The Surface Laptop Studio works well in each of its three distinct modes, but this new form factor won’t please everyone looking for a hybrid laptop
Ever since the Surface range debuted a decade ago, Microsoft has specialised in hybrid devices. The original Surface Pro tablet could become a laptop of sorts thanks to an optional keyboard, but the company has experimented with different form factors in the years since.
Another new one was added to the mix in 2021 in the form of the Surface Laptop Studio. Rather than detaching the keyboard entirely, it has a flexible hinge that lets you move the display between three key positions. It’s not the first time we’ve seen a design like this, but its introduction here is a clear signal of intent from Microsoft.
But does it do enough to convince creative pros away from an iPad Pro or Mac? Or can it even tempt consumers? I spent a few weeks testing the Surface Laptop Studio to find out.
Design & Build
New 3-in-1 design works well but has its limitations
Great video calling features
Limited port selection
The Surface Laptop Studio replaces the Surface Book as Microsoft’s high-end hybrid laptop, adopting a very different form factor in the process. Instead of a laptop with fully detachable display, the screen on the Laptop Studio can be pulled forward in front of the keyboard or lay flat on top of it.
This technically makes it a 3-in-1 device, although you lose the flexibility of using the screen as a standalone tablet. You’re also limited to these three fixed positions, unlike on convertible laptops with 360° hinges. I found this particularly problematic with the display pulled forward in Stage mode, which isn’t the most natural angle for watching videos – but there’s no way to adjust it.
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