I like it. I would likely take the free upgrade from W10S to Pro as I am a power user but I can see where it makes sense in education and other environments. Perfect for students!

When only a clam shell will do

Windows 10 S is not for everyone

Microsoft pretty much invented the 2-in-1 form factor in 2012 when it launched the original Surface RT, basically attaching a keyboard to a tablet and building a device that could provide the best of two worlds.

When released the original Surface Pro five years ago, the mobile market was completely different – Windows tablets were an afterthought and weren't the svelte and snappy performers you can buy today.

Impeccable materials and build quality; PixelSense display; Alcantara covered keyboard; Windows Hello face sign-in; Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Audio

Windows 10 S; Budget SSD; Only one USB port; No SD card reader

Enjoyable high functioning laptop. Good choice!

Microsoft knows how to make sleek hardware. If the Surface Book is handsome but bulky, and the Surface Pro is more minimalistic but suffers a less-compelling keyboard, then the Surface Laptop falls happily in-between. You don't get a fancy detachable display, no, or even a 360-degree hinge.

Handsome; considered design; Freedom from dongles; Performance and battery life are solid; Easy upgrade route to Windows 10 Pro

No USB-C limits futureproofing; $1,299 version is the minimum spec worth considering; No SD card slot; Windows 10 S is very locked-down

It does not come easy for us to draw a definitive conclusion about the Microsoft Surface Laptop i7. The Intel Core i7-7660U is and remains a double-edged sword. On the one hand, we have the disappointing results with the Turbo performance, and it appears as though Microsoft has learned nothing from...

better graphics performance on account of the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640; faster Samsung SSD; unique Alcantara texture; outstandingly good speakers; support for Windows Hello; wrist rest remains cool; quiet fan; long battery life

relatively loud coil whine; difficult-to-open case gets in the way of repairs and upgrades; poor I/O; throttling - also during graphics loads; high premium for the i7

I feel like I always start a Surface review the same way, so here goes: I've always wanted Microsoft to build a laptop. A couple of years ago, Microsoft nearly did that with the Surface Book but it wasn't enough.

Free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro; Great balance of power and thinness; Beautiful touchscreen

Few apps on Windows 10 S; Alcantara fabric requires care and maintenance; No SD card slot or USB-C

I bought Microsoft laptop about 3 months ago. It came with Windows S and at that time there was an option to upgrade for free to Windows 10 Pro. With Windows S I was not even able to download the desktop version of Microsoft Office 365 from my Microsoft account.

If you could give fractional stars, the actual rating would be a 4.75 instead of 5 stars. First, the good: It's an extremely light-weight, polished, beautiful machine. The battery lasts a long time. It's extremely quick.

Sometimes, we just want a computer. The Microsoft's and Apples of the world are constantly trying to reinvent consumer devices. There are all manner of tablets, hybrids, phablets and 2 in 1's vying for your dollars, promising to be the way of the future.