The Surface Pro X marks a significant departure away from the Surface Pro line. Because it’s now charged on the device itself, the system even knows when you take the pen out, automatically prompting you to use it in an application. The trade-off for this brilliant storage solution, however, feels worth it. The new pen itself doesn’t have the same heft and feel as the traditional Surface Pen, which was rounder and heavier. Just like that, Microsoft has completely solved the problem of losing the Surface Pen or replacing batteries.

Even better, when the pen is stored, it’s also recharging, noted by a small, green light. When stored, the Type Cover can fold up to a raised position and completely hide it. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a stylus stored above the keyboard, but Microsoft’s implementation sets a new standard. It’s called the Surface Slim Pen, and the storage solution Microsoft engineered is particularly intuitive. A disappearing stylusĪnother thing the Surface Pro X can make disappear is the new stylus. The same great keyboard and Microsoft Precision touchpad remain, the only difference being the slightly larger touchpad size. The input elements of the Type Cover are familiar. The bezel makes even more of an impression when you fold up the magnetic Type Cover, which makes that bottom border disappear. The top bezel is still a bit thick to support the IR camera used for Windows Hello facial recognition, but it feels as sleek and modern as the iPad Pro. That’s thanks to thinner bezels that flank either side of the screen.

It’s a larger 13-inch screen compared to the Surface Pro 7, though Microsoft has squeezed it into the same footprint. It’s a 2,880 × 1,920 display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, and it’s bright and beautiful. The weight feels well-distributed and balanced in the hand, making for a device that’s enjoyable to pick up and play with. That portability goes a long way toward making the Surface Pro X comfortable for one-hand usage. It’s 0.2 inches at its thickest and weighs just 1.68 pounds. It starts with the chassis itself, which is the thinnest and lightest Surface device ever made.

Bezels, begone!Įvery aspect of the Surface Pro X has been modernized. The Surface Pro X? It’s the modern Surface PC I’ve always wanted.Įditor’s note: Want to know more about Microsoft’s other Surface devices? Check out our reviews of the Surface Laptop 3, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Neo.

Surface pro x 2020 review