One USB A port is absolutely fine. No USB-C port is a huge issue in my opinion. Especially if Microsoft claims that the Surface Laptop will last for 4 years.
Certainly it lacks a USB-C port
For some reason I really fancy the ideea of only USB-C ports... If I ever use a dongle I would prefer to use it knowing that in the future I will not need it anymore. Don't know if that makes sens but with the Surface Laptop I am afraid it would mean a dongle for years to come...
I personally feel like the lack of a USB-C port is quite sad. Especially, when they have a lowly display port on the device. I would still love to have one though. Seems to be a good laptop for all my student needs.
Ports are good for the population it's targeting, though I have to say as I already did several times that Thunderbolt 3 port wouldn't hurt anyone as it allows usage of external GPUs.