Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (R7B-00027) Review: A Powerful and Portable Business Companion
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (R7B-00027) Review: A Powerful and Portable Business Companion
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (R7B-00027) is a stylish and powerful laptop designed for business professionals who demand a balance of portability, performance, and reliability. It packs a punch with its 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD, making it capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. In this review, we’ll dive into its features, performance, battery life, and overall user experience to see if it’s the right fit for your business needs.
Features and Design
The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, available in a range of colors. The 13.5-inch PixelSense display delivers vibrant visuals with a crisp 2256×1504 resolution. The keyboard is comfortable and responsive, with a large trackpad that provides precise cursor control. Here are some key features:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer’s Part Number | R7B-00027 |
| EAN | 0196388028542 |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Product Type | Notebook |
| Display | 13.5″ touchscreen, 2256 x 1504 resolution, 201 ppi |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Input Device | Digitizer |
| Security | Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Networking | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Dockable | Yes |
| Integrated Webcam | Yes |
| Weight | 1.297 kg |
| Features | Ambient light sensor |
| Operating System | Win 11 Pro |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours |
| Model | Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 for Business |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 30.8 cm x 22.3 cm x 1.45 cm |
| Environmental Standards | EPEAT Climate+ |
| Colour | Matte black |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) – 1245U / 1.6 GHz, up to 4.4 GHz / 12 MB Cache |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Limited warranty – 1 year |
| Platform Technology | Intel Evo |
| Monitor Inputs | SurfaceConnect, USB4, USB, 3.5 mm jack |
| Keyboard Layout | UK |
| Repairability Index | 6 (out of 10) |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours |
| Interfaces Details | USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4) (Type C), SurfaceConnect, Headphone/microphone combo jack, USB 3.1 |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X SDRAM |
| Graphics Processor | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Video System Features | Functions as Intel UHD graphics (for single-channel memory) |
| Camera | 720p resolution, 0.9 Megapixel, Windows Hello |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, dual far-field studio microphones, Dolby Audio |
| Main Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Run Time | Up to 18 hours |
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Software Included | Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium or Microsoft 365 Apps (30 days trial) |
| Dimensions & Weight | 30.8 cm x 22.3 cm x 1.45 cm, 1.297 kg |
| CPU | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1245U / 1.6 GHz, Max Turbo Speed 4.4 GHz, 10-core, Cache L3 – 12 MB |
| Display Type | 13.5″, Touchscreen Yes (10-point multi-touch) |
| Resolution | 2256 x 1504 |
| Image Brightness | 400 cd/m² |
| Miscellaneous | Matte black, Aluminum, Ambient light sensor, Dockable, TPM 2.0 Security Chip, Power adapter |
| Repairability Index (Sustainability) | 6 (out of 10), TCO Certified, EPEAT Compliant, EPEAT Climate+ |
Performance
The Surface Laptop 5 (R7B-00027) is powered by the Intel Core i5-1245U processor, which is a 10-core CPU with a base clock speed of 1.6 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.4 GHz. This processor, combined with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing. I was able to run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing any noticeable lag.
While it handles everyday tasks effortlessly, I did notice a slight slowdown when running more demanding applications like video editing or graphics-intensive games. This is expected given the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. However, for most business users, the performance should be more than adequate.
Battery Life
Microsoft claims a battery life of up to 18 hours for the Surface Laptop 5, and I found this to be accurate in my real-world usage. With moderate usage, such as web browsing, document editing, and email, I was able to get around 10-12 hours of battery life. The laptop supports fast charging, which allows you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (R7B-00027):
Pros:
- Sleek and stylish design
- Excellent build quality
- Responsive and comfortable keyboard
- Vibrant and crisp PixelSense display
- Long battery life
- Powerful performance for everyday tasks
- Integrated Windows Hello facial recognition
Cons:
- Integrated graphics might struggle with demanding tasks
- Limited storage options
- Slightly expensive compared to some competitors
Final Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (R7B-00027) is an excellent laptop for business professionals who prioritize portability, style, and performance. Its sleek design, comfortable keyboard, and long battery life make it a pleasure to use. While the integrated graphics might not be ideal for demanding tasks, it delivers exceptional performance for everyday productivity and web browsing. If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish laptop that can handle the demands of your workday, the Surface Laptop 5 is a solid choice.
