Microsoft Surface Laptop Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 for Business - 13.5'', Review
The Surface Laptop 4 for Business is a sleek, reliable machine built for the office. Its great keyboard and sharp screen make it a productivity champ, but the aging CPU and tiny 256GB SSD hold it back.
Overview
The Surface Laptop 4 for Business is a clean, simple machine. It's got that classic Surface look and feel, with a solid 13.5-inch touchscreen and a keyboard that's genuinely nice to type on all day. It's built for the office, not the gaming lounge, and it knows it. You're getting a portable, reliable Windows laptop that just works, without any flashy gimmicks. This is the definition of a workhorse.
Performance
Performance is fine for everyday tasks. The Intel 1185G7 CPU and 16GB of RAM handle spreadsheets, video calls, and dozens of browser tabs without breaking a sweat. Its integrated Iris Xe graphics are surprisingly decent, landing in the 76th percentile for integrated GPUs, so you can even do some light photo editing. But don't expect to game on it, and that 256GB SSD feels cramped by today's standards. It's a solid performer within its lane.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent build quality and premium feel. 90th
- The 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen is sharp and bright. 76th
- Keyboard and trackpad are top-tier for productivity. 75th
- Very portable and easy to carry all day. 70th
Cons
- The 256GB SSD is too small for most users. 16th
- Port selection is limited, with only USB-A and USB-C. 19th
- CPU performance lags behind modern competitors. 21th
- Battery life is just average, not exceptional. 22th
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | Intel Core i7 1185G |
| Cores | 4 |
| Frequency | 3.0 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB |
Graphics
| GPU | Iris Xe Graphics |
| Type | integrated |
| VRAM | 16 GB |
| VRAM Type | Shared |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 16 GB |
| RAM Generation | DDR4 |
| Storage 1 | 256 GB |
| Storage 1 Type | SSD |
Display
| Size | 13.5" |
| Resolution | 2256 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
Physical
| Weight | 1.5 kg / 3.4 lbs |
| OS | Windows 11 |
Value & Pricing
At around $340 to $400, the value is tricky. If you find it on the lower end of that range, it's a good deal for a well-built business laptop. At the higher end, you're paying a premium for the Surface brand and design when the internal specs, especially the CPU and storage, are starting to show their age. It's a fair price for the experience, but not a steal.
vs Competition
Compared to an Apple MacBook Pro, you're getting a touchscreen and Windows for less money, but giving up a ton of processing power and battery life. Next to an ASUS Zenbook Duo, you lose the innovative second screen but gain a more traditional, sturdier single-screen design. Against a Lenovo Legion gaming laptop, this isn't even a contest for performance, but the Surface wins hands-down on portability and professional looks. It's for a different crowd.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a business user who values a clean, portable design, a great typing experience, and reliable Windows performance over raw speed. It's perfect for consultants, students, or anyone who needs a dependable machine for meetings, emails, and documents. Just be ready to manage that small SSD or pay for cloud storage.