Latest news with #Surface
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13in review: best everyday notebook I've tested in 2025
Microsoft recently introduced a new more affordable and compact 13in Surface Laptop that I've been testing for several weeks. Buying a Surface notebook delivers an Apple MacBook style experience as both the Windows 11 software and the hardware are made by the same company. The new 13in Surface Laptop joins the current seventh-generation 13.8in and 15in models that were introduced in 2024. READ MORE: Insta360 takes on DJI with launch of drone brand Antigravity and promise of 360-degree aerial videography READ MORE: Ugreen Nexode Retractable Chargers review: ideal power bank for festivals such as All Together Now Surface Laptop 13in everyday use I love the portability of the new slim and light 13in model. I have taken it everywhere with me with ease and used it as my primary computer without any hiccups. It weighs slightly less than a 13in MacBook Air but the all-aluminium chassis feels as robustly made and looks as stylish as its Apple rival. The anodised finish on the notebook lid effectively minimises fingerprint smudges. The bright and colourful 13in 1,920 x 1,280 (full HD) resolution LCD touchscreen display has a 60Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio that is so handy for productivity tasks. It's worth noting how dim the screen can go with the brightness reduced to the minimum. It's so useful when you need to use your laptop in a dark environment, such as a lecture theatre or when catching up on work in bed late at night without disturbing anyone else. The full-size keyboard offers an excellent typing experience, and the spacious trackpad is smooth and precise. Surface Laptop 13in comes in the choice of these three colours, Platinum, Violet and Ocean (Image: Microsoft) Surface Laptop 13in is powered by an eight-core 3.3Ghz Snapdragon X Plus chip and is a capable performer, handling demanding tasks such as running multiple browser windows with dozens of open tabs with ease. When you do hear the small fan fire up, the sound is hardly noticeable. There is 16GB of RAM, incidentally, and my review unit had 512GB of storage. The processor also includes a dedicated Qualcomm Hexagon neural processor that supports all the latest Copilot+ artificial intelligence (AI) features bundled with Windows laptops and it does so without impacting battery stamina. This machine includes the Recall ability, which takes screenshots periodically so that you can retrace your steps if anything goes wrong, along with productivity tools, webcam filters and image generation. And the new Click to Do feature enables you to hold the Windows key and click on something on your screen to perform actions such as remove an image's background or rewrite the text. If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, Copilot is integrated into all of the Office suite of programs as a helpful AI assistant. Surface Laptop 13in other features The webcam is full HD resolution and delivers a crisp and colourful feed for video calls and business meetings. It includes the firm's superb dual-mic sound-suppression system that eliminates background noise in video calls almost entirely. You get decent speakers too. And it has Studio Effects that automatically keeps you in the centre of the frame. There's no Windows Hello facial recognition with the camera, however, but there is a fast and reliable fingerprint sensor on the power button. Surface Laptop 13in's smooth aluminium lid looks and feels premium and the anodised finish minimises fingerprint smudges (Image: Microsoft) There are two USB Type-C ports on the right side and one USB Type-A port and 3.5mm audio port on the left. The machine supports both Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Battery life from the 50Wh power pack is unreal. I got close to 22 hours of continuous video playback while in everyday use as a work computer it lasted more than two full eight hour days. Recharging is by USB-C and any 40W or higher charging brick - but there is none in the box. It takes about two hours to fully recharge the machine. One caveat to mention is the laptop uses ARM architecture so not all apps and software may run automatically on it. Apps not written for ARM systems must go through an emulation system, which works in the background but makes them a little slower. But the list of incompatible software is decreasing and I had no issues in that regard. Do your research before you buy, just in case. Surface Laptop 13in v erdict Microsoft Surface Laptop 13in is the best everyday ultra-portable notebook I've tested in 2025 and so easy to recommend. Pricing and availability Microsoft Surface Laptop 13in costs from €1,119 (256GB storage, platinum colour) from and Harvey Norman, and if you opt for 512GB of storage (€1,239) you get the choice of three colours, Platinum, Violet and Ocean. You can also buy it from Amazon. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Phone Arena
The Surface Laptop finally got what many have been begging for
Video credit – Microsoft But what really sets this machine apart is the antenna system. Microsoft engineered a custom six-antenna setup that adapts in real time to how you're using the laptop. Instead of placing antennas near the base (where your legs or surfaces might block the signal), they're positioned higher up for better reception. The system seamlessly switches between 5G and Wi-Fi depending on your environment, and can even act as a secure mobile hotspot when you need to get other devices online. – Nancie Gaskill, General Manager, Surface, July 2025 According to Microsoft, the company also had to invent a new multi-layered material that allows radio signals to pass through without sacrificing durability or that premium Surface feel. It's the kind of behind-the-scenes change that most users won't notice – until they realize their connection just works IT departments, there's also the ability to push eSIM profiles remotely and pair with Windows Autopilot for a true zero-touch deployment. That's a huge win for large organizations rolling out fleets of devices. Intel Core Ultra 5 16 GB RAM 256 GB SSD (removable) Touchscreen 2 x USB-C, USB-A, 3.5 mm headphone jack Wi-Fi 7 and 5G NanoSIM and eSIM capable Windows 11 Pro $1,799 This version covers the basics well and offers snappy performance for everyday work, multitasking, and even some light creative workloads. But let's address the elephant in the room: $1,799 for just 256 GB of storage feels… stingy. At this price point, most users would reasonably expect at least 512 GB by default. That said, the SSD is removable, so you can upgrade it later without too much hassle – or even drop in your own drive, which is a big plus for long-term flexibility. Top-end model – Surface Laptop 5G with Core Ultra 7 Intel Core Ultra 7 32 GB RAM 1 TB SSD (removable) Touchscreen 2 x USB-C, USB-A, 3.5 mm headphone jack Windows 11 Pro Wi-Fi 7 and 5G NanoSIM and eSIM capable $2,699 That one steps things up with a Core Ultra 7, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. At this price, though, 2 TB would've made more sense – it's hard not to expect that. However, this version is clearly geared toward power users who want more headroom, whether it's for multitasking, larger projects or just a smoother overall experience. It's definitely on the pricey side, but if you are looking to future-proof your workflow and want that extra room to breathe, this is the one to look models rock the same clean platinum silver look, so whichever one you grab, you're still getting that sleek, premium Surface vibe. However, here's the thing: for now, it looks like this model might only be available through business channels. That could mean it's not something you can just go out and buy individually – at least not yet. Microsoft has a history of using the 'for business' label in ways that can be a bit confusing. Sometimes it simply means extra warranty perks and Windows Pro, other times it means bulk-only availability. So, for now, it's unclear whether regular users will be able to buy this model directly. We'll just have to wait and see if it eventually hits mainstream retail. So, this isn't a machine built for everyone, and it doesn't try to be. It's for professionals who want a reliable, premium-feeling laptop that gets out of their way so they can get things done. The addition of 5G might not be a must-have for all users, but for a very specific crowd – people who work remotely, travel often, or need constant connectivity – it could be a real game-changer. Everyone else? You'll probably be just fine with the Wi-Fi-only option.
Phone Arena
09-07-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
At $500 off this Prime Day, I find this Surface Pro 11 deal hard to pass up
16/256GB Surface Pro 11: $500 off at Amazon $500 off (36%) The Surface Pro 11 is a solid bargain this Prime Day. Right now, Prime members can get it for $500 off in its buffed-up OLED display version with a Snapdragon X Elite processor. The device has a slim and durable design, offers great performance, and is a real bargain at $500 off. Buy at Amazon Receive the latest mobile news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Grab Surfshark VPN now at more than 50% off and with 3 extra months for free! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer I've always been impressed by how Surface Pro tablets blend portability and power. And right now, the latest Microsoft tablet, the Surface Pro 11, is available at a Prime Day price you just can't a limited time, Prime members can score a huge $500 off the premium OLED variant with Snapdragon X Elite. That brings the 16/256GB model down to just under ~$900 instead of nearly $1,400. And trust me, I checked—this is the best deal available on Amazon in quite some time. So, if you've been eyeing a top-tier 2-in-1, now's definitely the time to I really like about this particular Surface Pro 11 is the gorgeous display. The 13-inch OLED touchscreen delivers stunning pitch blacks and crisp whites, making everything pop. Pair that with the built-in kickstand, and everything from browsing to hands-free productivity feels way more thing I find exciting about this Windows tablet is the Copilot+ PC support. It unleashes a whole new level of productivity with improved video call quality, real-time translation during work-related calls, and is just as solid, thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite chip. Whether you're handling everyday tasks or racing to meet deadlines, this fella breezes through all. And with 16GB RAM on deck, there's plenty of potential for to this lovely package solid battery life of 14 hours and 65W fast charging support, and you've got a pretty well-rounded Windows tablet. Sure, it's not cheap, but hey—at $500 off for Prime Day, it's definitely a lot more affordable. So, don't waste your time and save big while it lasts. Or, check out other tempting Prime Day tablet deals before making your final decision.
Al Etihad
09-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Al Seer Marine secures Dh760 million ADCB facility to finance its expansion plans
9 July 2025 10:07 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Al Seer Marine Supplies & Equipment Company, a leading player in the maritime sector and a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), has secured a Dh760 million ($207 million) financing facility from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) to support the next phase of its growth eight-year facility is backed by first-priority mortgages on selected operating vessels and marks the second major transaction between ADCB and Al Seer Marine. In early 2025, ADCB extended a Dh210 million ($57 million) facility to ASBI Shipping FZCO — a joint venture between Al Seer Marine and B Shipping — to fund acquisitions of small and midsize LPG on the development, Guy Neivens, CEO of Al Seer Marine, said, 'We're proactively optimising our capital structure to unlock high-value, high-growth opportunities and reinforce our role as a powerhouse in delivering the UAE's maritime vision. ADCB's continued partnership reflects deep institutional trust in our long-term strategy.'The company said the funding will reinforce capital efficiency and enable asset-backed expansion across LNG, LPG, crude oil, and petrochemical shipping segments. Al Seer Marine continues to attract the confidence of both local and global institutions, having previously secured support from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and China's BOCOM this financial backing, Al Seer Marine is also driving strategic investments in areas such as naval shipbuilding, autonomous Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), and advanced manufacturing, including the world's largest 3D printer. The company positions itself as a future-ready maritime leader with capabilities spanning commercial shipping, yacht operations, and high-tech marine innovation. It is an ADX-listed company with a market capitalisation of Dh3.94 billion.
Irish Times
26-06-2025
- Irish Times
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch review: AI-optimised laptop makes some sacrifices
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch (2025) Price : €1119 Website : Where To Buy : Microsoft When Microsoft first started doing its own laptops back in 2012, the move was met with a mixture of interest and confusion. There were predictions of the venture's demise, and a general feeling that the Surface could go the same way as the Zune if the company wasn't careful. But Microsoft stuck with it, tweaking the Surface Pro two-in-one's design, and adding the Surface Laptop in 2017. Designed to be a catch-all device for people who wanted a thin and light laptop, it found its fans and has had several iterations since launch. The company has now released the latest version of the Surface Laptop, which comes with an important change. The new Surface Laptop is one of Microsoft's new Copilot+ devices, which means it is designed for use with the new generation of artificial intelligence tools, and future-proofed to work with what comes next. That's not to say that the previous generation of devices won't run AI, but it might have some repercussions on battery life that the Copilot+ devices won't suffer from – for now at least. That is because the new laptops have a dedicated neural processor to help with AI tasks. What AI features can users expect with the new Copilot+ PCs? The biggest new feature is Recall, the controversial feature that takes snapshots of your desktop at regular intervals so you can search for keywords or browse through a timeline. When it was launched initially, it sparked privacy concerns, but Microsoft has made a few changes and come back with a refined version – it is opt-in now, and you can pause the screenshots, plus there is sensitive information filtering. READ MORE There is also Studio Effects, which brings auto-framing – similar to Apple's Centre Stage – to keep you in the centre of the frame when using the web camera. More interestingly, there is an option to make it look like you are maintaining eye contact, even when you are looking at the screen. The new Copilot+ devices will also come with AI image tools that allow you to create images from text prompts. All that is fine, but the laptop still needs to cover the basics, and cover them well. The good news is that Surface Laptop delivers on that front. Out of the box, the Surface Laptop looks like a premium ultra-portable laptop. In fact, it bears more than a passing resemblance to a MacBook Air, even coming in a blue-hued metal casing. It is light enough too, so you can carry it around without feeling weighed down. The new Surface Laptop shaves a little off the screen, bringing it down to 13 inches from 13.8 inches. But it is still more than enough space to view all your content, in full HD resolution. It should be noted, though, that it is a step down from the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop in terms of refresh rate – 60Hz versus 120Hz – it doesn't come with HDR and the pixels per inch are lower. You would be hard-pressed to notice for the most part, though. That screen is crisp and bright, and although it has a lower contrast ratio, everything looks great. The laptop comes with 16GB of RAM and base storage of 256GB, running on an eight core Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 3.3GHz chip. The neural processor is also Qualcomm, a Hexagon with 45 TOPS. The latter comes in handy for some of the new features, including Microsoft's new Click To Do feature. With just a click (or a right swipe) the system will analyse what's on the screen and allow you to take action on it. For example, you can copy, summarise or rewrite text; images can have their backgrounds removed. [ Apple MacBook Air review: Slick, fast laptop is Apple's best yet Opens in new window ] There is a decent selection of USB ports too, with two USB C and one USB A port. Microsoft has kept everything else to a minimum though, with a headphone jack as the only other connection available. There were few tasks that I put the Surface Laptop through that it didn't tackle with ease. As a work laptop, most of the time was spent on productivity tasks, which made a comfortable keyboard a must. The Surface Laptop did well in this regard; the trackpad was a bit more middle of the road, with Microsoft's choice of technology making it more difficult to click using the top section of the trackpad. There are other drawbacks. Because it is based on ARM architecture, some software may still not run too well on it, or at all, though that group is a shrinking category. That said, any software that I was using day to day worked fine. Do your homework beforehand and you can avoid any inconvenient situations. Good If you want a good all-rounder laptop, the Surface Laptop will fit the bill. It is fast, silent for the most part, and the inclusion of the new AI tools will appeal to some users. Not all, mind you; there are some that I wouldn't use, such as Recall. And they aren't exclusive to the Surface Laptop either, with the more useful ones such as Studio Effects available on other Copilot-enabled PCs. Battery life is excellent. Even hammering it with standard work tasks, it lasted two days – an improvement on my current device, which manages to last most of a work day without access to a power cable. Microsoft has ditched the proprietary Surface charger for this device, choosing to go with USB C instead. That makes it more flexible when it comes to charging too; you can grab a cable and any 45-watt charger, it doesn't have to be the Microsoft supplied one. Bad Microsoft hasn't actually included a charger in the box. It is an optional extra that you will have to pay for. On the plus side, you probably have a charger or two capable of powering the Surface Laptop if you have bought any sort of fast charger in the past few years. But this is an annoyance you don't need. Everything else Microsoft has included a fingerprint reader in the power button, but omits Windows Hello support from the webcam. It has also dropped Dolby Atmos support for the speakers, opting for Dolby Audio instead. Verdict The Surface Laptop is a decent thin and light machine, although it is a little on the expensive side given the choices Microsoft has made on some of the more advanced features of the Surface line. [ Samsung Galaxy A56 review: Mid-range phones get a boost Opens in new window ]
