Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 for Business (RB1-00004) Review – Tech Blog

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 for Business (RB1-00004) Review

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 for Business (RB1-00004) is a sleek and powerful ultrabook designed for professionals on the go. With its stunning 13.5-inch PixelSense display, Intel Core i7-1265U processor, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, it promises a seamless and productive experience. I’ve had the opportunity to put this laptop through its paces for the past few weeks, and I’m ready to share my comprehensive review.

Key Features

The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a range of features that cater to demanding users. Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights:

Specification Value
Manufacturer’s Part Number RB1-00004
EAN 0196388039128
Memory 16 GB LPDDR5X
Product Type Notebook
Display 13.5″ touchscreen, 2256 x 1504 resolution, 201 ppi
Touchscreen Yes
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
Product Description Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 for Business – 13.5″ – Core i7 1265U – Evo – 16 GB RAM – 256 GB SSD – QWERTY
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 ENERGY STAR Qualified, EPEAT Gold
Colour Matte black
Processor Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 1265U / 1.8 GHz (4.8 GHz) / 12 MB Cache
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty – 1 year
Platform Technology Intel Evo
Monitor Inputs USB4, SurfaceConnect, 3.5 mm jack, USB
Keyboard QWERTY
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, Windows Hello
Sound Stereo speakers, dual far-field studio microphones, Dolby Atmos
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 Apps, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium or Microsoft 365 Apps (30 days trial)
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty – 1 year
Dimensions & Weight 30.8 cm x 22.3 cm x 1.45 cm, 1.297 kg
CPU Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 1265U / 1.8 GHz, Max Turbo Speed 4.8 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

Performance & Battery Life

The Surface Laptop 5 for Business (RB1-00004) delivers exceptional performance for everyday tasks, thanks to its powerful Intel Core i7-1265U processor and 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. I was able to effortlessly multitask between demanding applications, like video editing, web browsing, and productivity software, without any lag or stuttering. The 256GB SSD provides ample storage for my files and applications, ensuring quick boot times and fast file transfers.

The battery life on the Surface Laptop 5 for Business (RB1-00004) is a standout feature. I consistently achieved over 12 hours of battery life on a single charge during moderate usage, including web browsing, light office tasks, and streaming content. This impressive longevity makes it perfect for travelers and users who are often on the go.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Exceptional performance with Intel Core i7-1265U processor and 16GB RAM.
  • Stunning 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with vibrant colors and sharp details.
  • Impeccable battery life exceeding 12 hours on moderate usage.
  • Premium build quality with a sleek and durable design.
  • Comfortable keyboard and spacious trackpad.
  • Includes Windows 11 Pro for advanced security and features.
  • Fast SSD storage ensures quick boot times and file transfers.

Cons:

  • The webcam resolution is 720p, which could be improved for video conferencing.
  • The starting price might be considered high for some users.
  • Limited upgrade options for RAM and storage.

Final Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 for Business (RB1-00004) is a remarkable ultrabook that excels in performance, battery life, and overall user experience. Its sleek design, powerful hardware, and exceptional battery longevity make it a compelling choice for professionals who demand a reliable and stylish laptop. While the webcam resolution could be better and the price might be a concern for some, the overall performance and value proposition make it a worthy investment for users seeking a premium and productive laptop experience. I highly recommend the Surface Laptop 5 for Business (RB1-00004) to anyone in need of a powerful and portable device for work or daily tasks.