Microsoft and Apple Laptops Offer Comparable Power and Price, But Software May Set Them Apart

Pricing is similar, starting at $2,000 for base models, but higher configurations vary. Microsoft not available yet, Apple available now.
Components are largely comparable, with high-end Intel vs. Apple silicon. Big unknown is real-world Surface Laptop Studio 2 performance.
Ports differ, with Surface having microSD and MacBook Pro having full-size SDXC and HDMI.
Displays are both high-res and bright, but Surface is touch-enabled and works as tablet.
Software ecosystems are Windows vs. macOS; Surface may have edge with promised AI integration.

pcmag.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/5/2023

M2 Mac Studio now $200 off, 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro from $1,024, M1 iMac $900, more

Apple's M2 Max Mac Studio is currently at its lowest price ever, with a $200 discount, while the 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro starts at $1,024 and the 24-inch M1 iMac is available from $900.

9/5/2023

Work Faster With $200 Off the Mac Studio M2 Max

The Apple Mac Studio, a powerful computer optimized for creative work, is currently available at a discounted price of $1,799, offering significant savings compared to its usual price.

9/15/2023

Microsoft Surface event next week to reveal Laptop Studio 2, Laptop Go 3, Go 4 with major upgrades

Microsoft's upcoming Surface event has been leaked, revealing details about the Surface Laptop Studio 2, updates to the Surface Laptop Go 3, and the all-new Surface Go 4.

9/21/2023

Microsoft Shifts Focus From Niche Surface Devices to Mainstream Products

Microsoft is cutting back on "experimental" Surface hardware, including the Surface Duo, Studio, and Headphones, in order to focus on making Surface products more mainstream and profitable.

9/21/2023

Microsoft Unveils Surface Laptop Studio 2 with New AI Chip and Improved Design

Microsoft Copilot stole the show at the Microsoft event in New York, while the Surface Laptop Studio 2 received upgrades including an Intel Movidius discrete neural processor and improved core components, ports, and chassis build.

9/25/2023

Surface Laptop Studio Review: Expensive and Lacking Features Compared to Competitors

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 falls short in terms of ports, hinge flexibility, webcam quality, and pricing, making it a disappointing choice despite its convertible form factor.

10/1/2023

Could New Tech Revive Discontinued Products Like the Surface Book, iMac Pro, Pixelbook, and 12-inch MacBook?

The Microsoft Surface Book, iMac Pro, Pixelbook, and MacBook (12-inch) are products that could potentially make a comeback in the future due to advancements in technology.

Topics

Posted 9/26/2023, 5:13:37 PM

Microsoft and Apple Laptops Offer Comparable Power and Price, But Software May Set Them Apart

Pricing is similar, starting at $2,000 for base models, but higher configurations vary. Microsoft not available yet, Apple available now.
Components are largely comparable, with high-end Intel vs. Apple silicon. Big unknown is real-world Surface Laptop Studio 2 performance.
Ports differ, with Surface having microSD and MacBook Pro having full-size SDXC and HDMI.
Displays are both high-res and bright, but Surface is touch-enabled and works as tablet.
Software ecosystems are Windows vs. macOS; Surface may have edge with promised AI integration.

pcmag.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/5/2023

M2 Mac Studio now $200 off, 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro from $1,024, M1 iMac $900, more

Apple's M2 Max Mac Studio is currently at its lowest price ever, with a $200 discount, while the 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro starts at $1,024 and the 24-inch M1 iMac is available from $900.

9/5/2023

Work Faster With $200 Off the Mac Studio M2 Max

The Apple Mac Studio, a powerful computer optimized for creative work, is currently available at a discounted price of $1,799, offering significant savings compared to its usual price.

9/15/2023

Microsoft Surface event next week to reveal Laptop Studio 2, Laptop Go 3, Go 4 with major upgrades

Microsoft's upcoming Surface event has been leaked, revealing details about the Surface Laptop Studio 2, updates to the Surface Laptop Go 3, and the all-new Surface Go 4.

9/21/2023

Microsoft Shifts Focus From Niche Surface Devices to Mainstream Products

Microsoft is cutting back on "experimental" Surface hardware, including the Surface Duo, Studio, and Headphones, in order to focus on making Surface products more mainstream and profitable.

9/21/2023

Microsoft Unveils Surface Laptop Studio 2 with New AI Chip and Improved Design

9/25/2023

Surface Laptop Studio Review: Expensive and Lacking Features Compared to Competitors

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 falls short in terms of ports, hinge flexibility, webcam quality, and pricing, making it a disappointing choice despite its convertible form factor.

10/1/2023

Could New Tech Revive Discontinued Products Like the Surface Book, iMac Pro, Pixelbook, and 12-inch MacBook?

The Microsoft Surface Book, iMac Pro, Pixelbook, and MacBook (12-inch) are products that could potentially make a comeback in the future due to advancements in technology.