In the realm of unreleased Microsoft products, the Surface Neo stands out as a particularly intriguing case. Having had the opportunity to explore this device extensively, I can attest to its potential and the disappointment surrounding its eventual shelving. Initially unveiled in October 2019, the Surface Neo was touted as a groundbreaking addition to the Surface lineup, with a release window set for the holiday season of 2020. However, as time passed, it became clear that the device would not see the light of day, ultimately being postponed indefinitely in 2021.
During my time with the Surface Neo, I interacted with hardware that was described as “near-final.” This meant that while the physical design was largely complete, the software—Windows 10X—remained unfinished. This distinction is crucial, as it affects the overall user experience and any critiques that may arise from it.
The best Surface hardware, ever?
The design of the Surface Neo is nothing short of stunning. It combines metal, glass, and polycarbonate in a way that feels premium and unique compared to other tablets and laptops on the market. When folded, the device is slightly smaller than a Surface Go, yet unfolds to reveal two 9-inch LCD displays with a resolution of 1920×1440, providing a crisp and vibrant visual experience.
At just 5.6mm thick, the Surface Neo is one of the thinnest Windows PCs ever created. Microsoft envisioned multiple usage modes, including dual-screen, single-screen, tent, and laptop configurations. The dual displays are perfectly aligned, allowing for seamless multitasking and a variety of applications.
One of the most notable features is the hinge mechanism, which strikes an ideal balance between stiffness and ease of use. This allows users to adjust the screens comfortably without feeling like they might break the device. The tactile feedback from the volume and power buttons, which cleverly incorporate a SIM tray for LTE, adds to the overall quality of the build.
A family of peripherals
The Surface Neo was designed to work in tandem with dedicated accessories, including the Surface Slim Pen and a magnetic keyboard. The ability to charge these accessories while the device is in sleep mode is a thoughtful touch. The keyboard can be flipped around and attached to the right screen, transforming the Neo into a mini laptop.
While the keyboard is compact and designed to fit the device’s slim profile, it does come with its challenges. The keys are smaller than those on the Surface Go, and the shallow key travel may not appeal to everyone. However, the typing experience remains surprisingly satisfying given the constraints of the design.
Not very snappy
Despite its impressive design, performance is where the Surface Neo falters. The Intel Lakefield chip, which powers the device, struggles under load, leading to thermal throttling and an overall sluggish experience. This is compounded by the unfinished state of the software, which limits the ability to run benchmark tests and assess performance accurately.
The device’s thin profile may have contributed to its cooling issues, as it lacks a fan to dissipate heat effectively. This raises questions about the viability of the Lakefield chip in such a compact form factor, ultimately leading to the decision to shelve the product.
The OS had potential
Windows 10X, while still in development, showcased a promising direction for a lightweight operating system. The dual-screen enhancements offered a fresh approach to multitasking, allowing users to drag and flick apps between displays seamlessly. The fluidity of the interface was a highlight, making interactions feel intuitive and engaging.
However, the OS was also limited in its capabilities, lacking a robust selection of applications and features. The potential for running Win32 apps via virtualization was not fully realized, leaving users with a somewhat barebones experience.
So close, yet so far
The Surface Neo represents a missed opportunity in the tech landscape. With the right hardware and software, it could have carved out a unique niche in the market. The dual-screen design, while innovative, may have been too compact for practical use in laptop mode, particularly with the small keyboard.
As we reflect on the Surface Neo, it’s evident that Microsoft had a cohesive vision for dual-screen devices, one that could have set a new standard in mobile computing. The synergy between the Surface Neo and its smaller counterpart, the Surface Duo, illustrates a commitment to innovation that, unfortunately, remains unrealized.
While the Surface Neo may never reach consumers, the experience of engaging with its design and functionality leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the potential that lies in the intersection of creativity and technology.
