Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (RIP-00039) Review: A Premium Laptop for Productivity and Creativity

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s popular premium laptop series. This review focuses on the 15-inch model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD (model number: RIP-00039). I’ve been using this laptop for the past few weeks, putting it through a series of tests to evaluate its performance, features, and overall usability.

Features

The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a sleek and modern design with a premium build quality. The 15-inch PixelSense display is vibrant and sharp, offering excellent viewing angles. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the large touchpad provides smooth and responsive navigation. Here are some of the key features:

  • 15-inch PixelSense Display (2256 x 1504 Resolution): The display is beautiful with excellent color accuracy and sharpness. It’s perfect for both work and entertainment.
  • Intel Core i7 Processor (1.3 GHz): The powerful processor handles demanding tasks, multitasking, and creative applications with ease.
  • 16GB LPDDR5x RAM: The ample RAM ensures smooth multitasking and quick application loading times.
  • 512GB SSD: The fast SSD provides ample storage space and quick boot times.
  • Windows 11 Operating System: The latest version of Windows offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience.
  • Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics: The graphics processor is capable of handling basic gaming and creative tasks.
  • Long Battery Life (Up to 17 Hours): The Surface Laptop 5 offers impressive battery life, making it ideal for all-day use.
  • Sleek and Portable Design: Weighing just 3.15 kg, the Surface Laptop 5 is lightweight and easy to carry around.

Performance

The Surface Laptop 5 delivers outstanding performance, thanks to its powerful Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM. I was able to run demanding applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and video editing software, without any lag or stuttering. The laptop also handled multitasking seamlessly, allowing me to switch between multiple applications without any noticeable slowdown. The fast SSD ensures quick boot times and application loading speeds, making the overall user experience very smooth and enjoyable.

While the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics is not designed for high-end gaming, it can handle casual games and basic creative tasks without any issues. However, for more demanding gaming or graphics-intensive work, you might want to consider a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.

Pros & Cons

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:

Pros:

  • Excellent performance with a powerful processor and ample RAM.
  • Beautiful 15-inch PixelSense display with vibrant colors and sharp details.
  • Comfortable keyboard and large, responsive touchpad.
  • Long battery life for all-day productivity.
  • Sleek and portable design.
  • Premium build quality.

Cons:

  • The integrated graphics might not be powerful enough for demanding gaming or creative tasks.
  • The price point is on the higher side compared to other laptops with similar specifications.
  • Limited port selection.
  • Final Verdict

    Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (RIP-00039) is an excellent premium laptop that delivers exceptional performance, a beautiful display, and a comfortable user experience. It’s ideal for productivity, creativity, and everyday use. While the price point is high, the laptop’s build quality, features, and performance make it a worthwhile investment for professionals and anyone looking for a top-of-the-line laptop.

    If you’re looking for a reliable and powerful laptop with a sleek design and long battery life, the Surface Laptop 5 is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re on a tight budget or need dedicated graphics for gaming or heavy creative work, there might be other options available that better suit your needs.

    Specifications

    Feature Value
    Brand Microsoft
    Package Dimensions 46.48 x 27.18 x 7.62 cm; 3.15 kg
    Batteries 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included)
    Item Model Number RIP-00039
    Manufacturer Microsoft
    Series Surface Laptop 5
    Color Black
    Form Factor Laptop
    Standing Screen Display Size 15 inches
    Resolution 2256 x 1504 Pixels
    Processor Brand Intel
    Processor Type Core i7
    Processor Speed 1.3 GHz
    Processor Count 1
    RAM Size 16 GB
    Memory Technology LPDDR5x
    Maximum Memory Supported
    Hard Drive Size 512 GB
    Hard Disk Description Solid State Drive
    Hard Drive Interface Thunderbolt
    Audio Details Speakers
    Graphics Coprocessor Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Graphics Chipset Brand Intel
    Graphics Card Description Integrated
    Graphics RAM Type Shared
    Graphics Card Interface Integrated
    Number of USB 3.0 Ports 1
    Voltage 19 Volts
    Power Source Battery Powered
    Operating System Windows 11
    Battery Charge Cycles 11 Hours
    Average Battery Life (in hours) 17 Hours
    Are Batteries Included Yes
    Lithium Battery Energy Content 47.4 Watt Hours
    Lithium Battery Packaging Batteries contained in equipment
    Number Of Lithium Ion Cells 6
    Item Weight 3.15 kg