If you require higher performance for tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or other engineering applications, the HP Dragonfly Pro with its AMD Ryzen processor and AMD graphics is the better choice. Its higher RAM and storage capacity will also be beneficial for more demanding tasks. However, it's heavier and typically more expensive. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is more affordable and lighter, making it more portable, but it has lower storage and RAM, which might limit its capability for intensive tasks. Its Intel Iris Xe graphics support basic graphic needs but might not be suitable for high-end gaming or professional graphics work. Both laptops have good build quality and battery life suitable for general use; the choice should be driven by your specific needs for performance and portability versus cost. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the HP Dragonfly Pro 14"
Very good for general use
Good for engineering and design
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
Excellent portability
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
7.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
405.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is good.
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" excels with higher RAM and a more powerful CPU, which results in better performance; it also boasts superior screen quality, making it ideal for various tasks and more enjoyable for media consumption. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, while being lighter and more compact, offers lower RAM and a less potent CPU, which might slow down multitasking and demanding applications, and its screen quality doesn't match the Dragonfly's, resulting in less crisp and vibrant images.
Engineering and Design
7.6/10
6.5/10
7.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" is good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is only fair.
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" is equipped with a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and a superior GPU compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, which explains its suitability for demanding engineering and design tasks that require robust processing power and multitasking capabilities. Additionally, the HP's screen is larger and of higher quality in terms of brightness and color coverage, which is crucial for precise design work, although the Surface Laptop Go 2 scores higher in portability due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.1/10
7.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both good for content creation, though the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.8/10
7.0/10
7.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both good for software development, though the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.1/10
6.9/10
14.0in
SIZE
12.4in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
405.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
401.0 nits
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The HP Dragonfly Pro and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 both offer screens with resolutions and brightness levels that suit everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, making them a good fit for general use. For engineering and design work, where color accuracy is crucial, both laptops offer decent color gamut coverage, ensuring that colors appear vibrant and true to life. However, their screens lack high refresh rates, which are important for gaming and 3D work, making these laptops less than ideal for fast-paced, visually intensive activities that require smooth motion and quick screen updates.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has 10 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has 8 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
14.0in
SIZE
12.4in
3.4 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has excellent portability, while the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.8/10
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has very good build quality, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,400
$565
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has a price of $1,400 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 costs $565.
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14" has a more powerful GPU than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, which can result in better performance during gaming and 3D applications, but both have average screen refresh rates limiting their gaming potential. Additionally, the HP's larger screen and higher resolution may offer a better visual experience despite both laptops having moderate screen qualities, which again affects the overall gaming and 3D performance.
Give feedback
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How the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 compare to other laptops
"I’d say that the HP Dragonfly Pro checks off most of the boxes for this freelancer. It feels nice to use, is zippy and responsive, has great speakers, and even has a relatively sane price. Although it’s an unorthodox choice to pick AMD for this kind of machine, it’s clear that when Ryzen is given a chance to shine, it can kick a lot of butt."
"The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 review is a compact companion with old hardware. The Surface Laptop Go 2 shows some weaknesses. Microsoft didn't really develop the second generation of the Surface Laptop Go 2 any further but has only equipped it with a slightly more powerful Core i5 processor. However, the performance still remains at a fairly low level overall, but for many users, it definitely should still be sufficient for everyday tasks."
Get a great deal on the HP Dragonfly Pro 14" or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
About HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
About Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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