The Windows 11 operating system can be easily downloaded on both Surface and Lenovo devices (Getty).
For a long time, not much has changed with laptops running Microsoft Windows, particularly high-performance models equipped with Intel and AMD x86 processors. These devices have often frustrated users with loud fan noise and short battery life.
However, the game has changed as several global companies have launched a new generation of laptops with AI-powered features. These laptops are built with processors similar to those found in smartphones and tablets.
This new technology has been tested on models like the Microsoft Surface 7 and the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x, revealing whether they truly represent a revolution in the world of laptops.
The Surface 7 is equipped with an ARM processor and the Copilot AI assistant, offering a lighter, smarter, and more efficient experience.
Users can choose from colors like gray, silver, metallic blue, and rose gold. The Surface 7 weighs just 1.34 kg, while the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x boasts a sleek dark blue design, weighing only 1.29 kg.
Easy Setup
Setting up the operating system on both devices is simple, involving just a few basic steps such as choosing the country and language, accepting the license agreements, and configuring Microsoft Office 365 (though users can skip entering credit card details if they wish).
Next, users log in with their Microsoft account and set up Windows Hello, a feature that unlocks the device by simply looking at the camera.
Both the Microsoft and Lenovo laptops perform exceptionally well, booting quickly and waking up instantly when the screen is opened. They run quietly even when multiple tabs are open.
During tests, the fans did not activate, even in room temperatures of 28°C. Both devices have bright screens, making text easy to read. The Surface 7 has a smooth scrolling experience thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, while the Yoga Slim 7x has a 90Hz refresh rate and a slightly larger 14.5-inch screen compared to the Surface's 13.8-inch display.
Video Conferences
Both devices are great for video conferencing. With screen brightness reduced and minimal video playback, the Surface 7’s battery lasts about 8 hours, while the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x lasts around 9 hours.
Both laptops are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon-X processor, which runs efficiently and conserves energy. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x features a faster version of the Snapdragon-X with 12 cores, compared to 10 in the Surface 7. However, during testing, the full power of the processor wasn’t utilized. Windows apps compatible with ARM architecture, previously a major weakness, are now available.
The companies take different approaches to USB ports. Lenovo relies on modern USB-C ports, while Microsoft includes both USB-A and USB-C ports on its devices. This allows users to connect older devices via the traditional USB-A port. Lenovo compensates by providing an adapter with USB-A, VGA, and HDMI outputs for external monitors.
AI Assistant Button
The AI assistant button on these devices replaces the usual start menu key. Pressing it activates the AI assistant, and pressing it again doesn't close the assistant, which differs from the typical Windows key behavior. Users can now download the Copilot app or access it via the web.
For instance, users can ask the AI assistant to convert notes into a six-slide PowerPoint presentation. Within 10 seconds, a neatly formatted PowerPoint is ready, free from any errors.
The AI assistant can also answer various general questions, such as "Which side of a rescue blanket should face in and which side should face out?" It will explain that the silver side should face in for warmth or face out for sun protection.
Disappointments
However, the AI assistant does have its drawbacks. Graphic creation is not always accurate, and some promoted features, such as AI-powered photo editing, are hidden and difficult to find.
Moreover, the "Recall" function, which analyzes everything displayed on the screen through image recognition, is unavailable in some countries due to data protection concerns.
Since Copilot AI is integrated into Windows and runs upon boot, appearing in Edge and Office applications, it poses a significant challenge to Google. Simple searches are carried out via Microsoft’s Bing, displaying the sources of the results.
The Microsoft Surface 7 and Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x are both powerful machines with no major flaws. They are well-built, with excellent keyboards, touchpads, and touchscreens, making work more efficient. In some aspects, they even outperform competing Apple models.
While these laptops aren’t suited for high-demand gaming, they are ideal for professional tasks.
Final Thoughts
Copilot AI is a helpful tool for organizing work, generating ideas, and creating visual content. However, its usefulness ultimately depends on the user. A bit of thought and exploration is required to fully unlock its potential—not just from Microsoft, but from other AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, which can be added as browser bookmarks.
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