Quick notes
- The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Apple MacBook Air M1 are two of the most popular and highly-regarded laptops on the market today.
- In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the key features of the Surface Pro 9 and the MacBook Air M1 to help you make an informed decision.
- The Surface Pro 9 is a more versatile device that can be used in multiple modes, while the MacBook Air M1 offers better performance and battery life.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the Apple MacBook Air M1 are two of the most popular and highly-regarded laptops on the market today. Both devices offer a sleek design, powerful performance, and long battery life, making them ideal for students, professionals, and creatives alike. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the key features of the Surface Pro 9 and the MacBook Air M1 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Pro 9 and the MacBook Air M1 are both known for their premium design and build quality. The Surface Pro 9 features a sleek magnesium alloy chassis with a kickstand that allows you to use it in multiple positions, including laptop mode, tablet mode, and tent mode. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, has a thin and lightweight aluminum unibody design that is both durable and stylish.
Display
The Surface Pro 9 has a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. It supports touch input and has a refresh rate of 120Hz, making it ideal for drawing, writing, and gaming. The MacBook Air M1 has a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1664 pixels. It also supports touch input, but its refresh rate is limited to 60Hz.
Performance
The Surface Pro 9 is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, while the MacBook Air M1 is powered by Apple’s M1 chip. The M1 chip is based on ARM architecture and offers significantly better performance than the Intel Core i5 processor in the Surface Pro 9. However, the Surface Pro 9 with the i7 processor offers comparable performance to the MacBook Air M1.
Battery Life
The Surface Pro 9 has a battery life of up to 15.5 hours, while the MacBook Air M1 has a battery life of up to 18 hours. Both devices offer fast charging, so you can get a full charge in just a few hours.
Connectivity
The Surface Pro 9 has a Thunderbolt 4 port, two USB-C ports, a Surface Connect port, and a microSD card slot. The MacBook Air M1 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Software
The Surface Pro 9 runs on Windows 11, while the MacBook Air M1 runs on macOS Monterey. Both operating systems offer a wide range of features and applications, but Windows 11 is more versatile and supports a wider range of software.
Price
The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999, while the MacBook Air M1 starts at $999. However, the Surface Pro 9 requires a separate keyboard, which can add to the overall cost.
Summary: The Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the MacBook Air M1 are both excellent laptops that offer a unique set of features and benefits. The Surface Pro 9 is a more versatile device that can be used in multiple modes, while the MacBook Air M1 offers better performance and battery life. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Surface Pro 9 has a higher resolution and refresh rate, making it better for drawing, writing, and gaming.
Q: Which device has better performance?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has better performance than the Surface Pro 9 with the i5 processor. However, the Surface Pro 9 with the i7 processor offers comparable performance to the MacBook Air M1.
Q: Which device has longer battery life?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has a longer battery life than the Surface Pro 9.