Surface Laptop Archives

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11 setup bypass blocked, smaller Surface Pro confirmed, and Amazon raises concerns over Xbox & Surface returns

Microsoft is expected to unveil a smaller Surface Pro powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform, aimed at competing with the iPad Pro, featuring a premium metal chassis and high-quality display, with pricing projected to start between 0 and 0. Additionally, Microsoft plans to introduce a smaller Surface Laptop. The company has blocked a bypass that allowed users to set up Windows 11 PCs without a Microsoft account, which has led to the emergence of a new method involving the command prompt during setup. Certain configurations of the Surface Laptop 7 and the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 have been flagged by Amazon as frequently returned items. Bill Gates has stated that AI will replace humans "for most things," while identifying coders, energy specialists, and biologists as professions likely to remain safe from automation.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: Nobody wants the Surface Laptop 7?

The Windows Central Podcast discusses the current state of Windows on Arm, the high return rate of the Surface Laptop 7, and upcoming smaller Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models with innovative features. It also covers developments in Windows 11, including the first signs of the 25H2 update.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Google Chrome downloads ‘can’t run’ on Windows due to broken installer issue

A glitch is affecting the installation of Google Chrome on Windows devices, causing users to encounter a pop-up message stating, "This app can’t run on your PC." This issue is prevalent among Windows 10 and 11 users attempting to install from Google's official website. The problem arises because Google has mistakenly uploaded the Arm version of the Chrome installer instead of the x86 version. The download page typically selects the appropriate version based on the user's machine, but this error has led to disruptions. Users on Arm machines can install without issues, while others face difficulties. The standalone installer remains unaffected, offering a potential workaround.

Winsage

March 25, 2025

Windows-on-Arm woes: Amazon warns customers about Surface laptop returns

Qualcomm and Microsoft are enhancing the Windows-on-Arm ecosystem, highlighted during the Microsoft Build event in May 2024. The Surface brand laptops with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors received positive feedback for performance and battery life. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition) has been flagged by Amazon as a "frequently returned item," prompting buyers to check reviews. Customer feedback indicates that app compatibility issues are a primary reason for the returns. Intel's interim Co-CEO suggested that devices with Snapdragon chips are returned at higher rates due to unmet functionality expectations. Despite this, the market for Windows-on-Arm systems remains strong, with major manufacturers adopting Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. Other Snapdragon-powered devices, like the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, have not faced similar return warnings. The Surface Laptop may have higher return rates due to its popularity and specific shortcomings noted in reviews, such as display quality and keyboard comfort. Microsoft also offers Intel versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, which may confuse consumers. Qualcomm and Microsoft are working with developers to improve software support for Windows-on-Arm, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop now available. Challenges remain, including Qualcomm's discontinuation of its Snapdragon Developer Kit for Windows and limited native support for some applications. Users with specialized needs may prefer traditional x86 Windows versions. Qualcomm plans to unveil its second generation of Snapdragon X processors in late 2025.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google ships Drive for Arm PCs, removing a compatibility concern

Google has released a stable version of Google Drive for Arm PCs, addressing app compatibility concerns for users. This follows a successful beta launch and requires the Microsoft WebView2 runtime with Windows 11. The update is available to all users with personal Google accounts and Google Workspace. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Arm processors have received positive feedback, but initial tests showed performance issues with several applications, including Google Drive. While many productivity applications are now optimized for Arm, gaming remains a challenge, with many titles not running natively or performing poorly. Reports indicated higher-than-average consumer return rates for the Surface Laptop, highlighting ongoing challenges for Qualcomm, Arm, Microsoft, and developers in improving Windows on Arm PCs.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

The best Windows laptop for work has one major letdown

HP’s OmniBook Ultra 14 is a premium productivity laptop priced around ,100 for a model with a 1TB drive and 16GB of RAM, and approximately ,300 for a version with 32GB of RAM. It features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375, a 12-core processor, and offers nearly 13 hours of battery life. The laptop weighs about 1.5kg and measures 1.5cm in thickness, with a design that combines aesthetics and functionality. It includes two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, a 3.5mm jack, and a USB-A port. The QHD IPS touchscreen is bright for indoor use, and it has an integrated camera and microphone for virtual meetings. The AI capabilities include an AI Assistant app and a dedicated Copilot button for Microsoft’s assistant, but the practical applications of the AI technology are limited. Comparatively, the OmniBook Ultra 14 outperforms other laptops in its category, such as the Framework Laptop 13 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, particularly in AI capabilities and processing power.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Amazon warns Surface Laptop 7 shoppers as Mojang unveils massive visual update to Minecraft and Microsoft leaks a potential new feature for the Xbox app on Windows 11

Amazon has reported that the Surface Laptop 7 is frequently returned by customers. Mojang has introduced a "Vibrant Visuals" update for Minecraft, enhancing the game's aesthetics while keeping its gameplay mechanics intact. Microsoft is developing a Steam filter for the Xbox app on PC, suggesting deeper integration with Steam. HP announced 25 new PCs at its Amplify conference, including the EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i and the OmniBook 7 Aero 13. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ gaming handheld received a score of 4.5 out of 5 for its performance and features.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Amazon flags Surface Laptop 7 as a frequently returned item — warns buyers to check reviews first

The Surface Laptop 7 has been labeled as a frequently returned item on Amazon, indicated by a yellow warning beneath the product description. This designation suggests a higher-than-average return rate, although the reasons for these returns are not specified. The warning applies to specific hardware configurations of the device, potentially impacting Microsoft's reputation. The laptop has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 360 reviews, with 71% being five stars and 12% one star, indicating mixed user satisfaction. In contrast, no configurations of the Surface Pro 11 have been marked as frequently returned. The label is assigned to items with the highest return rates in their category, reflecting current market challenges for the Surface Laptop 7. The recent introduction of an Intel-powered version may be affecting interest in the Snapdragon X models.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Microsoft no longer includes a power supply with Surface Pro 11 in some regions — now you have to pay extra for one

Microsoft has stopped including a power supply with its Surface Pro 11, requiring consumers to pay an additional €90 for it. This change is part of the European Union's efforts to reduce electronic waste and has resulted in more compact packaging that includes only the tablet and a quick start guide. The decision aligns with the 2022 Radio Equipment Directive, which allows companies to make power supplies optional. Other tech companies like Apple and Google have also begun excluding power supplies from their tablet offerings in EU markets. It is unclear if the Surface Pro 11 will come with a USB-C cable.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: Skype is DEAD and we’re taking it personally

The Windows Central Podcast discusses the official discontinuation of Skype, reflecting on the hosts' experiences and challenges. They also explore developments surrounding Copilot on Windows and the future of AI integration. Additionally, the podcast covers Lenovo's new line of PCs with unconventional designs and offers insights on the recently unveiled MacBook Air, comparing its value to competitors like the Surface Laptop 7.