I also appreciate that the Slim Pen 2 has physical programmable buttons on the front and rear, which I found more reliable than the tap-based controls on the $129 Apple Pencil 2 for doing things like changing tools and undoing actions. I’m no artist, but doodling on Microsoft’s 13-inch slate felt great, and a lot more satisfying than the more static experiences you get with an Apple Pencil on an iPad or an S Pen on a Galaxy Tab. Microsoft’s premium pen packs advanced haptics inside, which do a good job simulating the tactile feel of whatever virtual tool you’re using, be it a pencil or a paintbrush. I tested the Pro 9 with a $130 Surface Slim Pen 2, which offered the best stylus experience I’ve had on a tablet. The Pro 9’s top and bottom display borders are still a little chunkier than I’d like (especially coming from the near-seamless iPad Pro), but it still packs an excellent screen - and one that really comes to life when you put a pen to it. I love the way my mouse cursor smoothly glides around the screen thanks to that zippy 120Hz refresh rate, and the many hours of sports and YouTube videos I watched on the device looked colorful and crisp.

The Surface Pro 9’s display is the same as last year’s model’s, which is to say it’s excellent. And if you’re upgrading, most older Surface Pro keyboards will still work too. I also like that the new Surface colors are complemented by a matching array of optional Signature Keyboards ($180 alone $280 with a Slim Pen 2), so you can mix and match or create a clean, uniform look. Considering that the new iPads Pro are still limited to shades of silver, I’m pleased to see the Surface Pro 9 offer a few options with more pop.

I won’t lie, I was bummed that my review unit came in the same old silver, because the new Sapphire and Forest options look gorgeous in photos (the Graphite option is also back, if you prefer something darker). Its aluminum body feels sturdy yet lightweight, its flexible kickstand allows it to morph from a laptop to a nearly-flat drawing canvas in an instant and for the first time, the tablet comes in a few fun colors. The Surface Pro 9 sticks to the same reliable design that made last year’s model our favorite 2-in-1 laptop. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account

Surface pro 8 worth it