I’m usually quite composed, but last week, something rattled me badly. As a journalist, I’ve covered a wide range of events—riots, floods, fires, political violence, and more. I’ve witnessed scenes that could make one’s blood boil or even make a stone weep. Yet, I’ve always remained stoic, focusing on delivering an unbiased report. But last week, I was rattled. Microsoft loaned me their latest Surface Pro 11 for a review. This device boasts a variety of AI features, so I decided to test how well AI could match human creativity. I asked the CoCreator app to create a psychedelic image representing the themes of the Beatles’ song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.’ The result shook me. Were you equally shaken?

Let’s dive into the details. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a significant advancement in the 2-in-1 laptop market, combining the flexibility of a tablet with the power of a laptop. It’s the first device to feature a neural processing unit (NPU), capable of handling 45 trillion operations per minute. The NPU is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite SoC, co-developed by Microsoft, and delivers performance that rivals Apple’s M-series processors. The device handles multitasking effortlessly, and the integrated AI features enhance the user experience. Tasks like photo editing, video conferencing, and running multiple applications are handled smoothly.

The Surface Pro 11 maintains the sleek and professional design of the Surface line. It features a magnesium alloy body that feels both sturdy and premium. The device is incredibly thin and lightweight, making it highly portable. The kickstand is robust and offers a wide range of angles, allowing users to find the perfect position for any task. One of the standout features is its display. The device offers an optional OLED screen, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and a responsive touch experience.

Battery life is another strong point. The device can last over 12 hours on a single charge, making it one of the best in its class. The Surface Pro 11 is part of the new Copilot+ PCs, featuring a suite of AI-powered features like Cocreate, Live Captions, and Studio Effects. However, some of these features feel half-baked and may not be fully utilized by all users. The new Flex Keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, but the Surface Pen can be difficult to remove from the keyboard. The peripherals are also quite expensive.

The back support works well on a table but tends to wobble if used on your lap. The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a remarkable device that sets a new standard for 2-in-1 laptops. Its combination of a stunning OLED display, powerful Snapdragon X Elite processor, and long battery life make it a compelling choice. While there are some minor drawbacks, the overall package is highly impressive. Prices start at Dh5,499 for the device, with the keyboard at Dh1,299 and the pen at Dh499.

Is it worth it? You’ll have to decide based on what you’ll use it for. Hits include razor-sharp graphics, mini-cinema type sounds, and ultra-fast processing. Misses include wobbling on the lap and the high price. Rating: 4 stars.