Tag: Surface Laptop 7

  • Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller – Amazon Return Label

    Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller – Amazon Return Label

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller has been labeled as a frequently returned item by Amazon due to quality issues, similar to the Surface Laptop 7.
    2. Users report problems such as unresponsive buttons and stick drift, which can occur both immediately and over time.
    3. Despite its high price, the Elite Series 2 is less dependable than cheaper alternatives, leading to mixed reviews from users.
    4. Microsoft extended the warranty for the Elite Series 2 from 90 days to a full year in response to ongoing issues.
    5. Xbox gaming is shifting towards cross-platform publishing, while the standard Xbox controller remains popular for its affordability and compatibility.

    Recently, Amazon has labeled a Surface Laptop 7 as a frequently returned item. This indicates ongoing quality control problems with Microsoft’s hardware. Now, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller has also received this unfortunate label. Many customers have reported issues such as unresponsive buttons and stick drift with the Xbox controller.

    Pricey Yet Problematic

    Whether you choose the standard or core version, the Elite Series 2 is an expensive accessory. It’s designed for serious gamers who expect high durability from a professional-grade controller. Although it satisfies many users, it has turned out to be less dependable than some of its cheaper rivals.

    Immediate and Long-term Issues

    Some problems with the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller can be noticed right after buying it. The bumper and face buttons might not work, and its wireless connection can be unreliable. Over time, users frequently encounter the frustrating stick drift issue. This happens as the physical parts in the analog sticks wear down, leading to unpredictable behavior. This is especially annoying since brands like GameSir offer affordable Hall effect alternatives.

    When the Elite Series 2 is functioning properly, customers tend to give it high ratings, averaging around 4.3 out of 5. However, many of the same issues regarding the Xbox controller show up in reviews on Amazon. The retailer marks items with high return rates as frequently returned. After the 30-day window of Amazon’s return policy, gamers can submit a warranty claim to Microsoft. In 2020, Microsoft responded to the recurring problems by extending the warranty for the Elite Series 2 from 90 days to a full year.

    Shifting Focus in Xbox Gaming

    Xbox gaming is starting to shift its focus towards cross-platform publishing rather than just consoles. Nevertheless, the more affordable stock Xbox controller remains a top-selling accessory, thanks in part to its compatibility with PCs and Bluetooth. With the Sebile on the horizon, Microsoft isn’t slowing down its controller development anytime soon. It is to be hoped that any new pro controller will be more reliable than the current Xbox Elite Series 2.

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  • Microsoft should offer Intel or Qualcomm options for Surface Laptop 7

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors are integrated into Microsoft’s Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, using a specialized ARM version of Windows.
    2. ARM laptops have potential compatibility challenges with older software and games, which can lead to unexpected issues for uninformed consumers.
    3. Microsoft has released Surface configurations with Intel’s Lunar Lake processors, offering better compatibility and superior battery life compared to ARM models.
    4. The Intel model excels in single-core performance and graphics capabilities, making it better for everyday tasks and occasional gaming, despite being noisier under heavy use.
    5. There is a significant price gap between the ARM and Intel Surface Laptop models, with the Intel versions being less accessible to average consumers, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and reduced sales.

    Since Qualcomm introduced its Snapdragon X Elite processors, Microsoft has been utilizing these chipsets in both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, integrating them with ARM architecture. This effort includes a specialized ARM version of Windows along with apps that are optimized for this platform. In our evaluations of ARM laptops, we have consistently highlighted possible compatibility challenges with older software and games.

    Informing Customers

    We often encourage manufacturers to make customers aware of these potential limitations. Generally, ARM laptops perform admirably, and as long as users are aware of or can tolerate the mentioned drawbacks, there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with them. However, if consumers are not informed, they may encounter unexpected issues. For instance, we recently noted that the Surface Laptop has been marked as a product that gets returned frequently on Amazon. It seems that business clients were not very pleased either.

    New Intel Options

    In mid-February, Microsoft released Surface configurations labeled “for Business,” featuring Intel’s Lunar Lake processors. We have just completed an in-depth review of the larger Surface Laptop 7 15 with the Core Ultra 7 268V, making a direct comparison to the Snapdragon version. Besides the absence of compatibility problems, the Intel model even boasts superior battery life.

    While the multi-core performance of the processor is lower, the Lunar Lake chip matches the single-core performance, which tends to be more crucial for day-to-day tasks. The built-in Arc Graphics 140V GPU is also markedly more powerful. When it comes to occasional gaming, the Intel version excels significantly. The main downside is that the fan on the Intel model is noisier, but it’s important to mention that the peak noise level only occurs after several minutes of intense use. Under normal conditions, the Intel version operates quietly, especially when not in performance mode.

    Pricing Discrepancies

    Although the Surface Laptop for Business can be purchased by regular consumers through various outlets, the high retail price and absence of discounts create a noticeable price gap. For instance, our Intel test unit has a suggested retail price of €2760, making it €700 pricier than the comparable Snapdragon model, which is heavily discounted at €2,499 MSRP. Therefore, the Intel configurations are not a viable option for average users, even though these versions of the Surface Laptop 7 would likely be a better fit for many consumers. It’s unfortunate that Microsoft is pushing its less favorable ARM models onto individual customers, limiting their options. In the long term, this approach could result in unhappy customers and a decline in sales.

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  • Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Snapdragon X Elite Faces Return Issues

    Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: Snapdragon X Elite Faces Return Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Intel’s claim about high return rates for Qualcomm Snapdragon X laptops sparked debate, with Qualcomm refuting it.
    2. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is labeled as a “Frequently returned item” on Amazon, suggesting potential issues.
    3. User reviews highlight problems, including difficulty in setting up an Android development environment.
    4. Some users report inability to stream Hulu in 4K due to lack of Widevine L1 DRM on the Surface Laptop 7.
    5. Overall customer satisfaction is mixed, indicating Snapdragon X Elite laptops have room for improvement compared to Intel, AMD, and Apple Silicon devices.

    Last year, an executive from Intel stirred up some debate when she claimed that laptops using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips “suffer from high return rates.” Qualcomm later refuted this assertion. Nevertheless, a listing on Amazon for the newly revealed Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 seems to hint that there might be some merit to Intel’s words.

    Return Rates and User Feedback

    The Surface Laptop 7 is marked with a tag stating it’s a “Frequently returned item” (H/T Windows Central), prompting Amazon to advise potential buyers to read reviews prior to making a decision. A quick look at the review section for the Surface Laptop 7 reveals some rather intriguing comments. One reviewer mentions having difficulty in establishing an Android development environment. This is quite strange since the device is powered by the Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite chip.

    Streaming Issues

    In addition, another user points out that they are unable to stream Hulu in 4K. This could be linked to the fact that the Surface Laptop 7 lacks Widevine L1 DRM, which is again baffling. Interestingly, the Asus Vivobook S 15 also carries the same “Frequently returned item” label. However, the reviews for this laptop focus more on its specific issues rather than the Windows on Arm platform in general, including the fact that the RAM is not upgradeable.

    Overall Customer Satisfaction

    While a majority of customers seem happy with their purchase, it is evident that laptops with Snapdragon X Elite chips have some distance to cover before they can match the performance and experience offered by those that run on Intel, AMD, and Apple Silicon.

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  • New Microsoft Surface Laptop Competes with Snapdragon X for Battery Life

    New Microsoft Surface Laptop Competes with Snapdragon X for Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is not prominently featuring its new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Intel Lunar Lake processors on its homepage.
    2. Initial reviews suggest the Lunar Lake laptops address significant issues found in previous Surface Laptop models.
    3. The Core Ultra 5 236V model outperformed the Snapdragon X Elite in video playback tests by over 4 hours.
    4. The entry-level Surface Laptop 7th Intel exceeds Microsoft’s battery life predictions, indicating better efficiency.
    5. Enhanced graphics performance is expected across all models due to Intel’s Arc 130V and Arc 140V integrated graphics processors.

    Roughly a month has gone by since Microsoft released updates for the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop featuring Intel Lunar Lake processors. It would be easy to overlook this launch, though.

    Lack of Visibility

    Currently, Microsoft doesn’t prominently display its new x86 devices on its homepage. Instead, the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 (currently priced at $869 on Amazon) continue to take the spotlight, nearly a year after their original launch. Initial review videos indicate that the new Lunar Lake laptops address some of the significant problems that have impacted recent x86 Surface Laptops.

    Performance Insights

    For instance, YouTuber Andrew Marc David showcased the Core Ultra 5 236V model of the ‘Surface Laptop 7th Intel series,’ which outshined its Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100) counterpart by more than 4 hours during his video playback tests. On the other hand, the Snapdragon model still manages to slightly outperform the Intel version in PCMark 10 Modern Office or similar benchmarks.

    Battery Life and Efficiency

    Interestingly, the battery life results show that the entry-level Surface Laptop 7th Intel lasts longer than Microsoft’s own predictions. The tested Core Ultra 5 236V variant is probably the most efficient in terms of power usage, especially since higher-end CPU options and 15-inch models will likely consume more energy. Nevertheless, we can anticipate solid battery life across the board, coupled with enhanced graphics performance compared to Snapdragon variants, thanks to Intel’s Arc 130V and Arc 140V integrated graphics processors.

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    New Microsoft Surface Laptop Competes with Snapdragon X for Battery Life
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  • India Prices Leak for Snapdragon Surface Laptop 7 and Pro 11

    India Prices Leak for Snapdragon Surface Laptop 7 and Pro 11

    Microsoft recently introduced the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, featuring Snapdragon X processors, on a global scale. These devices are now anticipated to arrive in the Indian market, as a user on X (formerly known as Twitter) disclosed the pricing for all the configurations available in the country. This information was reportedly obtained from a retailer in Chennai.

    Leaked Prices and Configurations

    The leaked details reveal several configurations for both the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, with a variety of storage and RAM options. The base model for both devices includes a Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage, starting at Rs 113,999.

    Here’s a detailed list of the leaked prices for Surface Laptop 7 with a 13.8-inch display:

    • Plus with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage: ₹113,990
    • Plus with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹131,990
    • Elite with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹150,990
    • Elite with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹170,990
    • Elite with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹202,990

    The leak also includes prices for a larger 15-inch Surface Laptop 7, but only in the Elite configuration:

    • Elite with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage: ₹139,990
    • Elite with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹159,990
    • Elite with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹178,990

    Color Options and Availability

    The Surface Laptop 7 will be offered in Platinum and Graphite color options in India.

    In contrast, the Surface Pro 11 is available solely with a 13.8-inch screen and comes in Black and Platinum color options.

    • Plus with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage: ₹113,990
    • Plus with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹131,990
    • Elite with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage: ₹161,990
    • Elite with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹180,990
    • Elite with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage: ₹232,990
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  • Snapdragon X Elite Outperforms Apple M2 in Multi-Core

    Snapdragon X Elite Outperforms Apple M2 in Multi-Core

    Microsoft has recently introduced its latest Surface Laptop that comes equipped with ARM-based Snapdragon SoCs. These laptops are now available for pre-order, with shipments expected to begin in July. Therefore, it will be a while before we can evaluate the actual performance of the new chipset.

    Benchmarking Insights

    Hardware enthusiast HXL has shared some benchmarks for the new Surface Laptop, which is powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor. The data suggests that this processor could potentially rival Apple’s M2 chip. The benchmark was conducted using CPU-Z on a Surface Laptop 7 featuring the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 SoC. Since CPU-Z is not available for MacBooks, HXL utilized a virtual Windows 11 environment to run the benchmark.

    It is important to note that virtual machines can introduce performance overhead, which might affect the M2’s score. Hence, this data should be considered with caution.

    Performance Comparison

    The Surface Laptop 7 achieved a significantly higher multi-threaded score (7,923.5 points) compared to the M2 running in the virtual machine (3,822.3 points). However, the M2 demonstrated a slight advantage in single-threaded performance (749.5 points vs. 686.0 points).

    Future Prospects

    The Snapdragon X Elite is reported to outperform current offerings from Intel and AMD. This benchmark provides the first real-world comparison with Apple silicon, indicating that Snapdragon X Elite laptops may be a viable option for those who prioritize thin-and-light designs and extended battery life, along with the flexibility of choosing between Windows and macOS.

    Qualcomm also plans to offer official Linux support for the Snapdragon X processors, which will likely attract users who prefer open-source operating systems.

    Overall, the benchmark suggests that the X Elite could be a formidable competitor to Apple’s renowned M-series chipset. However, more data is needed to fully assess its performance.

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