By its very nature, top notch technology must be the most innovative, the best performing and yes, probably even the most eye-catching in its class.
Any manufacturer caught resting on its laurels risks being overtaken, if not swamped by its competitors when the next generation of products rolls around.
Trouble is... and it's the same trouble we've seen hit all the big tech brands over the years - if your device is already great, just how exactly do you make it greater?...
Okay, I know what you may be thinking; Isn't that just another Microsoft Surface?
The answer is yes... and no. Sort of.
The Surface Pro 7 really doesn't look or feel that much different to the last one, which doesn't bother me massively because the last one was pretty great.
The major update is under the hood, with the inclusion of the 10th-gen "Ice Lake" Intel Core processor. This is of course pretty much the latest and greatest brain you can bung in your box. The device I'm reviewing sports the i7 version, teamed with a very respectable 16GB of RAM and a generous 512GB of internal storage. Figures like those leave no doubt the Surface now has all the functionality of any other quality business laptop, with all the versatility and portability we've come to expect from this unique form factor.
The Surface Pro 7 is indisputably fast and smooth and I've found no issues with its performance whatsoever. From basic browsing to multi-track audio editing, the Surface Pro 7 hums along. The high resolution, 12.3" display is sharp, detailed and I've found less issues with glare and reflection than on previous models. Touch response on the screen is surprisingly accurate, given my fat, clumsy fingers.
Big sound is always going to be a challenge for a slim device like this, although I have used other tablets that have blown me away with their audio setups. The stereo speaker array is fine - clear and accurate but perhaps a little underpowered for my tastes, even when turned up to 100.
While we now have a USB-C port on the Surface Pro 7, it isn't a Thunderbolt socket, even though the 10th-gen Intel processor now supports that super-fast transfer technology. Happily, the USB-A port is still on there, as is the microSDXC card reader but this is not the device for multiple hard-wired connections - it's all about bluetooth and WiFi accessories.
The Surface Pen, as previously discussed, is a great stylus that conveniently magnetises to the side of the device although I have to be honest; I've never had much use for a stylus. I'm sure there are people into drawing, graphics and calligraphy who find this sort of thing essential though.
What is more widely required is the Type Cover - it's kind of the whole point of the Surface and always has been. That's why I'm still amazed it isn't bundled with the Surface Pro 7 automatically. That gripe aside, I'm also surprised to find Microsoft hasn't really improved it much. Yes it's nice to have a full-sized keyboard to use with a device like this, but compared to the keyboards I've been using on other small laptops and transformables lately, I'm starting to miss the travel and response of those less "flat" setups. I've also found myself a bit frustrated by the trackpad - there are no separate left and right buttons, you basically have to guess where to press for those. Not only that, but a single tap should also work as a left click and it does... sometimes. All too often I tapped and tapped to no avail.
I think I've fallen out of love with the Type Cover. Which is weird, because I've always thought it was pretty much the coolest thing Microsoft ever came up with. And the one I was sent is even RED!
In a former professional life I once had the misfortune of attending one of those hyped-up sales seminars where a "guru" regaled us with pearls of wisdom, guaranteed to keep our clients happy and the money rolling in. As cynical as I may be, one of his pithy catchphrases has always stayed with me; "Satisfied customers leave." He went on to point out although you may not do anything wrong, if your competitor starts doing something more right, even a happy customer might have their head turned by the promise of a bit more happiness.
This is something Microsoft definitely needs to keep in mind here - sure, the last few generations of Surface Pros have been standout performers but it's now time for a bit more. More battery life, less bezel and a revamp of the type cover would be a good start.
Make no mistake, the Surface Pro 7 is awesome. It does everything it's supposed to and it couldn't be more powered up under the hood. As far as I'm concerned it's still the most elegant solution in terms of business portability and versatility.
If you haven't got one and it sounds like it might be useful for you, definitely get one.
However, if you already have last year's, I'm not sure you need to rush out for an upgrade.
Click here for more information and pricing on the Microsoft Surface Pro 7.
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