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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 14, 2024·
If you're prioritizing versatility and a high-quality touch screen, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is an excellent choice, especially if you're into creative work or enjoy using a stylus for note-taking or drawing. It is typically heavier and more expensive, but you pay for better performance and a unique design that suits various modes of use. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x offers a balance between performance and portability at a lower price point, making it a solid option for everyday tasks and business use, but its graphics capabilities and overall power may be more limited compared to the Surface. 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
- Very good for content creation
- Excellent portability
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.3
7.9
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
4.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, with its powerful CPU, ample RAM, and high-quality GPU, excels in demanding engineering tasks and creative endeavors, further complemented by its vivid and sharp screen. Meanwhile, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while also equipped with a capable CPU and sufficient RAM, offers a balance of performance and mobility, with a high-quality keyboard and quieter operation, making it suitable for engineering on the go.
Content Creation
7.4
8.0
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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
7.3
7.9
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both good for software development, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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
8.0
8.2
14.4in
SIZE
13.5in
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
491.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio for engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and Lenovo ThinkBook 13x both offer displays with high resolution and brightness, making them ideal for general tasks where clarity and visibility are key. Their wide color gamuts ensure vivid and accurate color reproduction, crucial for engineering and design work where precise color representation can be critical. However, their screens fall short for gaming and 3D applications, mainly due to lower refresh rates, which can lead to less fluid motion and slower response times during fast-paced activities.
Portability
Good
Excellent
14.4in
SIZE
13.5in
4.0 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has excellent portability, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
7.6
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has very good build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,700
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has a price of $1,700 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.4
7.9
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
491.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
7.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both good for general use.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has a strong CPU and ample RAM which ensures smooth multitasking and good performance for a variety of tasks, while its high-quality screen enhances the visual experience but it is less portable due to its size and design. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x offers a balance of solid performance and portability with a comfortable keyboard and decent battery life, making it suitable for on-the-go use without compromising much on power.
Gaming and AI
6.6
6.6
4.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, with a more powerful GPU, will handle gaming and 3D tasks better than the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, but it may come at a higher cost and with more weight. However, both laptops have moderate screen refresh rates which might not be optimal for the most demanding gaming experiences, but should suffice for casual play and general 3D work.
Battery
8.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has 8 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | Lenovo ThinkBook 13x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,700 | $1,399 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2021 | January 30, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 9'' x 0.75'' | 11.6'' x 8.1'' x 0.5'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4 lbs | 2.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.72" | 11.6" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.98" | 8.1" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-11370H | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 58 Wh | 74 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14.4" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1600 | 2880 x 1920 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 491 nits | 500 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.9/10 | 9.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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.
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.
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