Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12.3in i5 8GB 256GB

Microsoft Surface Pro 7: Needs more of an overhaul than this

Microsoft might well argue that it hasn't neglected the Surface Pro 7. It's added USB Type-C and upgraded the internals, too, but all the evidence points to a hybrid that's badly in need of an update.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Intel i5 256GB SSD Convertible Tablet - Black PUV-00021 review

An excellent hybrid that doesn’t do quite enough to innovate on what Microsoft already had.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Intel i5 256GB SSD Convertible Tablet - Black PUV-00021 review

The Surface Pro 7 is the creative hardware of choice for the Illustrator – and by this we mean professional vector artists and graphic designers whose main tool is Adobe Illustrator.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Intel i5 256GB SSD Convertible Tablet - Black PUV-00021 review

Surface Pro X Performance Summary: Microsoft's Surface Pro X performance can be summed up best as uneven . Even with native Arm applications, the Surface Pro X couldn't keep up with any of our 64-bit x86 test machines nor a 3rd gen iPad Air.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Intel i5 256GB SSD Convertible Tablet - Black PUV-00021 review

It is similar to the last Surface Pro, but this is still one of the few tablet hybrids we’d be happy to work all day on. Just remember to bring the charger, as the battery won’t last.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 review

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is no revelation. It's a lot like the Pro 6. Aside from the no-brainer addition of a USB-C port, progress here is down to Intel's new chipsets, not any major Microsoft innovation. But look at the more dynamic Surface Pro X and you may decide you will be happier with this more familiar hybrid. It has none of the compatibility issues of that model, the Type Cover keyboard design is a tried and tested hit and it isn't much less portable than an iPad Pro. We’d like significantly longer battery life and a lower price would really start to tempt us away from a more conventional laptop. But this hybrid does work well as a “real” computer.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 review review

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Intel i5 256GB SSD Convertible Tablet - Black PUV-00021 review

Microsoft updates its Surface Pro 7 Windows tablet with a powerful Intel Ice Lake chip and a modern USB-C port.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 review

If you’re going to get the use out of the portability and flexible nature of the 2-in-1, the Surface Pro 7 is well worth considering, especially with the upgrades on offer compared to the Pro 6, but there are more powerful laptops at a similar price if processing power is key.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Intel i5 256GB SSD Convertible Tablet - Black PUV-00021 review

While it might look the same as the Pro 6, the Surface Pro 7 packs a punch.