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Updated March 22, 2024·
When choosing between the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, consider the following: The ThinkPad usually offers solid build quality, a good keyboard, and is aimed at business professionals who need reliability and good input devices for typing. It's generally less expensive and may have longer battery life for all-day use but may also be heavier, making it less ideal for travel. The Surface Laptop Studio, on the other hand, offers a more versatile and touch-centric experience with its unique design, making it suitable for creative tasks and presentations. If you prioritize a more innovative form factor and better display, the Surface might be worth the extra cost, but keep in mind it could be more expensive to repair due to its unique build. 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 Lenovo ThinkPad T14
- Very good for general use
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for software development
- Very good for content creation
- Very good portability
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
- Very good overall display quality
- Very good speakers
Key differences
General Use
8.5
7.4
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
321.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
491.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for general use, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is good.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 offers a balance of performance and portability with a solid CPU and RAM to handle multiple tasks, a durable keyboard, and a battery life that supports on-the-go work, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio stands out with its high-quality screen and flexible form factor for creative applications, though it is generally heavier and may have a shorter battery life. Both laptops have ample storage and manage operating noise and heat well, but the ThinkPad's portability and battery give it an edge for mobile users, and the Surface's screen and speakers are ideal for media-rich tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.0
7.3
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.9/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is good.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14, with its strong CPU, ample RAM, and high-quality GPU, excels in power for demanding engineering software, while the high-resolution screen benefits design precision. Conversely, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio combines a versatile touch screen and robust performance with a comfortable keyboard, making it a compelling option for engineers and designers who also value flexibility and portability.
Content Creation
8.3
7.4
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is good.
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
8.3
7.3
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for software development, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is good.
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
6.9
8.0
14.0in
SIZE
14.4in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
321.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
491.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio for software development, and content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has a better screen for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio both feature high-resolution displays with quality panel types and brightness levels that ensure crisp and clear visuals, which is essential for general tasks like browsing and productivity applications. For engineering and design, which demand precise color representation, the Surface Laptop Studio stands out with a superior range of colors, covering broader color gamuts that make it ideal for professionals who need accuracy for tasks like photo editing or graphic design. However, for gaming or tasks requiring high frame rates, such as 3D modeling, neither laptop is optimal due to their lower refresh rates compared to gaming-specific laptops that prioritize smooth motion and responsiveness.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.4in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has very good portability, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,241
$1,700
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a price of $1,241 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio costs $1,700.
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Key similarities
Gaming and AI
6.7
6.6
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
8.3/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a capable GPU and sufficient screen refresh rate for moderate gaming and 3D tasks, while also offering a solid CPU and good screen quality. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, on the other hand, boasts a stronger GPU and higher screen refresh rate, which provides smoother visuals and better performance for gaming and creative work, albeit with a higher price tag.
Battery
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has 9 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14 | Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,241 | $1,700 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2023 | September 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.5'' x 8.9'' x 0.7'' | 12.7'' x 9'' x 0.75'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.96 lbs | 4 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.51" | 12.72" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.93" | 8.98" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | Intel i7-11370H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 39.3 Wh | 58 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2400 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 321 nits | 491 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1440p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Lenovo ThinkPad T14
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Benjamin Herzig | December 2023
"We like a lot about this laptop. It has many ports, with the inclusion of RJ45-Ethernet as a defining feature. WWAN is upgradable for maximum flexibility and the ThinkPad has many security functions. Working with the ThinkPad input devices is a lot of fun, and Lenovo puts in a serviceable Low Power panel. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840U delivers a great performance and does not drain the battery fast. Fan noise and temperatures are nothing special, but also far away from bad. With the user replaceable keyboard, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 has a special feature rarely present on most modern laptops."
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | October 2021
"There’s no doubt that the Surface Laptop Studio is groundbreaking. We’ve come to expect such things from the Surface lineup, so it’s always nice to see a product that exceeds our expectations. The pull-forward laptop-screen concept has been tried before, but never in a device that’s so stylish and packed with innovative features like a haptic touchpad and robust digital stylus support."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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.
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