Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Z1S-00001) Review: A Powerful Hybrid with Stunning Display

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Z1S-00001) is a powerful hybrid device that combines the productivity of a laptop with the creative capabilities of a tablet. Featuring a stunning 14.4″ PixelSense Flow touch display, a powerful Intel Core i7-13700H processor, and dedicated NVIDIA RTX 2000 graphics, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is designed for demanding users who need a device that can handle anything they throw at it.

Features

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is packed with features that make it a versatile and powerful device. Let’s take a closer look:

Stunning Display

The 14.4″ PixelSense Flow touch display is a highlight of the Surface Laptop Studio 2. With a resolution of 2400 x 1600 and a 120Hz refresh rate, the display delivers vibrant colors, sharp details, and smooth animations. It’s a dream for creative professionals who need accurate color representation and a responsive display for working with graphics and video.

Powerful Performance

Under the hood, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is powered by the latest Intel Core i7-13700H processor, which provides ample power for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming. The dedicated NVIDIA RTX 2000 graphics card with 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM handles graphics-intensive workloads with ease.

Sleek and Versatile Design

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 boasts a sleek and modern design that’s both stylish and practical. The unique hinge mechanism allows the display to rotate back and forth, transforming the device from a laptop to a studio mode for a more comfortable drawing and sketching experience.

Performance

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 delivers exceptional performance that meets the needs of even the most demanding users. The Intel Core i7-13700H processor handled everything I threw at it, including video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking with multiple browser tabs and apps. The dedicated NVIDIA RTX 2000 graphics card delivered smooth and responsive performance in games and creative applications, resulting in a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

Pros & Cons

Like any product, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons based on my experience:

Pros

  • Stunning 14.4″ PixelSense Flow touch display with high resolution and refresh rate.
  • Powerful Intel Core i7-13700H processor with ample performance for demanding tasks.
  • Dedicated NVIDIA RTX 2000 graphics card for smooth performance in games and creative applications.
  • Unique hinge design allows for versatile usage modes, including laptop, studio mode, and tablet.
  • Solid build quality and premium design.

Cons

  • Relatively expensive compared to other laptops with similar specifications.
  • No support for Thunderbolt 4 on the USB-A port.
  • Limited storage expansion options.

Final Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Z1S-00001) is a high-end hybrid device that delivers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a versatile design. While it comes at a premium price, it’s a solid choice for creative professionals, gamers, and anyone who needs a powerful and versatile machine for their everyday tasks. If you’re looking for a device that can handle it all, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is definitely worth considering.

Specifications

Specification Value
Operating System Windows 11 Home
Processor Intel Core i7-13700H (13th Gen)
CPU 14-Core: 2.4 to 5 GHz Performance (6 Cores)1.8 to 3.7 GHz Efficiency (8 Cores)
L3 Cache 24 MB
Graphics Type Dedicated
GPU NVIDIA RTX 2000 with 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM
Memory Type LPDDR5x
Total Installed Memory 32 GB (Onboard)
ECC Memory No
Display 14.4″ LCD, 2400 x 1600 Native Resolution, 120 Hz, 3:2 Aspect Ratio, 1500:1 Contrast Ratio
Touchscreen Yes
Storage 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD
Storage Expansion No
Inputs/Outputs 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)1x USB-A 3.0/3.1/3.2 Gen 11x Surface Connector
Audio I/O 1x 3.5 mm Headphone Output
Network I/O No
Built-In Speakers 4
Built-In Microphones 2
Media/Memory Card Slot Single Slot: microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with MU-MIMO Support
Bluetooth 5.3
Cellular Support No
GPS No
Webcam User-Facing: 1080p
Keyboard Built-In Chiclet-Style Keyboard with Backlight
Pointing Device TouchPad
Security Facial Recognition, Firmware TPM (Software-Based)
Power Supply 120 W with Barrel/Proprietary
Dimensions 12.72 x 9.06 x 0.86″ / 32.31 x 23.01 x 2.18 cm
Weight 4.37 lb / 1.98 kg