During the last month, I've been extensively using Microsoft's new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, even jumping between different models to compare and contrast the experiences. I'm often asked which one I prefer. It's an excellent question as there is significant overlap between the two PCs but also quite a few differences. I'll explain here which Surface I grab the most often and why. I'll also talk about the pros and cons of each.

Surface Pro vs. Surface Laptop I'm no artist I've noted many times that although I enjoy the Surface Pen – especially the brand new one – I do not draw and only occasionally dabble in inking. But I use the pen more than I did a year ago. More importantly, I want to use the pen more, and that validates Microsoft's efforts. Best VPN providers 2020: Learn about ExpressVPN, NordVPN & more

I say all of this because the decision between Surface Pro and Laptop is straightforward if you draw, take notes, or just want to ink a lot. The Surface Pro is the obvious choice because the Surface Laptop is not a drawing machine, though it supports inking. This article is for the many consumers who do not ink regularly. Assuming you do not prioritize the Surface Pen as an essential component to your purchase, the choice between Surface Laptop and Surface Pro becomes much more complicated. Tech spec comparison Microsoft uses many of the same components in the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, but there are differences too. Here is how the two compare on paper. (Note the bold text, which spotlights advantages.)

Category Surface Pro (2017) Surface Laptop OS Windows 10 Pro Windows 10 S (upgradeable to Pro) Screen size 12.3 inches 13.5 inches Screen resolution 2736 x 1824 (267 ppi) 2256 x 1504 (201 ppi) Processor Intel Core m3-7Y30, i5-7300U or i7-76660U Intel Core i5-7200U or i7-76660U RAM 4GB, 8GB, 16GB LPDDR3 4GB, 8GB, 16GB LPDDR3 Graphics m3 and i5: Intel HD 620

i7: Iris Plus 640 i5: Intel HD 620

i7: Iris Plus 640 Storage 128GB, 265GB, 512GB, 1TB (SSD) + microSD expansion 128GB, 256GB, 512GB LTE option Yes No Rear camera 1080p None Front camera 1080p (With face authentication) 720p (With face authentication) Ambient light sensor Yes Yes Accelerometer Yes No Gyroscope Yes No Ports Full USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, headset jack Full USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, headset jack Speakers Stereo speakers, Dolby Premium Omnisonic speakers, Dolby Premium Height 11.5 inches 12.13 inches Width 7.93 inches 8.79 inches Thickness 0.33 inches (without keyboard) 0.57 inches Weight 1.69 pounds (without keyboard) 2.76 pounds Battery (listed) 13.5 hours 14.5 hours Price $799 to $2,699 $999 to $2,199

Surface Pro gets the better front-facing camera, and a rear camera, plus it has an option for LTE (coming this fall) and microSD expansion. While it's not revealed on paper, the Pro's solid-state drive (SSD) for storage has significantly faster read and write times compared to the Surface Laptop. CrystalDiskMark (higher is better)

Device Read Write Surface Pro 512GB 1,284 MB/s 963 MB/s Surface Book 1TB 1,018 MB/s 967 MB/s Surface Pro 256GB 847MB/s 801 MB/s Surface Laptop 256GB 486 MB/s 244 MB/s

Likewise, the Core i5 Surface Pro has a faster processor with a peak turbo of 3.5GHz compared to the Surface Laptop's Core i5 at 3.1 GHz.

What I like about Surface Pro In my Surface Pro (2017) review, I noted that the Surface Pro (2017) is close to perfect. Microsoft achieved what it always wanted with the Surface Pro in this fifth generation. There are quite a few standout features that I adore about Surface Pro compared to Surface Laptop, including: Display — I can't say enough about how good the new Surface Pro's display is in enhanced mode. The colors just pop, and it is noticeably better than Surface Laptop. With more pixels and more pixels-per-inch (due to the smaller screen size) combined with new color profiles (sRGB and enhanced) the Surface Pro's display is just gorgeous.

I can't say enough about how good the new Surface Pro's display is in enhanced mode. The colors just pop, and it is noticeably better than Surface Laptop. With more pixels and more pixels-per-inch (due to the smaller screen size) combined with new color profiles (sRGB and enhanced) the Surface Pro's display is just gorgeous. Nimble — At just 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) the Surface Pro with the keyboard is very light and thin. I can't accuse the Surface Laptop of being heavy, but it is heavier than Surface Pro.

At just 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) the Surface Pro with the keyboard is very light and thin. I can't accuse the Surface Laptop of being heavy, but it is heavier than Surface Pro. Closeness — I don't usually prefer 12.3-inch displays, but due to the Surface Pro's design, it tends to sit closer to my face than a traditional 13-inch laptop's screen negating the viewing difference. The Surface Pro is more immersive in that regard. I also use the touch screen more because it is physically closer to me.

I don't usually prefer 12.3-inch displays, but due to the Surface Pro's design, it tends to sit closer to my face than a traditional 13-inch laptop's screen negating the viewing difference. The Surface Pro is more immersive in that regard. I also use the touch screen more because it is physically closer to me. Surface Pen — I don't draw a lot, but I still like the option. The new Surface Pro and Surface Pen are just too good to resist at times.

I don't draw a lot, but I still like the option. The new Surface Pro and Surface Pen are just too good to resist at times. Versatility — I don't often switch to tablet mode with the Surface Pro, but again, I like the possibility of having it. It's evident Surface Pro is just a more adaptable PC than Surface Laptop. Again, I'd rather have the option than not.

I don't often switch to tablet mode with the Surface Pro, but again, I like the possibility of having it. It's evident Surface Pro is just a more adaptable PC than Surface Laptop. Again, I'd rather have the option than not. Performance — Both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop run Windows 10 with ease, but Surface Pro feels a smidge zippier. It may have to do with that substantially quicker SSD found in the Pro that shines in the 512GB model. I could also add the corny but somewhat accurate "cool factor" of the Surface Pro. Microsoft's 2-in-1 design is now iconic. See Surface Pro at Microsoft