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Hands-on with Microsoft’s Surface Laptop

Image Credit: Harrison Weber, VentureBeat

It feels bizarre — the polyester and polyurethane coating that lines the interior of Microsoft’s new $999 Surface Laptop. But the device, the first normal laptop Microsoft has ever made, actually looks good — a hell of a lot better than my dinged-up four-year-old MacBook Air.

The upcoming Surface Laptop may not be not as flashy as Apple’s slick pink MacBooks, but thankfully it’s also not as clunky as the Surface Book (I mean, c’mon). Visually, it’s a welcome upgrade. Finally, Microsoft gets it; not everyone wants a hybrid-detachable-convertible eyesore.

This is not a review. We haven’t spent much time with the device, but our first impression was clear: The Laptop looks like a nice addition to Microsoft’s Surface line. And it feels weird to the touch. We’re not sure how long it will take to get used to that.

Here’s a closer look at the Surface Laptop prototypes Microsoft showed off today in New York.


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Above: The new Surface Laptop, in “graphite gold.”

Image Credit: Harrison Weber / VentureBeat

Above: No USB-C!

Image Credit: Harrison Weber, VentureBeat

Above: Sleek and smooth on the outside, more or less like a MacBook.

Image Credit: Harrison Weber, VentureBeat

Above: Up close with the “alcantara” fabric-coated interior, made of polyester and polyurethane. It feels *weird*!

Image Credit: Harrison Weber, VentureBeat

Above: And here’s the Laptop in Burgundy, clearly the best color option.

Image Credit: Harrison Weber, VentureBeat

MoreEverything Microsoft announced at its education event, including Windows 10 S.