“Unlocking Productivity: My Top Pick for a Work-Travel Tablet Beyond iPads and Lenovo Yogas”

ZDNET’s primary insights

• Microsoft has produced one of the top work tablets of 2024 with the 11th-generation Surface Pro priced at $1,000.
• It stands out as one of the latest Copilot+ PCs featuring next-gen hardware, an enduring battery life, and an impressive OLED touchscreen.
• However remarkable it may be, the device’s generative AI functionalities do not match the performance level of the machine’s other features.

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There has been significant excitement surrounding Copilot+ PCs in 2024. When initially launched back in May, Microsoft praised their performance, claiming superiority over the M3 MacBook Air, along with numerous new features. Up to this point, it appears consumers have embraced the buzz, feeling the company has successfully crafted a valuable Windows on arm device.

During the summer, I had the chance to evaluate one of these devices: the Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition, and I entered this with one question: does it actually meet the excitement? After testing it, I can assert that the device meets the excitement in certain aspects but not in others.

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This begins with the device’s specifications. The Surface Pro includes Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite, which, if we take the buzz at face value, positions this laptop as a “MacBook killer.” It has indeed functioned sufficiently well. Browsers operated smoothly, even while handling multiple videos and numerous open tabs. First-party software alongside some third-party applications also performed adequately.

I did face some challenges in thoroughly testing the specifications. The Snapdragon X Elite chips are so recent that numerous standard benchmark tests we typically utilize at ZDNET do not yet function correctly. Geekbench was one of the few that did, achieving a score of 14,564, placing the processor above the M3 MacBook Air yet below the M3 MacBook Pro. While this indicates that the new Surface Pro outperforms Apple’s hardware, it’s difficult to determine without appropriate assessments.

We must wait until developers enhance their benchmarking software for a clearer assessment. Furthermore, as Windows rolls out further updates to enhance compatibility with the new processors, we can anticipate improved efficiency and performance in the coming months.

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On the matter of third-party applications’ performance on the new Copilot+ PCs, you may have heard reports that some are sluggish, glitchy, or simply non-functional. Fortunately, Microsoft’s Prism emulator enables many of these applications to operate on Windows on arm PCs (akin to how Apple’s Rosetta facilitates running non-native applications on MacOS), albeit not everything works flawlessly at this time. 

As a Copilot+ PC, its AI capabilities are a significant aspect of the device’s appeal. Nevertheless, I found many of the features readily available somewhat underwhelming. Content produced by the Cocreator AI image generator lacked quality. Live Captions was often slow and frequently inaccurate. Conversely, Studio Effects performed quite well, enhancing the already excellent 1440p webcam by improving lighting during video calls, centering the camera, and blurring the backdrop, among other enhancements.

When it comes to work usage, professional users will appreciate the stunning PixelSense Flow touchscreen. This 13-inch OLED display delivers an image resolution of 2,880 x 1,920 pixels, and the PixelSense even boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for exceptionally smooth graphics. Thanks to all the software enhancements, the image quality is nothing short of remarkable.

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The audio system on the Surface Pro also exceeded expectations, as I anticipated tinny sound, yet the output features a pleasant bass. While the drivers may not fill a room, watching a movie gives you an immersive experience.

Accessories play a crucial role in the Surface Pro ecosystem too. I had the chance to experiment with the Surface Slim Pen and the Flex keyboard, both of which I found quite impressive. In my experience, keyboards for tablets usually lack quality, so my expectations were low, but Microsoft excelled with this one. The latest version features a more robust design constructed from carbon fiber, resulting in a lightweight yet durable product that provides a fantastic typing experience.

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As for the pen, I adored its precision. This accessory accurately captured my hastily written notes on the display, and that level of accuracy extends to illustrations. Each brush stroke and doodle was faithfully represented. Furthermore, the flat end of the pen proves to be a useful Double-clicking it launches a designated application for immediate access.

One of the standout features of this laptop is its incredible battery performance, which is truly remarkable. I conducted our standard test of streaming a YouTube live session at 720p with 50% brightness. At its highest performance, the Surface Pro lasted just under 13 hours on a single battery charge, nearly matching Microsoft’s claimed 14-hour battery life. In everyday usage, this device will easily endure several days on one charge.

ZDNET’s purchasing recommendation

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11th edition is an excellent machine for professional creators seeking a high-performance device with an outstanding display. The age of Windows on Arm laptops is finally upon us, and I am eager to embrace it.

The starting price for the device is $999.99. My review unit, equipped with the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD, is priced at $1,699. However, it is essential to mention that these prices do not include accessories such as the Flex keyboard. They require additional payment and are not particularly economical, with the Flex keyboard and Slim Pen package priced at $449.