It doesn't have all the ports we'd like but the Surface Laptop has excellent design and mind-boggling battery life. Read more in our full review.

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 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

The original Surface products from Microsoft -- the first-gen Surface Pro and Surface RT -- had everyone asking at the time: "Why is Microsoft making a tablet" The latest Surface has everyone asking a different question: "Why is Microsoft making a laptop

The Surface Laptop has a slim, modern design and comes in a selection of cool colors; Battery life is very good, and the keyboard and touchpad are both excellent

The included Windows 10 S operating system can only install preapproved apps by default (but it's upgradable); The long-term life of the fabric covering remains a question; The cooler colors are only available in more expensive configurations, and the port selection is limited, skipping USB-C...

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

Microsoft Surface Laptop review: The Surface Laptop offers enough for you to really enjoy working or just consuming content on this device.

Now that the Surface Laptop 2 is on the way in a couple weeks , let's take a moment to reflect on the successes and shortcomings of the original Surface Laptop. Launching in June 2017, the Surface Laptop was Microsoft's first attempt at a non-convertible clamshell notebook.

Gorgeous design; Well built; Great screen; Very good performance

Windows 10 S is limited; No USB-C; Lack of other ports; Not upgradable

Microsoft has made some slightly baffling decisions with the Surface Laptop. Debuting Windows 10 S - an operating system that would be most at home on a low-budget Chromebook rival - on what is otherwise a top-notch ultrabook is an odd choice, as is spurning the incredible versatility of the USB-C...

Fantastic keyboard; Excellent design

Screen isn't quite as good as the Surface Pro; Disappointing port allocation; Expensive

With that annoyance dealt with, we can focus solely on the Surface Laptop's capabilities as a standard Windows 10 laptop and in that regard, it's a very positive outlook. Not only is this a gorgeous machine to look at, but it's also a highly practical machine that's ideally suited to life on campus...

Gorgeous design; Stellar performance; Excellent battery life

Windows 10 S leaves a lot to be desired; Disappointing screen

Microsoft's recent hardware efforts prove two things. First, Windows devices can be built without compromise. Second, that Apple isn't the only company that can meld hardware and software together in harmony.

Lightweight design; Great keyboard; Excellent screen; Good speakers

Lack of ports; You'll want to upgrade from Windows 10 S; Rivals offer better value