Microsoft’s Surface Pro series has been the benchmark for 2-in-1 laptops for the better part of a decade. But, in recent years, despite incremental upgrades, the devices felt stagnant and lacking innovation. That is until the arrival of the Surface Pro 8, which is finally a real upgrade that brings the device back to its former glory.

Design and Display:

The Surface Pro 8 features a sleek, professional design with the iconic kickstand that allows for flexible use modes. The device comes in a stunning matte black finish, which not only looks great but also resists fingerprints and smudges remarkably well.

The display deserves special mention as it’s a significant improvement over its predecessor. The 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making it more responsive and fluid when scrolling or using a stylus. Moreover, the screen has a 2880 x 1920 resolution, which is an excellent balance between detailed imagery and battery life.

Performance:

The Surface Pro 8 is available in two processor configurations: the more affordable option is equipped with an 11th-gen Intel Core i5, whereas the more expensive model houses an i7. Both configurations come with Intel Iris Xe graphics, which deliver a significant improvement over the integrated graphics on previous Surface Pro models.

During my testing, the device handled everyday tasks with ease, such as browsing, document editing, and streaming videos. However, where the Surface Pro 8 really shines is in its performance when tackling more demanding tasks, such as photo editing or running multiple apps simultaneously, where it holds its own as a powerful machine.

Battery Life:

Battery life is usually a weak point in most 2-in-1 laptops, but Microsoft has made a considerable effort to improve this with the Surface Pro 8. The device features a 50.4Wh battery, which is slightly larger than its predecessor, and boasts up to 16 hours of battery life. During my testing, I was able to get around nine to ten hours of mixed use, including browsing, streaming, and document editing.

Keyboard and Stylus:

The Surface Pro 8 offers an excellent typing experience, thanks to the Surface Pro Type Cover, which adds a backlit keyboard and trackpad. The keyboard snaps onto the device thanks to the magnetic strip at the base of the screen, and it comes in a range of colors, including black, platinum, and ice blue. Typing on the keyboard is smooth, and the backlit keys are comfortable to use in dimly lit environments.

The Surface Pen also receives an update and now supports haptic feedback, making the stylus feel more natural to use. The Pen also has some handy features, such as quick access to Microsoft’s Whiteboard app and the ability to take screenshots by double-clicking the button on the stylus.

Conclusion:

The Surface Pro 8 is the best 2-in-1 laptop available on the market. With its sleek design, stunning display, and beefy specs, it’s an ideal device for professionals on the go who need a versatile workstation that can handle demanding tasks. Moreover, with the additional accessories, such as the Type Cover or the Surface Pen, the Surface Pro 8 becomes even more versatile, making it a worthy investment for professionals seeking a high-performance device.