76 pounds (1.25 kg) and with a slim profile of 14.48mm at its thickest point, the Surface Laptop was lightweight and highly portable, making it an attractive choice for students and professionals alike.
Performance and Specifications
Under the hood, the first Surface Laptop was powered by Intel’s 7th-generation Kaby Lake processors. It was available with either a Core i5 or Core i7 CPU, providing a balance between power efficiency and performance. The device offered RAM configurations of 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB, and storage options ranged from 128GB to 1TB SSD, ensuring fast boot times and seamless multitasking.
One of the standout features was its 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display. With a resolution of 2256 x 1504 and a 3:2 aspect ratio, it delivered vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and exceptional clarity, making it ideal for both productivity and media consumption.
Windows 10 S: A Controversial Software Choice
At launch, the Surface Laptop came preinstalled with Windows 10 S, a streamlined version of Windows designed for security and performance. However, Windows 10 S limited users to apps from the Microsoft Store, restricting flexibility for those who needed traditional Win32 applications. Due to customer feedback, Microsoft later allowed users to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for free within the first year, addressing concerns over software limitations.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Microsoft claimed that the Surface Laptop offered up to 14.5 hours of battery life, a competitive number at the time. In real-world usage, it delivered impressive endurance, making it a reliable choice for long workdays or travel.
Connectivity options included one USB-A port, a Mini DisplayPort, a Surface Connect charging port, and a headphone jack. While the lack of USB-C disappointed some users, the Surface Laptop still provided sufficient ports for most users’ needs at the time.
Legacy and Impact
The original Surface Laptop set the stage for Microsoft’s expansion into the premium laptop market. It proved that Microsoft could successfully design and manufacture a high-end laptop that rivaled some of the best ultrabooks available. Subsequent models refined the design, introduced USB-C ports, improved performance, and expanded the Surface Laptop lineup to cater to a wider range of users.
Today, the Surface Laptop remains a crucial part of Microsoft’s hardware ecosystem. Its initial success in 2017 helped solidify Microsoft as a serious competitor in the laptop industry, proving that the company’s Surface brand was more than just an experiment—it was a long-term commitment to premium computing devices.
Conclusion
The first Surface Laptop, released on June 15, 2017, was a significant milestone in Microsoft’s history. It combined premium design, powerful hardware, and an excellent display, making it a worthy competitor in the laptop market. Despite its initial software limitations with Windows 10 S, the Surface Laptop’s elegance, performance, and battery life earned it a dedicated user base. Today, its legacy continues with newer models, but the original remains a pivotal moment in Microsoft’s journey as a hardware innovator.
