Main points
- In the realm of ultraportable laptops, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and the Apple MacBook Air M1 stand out as formidable contenders.
- The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a great choice for users seeking a budget-friendly option with good performance and battery life.
- The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, offers superior performance, a stunning display, and exceptional battery life, making it a more premium choice for demanding users.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and the Apple MacBook Air M1 stand out as formidable contenders. Both devices offer sleek designs, powerful performance, and impressive battery life. But which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 against the MacBook Air M1 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts a compact and lightweight design, weighing just 2.45 pounds. Its aluminum chassis exudes a premium feel, while the vibrant 12.4-inch touchscreen adds to its appeal.
MacBook Air M1: The MacBook Air M1 is known for its ultra-thin and sleek design. Its wedge-shaped profile and aluminum unibody construction make it both portable and durable. The 13.3-inch Retina display offers stunning visuals.
Performance
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, providing adequate performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking. Its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics handle basic video editing and casual gaming.
MacBook Air M1: The MacBook Air M1 is equipped with Apple’s M1 chip, which offers exceptional performance and efficiency. Its 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU deliver blazing-fast speeds, making it suitable for demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design.
Battery Life
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 13 hours on a single charge. This makes it an ideal companion for students and professionals on the go.
MacBook Air M1: The MacBook Air M1 also excels in battery life, offering up to 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing. Its superior battery efficiency makes it a reliable device for extended use.
Display
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2: The 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display on the Surface Laptop Go 2 offers vibrant colors and sharp images. However, its resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels falls short of the MacBook Air M1’s display.
MacBook Air M1: The MacBook Air M1 features a stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. Its P3 wide color gamut provides exceptional image quality and viewing angles.
Operating System
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 runs on Windows 11, which offers a familiar and versatile user interface. It provides access to a wide range of software and applications.
MacBook Air M1: The MacBook Air M1 runs on macOS Monterey, which is known for its user-friendly design and integration with Apple’s ecosystem. It offers a seamless experience for users who prefer Apple products.
Price and Value
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 starts at $599 for the base model. Its price point makes it a more affordable option for budget-conscious shoppers.
MacBook Air M1: The MacBook Air M1 starts at $999 for the base model. Its higher price tag reflects its premium build quality and exceptional performance.
The Verdict
Both the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and the MacBook Air M1 are excellent ultraportable laptops. The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a great choice for users seeking a budget-friendly option with good performance and battery life. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, offers superior performance, a stunning display, and exceptional battery life, making it a more premium choice for demanding users.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you value affordability and portability, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a solid option. If you prioritize performance, display quality, and a seamless Apple ecosystem experience, the MacBook Air M1 is the way to go.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The MacBook Air M1 offers superior battery life, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge.
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has a stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with a higher resolution and wider color gamut.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is the more affordable option, starting at $599.