Microsoft is known for its utility tools: Windows, Office and the like. What it’s not known for is design. But the tech giant has been working to change that, and nothing made this more clear than the unveiling of the Surface Laptop.

Microsoft Surface chief Panos Panay brought his trademark passion to the unveiling of the new computer’s “simply gorgeous” design. It’s a “perfect flow of energy,” he said. “You have to feel it to understand it.”

We hear highlights from Panay’s comments on this episode of the Week in Geek, and discuss the key details of the Surface Laptop and what it means for Microsoft’s new efforts.

Also in the news this week: Bill Gates and tennis great Roger Federer sold out Key Arena for a one-of-a-kind tennis showdown to support Federer’s foundation. GeekWire sports tech reporter Taylor Soper tell us what it was like to be there. Editor Todd Bishop says Gates’ game has improved in the past few decades but thinks he could still take him.

Plus, we give you the skinny on a host of interesting stories that crossed our pages this week: One of Seattle’s quiet tech titans, F5 Networks, signed a lease for a striking new downtown skyscraper; Apple revealed it has over $256 billion in cash in the bank; and a Seattle startup is taking a swing at consumer healthcare electronics with a smart pill bottle.

On the Random Channel this week, we attempt to answer the question: Is Apple, Amazon, Google or Facebook most important to us? Thanks to New York Times writer Farhad Manjoo for sparking that conversation. We also take a look at some very nerdy basketball math.

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