If you need a laptop that is versatile for both work and creative tasks with a touch screen and pen compatibility, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a solid pick. On the other hand, if you are looking for a laptop with high-end gaming performance, stronger graphics, and faster processing power for demanding software and games, the MSI Vector GP76 is more suitable. However, the MSI model is typically larger and heavier, potentially sacrificing portability and battery life compared to the more compact and mobile-friendly Surface Laptop Studio 2. Consider what balance between performance, portability, and specific features like a touchscreen suits your needs best. 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 2
Very good for software development
Good portability
Good battery life
Very good speakers
Advantages of the MSI Vector GP76
Very good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.7/10
8.4/10
7.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Vector GP76 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is good.
The MSI Vector GP76 stands out for gaming and 3D applications with its superior GPU and higher screen refresh rate, which are crucial for fast-paced gaming visuals and smoother rendering of 3D objects. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a balance with a capable GPU and a respectable refresh rate, plus a higher resolution screen, but may not match the raw performance of the MSI for gaming and 3D tasks.
Software Development
8.2/10
7.6/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
64.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is very good for software development, while the MSI Vector GP76 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
7.9/10
7.9/10
14.4in
SIZE
17.3in
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
120Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
503.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
264.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a better screen than the MSI Vector GP76 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation, while the MSI Vector GP76 has a better screen for gaming and AI.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a high-resolution display with vibrant colors and excellent brightness, which enhances the experience for general use and detail-oriented tasks in engineering and design due to its wide color gamuts. However, its lower refresh rate makes it less suitable for gaming and 3D applications, where a high refresh rate is critical for smooth motion. In contrast, the MSI Vector GP76, while providing acceptable resolution and color reproduction for general and professional use, also lacks the higher refresh rates preferred for gaming and 3D work, rendering it less optimal for those fields.
Battery
8.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has 8 hours of battery life. The MSI Vector GP76 has 4 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
Good
Poor
14.4in
SIZE
17.3in
4.4 lbs
WEIGHT
6.3 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has good portability, while the MSI Vector GP76 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$3,300
$1,760
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a price of $3,300 and the MSI Vector GP76 costs $1,760.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MSI Vector GP76 are both very good for general use.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Engineering and Design
8.7/10
8.7/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
7.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
64.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Vector GP76 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is equipped with a high-end CPU, ample RAM, and a powerful GPU, along with a high-quality screen which is also a touchscreen, making it ideal for engineering and design tasks that require both computational power and detailed visual work. In contrast, the MSI Vector GP76, while also providing a robust CPU and high-performance GPU, offers a larger screen and longer battery life, but lacks the portability and versatile touchscreen display of the Surface Laptop Studio 2, making it better suited for stationary work environments where design precision and extensive computational tasks are prioritized.
Content Creation
8.4/10
8.0/10
9.0/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2400 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
64.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MSI Vector GP76 are both very good for content creation.
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.
Build Quality
8.5/10
8.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MSI Vector GP76 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and the MSI Vector GP76 compare to other laptops
"The new Surface Laptop Studio with its foldable display is supposed to replace the old Surface Book and the overall impression is good after our review. The build quality and the materials are top-notch, the performance utilization of the two components is solid and the device does not show any major flaws in terms of display or speakers, either. The folding mechanism leaves a sold impression as well, but it remains to be seen how it will hold up over the years. The so-called presentation mode is also not ideal since it covers the whole keyboard."
"The MSI Vector GP76 12UGS is a gaming laptop on speed. The advantages are clear: The Vector GP76 is a real gamer with its 360 Hz display and super-fast response times. In addition, the Core i7-12700H has double the power of the CPU in its predecessor and another highlight is the Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti with a real power consumption of 150 watts. This places the device in the top range of our database. The Vector can also operate rather quietly, offers a full sound range, improved battery runtimes, a key-configurable RGB keyboard, a very stable chassis and good upgrade options. Moreover, the display produces a nice, rich and clear picture."
Get a great deal on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 or the MSI Vector GP76
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 MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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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