Save the closing hours of Amazon Prime Day deals and opt for this superior Windows laptop over a MacBook instead!
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7: A Prime Day Contender for MacBook Air Alternatives
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is making waves as a strong competitor to the MacBook Air during Amazon Prime Day. This premium ultraportable laptop boasts a polished design, impressive battery life, and a range of features that cater to a variety of user needs.
Comparing the Surface Laptop 7 with the MacBook Air (M1, 2020), here are some key differences:
| Feature | Surface Laptop 7 | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) | |------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Processor | ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip | Apple M1 chip | | Performance | Smooth everyday work, efficient battery use, but slower CPU speed compared to M1; improved ARM app compatibility | Consistent strong performance with M1 chip, slightly better raw CPU speed | | Battery Life | Class-leading, nearly 20 hours in tests, longer than MacBook Air | Very good battery life; M1 maintains performance on battery | | Display | 13.8" touchscreen, 120 Hz refresh rate, 50% brighter (600 nits), thinner bezels, 8% higher screen-to-body ratio | 13.3" non-touch, 60 Hz refresh, 400 nits brightness | | Ports | Includes legacy USB-A port alongside USB-C | USB-C only, no USB-A ports | | Webcam | Better webcam video quality | Standard webcam quality | | Build & Design | Durable, sleek, lightweight, with optional Alcantara fabric keyboard | Sleek, high-quality aluminum build | | Display Touch Support | Yes | No | | Other Notes | Some compatibility concerns remain with Windows-on-ARM apps; no OLED screen option | Well-supported ecosystem, broader software compatibility |
Why consider Surface Laptop 7 on Prime Day:
- Exceptional battery life: About 20 hours, surpassing the MacBook Air’s battery life in tests[3].
- High refresh rate (120 Hz) touchscreen with greater brightness offers a more responsive and vibrant display experience[1][3].
- Includes USB-A port while the MacBook Air relies solely on USB-C[1].
- Windows alternative with premium design, suitable if you prefer Windows to macOS[3].
- The Qualcomm Snapdragon chip ensures efficient power usage, but is not as powerful as the Apple M1 chip in raw CPU speed[2].
Limitations:
- ARM-based Windows compatibility may still be a concern for specialized software; users should verify key app support before purchase[3].
- No OLED display option is available on Surface Laptop 7, unlike some other competitors[3].
In summary, the Surface Laptop 7 is the best alternative to the MacBook Air for users wanting a Windows ultraportable with outstanding battery life, superior touchscreen and display features, and good build quality. On Amazon Prime Day, it can offer excellent value especially if battery longevity and Windows OS are priorities, but those heavily reliant on specific x86 Windows apps may need to check compatibility due to the ARM-based processor[1][2][3].
The Surface Laptop 7 may not be suitable for gamers, those seeking a more budget-friendly laptop, or those who do not require the premium features and power offered by the Surface Laptop 7. However, it does come with upgradable storage, allowing for easy expansion of storage capacity. In real-world usage, both laptops perform similarly, handling multitasking, productivity workflows, web browsing, email, media consumption, photo editing, and light video editing effectively.
The Surface Laptop 7 supports AI and Copilot+ PC, while the MacBook Air does not. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is a premium laptop suitable for those who want the best Copilot+ PC, a true MacBook Air competitor running Windows 11, or a premium computing experience on the go. Currently, it is on sale for $899 at Amazon. Despite its performance being slightly slower than the MacBook Air due to the Apple M4 chip, it is still capable of handling all required tasks.
[1] Review of Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 on our website [2] Comparison of Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and MacBook Air [3] Detailed analysis of Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
- The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, currently on sale at Amazon for $899, is a PC gadget powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip, making it a competitor to Apple's MacBook Air while running on the Windows 11 operating system.
- Another key feature of the Surface Laptop 7 is its high refresh rate (120 Hz) touchscreen and superior display brightness, providing a vibrant and more responsive viewing experience compared to the MacBook Air.
- In terms of connectivity, the Surface Laptop 7 includes a USB-A port, whereas the MacBook Air only features USB-C ports, making it easier to connect various peripherals.
- For users preferring the Windows operating system over macOS, the Surface Laptop 7, with its premium design and exceptional battery life, nearly 20 hours in tests, can serve as an ideal MacBook Air alternative.
- Despite a slight performance disadvantage compared to the MacBook Air due to the Apple M1 chip, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 boasts impressive hardware capabilities, lasting efficiently during everyday work and offering enhanced ARM app compatibility.
