You’ve no doubt heard of Windows 11, of course, but you may not know much about exactly what Microsoft’s newest operating system (OS) brings to the table. Maybe you’re even wondering if it’s all that different to Windows 10? In actual fact, Windows 11 takes some important steps forward compared to its predecessor, and indeed it might be one of the best reasons to buy a new laptop right now.
If your current (probably Windows 10) notebook is starting to feel worse for wear, becoming more sluggish as time marches on, and likely using older components – that don’t allow for a Windows 11 upgrade – now is a great time to make the switch to the new OS by purchasing a laptop which is fully Windows 11-ready. Not only will that portable offer better performance because it has a more modern and faster processor, graphics, memory and so forth, but speed tweaks applied to Windows 11 across various areas will augment those gains (we’ll come back to that shortly).
It’s also worth noting that Microsoft doesn’t just make software, but also hardware in the form of its well-established range of Surface devices. These are equally worthy of consideration as Windows 11, because Microsoft Surface models are focused on delivering smart designs and stylish looks, as well as providing portability in spades, and all the power you need to drive the new OS.
The great news for those mulling over buying a Surface device is that John Lewis currently has some impressively deep discounts on Microsoft’s hardware. In this article, we’ll first discuss some of the many benefits of Windows 11, before highlighting some of the top deals on offer at John Lewis for Surface machines.
Of course, whichever Windows 11 laptop you might desire – from Microsoft, or any other big-name notebook maker – there are compelling reasons to buy from John Lewis, with the retailer boasting a wide and diverse range of portables running Windows 11, featuring additional perks like extended warranties.
The OS that brings you closer to what you love
Windows 11 offers a good number of advantages over Windows 10, so let’s discuss some specifics in terms of exactly what those advances are. Broadly speaking, though, Microsoft has designed Windows 11 to “bring you closer to what you love” – which means that whoever you are, and whatever your computing needs might be, the operating system offers boons aplenty to all different kinds of users.
For example, if you use your laptop for work, there are a whole lot of important steps forward on the productivity side of the equation with Windows 11. Do a lot of multitasking and running different apps simultaneously? Windows 11’s new snap layouts will prove a big advantage. Spend a lot of time typing? Why not dictate text instead using the operating system’s new voice typing feature, perhaps helping to fend off any potential RSI issues.
There are lots of accessibility improvements with Windows 11, in fact, such as a wider system of voice controls for the desktop interface, and live captions for deaf or hard of hearing users.
Are you a gamer? If you own an HDR monitor, Windows 11 has an Auto HDR feature that seriously boosts the colours and vibrancy of games that don’t natively support HDR. And there’s a huge benefit in terms of DirectStorage, which promises to revolutionise SSD loading times and improve the performance of big open-world games, with it being a feature that works best with Windows 11.
Those worried about security will be reassured that Microsoft has made some major efforts to tighten up the defences of Windows 11. Whatever your computing passion is – whatever you love doing – you’ll be doing it more safely with Windows 11 and its bolstered protection against hackers and malware peddlers in general.
And you’ll be doing it with greater ease, too, as one of the biggest changes with Windows 11 compared to Windows 10 is that the interface is slicker and more intuitive overall. You get a much cleaner, more pleasant and modern overall look and feel to the desktop, and all of this makes Windows 11 a better bet for the less tech-savvy who’ll benefit from the additional user-friendliness ushered in by Microsoft here.
Indeed, not just computing novices, but everyone will appreciate the more streamlined ways of doing things that are brought in with the interface of Windows 11. Need to chat with someone urgently, for example? The new Chat app (from Microsoft Teams) has been directly integrated into the Windows 11 taskbar, allowing you to easily message or video chat with friends with a minimum of fuss.
We’re just scratching the surface of the features Windows 11 adds over and above Microsoft’s preceding operating system, but suffice it to say, there’s a lot to like in terms of new introductions for all kinds of users. And yet the OS keeps much of the core of Windows 10 in place, meaning there’s no steep learning curve or difficult adjustments to make when switching to Windows 11. In short, migrating to Windows 11 is something of a win-win situation.
Devices that major in style, quality, and speed
As we’ve already mentioned, John Lewis has a whole host of Windows 11 laptops on its virtual shelves, with a large selection of different-sized machines and form-factors (such as traditional ‘clamshell’ notebooks, or convertibles that can also be used as a tablet). Some of these have Windows 11 already installed, and others are guaranteed to be compatible for a free upgrade. You can check out the full line-up of Windows 11 hardware here.
Right now, though, it’s especially worth noting that John Lewis has applied some tempting discounts to its range of Microsoft laptops. If you’re interested in grabbing a bargain, feast your eyes on all the current offers from John Lewis, including some great Windows 11 laptop and specifically Surface deals. In fact, indulge us for a moment longer, and we’ll highlight a couple of the best options that you might want to mull over for a Surface purchase.
First up, consider the Surface Laptop 4 which is available in a choice of 13.5-inch or a slightly larger 15-inch model. Similarly, you can plump for either Intel or AMD processors, with both CPUs making a great engine for the notebook, delivering plenty of power for any everyday computing task. Storage runs up to 1TB.
Some of the highlights with the Surface Laptop 4 include the gorgeous PixelSense touchscreen, and the excellent overall build quality (when you press the screen, it doesn’t flex, and the lid doesn’t move either, so you don’t need to constantly readjust it). The keyboard is superb, and surrounded by an Alcantara material which makes typing an absolute joy, as well as giving a premium look. As we pointed out in our glowing review of the Surface Laptop 4, it’s high-quality, lightweight and portable, and great value for the asking price – that’s before any reduction, of course, with the price cutting from John Lewis making it even more of a bargain.
Also worthy of a place on any Surface shortlist is the Microsoft Surface Go 3, which is ideal for those on a tighter budget. In fact, this is the most affordably priced Surface – with the current John Lewis promotional discount helping further in terms of not denting your wallet – yet it still looks like a seriously smart and sleek device. Despite its lower price tag, the build quality remains admirable, and this is another Surface product which does well in the looks department, being capable of capturing some admiring glances when used in a public place like, say, a coffee shop.
The Surface Go 3 is a 10.5-inch tablet that can be bought with an (optional) attachable Type Keyboard to make an extremely portable laptop (John Lewis also sells Surface accessories such as Microsoft’s keyboard covers, not to mention Surface Pens to use for writing or drawing on the touchscreen). On the latter point, the Go 3 again offers a PixelSense touchscreen, and another highlight here is a great webcam for enriching your video chats (plus there’s an excellent built-in mic).
Granted, you don’t receive the same level of performance seen with the aforementioned Surface Laptop 4, but there’s enough pep in the Go 3 to drive basic computing activities such as web browsing and emails. It’s horses for courses in that respect, but if it’s more serious multitasking you’re looking at, the Surface Laptop 4 should be your pick (or another Surface from further up the range, perhaps).
Guaranteed to be good…
As we’ve seen, a Windows 11 laptop is a more than worthwhile investment in terms of the progress the OS makes over Windows 10. And aside from the discounts currently on offer with both Surface and other Windows 11 notebooks, there are other good reasons to buy from John Lewis.
For starters, the retailer has long been renowned for its commendable standards of customer service, with support for buyers being delivered online, or it’s possible to speak to someone on the phone if you prefer.
Backing that up is a two-year guarantee with hardware like laptops, giving you an additional year of protection beyond what’s normally provided. Indeed, a few select devices are actually covered by a three-year guarantee (and there’s an option on accidental damage protection, too). All that’s certainly a bonus on top of everything else for those considering picking up a brand-new Windows 11 laptop for whatever their computing needs might be.
