Compared and Reviewed: Microsoft Surface | Apple MacBook Air | Lenovo Legion 7 | Acer Nitro 5
Ready for a new computer, but still undecided about which one to pick?
If you're looking for a laptop that can handle both work and gaming on the go, and you also prioritize mobility and lightweight design, you're in luck.
In this article, we'll compare four of the best laptops currently available on the market: Microsoft Surface, Apple MacBook Air, Lenovo Legion 7, and Acer Nitro 5. Each of these laptops has its own unique features and specifications, and we'll cover them in detail so that you can make an informed decision about which one is the best for your needs.
We are comparing the Microsoft Surface, Apple MacBook Air, Lenovo Legion 7, and Acer Nitro 5 because they are among the best laptops on the market today that are suitable for work and gaming, and they each have unique features that make them stand out. These laptops are designed for individuals who prioritize mobility and portability, and they offer excellent performance and power, making them suitable for a wide range of tasks.
We understand that choosing a laptop can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. That's why we've narrowed down the search to these four laptops, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. We believe that by comparing and reviewing these laptops, we can help readers make an informed decision about which laptop is the best for their needs, based on factors such as performance, design, price, and more.
Our goal is to help you choose the right product for you
Our goal is to provide readers with a comprehensive guide that covers everything they need to know about these laptops, so they can make a confident purchase decision. We'll cover the main features and specifications of each laptop, including their processors, storage, graphics cards, and battery life, to give readers a complete overview of what each laptop offers.
A brief overview of the key features of each laptop
The Microsoft Surface is a versatile device that is perfect for business professionals who need a laptop that can double as a tablet. With its detachable touchscreen, you can easily switch between laptop and tablet mode, making it ideal for taking notes during a meeting or working on a project while on the go. It has an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 1TB of storage, and a 13.5-inch screen. Although it's not specifically designed for gaming, it has a dedicated graphics card that can handle modern games at medium to low settings.
The Apple MacBook Air is known for its sleek design, lightweight, and long battery life, making it a popular choice among entrepreneurs and business professionals. It has an M1 chip, which is specifically designed for Apple laptops, and can handle most work tasks with ease. It has up to 2TB of storage, a 13-inch screen, and a dedicated graphics card that can handle modern games. However, it's not specifically designed for gaming, and may not be able to handle high frame rates and resolution for the latest games.
The Lenovo Legion 7 and Acer Nitro 5 are great choices for entrepreneurs and business professionals who also love gaming. These laptops offer dedicated graphics cards that can handle modern games at high to medium settings.
The Lenovo Legion 7 boasts an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card, an Intel Core i9 processor, up to 1TB of storage, and a 15-inch screen. The Acer Nitro 5, on the other hand, has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 512GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch screen. Both laptops are designed for gaming, and have a price point that's budget-friendly for entrepreneurs and business professionals. Ultimately, the decision on which laptop to choose will come down to personal preference and specific needs.
Microsoft Surface
Overview of the Microsoft Surface laptop
Microsoft Surface is a popular laptop that offers a versatile 2-in-1 design. The laptop has a sleek and lightweight build, making it a great choice for those who need a computer that is easy to carry around. One of the standout features of the Surface is its detachable touchscreen, which allows it to double as a tablet. The laptop is available in a range of configurations, including the Surface Laptop Go, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Book 3.
The Surface Laptop Go is a more affordable option that features an Intel Core i5 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of SSD storage. It has a 12.4-inch touchscreen display and a battery life of up to 13 hours. The Surface Pro 7, on the other hand, is a tablet that can be used with a detachable keyboard. It has a 10th Gen Intel Core processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage. The battery life is up to 10.5 hours, and the tablet has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display.
Finally, the Surface Book 3 is a high-end laptop with a detachable touchscreen that can be used as a tablet. It has a 10th Gen Intel Core processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage. The battery life is up to 17.5 hours, and the laptop has a 13.5-inch or 15-inch touchscreen display. The Surface laptops all run on Windows 10 and come with various ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and a headphone jack. The Microsoft Surface is a solid option for those who want a 2-in-1 device that is portable and can handle everyday computing tasks.
The Surface Book 3 is the best option for business on the go. Its detachable 2-in-1 design and lightweight build make it easy to carry around, while its powerful performance and long battery life ensure that it can handle work tasks on the go. The Surface Book 3 is equipped with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage, making it a versatile choice for a variety of business needs.
On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is the best option for gaming among the Surface laptops. Its AMD Ryzen processors and dedicated AMD Radeon graphics card provide excellent gaming performance, while its long battery life and sleek design make it easy to take on the go. The Surface Laptop 4 also has up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of SSD storage, making it a great choice for gamers who need power and portability.
Main differences between the Microsoft Surface and other laptops
When comparing the Microsoft Surface to other laptops on the market, there are several key differences to consider. One of the main differences is the Surface's detachable touchscreen, which allows it to double as a tablet. This feature makes it a great choice for those who want a 2-in-1 device that can easily switch between laptop and tablet mode.
In terms of processing power, the Surface offers an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, which is competitive with other high-end laptops on the market. However, the Surface lacks a dedicated graphics card, which may be a drawback for those who want to use the laptop for gaming or graphic-intensive tasks.
When it comes to storage options, the Surface offers up to 1TB of storage, which is similar to other high-end laptops. However, the Surface's battery life is not as long as other laptops, with an average of 7-10 hours compared to the 11-14 hours offered by some competitors.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface is a great choice for those who want a lightweight and versatile laptop that can handle everyday work tasks, as well as some light gaming. However, for those who prioritize gaming or graphic-intensive tasks, a laptop with a dedicated graphics card and longer battery life may be a better choice.
Best uses for the Microsoft Surface
The Surface is a versatile device that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet, making it ideal for a range of different activities.
For business professionals, the Microsoft Surface can be a great choice for working on-the-go. Its lightweight design, long battery life, and powerful performance make it a reliable device for productivity tasks such as email, document creation, and video conferencing.
The Surface can also be a good choice for artists and creative professionals who need a device that can handle graphic design tasks. With its touch screen and stylus pen, the Surface is ideal for digital art and drawing. It also offers a range of creative software options such as Adobe Creative Suite, making it a great choice for graphic design work.
For students, the Microsoft Surface is a good option for taking notes and completing assignments. Its lightweight and portable design makes it easy to take to class or the library, and its long battery life ensures that it can last throughout the day.
Pros and cons of the Microsoft Surface
Pros:
Lightweight and portable design, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
Versatile 2-in-1 design, with a detachable touchscreen that can also function as a tablet.
Powerful processing power with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, allowing for efficient multitasking and handling demanding applications.
Excellent storage options, with up to 1TB of SSD storage available.
High-resolution display with vibrant colors, making it great for media consumption and video editing.
Cons:
Limited ports, with only one USB-C and one USB-A port available.
Expensive compared to other laptops in its class, making it less accessible for those on a tight budget.
Limited upgradeability, with non-upgradable components such as the RAM and SSD storage.
The detachable keyboard and pen stylus are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
Battery life is average and not as long-lasting as other laptops in its class.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface is a great choice for those in need of a lightweight and versatile 2-in-1 device that can handle both work and entertainment. While it is relatively expensive and has limited upgradeability, the Surface's powerful processing power and excellent storage options make it a reliable device for demanding tasks. Its high-resolution display and portability also make it a great choice for media consumption and video editing on-the-go.
Why choose the Microsoft Surface over other laptops
There are several reasons why someone might choose the Microsoft Surface over other laptops on the market. For starters, the Surface has a detachable touchscreen that allows it to double as a tablet, providing versatility and functionality. Additionally, it has a sleek and modern design that gives it a professional look, making it an excellent choice for business professionals.
Another reason to choose the Microsoft Surface is its processing power, which is suitable for a range of tasks. With an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, the Surface can handle multitasking, video streaming, and light gaming with ease. It also has excellent storage options, with up to 1TB available, which is more than enough for most users.
On the other hand, some may find the Surface's price point to be a bit high compared to other laptops on the market. Additionally, its battery life may not be as long as other laptops in its class. While it's suitable for light gaming, it may not be the best option for gamers who need a dedicated gaming laptop.
Specifications and technical information
Dimensions and weight:
13.5-inch model: 308.1 mm x 223.27 mm x 14.48 mm, starting at 1.26 kg
15-inch model: 339.5 mm x 244 mm x 14.69 mm, starting at 1.54 kg
Display:
13.5-inch model: PixelSense Display, 2256 x 1504 (201 PPI), 3:2 aspect ratio
15-inch model: PixelSense Display, 2496 x 1664 (201 PPI), 3:2 aspect ratio
Processor:
13.5-inch model: 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7
15-inch model: AMD Ryzen 5 4680U or Ryzen 7 4980U
Memory:
13.5-inch model: 8 GB or 16 GB LPDDR4x RAM
15-inch model: 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB DDR4 RAM
Storage:
13.5-inch model: Solid-state drive (SSD) options of 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB
15-inch model: Solid-state drive (SSD) options of 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB
Graphics:
13.5-inch model: Intel Iris Plus Graphics or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
15-inch model: AMD Radeon Vega 7 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti with Max-Q
Battery life:
13.5-inch model: Up to 19 hours of typical device usage
15-inch model: Up to 17.5 hours of typical device usage
Operating system:
Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro
Other features:
Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatible
Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology
USB-C and USB-A ports
Surface Pen and Surface Dial support
Windows Hello face authentication camera
720p HD f2.0 front-facing camera
Dual far-field Studio Mics
Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos
What people say
"I purchased the Microsoft Surface for its portability, and it has exceeded my expectations. The detachable touchscreen is perfect for when I need to use it as a tablet on-the-go, and the long battery life ensures that I can work for hours without needing to recharge."
"I love the sleek design of the Microsoft Surface and its powerful Intel Core i5 processor. It's perfect for both work and entertainment, and I'm able to run multiple programs at once without any lag."
"The Microsoft Surface is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a 2-in-1 device that can handle both work and play. The only downside is that it can be a bit pricey, but the quality of the device is worth the investment."
"I purchased the Microsoft Surface for video editing and it has been a great investment. The large, high-resolution screen and powerful CPU make it perfect for handling complex editing software. The only downside is that the battery life could be longer."
"I bought the Microsoft Surface for gaming and it has not disappointed. The NVIDIA graphics card and Intel Core i7 processor make it perfect for running modern games at a high frame rate. It's a bit heavier than some other laptops, but the performance makes it worth it."
Apple MacBook Air
Overview of the Apple MacBook Air
The Apple MacBook Air is one of the most popular and well-known laptops on the market. It has a sleek and lightweight design, making it perfect for people on-the-go. The laptop comes with a 13.3-inch display, and the latest models are equipped with Apple's M1 chip, which delivers impressive performance and energy efficiency. The MacBook Air is available in a range of colors, including silver, gold, and space gray.
The laptop has a long battery life, lasting up to 15 hours, which is perfect for those who need to work for long hours without being tethered to a power outlet. The MacBook Air also comes with the latest version of macOS, which provides a smooth and intuitive user experience. The laptop has a built-in Touch ID sensor, allowing for easy and secure access to the device.
The MacBook Air has excellent storage options, with the latest models coming with up to 2TB of solid-state storage. The laptop is also equipped with a high-quality camera and microphone, making it perfect for video calls and online meetings. Overall, the MacBook Air is a reliable and high-performance laptop that is perfect for professionals who need a laptop for work and personal use.
Main differences between the MacBook Air and other laptops
The MacBook Air differs from other laptops on the market in several key ways. Firstly, it is designed specifically for macOS, Apple's proprietary operating system, and is optimized to work seamlessly with other Apple products such as iPhones and iPads. In terms of hardware, the MacBook Air is one of the lightest laptops on the market, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. Additionally, it features a sleek design, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize aesthetics.
Compared to other MacBook models, the MacBook Air has a lower price point, making it a more accessible option for those on a budget. However, this does come with some trade-offs. For example, the MacBook Air has a lower processing power than the MacBook Pro, which may impact its performance in some tasks. It also has a smaller screen size than some other MacBook models, which may not be suitable for those who need a larger display for work or entertainment purposes.
In comparison to non-Apple laptops, the MacBook Air has a different user experience due to its operating system, which may take some time to adjust to for those who are not familiar with macOS. It also has a limited number of ports, which may be a downside for those who require a lot of connectivity options. However, the MacBook Air is known for its excellent battery life, which can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, making it a great option for those who need to work on-the-go.
Best uses for the MacBook Air
The MacBook Air is a lightweight and portable laptop that is ideal for professionals who are always on the go, such as business executives, entrepreneurs, and students. Its long battery life and high-resolution display make it perfect for productivity tasks, while its slim design and lightweight construction make it easy to carry around.
Professionals who frequently travel for work, attend meetings, and need to work from different locations will find the MacBook Air to be an excellent choice. Its fast processing speed and smooth performance also make it ideal for graphic designers, photographers, and video editors who need a reliable and powerful laptop for their creative work.
Additionally, the MacBook Air is a great choice for those who value sleek design and simplicity. Its easy-to-use interface and user-friendly features make it perfect for those who are new to using computers or who prefer a streamlined and minimalist approach to technology.
Pros and cons of the MacBook Air
Pros:
Thin and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around
Long battery life for all-day use
Retina display with high resolution for sharp and clear visuals
Solid-state drive (SSD) for faster boot and load times
Runs on macOS, which is known for its stability and user-friendly interface
Built-in apps such as iMovie and GarageBand for creative work
Cons:
Limited port options, with only two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports
No dedicated graphics card, which may limit performance for certain tasks such as gaming or 3D modeling
Soldered components that cannot be easily upgraded or replaced
Higher price point compared to some Windows-based laptops with similar specifications
Not as powerful as some other MacBook models, such as the MacBook Pro
Why choose the MacBook Air over other laptops
The MacBook Air has several features that set it apart from other laptops on the market. Firstly, it boasts a sleek design and is one of the thinnest and lightest laptops available, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize portability. It also has a long battery life, lasting up to 17 hours, which is perfect for business professionals who are always on the go and need to stay connected without worrying about their laptop running out of juice.
In addition, the MacBook Air has excellent performance, with a fast M1 chip that is specifically designed for Apple laptops. It also has a high-quality Retina display with True Tone technology, which provides accurate colors and sharp visuals. The MacBook Air comes with a range of productivity tools such as Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, which are perfect for business use.
However, the MacBook Air does have a few potential drawbacks. It has a limited number of ports, with only two USB-C ports available, which may require the use of adapters for some users. It also has a higher price point compared to some other laptops on the market, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget. Finally, it is not the best choice for gaming, as it lacks a dedicated graphics card and is not optimized for high-end gaming.
Despite these limitations, the MacBook Air is an excellent choice for those who prioritize performance, portability, and high-quality design. Its fast performance, long battery life, and productivity tools make it an excellent option for business professionals, students, and creatives who need a reliable and powerful laptop.
Specifications and technical information
Dimensions and weight:
13-inch model: 304.1 mm x 212.4 mm x 16.1 mm, starting at 1.29 kg 14-inch model: 304.1 mm x 212.4 mm x 16.1 mm, starting at 1.24 kg Display:
13-inch model: Retina display, 2560 x 1600 resolution, 227 pixels per inch (ppi) 14-inch model: Retina display, 2560 x 1600 resolution, 301 pixels per inch (ppi)
Processor:
13-inch model: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine
14-inch model: Apple M1 Pro chip or M1 Max chip, both with up to 10-core CPU, up to 16-core GPU, and up to 32-core Neural Engine
Memory:
13-inch model: 8 GB or 16 GB unified memory 14-inch model: 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB unified memory Storage:
13-inch model: Solid-state drive (SSD) options of 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB 14-inch model: Solid-state drive (SSD) options of 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, or 8 TB
Graphics:
13-inch model: Integrated 7- or 8-core GPU 14-inch model: Apple M1 Pro chip or M1 Max chip, both with up to 16-core GPU Battery life:
13-inch model: Up to 18 hours of web browsing or up to 15 hours of video playback 14-inch model: Up to 17 hours of web browsing or up to 21 hours of video playback
Operating system:
macOS Monterey
Other features:
Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatible Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports Touch ID sensor 720p FaceTime HD camera Studio-quality three-microphone array with directional beamforming Six-speaker system with force-canceling woofers Backlit Magic Keyboard with ambient light sensor and Touch Bar
What people say
"The MacBook Air has been a game changer for me. It's incredibly lightweight and easy to take with me wherever I go, but it still packs a punch when it comes to performance. I love how fast it runs and how quickly it loads up programs and files."
"I'm really impressed with the display on the MacBook Air. The colors are so vivid and everything looks incredibly sharp. It's a pleasure to use for both work and entertainment."
"The battery life on the MacBook Air is really impressive. I can use it for a full day of work and still have plenty of juice left over for streaming movies or playing games in the evening."
"I appreciate the attention to detail in the design of the MacBook Air. Everything from the keyboard to the touchpad to the build quality feels premium and well-made."
"The only downside to the MacBook Air is that it can be a bit pricey. But if you're looking for a high-quality, reliable laptop that can handle all your work and personal needs, it's definitely worth the investment."