Surface Laptop Ultra review: So close to the perfect MacBook Pro alternative
Microsoft is launching the Surface Laptop Ultra, its first ultra-class Surface device designed to directly compete with Apple’s MacBook Pro. The new laptop represents a significant shift in Microsoft’s Surface strategy, marking the company’s most ambitious attempt to capture the high-end professional creator and developer workstation market.
A key differentiator for the Surface Laptop Ultra is its partnership with NVIDIA for the new RTX Spark processor, making it the first Surface device to feature this silicon. The RTX Spark is a Windows on Arm chip that NVIDIA is positioning as transformative for the Windows ecosystem, promising improved performance and efficiency for professional workloads. This move signals broader industry momentum around bringing powerful ARM-based computing to Windows devices.
The Surface Laptop Ultra’s design and specifications are openly inspired by Apple’s MacBook Pro, though reviewers note this isn’t necessarily a weakness. The device’s engineering and positioning suggest Microsoft is serious about offering a genuine alternative to premium Apple laptops. With competitive specs and a professional-focused design, the Surface Laptop Ultra aims to appeal to creators and developers who have traditionally favored MacBook Pro.
The launch represents a critical moment for Windows on Arm adoption. By combining NVIDIA’s RTX Spark technology with a premium, professionally-targeted device, Microsoft and NVIDIA are betting that developers and creators will embrace Windows as a viable platform for demanding workflows.