While many laptop OEMs use both AMD and Intel processors in their designs, it’s relatively rare to see the exact same model with a choice of Ryzen or Core processors. Plenty of enthusiasts considering the 15-inch Surface Laptop 4 will already have a preference for AMD or Intel chips-if that’s you, it’s nice that Microsoft lets you choose. The expanded configuration options are a welcome departure from the Surface Laptop 3, which does not have all processor options available for both screen sizes. All versions of the new laptop use integrated Iris Xe (Intel) or Radeon (AMD) graphics. A Core i7 version is also available, though the option for a discrete GPU on either platform is not. Our review unit adds a roomier 512GB SSD, for a $200 premium. Meanwhile, the 15-inch version starts at $1,299 with a Ryzen 7 4980U, 8GB of memory, and a 256GB SSD. CPU options include an Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1185G7, as well as RAM and storage upticks (up to 32GB of memory, and up to 1TB of solid-state storage). The 13-inch starting configuration has an AMD Ryzen 5 4680U mobile CPU, 8GB of memory, and a 256GB SSD. The 15-inch version reviewed here complements a smaller 13-inch model, which starts at $999 and is also updated for 2021 with new AMD and Intel processors. Like its predecessors, the Surface Laptop 4 is available in two screen sizes. Still, with a snazzy design and a keyboard and touchpad far more comfortable than most detachable laptops offer, it’s an excellent example of a classic laptop. The Surface Laptop 4 is, as its name suggests, just a straight-up clamshell-style laptop. All of the other Surfaces (the Surface Pro, the Surface Go, and the Surface Book) are futuristic 2-in-1 detachable machines.

The Surface Laptop and the Surface Laptop Go are the youngest members of Microsoft’s Surface family of Windows devices, but they've quickly become the bread and butter.

It’s ideal for general-purpose computing on a big screen.

The Surface Laptop 4 now cinches an Editors’ Choice award as our top pick among premium 15-inch models. New for 2021, processor options from both AMD and Intel make this fourth-generation laptop's performance even better. With two color options and excellent build quality, it’s a standout big-screen notebook. The 15-inch version of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (starts at $1,299 $1,499 as tested) offers one of the most refined computing experiences of any Windows laptop. Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security Software.

Microsoft surface laptop 4 review