Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 vs Razer Blade 17

The Razer Blade 17 is superior for general use due to its significantly more powerful CPU and GPU, four times the RAM, and higher quality display with greater resolution, which provide a much smoother and more responsive experience, especially in multitasking and media consumption; however, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 gains the edge in portability and battery life, making it a lighter and more convenient option for on-the-go use despite its less potent hardware.

The Razer Blade 17 features a high-end GPU and a high screen refresh rate, ensuring excellent performance and smooth visuals for gaming and 3D applications, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2, with a modest GPU and lower screen refresh rate, offers less robust graphics capabilities suitable for less demanding tasks. The Surface's screen quality and CPU can handle everyday usage comfortably, but the Razer's superior CPU and screen elevate the experience in more intensive scenarios.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 has a lower-tier CPU and integrated graphics, which provide fair performance for engineering and design but may struggle with intensive tasks, whereas the Razer Blade 17's high-end CPU and powerful dedicated GPU, coupled with more RAM and a higher resolution screen, offer excellent capabilities for demanding engineering and design applications. While the Surface Laptop Go 2 is lighter and more portable, the Razer Blade 17's superior keyboard, larger screen, and better heat management make it more suitable for extended, high-performance use although it's less portable and has a heftier build.

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.

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.

For general use, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a balance of resolution and brightness that suits everyday tasks well, but the Razer Blade 17 provides a superior screen with higher resolution and brightness that enhances the viewing experience. When it comes to engineering and design, the Razer Blade 17 likely outperforms with a wider color gamut, vital for precision in color work, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 still delivers acceptable color accuracy for less demanding design work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short due to lower refresh rates, which can lead to less smooth visuals in fast-paced scenarios where higher refresh rates are desired.

Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.

PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.