I used to be a skeptic when it came to Windows on ARM, but after my recent experience, I can confidently say that I’d consider a Snapdragon PC for every business trip I take from now on. My journey to becoming a convert started with a six-day work trip to Las Vegas, where I put the Surface Laptop 7 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip to the test. This was a significant departure from my usual routine, as I typically carry not one, but two laptops to industry events – a habit I developed after witnessing a colleague’s SSD fail during an Intel developer conference. Having a backup device gave me peace of mind, ensuring I could meet my deadlines even if one laptop failed or ran out of battery.
However, lugging around two laptops proved to be unsustainable in the long run, especially given their weight. And, more often than not, I could find a power outlet to recharge. So, why not use a slim, lightweight device that’s capable of handling my workload and maybe even squeezing in some gaming on the side? The past two years have seen significant changes, with power outlets becoming scarce once again. My travels took me to Los Angeles, Berlin, and finally Las Vegas, where I found myself rummaging for a battery pack and charging cable during a meeting. Coincidentally, 2024 was also the year of power-efficient processors, with the Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite, Intel Lunar Lake, and AMD Ryzen AI 300, all of which have impressed me.
When it comes to Windows on ARM, there’s always been a risk of incompatible programs hindering my productivity. I recall my experience with Chromebooks, where I could complete about 95% of my tasks using Google Docs, but still needed Microsoft Word for certain tasks. With ARM, early adopters of Snapdragon X laptops complained about the lack of native ARM versions for Google Drive, Slack, printers, and VPNs. However, the Windows-on-ARM community has made significant strides in addressing these compatibility issues, and now Google Drive, various VPNs, and other applications run seamlessly on Windows-on-ARM.
My Las Vegas trip was the perfect opportunity to put the Surface Laptop to the test. Would I rely solely on this device? Not initially, as I still carried a backup laptop, which also served as an additional screen. But, in hindsight, it wasn’t necessary. The Surface Laptop performed flawlessly, and I was pleased to find that it handled my workload with ease.
In my experience, the true test of a laptop’s mettle lies in its ability to keep up with the demands of conferences and trade shows, where you’re constantly switching between meetings, taking notes, and working on the go. You don’t always have the luxury of searching for a power outlet, and it’s not uncommon to spend hours on your feet, attending meetings and presentations. The Surface Laptop 7, with its Snapdragon X Elite chip, rose to the challenge, providing me with a seamless user experience.
Over the course of two days, I attended five meetings in Las Vegas, with plenty of downtime to write articles. Even with constant Wi-Fi usage and regular connections to my smartphone, I never found myself with less than 40% battery life at the end of the day. I’d charge the laptop overnight, and it was ready to go the next morning. I didn’t print anything, and I never needed to download any obscure apps to connect to hotel Wi-Fi.
I didn’t push the laptop to its limits, but rather used it as I normally would, relying on it to get my work done in an environment where battery life is crucial. And it delivered, hour after hour. My experience may vary depending on whether I’m working from home or on the road, but I can confidently say that I’ve survived a long, grueling business trip without worrying about the chip in my laptop. The device simply did its job, and I’ve learned to appreciate the Snapdragon X Elite from Qualcomm.
My verdict? I’m a convert, and I’d happily recommend the Surface Laptop 7 to anyone in the market for a reliable, power-efficient device. With its impressive battery life and seamless performance, it’s an excellent choice for business users who need a laptop that can keep up with their busy schedules.
For further reading, consider the following articles:
- Surface Laptop 7 review: A new era for Windows laptops
- AMD vs. Intel vs. Snapdragon: Which CPU reigns supreme in our AI benchmark test?
- Don’t buy a Snapdragon X Elite laptop for gaming – it’s not worth it
- The best business laptops of 2025: A comprehensive comparison