For over a decade, the Surface Pro has embodied Microsoft's vision of combining the power of a Windows laptop with the flexibility and battery life of a tablet. However, previous models faced challenges with power-hungry x86 chips and slow Arm chips, forcing users to choose between performance and battery life.

The Surface Pro 11 aims to resolve this dilemma. Equipped with the new Snapdragon X processor, it’s the first Arm-based Surface Pro that runs Windows and most apps smoothly. It’s fast, well-built, and surprisingly repairable, with the new Flex Keyboard adding to its appeal.

After using the Surface Pro 11 as my primary computer for over a month, I found it excels in many areas. While my desktop PC, MacBook Air, and iPad each have their strengths, the Surface Pro 11 offers a unique blend of flexibility and performance. Starting at $1,000, it features a 10-core Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a 13-inch LCD touchscreen. Higher-end models offer more powerful processors, larger storage, and an OLED screen.

The hardware is refined, with the chassis nearly identical to previous models. The OLED display on the higher-end model is bright and beautiful, though it can be grainy and prone to glare. The Flex Keyboard, priced at $349 ($449 with the stylus), offers a seamless transition between physical and Bluetooth connections, making it versatile for various uses.

The Surface Pro 11 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform, aiming to combine laptop performance with tablet battery life. It performs well, though some Windows apps still require emulation, which can affect performance. Battery life is generally good, but intensive tasks and video calls can drain it quickly. The front camera’s fish-eye effect and low resolution are drawbacks for frequent video callers.

Despite some compromises, the Surface Pro 11 is the best iteration yet, offering a compelling mix of power and flexibility. It’s not perfect, but it’s tantalizingly close to the dream of a single device that does it all.