Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st gen) in 2026: specs, ports, release date and can you still use one? · Doxlore

ExplainersMicrosoft Surface Laptop (1st gen)Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Copilot+)Microsoft

Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st gen) in 2026: specs, ports, release date and can you still use one?

Posted 2h ago

Photo: WikIan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The first Surface Laptop had a fabric keyboard, a lovely 3:2 screen and a strange Windows version. Here is everything about it, and how usable it is today.

At a glance

Spec	Detail
Announced	May 2, 2017
Released	June 15, 2017
Screen	13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen, 2256 x 1504, 3:2
Processor	Intel Core i5-7200U or i7-7660U, later Core m3-7Y30
Memory	4GB, 8GB or 16GB RAM
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB SSD
Ports	1x USB-A 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, 3.5mm headphone jack
Size	308.1 x 223.27 x 14.48 mm
Weight	1,252 g (i5), 1,283 g (i7)
Battery	Up to 14.5 hours of video (when new)
Launch price	$999 for the i5 model, $799 for the later m3 model

When did the Surface Laptop 1 come out?

Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop on May 2, 2017, at an event focused on schools. It went on sale on June 15, 2017, starting at $999 with a Core i5, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A cheaper Core m3 model at $799 came later in 2017.

It was replaced by the Surface Laptop 2 in 2018. Microsoft started calling this model Surface Laptop (1st Gen) after that, which is the name you will see on support pages.

Surface Laptop 1 ports

The port selection is very small, and it was a complaint even in 2017. You get:

One full size USB-A 3.0 port
One Mini DisplayPort 1.2 for an external monitor
One Surface Connect port for charging and the Surface Dock
One 3.5mm headphone jack

There is no USB-C and no Thunderbolt. You cannot charge it over USB-C. You need the original Surface charger or a compatible Surface Connect charger. To add ports, a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter and a USB-A hub are the cheap fixes. The Surface Dock also works.

Surface Laptop 1 specs in plain words

The screen is the best part. It is a 13.5-inch touchscreen with a tall 3:2 shape and a sharp 2256 x 1504 resolution. Tall screens are great for reading and writing, since you see more lines at once.

The Core i5-7200U has two cores and four threads. It handled Office and web browsing well in 2017. The i7 model has faster Iris Plus graphics. The m3 model has no fan but is noticeably slower.

The keyboard deck is covered in Alcantara, a soft fabric. It feels great when new, but it stains and wears over time. Check photos closely when buying used.

You also get a 720p webcam with Windows Hello face login, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.0.

What was Windows 10 S?

It shipped with Windows 10 S, a locked version of Windows that only ran apps from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft let owners switch to Windows 10 Pro for free, and most people did.

Today most units you find will run normal Windows 10. If one is still in S mode, you can switch out for free from the Microsoft Store.

Can you still use it in 2026?

For light use, yes. It still browses the web, runs Office, plays YouTube and handles video calls. It will feel slow with lots of browser tabs, especially on 4GB of RAM. Look for 8GB or more.

The bigger issue is software support. It cannot officially run Windows 11, because Windows 11 needs 8th generation Intel chips or newer. Windows 10 support ended in October 2025. Microsoft has since extended free consumer security updates, called ESU, to October 12, 2027. After that, it will stop getting security fixes.

Many owners install a lightweight Linux system to keep it going. It runs well on this hardware, and the touchscreen and Wi-Fi generally work.

Battery and repairs

Most units are now 7 to 9 years old. Expect the battery to last a fraction of the original 14.5 hours. Four or five hours of light use on an old battery is a good result.

Repairs are the weak point. The laptop is glued shut, and getting inside usually means cutting through the fabric. A battery swap is hard and risky. Treat a used one as a device you use until the battery gives out.

Who it’s for

Buy it if you find one very cheap with 8GB of RAM, and you just need a light machine for browsing, writing or Linux.

Skip it if you need Windows 11, good battery life or USB-C. A used Surface Laptop 3 or newer is a far safer buy.

Alternatives worth a look

Surface Laptop 3, adds USB-C and a newer Intel chip, still supports Windows 11.
Surface Laptop 7, the modern version with Snapdragon X and great battery life.

The verdict: A beautiful laptop from 2017 that is still usable for light jobs. Just know that Windows 10 security updates end in October 2027.

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Best Windows on Arm laptop in 2026: our picks and what still does not work

Snapdragon laptops are now fast, quiet and last all day. Here are the ones worth buying in 2026, how Arm laptop performance feels in real use, and which apps still cause trouble. The quick picks Best for most people: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Lightest: Asus Zenbook A14 Best screen: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x Best premium design: Dell XPS 13 (9345) Best value: HP OmniBook X 14 Best 2-in-1: Microsoft Surface Pro 11 All of these use first generation Snapdragon X chips. Newer laptops with Snapdragon X2 are also out in 2026. They are faster, especially in graphics, but they cost a lot more. The older models are heavily discounted, and for most people they are the better deal. How Arm laptop performance feels Apps built for Arm, like Chrome, Edge, Office, Teams, Zoom, Spotify, Slack and most Adobe apps, feel fast. The laptop wakes instantly, stays cool, and the fans barely spin. Apps that are not built for Arm run through Microsoft’s Prism emulator. Most feel fine, but heavy ones run slower than on an Intel or AMD laptop. Since late 2025, Prism also supports AVX and AVX2, which fixed a lot of creative apps and games that used to refuse to start. The biggest win is battery life. A full work day with power to spare is normal, and that is the main reason to buy one. Graphics are the weak spot. Light and older games play fine, but these are not gaming laptops. Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 The Surface Laptop 7 is the easiest recommendation. It comes in 13.8-inch and 15-inch sizes, both with a sharp 120Hz touchscreen. The keyboard and trackpad are some of the best on Windows, and the battery life is excellent. It launched at $999 in 2024 and is now often much cheaper. Get 16GB of RAM and the Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite. The 15-inch model is great if you want a bigger screen without much extra weight. Asus Zenbook A14 The Zenbook A14 weighs under 1 kg and still has a big battery. That makes it one of the longest lasting Windows laptops you can buy. It has an OLED screen option and a full set of ports, including USB-A and HDMI. The trade-off is a plainer design and a slower chip in the cheapest models. Pick a Snapdragon X Elite version if your budget allows. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x The Yoga Slim 7x has a 14.5-inch 3K OLED screen that looks fantastic for films and photos. It is thin, well built and uses the Snapdragon X Elite. If you care most about how the screen looks, pick this one. Dell XPS 13 (9345) The XPS 13 is the most stylish laptop here, with an edge to edge keyboard, a glass trackpad with no visible edges and a touch function row. It is also the most divisive. The function row can be hard to use by feel, and there are only two USB-C ports with no headphone jack. If you love the look and get it on sale, it is a lovely machine. Otherwise the Surface Laptop 7 is easier to live with. HP OmniBook X 14 Photo: Booredatwork.com via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 The OmniBook X 14 is a simple, well made 14-inch laptop that often sells for less than its rivals. It does not stand out in any one area, but it does everything well, and it is a smart pick if you want Snapdragon battery life for less money. Microsoft Surface Pro 11 If you want a tablet that turns into a laptop, the Surface Pro 11 is the one. Get the OLED model and a Flex Keyboard bundle. It is light, the screen is great and battery life is strong. The newer 2026 Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 is faster but starts at $1,499. What still does not work on Arm App support is much better than two years ago, but check this list before you buy: Games with kernel anti-cheat. Games like Valorant and some other online shooters still will not run. Fortnite now works, because Easy Anti-Cheat added Arm support. Some VPN and security software. Many work now, but some company VPNs and antivirus tools still do not. Ask your IT team first if it is a work laptop. Old printer and scanner drivers. Newer printers usually work. Old ones may not have Arm drivers. Some pro audio plugins and niche tools. Music producers should check every plugin they rely on. If everything you use is on the web or has an Arm version, you will not notice any difference, apart from the better battery. The verdict: For most people, a discounted Surface Laptop 7 is the best Windows on Arm laptop in 2026. Check your must-have apps first, then enjoy the battery life.

2h agoRead discussion

Buying guidesMicrosoft Surface Studio 2 Plus Microsoft

Surface Studio 2 Plus price in 2026: what it costs now and should you buy one?

It launched at $4,499 and Microsoft has stopped making it. Here is what you will pay for one in 2026, what you get, and when it is still a good idea. At a glance Spec Detail Announced October 12, 2022 Launch price $4,499 Status Discontinued in late 2024, no successor Screen 28-inch PixelSense touchscreen, 4500 x 3000, 3:2 CPU Intel Core i7-11370H (4 cores, 8 threads) GPU Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU Memory 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD Ports 3x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack Windows 11 Supported How much does the Surface Studio 2+ cost in 2026? There was only ever one main configuration, and it launched at $4,499. Microsoft stopped making the Surface Studio 2+ in late 2024 and said it had no plans for a replacement. In 2026, new units are rare. Where you still find one, it is usually leftover stock or a business reseller. Most buyers now look at refurbished units, including Microsoft’s certified refurbished program for business customers, and used listings. Used prices are far below the launch price, but they vary a lot based on condition, warranty and whether the Surface Pen is included. Compare against the alternatives below before you decide what a fair price is. What the money gets you The whole point of the Studio is the screen and the hinge. The 28-inch touchscreen has a tall 3:2 shape and a very sharp 4500 x 3000 resolution. The Zero Gravity hinge lets you pull the screen down to a low angle, like a drafting table, with one hand. With the Surface Pen, it becomes a huge drawing surface. For illustrators, designers and architects, that is still a wonderful way to work. The photo above shows the first Surface Studio. The 2+ looks almost the same. Where it shows its age The computer inside was already old when it launched. The Core i7-11370H is a 2021 laptop chip with 4 cores. The RTX 3060 Laptop GPU is fine for Adobe apps and light 3D, but it is far behind modern graphics cards. The screen also runs at 60Hz, and you cannot upgrade the CPU or GPU. The good news is that it officially supports Windows 11, so it will keep getting updates for years. Alternatives that cost less A normal PC plus a pen display. A mid-range desktop and a 24 or 27-inch drawing display will be faster and usually much cheaper. An iMac or Mac mini with an iPad. If you mainly sketch, an iPad with Apple Pencil is a great drawing tool on its own. A Surface Pro or Surface Laptop Studio 2. If you want Surface pen support in a portable package. Should you buy one? Buy one only if you want the hinge and the big pen screen, and you find a clean unit at a fair used price. Check the screen for marks, test the hinge, make sure it has the Pen or budget for one, and ask about any remaining warranty. If you mainly need raw computing power, or you do not draw, you are paying for features you will not use. A regular PC or Mac gives you more for the money. Who it’s for Buy it if you are an artist or designer who wants a big pen screen on a flexible hinge, and you find a good used or refurbished deal. Skip it if you want speed for games, video or 3D. A modern desktop is far faster for less. Alternatives worth a look Desktop PC plus a 27-inch pen display, more power and more flexible. Surface Laptop Studio 2, pen friendly and portable. The verdict: Still a lovely creative tool, but old inside. Worth it only at a used price, and only if you will use the pen and hinge.

ReviewsMicrosoft Surface Pro (11th Edition)Microsoft Qualcomm

Surface Pro 11 review in 2026: specs, release date and is it still worth it?

Photo: Kyu3a via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Surface Pro 11 was the first Surface Pro that really worked. In 2026 there is a faster model, but it costs a lot more, and that helps the older one. Our score: 8 / 10 At a glance Spec Detail Full name Surface Pro, Copilot+ PC, 11th Edition Announced May 20, 2024 Released June 18, 2024 Display 13-inch, 2880 x 1920, 120Hz, LCD or OLED Chip Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite Memory 16GB or 32GB RAM, 256GB to 1TB removable SSD Ports 2x USB4 (USB-C), Surface Connect Weight About 895 g without keyboard Launch price $999 (X Plus, LCD), $1,499 (X Elite, OLED) Why this Surface Pro mattered Surface Pros always had the same problem. They were lovely tablets that ran hot, had short battery life, and cost a lot once you added a keyboard. The Surface Pro 11 fixed the first two by moving to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips. It stays cool, it has no fan noise worth talking about, and it lasts a full work day on one charge. Microsoft rates it for up to 14 hours of video. That is the main reason people still search for it two years later. Specs that still hold up The 13-inch screen is sharp and runs at 120Hz. Get the OLED version if you can. It has true blacks and much better HDR, and it makes the device feel far more expensive than the LCD model. The Snapdragon X Plus is fine for office work, browsing and video calls. The X Elite has more cores and is worth it if you edit photos or keep a lot of apps open. Both come with 16GB of RAM, which is still the right amount in 2026. You also get Wi-Fi 7, a very good 1440p front camera, and an SSD you can swap out yourself. What you do not get is a headphone jack, and there are only two USB-C ports. Windows on Arm is in better shape now When the Pro 11 launched, some apps simply would not run. That list is much shorter in 2026. Microsoft’s Prism emulator now handles AVX and AVX2, which many creative apps and games need, and more anti-cheat systems support Arm, so games like Fortnite now run. Some things still break. Older printer and scanner drivers, some VPN and security tools, and games with kernel anti-cheat like Valorant can still fail. Check the apps you rely on before you buy. Surface Pro 11 vs the 2026 Surface Pro In June 2026, Microsoft released a new 13-inch Surface Pro with Snapdragon X2 chips. It is faster, especially in graphics, and can be ordered with up to 64GB of RAM. It also starts at $1,499, which is $500 more than the Pro 11 did. There is also the smaller 12-inch Surface Pro from 2025. It is cheaper, but its screen is 90Hz and lower resolution, and it drops the Surface Connect port. For most people, a discounted Surface Pro 11 with the OLED screen is the sweet spot. You get 90 percent of the experience for far less. The keyboard is still sold separately This has not changed and it probably never will. The Flex Keyboard is excellent, and it works both attached and detached, but it launched at around $350, or $450 with the Slim Pen. Look for bundles. A Surface Pro without a keyboard is just an expensive tablet. The good and the bad What works Long battery life and quiet running OLED option is gorgeous Great front camera for calls App support on Arm has improved a lot since launch Much cheaper than the 2026 model What doesn’t Keyboard costs extra Only two USB-C ports and no headphone jack Some games, drivers and security tools still do not work Awkward to use on your lap Who it’s for Buy it if you want a light Windows tablet that becomes a real laptop, and you can get it on sale with a keyboard. Skip it if you only ever use it as a laptop. A Surface Laptop 7 costs less and includes a keyboard. Alternatives worth a look Surface Pro (2026, Snapdragon X2), faster, but much more expensive. Surface Laptop 7, same chips in a normal laptop body. iPad Air (M3) with Magic Keyboard, a better tablet, a more limited computer. The verdict: Still the best value Surface Pro in 2026. Buy the OLED model on discount and budget for the keyboard.

ExplainersDell XPS 13 (9345, Snapdragon)Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition)Dell Microsoft HP+1

Windows on ARM is finally good enough, here is what still breaks

For browser-and-Office life, Snapdragon laptops are excellent. For games, pro audio and some niche tools, check first. What works now Two years of Snapdragon X laptops have sanded down the rough edges. Chrome, Edge, Office, Slack, Zoom, Spotify, most creative apps, all run natively or emulate acceptably, and the battery life is genuinely a generation ahead of comparable Intel machines. What still trips people up Many games and their anti-cheat systems. Some VPN and endpoint-security clients. Older peripheral and printer drivers. Certain pro-audio plugins. A handful of enterprise line-of-business apps. If your work or hobby depends on one of those, either wait or buy an Intel/AMD machine. Otherwise the XPS 13, Surface Pro 11 and OmniBook X 14 are easy recommendations. The verdict: The default answer flipped: assume ARM is fine unless you have a specific reason it is not, then check that reason carefully.

ReviewsMicrosoft Surface Pro (11th Edition)Microsoft

Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) review: the ARM tablet-PC comes good

The best Surface Pro yet, now that Windows-on-ARM is usable, with a keyboard you still have to buy separately. Our score: 8 / 10 The chip transformed it The Surface Pro 11 pairs a Snapdragon X processor with an OLED option and a redesigned Flex keyboard. Battery life went from a Surface weak point to a genuine strength, the display is excellent, and the 2-in-1 form factor is as flexible as ever. The eternal Surface complaints The keyboard costs extra, a lot extra, and it is still an expensive way to get roughly a mid-tier laptop’s performance. As a tablet that becomes a real PC, though, nothing else comes close. The good and the bad What works Battery life is finally excellent Gorgeous OLED option Best-in-class 2-in-1 flexibility What doesn’t Keyboard sold separately and pricey Performance is mid-tier for the total price ARM app caveats still apply Who it’s for Buy it if you genuinely use both the tablet and laptop modes and want long battery life. Skip it if you only ever use it as a laptop, a clamshell is cheaper and faster. Alternatives worth a look iPad Pro (M4) with Magic Keyboard, better tablet, more limited OS. Surface Laptop 7, same silicon, clamshell, keyboard included. The verdict: The Surface Pro finally delivers on its own premise. Just budget for the keyboard. Sources Microsoft

Sep 6, 2026Read discussion

ExplainersSamsung Galaxy S26 Plus Samsung Galaxy S26 Samsung Qualcomm+1

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus specs explained: what you actually get for the money

Photo: Kyu3a via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Every spec on the Galaxy S26+ in plain English, which ones matter in daily use, and how it compares with the S26 and S26 Ultra. At a glance Spec Detail Announced February 25, 2026 Released March 6, 2026 Display 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3120 x 1440, 1 to 120Hz, 2600 nits peak Chip Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy (US, Canada, China), Exynos 2600 (most other regions) Memory 12GB RAM, 256GB or 512GB storage, no microSD Rear cameras 50MP main, 10MP 3x telephoto, 12MP ultrawide Front camera 12MP Battery 4,900 mAh Charging 45W wired, 20W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless Size 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm Weight 190 g Durability IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, aluminium frame Software Android 16 with One UI 8.5, 7 years of OS updates Launch price $1,099.99 (256GB) The screen The Galaxy S26+ has a 6.7-inch screen with QHD+ resolution. That is sharper than the regular S26 and the same class as the Ultra. In daily use, text looks crisp and photos look great, but the jump from Full HD is small at normal viewing distance. The refresh rate moves between 1Hz and 120Hz. Scrolling looks smooth, and the screen slows down when nothing moves to save battery. Peak brightness of 2,600 nits means it stays readable in direct sun. The chip depends on where you live In the US, Canada and China, the S26+ uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy. In most other countries, including much of Europe, it uses Samsung’s own Exynos 2600. Both are fast flagship chips. You will not feel a difference opening apps or scrolling. The differences show up in long gaming sessions, heat and battery life, where Snapdragon versions of Galaxy phones have usually had the edge. Check which version your country gets before you compare reviews. Memory and storage Every S26+ has 12GB of RAM. That is plenty for keeping apps open and for Galaxy AI features that run on the phone. Storage comes in 256GB or 512GB, and there is no microSD slot. If you shoot a lot of 4K video or keep offline music and films, get 512GB. You cannot add more later. The cameras There are three cameras on the back. The 50MP main camera is the one you will use most, and it takes sharp, bright photos in almost any light. The 10MP 3x telephoto is great for portraits and getting closer without walking. The 12MP ultrawide fits more into the frame for groups, rooms and landscapes. This is the same basic camera setup Samsung has used on the Plus model for a few years. The processing keeps improving, but if you want a big leap in zoom, you need the Ultra. Video goes up to 8K at 30fps, but 4K at 60fps is the setting most people should use. It looks smoother and saves space. The 12MP front camera also records 4K. Battery and charging The 4,900 mAh battery gets a normal user through a full day with some left over. Heavy gaming or navigation will drain it faster. It charges at up to 45W with a cable, which is a lot faster than the 25W on the smaller S26. You need a 45W USB-C PD charger to get that speed, and Samsung does not include one in the box. Wireless charging is 20W, and it can top up earbuds or a watch with 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Size, build and extras At 7.3 mm thick and 190 g, it is thin and light for a 6.7-inch phone. It has an aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides, and IP68 water and dust resistance. You also get an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the screen, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, UWB for item tracking, and NFC for payments. Samsung promises 7 years of Android updates. That means a 2026 phone should get updates into 2033, so you can keep it for a long time. S26 vs S26+ vs S26 Ultra Pick the S26 if you want a smaller phone and a lower price. You give up the sharper screen and faster charging. Pick the S26+ if you want a big screen without the Ultra’s price and weight. For most people, it is the sweet spot of the range. Pick the S26 Ultra if you want the S Pen, the best zoom, and the best camera. It is bigger, heavier and costs a lot more. Who it’s for Buy it if you want a big, sharp screen, fast charging and long software support without paying Ultra prices. Skip it if you want a strong zoom camera or an S Pen. Get the Ultra. Alternatives worth a look Galaxy S26 Ultra, better zoom, S Pen, higher price. Galaxy S25+, very similar day to day, and much cheaper now. The verdict: The S26+ gives you almost everything that matters in the S26 range. It is the one most people should buy, ideally on sale.

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Microsoft Surface Laptop (1st gen) in 2026: specs, ports, release date and can you still use one?

At a glance

When did the Surface Laptop 1 come out?

Surface Laptop 1 ports

Surface Laptop 1 specs in plain words

What was Windows 10 S?

Can you still use it in 2026?

Battery and repairs

Who it’s for

Alternatives worth a look

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