Surface Laptop 7 Archives

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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February 25, 2025

This Windows 11 battery app just got a major upgrade, including more support for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7

Microsoft is enhancing the battery icon for Windows 11, while the third-party application "Battery Flyout" by Michał Łeptuch provides deeper insights into battery health. The app allows users to toggle power modes and offers detailed charts of battery usage over time. Recently, Battery Flyout received an update that includes a functional power slider on ARM64 devices, the ability to generate a comprehensive battery report, minor stability and performance enhancements, and new settings for customizing the tray icon style. Battery Flyout can display battery percentage, a feature currently being tested in Windows 11. Michał Łeptuch is also known for developing other applications like Calendar Flyout and Fluent Emoji Gallery, among others, to enhance the Windows 11 experience.

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February 14, 2025

This Surface Laptop 7 with Snapdragon is “basically perfect,” and it’s almost half the price of the Surface Laptop 7 with Intel

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 is currently priced at 9.99, reflecting a 0 reduction from its standard retail price due to President's Day sales. It features a Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The laptop has received a perfect score in reviews for its design, keyboard, display, and performance. It has undergone a design refresh that allows for easier repairs, with replaceable components available for purchase from Microsoft. The Snapdragon processors provide exceptional battery life and performance, making the Surface Laptop 7 a cost-effective choice compared to the entry-level Intel variant, which retails at ,499.99.

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February 3, 2025

Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Which Copilot+ PC is better for you?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 features two variants: one powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite chipset and the other by Intel's Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) chipset. The Qualcomm model starts at 9 for the 13.8-inch version and ,299 for the 15-inch version, while the Intel variant starts at ,499 for the 13.8-inch model and is projected to be around ,799 for the 15-inch model. Both models offer up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, with identical display options of a 13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touchscreen and a 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touchscreen. The Intel model has a USB-A 3.2 port, while the Qualcomm model has a USB-A 3.1 port. Battery life estimates suggest up to 22 hours of video playback for the Qualcomm model and up to 12 hours for the Intel model. Initial performance tests indicate that the Snapdragon X Elite has a multi-core score of 14,426, while Intel models are expected to score between 11,033 and 11,125. The Qualcomm model demonstrated a practical battery life of 15 hours and 44 minutes under web browsing conditions. Compatibility with Windows on Arm applications is improving, but notable gaps remain, such as the lack of a native Steam app. The Intel variant will be available starting February 18, 2025.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft’s wins, fails, and WTF moments of 2024

In 2024, Microsoft made significant advancements and faced challenges. The Surface Pro 11th Edition, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, showed improved compatibility with applications like Slack and Google Drive. The Microsoft Recall feature encountered skepticism due to delays and privacy concerns. The Windows 11 2024 Update confused users with multiple release channels and contradictory hardware requirements. The Surface Laptop 7 received praise for its battery life and design. Game Pass evolved into a complex array of tiers, complicating user experience. The Surface Studio 2+ was discontinued, disappointing fans. Microsoft’s Copilot initiative faced challenges, and the HoloLens 2 quietly exited the commercial market. Flight Simulator 2024 struggled with technical issues at launch. Microsoft integrated generative AI into core applications like Paint and Photos. The Windows95Man Paperclip emerged as a cultural phenomenon.