The Surface Laptop from Microsoft was released back in 2017 and has since become a top candidate in the market for leading laptop brands, however, despite being so popular with consumers, it has not faced its fair share of criticism from experts in the industry and also some potential buyers who are interested in the laptop, one of which is regarding the higher than average price for a laptop.
The average starting price for one of their models is around $600, however, some of their newer and more premium models can range up to over $1,500, which for some, even though it is subjective, may be considered expensive for what they do.
We’ve put our minds together to bring a more conclusive response to why the Surface Laptop is so expensive.
Microsoft’s Competitors
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll probably know that the two biggest tech giants in the world are currently Apple and Microsoft, in fact, Apple is probably Microsoft’s #1 competitor for products.
Whilst Microsoft revolutionized the computing world, their innovative ethos and ideals to try to keep their hardware and products at more attainable prices so more people can buy them have led to them being considered low quality or even ‘junk’, especially compared to other laptop brands.
Apple then came on to the scene with premium computing products which helped them build huge profits, despite their laptops being considerably more expensive than those that were currently on the market at the time.
The imbalance between Apple and Microsoft was swaying in the wrong direction (in Microsoft’s eyes anyway) and they needed to keep up in order to stay in the same lane as the other tech giant.
That’s why Microsoft started incorporating premium hardware with their reliable software that would look more desirable from a consumer standpoint.
So now loyal Windows OS users were able to have a sleek and attractive-looking computer with the Surface Laptop and stick to their preferred operating system without having to swap over to Apple’s MacBooks.
So ultimately, Microsoft had to raise their prices with their new line of laptops, the Surface Laptop, to keep up with their competitors at Apple who were making huge profits from their popular MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops.
The Features That Boost The Price
Hardware
As we previously mentioned, Microsoft began upping their game in terms of hardware, aesthetics, and the quality of their laptops which makes them more desirable to the average consumer.
As much as we all like to say, it’s what’s inside that matters, we are all guilty of opting for any sort of tech device based on its looks.
The Surface line of laptops are sleek, modern, and easily portable making them alluring for a whole range of consumers.
RAM
The RAM capacity on the laptops from the Surface line varies which will then also vary the price point of certain units. The RAM allows you to carry out all your computing tasks quickly and also allows you to switch between tasks without having to wait around.
If you’re someone who works many applications simultaneously and has memory-heavy software, then you’ll need a higher RAM to operate efficiently and will therefore need to pay more for your Surface Laptop than someone who needs it for general use.
SSD or HDD
If you’ll be keeping a lot of data, files, and software on your Surface Laptop, then you’ll need to find one with a higher SSD or HDD. SSD is more reliable and is quicker and uses less power, however, it comes at a higher price whereas HDD is cheaper and offers more storage capabilities than SSD.
The higher the HDD and SSD, specifically the SSD on the Surface Laptop, the more expensive it will be.
Processor
Most Surface Laptops have a Core i5 or i7 processor, however, this may be subject to change as time goes on as Microsoft develops new products.
The i7 is simply faster and better than the i5 processor which makes it more ideal for multi-tasking, however, with extra convenience comes a higher price, so if you’re someone who manages a lot of open tabs or apps on your laptop then the i7 will be completely necessary.
Generally, i7 processing laptops will be more expensive than i5 processor laptops, but this will also depend on the year of the model plus their memory and storage capabilities, as well as if they’ve got additional features such as a touch screen.
Touch Screen
One thing that does make the Surface line of laptops from Microsoft unique to the MacBook line from Apple is that some of them come with touch screen operation.
Steve Jobs had previously shunned the idea of incorporating touch screens into their laptop and computer products claiming that consumers would feel like their arm would finally fall off.
However, Microsoft silenced these doubts and implemented the touch screen into their Surface Line and it has generally been received well.
The touch screen adds more functionality for its users for business and creative operations which will boost the initial price of the unit, however, incorporating a tech feature like this into a laptop also accumulates more costs than the average laptop, hence the premium price point.
Not all the Surface Laptops come with touch screen functionality, but if one does, then it’ll be priced higher than one that does not.
Battery Life
Some laptops from the Surface Laptop have a battery life of up to 19 hours, which is unbelievably impressive, but it was necessary to be able to compete with the MacBook Pro that can offer a battery life of 16-21 hours depending on how you use the laptop.
Long battery life is so convenient for consumers who constantly use their laptop on the go which therefore demands a higher price point.
Concluding Thoughts
Yes, the Surface Laptop can be expensive, but it will depend on which one you go for as you can get some laptops from the line that go for around $600, which is comparable with some budget-friendly branded laptops around.
The Surface Laptop’s ‘expensive’ price point is necessary to be able to compete with their main competitor Apple who has had big success with their MacBook and MacBook Pro ranges.
However, this isn’t to discredit Microsoft as the Surface Laptop does have a range of quality features and capabilities which justify its considered ‘expensive’ prices.
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