Microsoft launches new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop

Standard bearers of the new Copilot+ PCs are new machines from Microsoft itself; the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop that start at $999.

Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PC class of laptops look to be raising the game when it comes to sheer power at least, using the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors to deliver blistering performance. There are a half dozen machines coming from OEMs in the middle of next month, but Microsoft was understandably keen to talk about its own machines, the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop.

The Surface Pro 2-in-1 concept is a decade old now, but has had a severe speed boost with the introduction of the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, the Elite-based model delivering speeds up to 90% faster than Surface Pro 9. 

It can support up to three external 4K displays, with two USB 4 ports, and at the top of the range features a 13in display with a new OLED HDR screen Wi-Fi 7 offers the fastest wireless connection available, while optional 5G can also keep you connected out and about.

The ultra-wide, quad-HD front-facing camera is billed as the best Surface camera ever and supports AI-powered Windows Studio Effects such as Automatic Framing. The 10MP Ultra HD rear-facing autofocus camera supports 4K video so you can capture and edit all on one device.

Surface Pro is made with more recycled materials than Surface Pro 9, including 72% recycled content in the enclosure.

Pricing starts at $999 for the LCD model based on the Snapdragon X Plus, heading up to $1499+ for the OLED Snapdragon X Elite model. Fully load it with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage and you’ll be north of $2000.

The new Surface Laptop features a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR technology, Dolby Vision and Adaptive color technology. There are two screen sizes; a new 13.8” display provides larger viewing area than a traditional 14in laptop in a more compact design, while a 15in with an even larger working canvas. 

Again there is a speed increase over the previous generation. It is 86% faster than Laptop 5 and can power up to three external 4K monitors. It also has the longest battery life on any Surface – up to 22 hours on the Surface Laptop 15in and up to 20 on the Surface Laptop 13.8in.

It features a Full HD Surface Studio Camera that supports AI-powered Windows Studio Effects like Automatic Framing, Portrait Blur, Creative Filters and Voice Focus. AI-enhanced sound leverages premium Omnisonic Speakers and Dolby Atmos.

It starts with 16GB RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. Pricing starts at $999 for the Snapdragon X Plus powered 13.8in models, with the 15in  Snapdragon X Elite starting at $1299.