Today is Earth Day, and while you might not immediately associate saving and appreciating the planet with technology, Microsoft has a few ways that you can commemorate the holiday. Right now, you can pick up the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse and several refurbished Surface devices at a discount.

The Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse is made from recycled ocean plastic that was recovered from oceans and waterways. Microsoft takes that plastic, cleans it up, and turns it into pellets that can be used to make electronic devices. That process contributes to the unique look of the mouse, which has flecks of different-colored material in it.

Save on Surface

Buying a refurbished Surface device can save you a few dollars while also reducing e-waste. "Good for the planet," says Microsoft. "Buying refurbished is a sustainable way to own a Surface that's held to the same standards as all our devices."

Picking up a refurbished device is always a bit cheaper than ordering a new one, but there are additional savings today through the Microsoft Store.

Refurbished Surface Go 2, Pro 7, Laptop 3, Pro 6, Laptop 2, and Pro X devices are available through the Microsoft Store. Stock on refurbished devices can run out quickly and vary depending on what Microsoft has available.

Do you love the Surface Pro 7 and hockey? Then you might be Canadian, and if you are you can save up to CAD $500 on the Surface Pro 7 right now! There are multiple configurations on sale in both platinum and black colors. Not every configuration is discounted the same, but you will save at least CAD $400. This deal is only good through the Canadian Microsoft Store, and many of the options have sold out already so you'll want to act quickly. This sale improves on a deal we shared a couple months ago by increasing the savings by at least $100 in most cases.

You can also add some other stuff while building your package, and we highly recommend using your savings to get the Type Cover added on there. The least expensive Type Cover is only CAD $159 and helps transform the Surface Pro 7 from a tablet to a 2-in-1 convertible laptop.

In our Surface Pro 7 review we gave the machine 5 out of 5 stars and labeled it The Best. Daniel Rubino said it's "almost everything I want in a portable PC. Performance is excellent, typing and audio are still the best of the bunch, and battery life gets me through the day." He added, "That Type-C port brings so many new options to the table, drastically increasing the Pro's abilities."

While the internals vary, a lot of the other features stay the same across the configurations. You get a 12.3-inch display with a 2736 x 1824 pixel resolution and PixelSense full touchscreen technology. It also has facial recognition built in, which makes logging in super simple and secure. The Surface Pro 7 has an 8MP camera on the back and a 5MP camera on the front, and both are capable of recoridng in 1080p resolution.

You'll also get Bluetooth 5.0 and built-in Wi-Fi for easy wireless connectivity. It has a battery life that can last for up to 10.5 hours as well. Other interfaces include USB-C, USB-A, DisplayPort, a headphone jack, and a microSDXC card reader.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 is up to $400 off right now through the Microsoft Store. Discounts range from $150 to $400. The entry-level model with an Intel Core i3, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage is $600. Arguably the best deal on a Surface Pro 7 is the Intel Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $800.

The Surface Pro 7 isn't the latest model from its lineup. That honor falls on the recently launched Surface Pro 8. While Microsoft's newer 2-in-1 improves on its predecessor in several ways, the Surface Pro 7 is still a solid device. It was only February 2020 that our executive editor Daniel Rubino called the convertible "Microsoft's king of the 2-in-1s" in his Surface Pro 7 review.

If you want compatibility with older Surface accessories, the Surface Pro 7 is one of your best options. The Surface Pro 8 has a redesigned body, meaning it requires a newer Surface Keyboard. The Surface Pro 7 has the same general body shape as the Surface Pro 4, 5, and 6.

Stock varies depending on the color that you choose. The only configuration available for black models is the version with an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Gray Surface Pro 7s are available in a wider range, including models with Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors.

Since the Surface Pro 7 is getting older, you can pick one up for significantly less than its launch price. The price jump between the entry-level Surface Pro 7 and the most affordable Surface Pro 8 is even larger because Microsoft doesn't have a Core i3 version of the Surface Pro 8.

Most of Microsoft's new Surface hardware lineup starts shipping tomorrow, October 5, 2021. The Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Laptop Studio will all be available through several retailers. With the new hardware from Microsoft on the horizon, the previous generation of Surface hardware is now on sale. You can pick up a Surface Pro 7 for as low as $550 from Microsoft.

While the Surface Pro 8 improves upon its predecessor in several areas, the Surface Pro 7 is still a good device. It earned a spot on our list of the best Windows 10 tablets and held that spot for months thanks to its sleek design and versatile form factor.

The Surface Pro 7 is a 2-in-1 device that can be used as a tablet or a PC. You can generally get through an entire day with the Surface Pro 7's battery, which can last up to 10.5 hours. It also features a USB-C port that makes it easy to attach accessories and dongles.

The current deal from Microsoft isn't quite the best price we've seen for the Surface Pro 7, but it's close. Last week Best Buy had a deal that brought the Surface Pro 7 to $500, though that deal has since ended. Note that the deal in the Microsoft Store doesn't come with a Type Cover, so you'll have to pick one up along with any other Surface accessories you'd like.

The Surface Pro 7 ships with Windows 10, but it will receive a free upgrade to Windows 11, which starts rolling out on October 5, 2021.

If you're torn between Microsoft's 2-in-1 devices, you can check out our Surface Pro 8 vs. Surface Pro 7 post.

Microsoft just announced a whole slew of brand new Surface products including the Surface Pro 8. That means this is a great chance to find some good prices on the Surface Pro 7 before it disappears altogether. Best Buy has one version of the Surface Pro 7 on sale for just $499.99. This is a featured Deal of the Day so it's only good for a short amount of time, but that price is the lowest we have ever seen. Best Buy usually runs the best deals on Surface machines, so it's no surprise to see such a great sale today. This version normally goes for $750, and Best Buy's low price is even $250 better than Microsoft's currently discounted price.

We gave the Surface Pro 7 5 out of 5 stars and said, "The Surface Pro 7, though, is almost everything I want in a portable PC. Performance is excellent, typing and audio are still the best of the bunch, and battery life gets me through the day." Daniel Rubino added, "That Type-C port brings so many new options to the table, drastically increasing the Pro's abilities."

The Surface Pro 7 12.3-inch display has a 2736 x 1824 pixel resolution with PixelSense touchscreen technology. The machine has facial recognition built in, too, which makes logging in super simple and secure. Other specifications include 4GB RAM, a 128GB solid state drive, and a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor.

There are cameras on the front and back. The rear camera 8 megapixels and the front camera has 5 megapixels and both record in 1080p resolutions. The battery can last for up to 10.5 hours. It has Bluetooth 5.0 technology and Wi-Fi built in. The connections and interfaces include USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPort, a headphone jack, and a microSDXC card reader.

The operating system is Windows 10 Home and you can get a free trial to Office 365. It is covered by a one-year warranty from Microsoft.

It's worth noting this deal doesn't include any accessories, including the type cover or a stylus. You'll need to buy those separately.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Pro 7 tech specs

Microsoft is calling the Surface Pro 8 the "most significant leap forward since Pro 3" thanks to a big boost to performance, a new display, new ports, new camera, and an attachable keyboard with Surface Slim Pen 2 holder. Considering the Pro lineup has been a staple in our best Windows laptop roundup, the Pro 8's sizable step forward should secure its place on the list.

The Surface Pro 7 is still available, now down to a very attractive price for many models. And the Surface Pro 7 Plus, a mid-gen refresh, is also available to anyone who wants a Pro 7 with LTE connectivity. There are a bunch more differences between the two older 2-in-1s, which we've laid out in our Surface Pro 7 Plus vs. Surface Pro 7 comparison.

Take a look at how the Surface Pro 8's specifications compare to the Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Pro 7 design and features

The new Pro 8's dimensions have changed ever so slightly compared to the last few generations of Pro PCs. It's just a bit narrower, but it's also taller, thicker, and heavier. The kickstand on the back returns, allowing you to prop up the tablet portion with or without the keyboard attached. On that note, the Pro 8 is now compatible with the same Pro Signature keyboard that the Surface Pro X uses, complete with charging bay for an active Pen.

The Surface Slim Pen 2, announced alongside the Pro 8 and its siblings, is going to step up the Pro's inking game. It has 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, zero force inking, tactile feedback from a built-in haptic motor, and about 15 hours of battery life. The Slim Pen 2 will work with nearly all previous Surface models, including the Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus.

Ports have always been a bit of a rough spot for Surface devices. The Surface Pro 7 Plus, despite being released earlier this year, had just one USB-C and one USB-A port alongside the Surface Connect, 3.5mm audio jack, and microSD card reader. The Pro 8 has been upgraded to have dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, as well as Surface Connect and 3.5mm audio. The microSD card reader will be missed, but you will be able to connect to the best Thunderbolt 4 docking stations for added connectivity.

If you go in for the Surface Pro 8 LTE model — which apparently isn't going to be available until 2022 — it should come with removable Nano SIM support. This will be alongside the usual eSIM support. This is the same as the Pro 7 Plus; the standard Pro 7 does not have LTE support at all. All three devices do have Wi-Fi 6 for standard internet connectivity.

Cameras are another area where the Pro 8 has seen some improvements. Like the Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus, there's a front-facing IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. There's also a front-facing 5MP camera with 1080p video support on all three models. Only the Pro 8 has new face tracking technology that will keep you in focus while moving around during a video call.

The Pro 8 also goes beyond with the rear-facing camera, which is now 10MP compared to 8MP on the older models. The Pro 8 also gets 4K video support on the rear-facing camera, something the Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus do not have. That should be a bonus for anyone who likes to often record with their Pro.

The Pro 8 is available in the usual Platinum color, but there's also now a Graphite option. It looks to be about the same as the Pro 7's black color, but we'll have to wait for a closer comparison.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Pro 7 display

Like the Surface Pro X, the Pro 8 has a larger display than we're accustomed to from the Pro line. It's been blown up to 13 inches from 12.3 inches, with a slightly boosted 2880x1920 resolution. Compared to the 12.3-inch display with a 2736x1824 resolution in the Pro 7, that's still 267 pixels per inch (PPI). It still has a boxy 3:2 aspect ratio that's perfect for tablet, and it still has full touch functionality.

However, the refresh rate can now climb to 120Hz, up from 60Hz in the Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus. This will play very nicely with the new dynamic refresh rate feature coming with Windows 11, improving battery life, inking, and general scrolling.

As for the overall look, the Pro 8 definitely looks more modern than the previous Pro models thanks to a slimmer bezel. Microsoft is also saying the screen is about 12.5% brighter than Pro 7 models, which should help deal with glare in well-lit areas.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Pro 7 performance

The final piece of the Pro 8 puzzle is all about performance. In previous refreshes it has been easy to knock Microsoft for CPU choice, but the Pro 7 Plus and now the Pro 8 have been much more progressive. Microsoft is claiming more than two times the performance from the Pro 8 compared to the Pro 7, which we will have to verify once we have a Pro 8 in for testing. In any case, the 11th Gen chips are a huge upgrade over the 10th Gen chips in the Pro 7.

We've already seen what they can do in the Pro 7 Plus in terms of synthetic numbers from Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R23. Hopefully the Pro 8 will be able to surpass those numbers with its own performance.

The Pro 8 has a number of CPUs available to regular consumers, including a Core i5-1135G7 and Core i7-1185G7. On the business (or commercial) side, there are Core i3-1115G4, Core i5-1145G7, and Core i7-1185G7 options available. You can add up to 32GB of RAM in the Pro 8, the same as the Pro 7 Plus and twice as much as the Pro 7. As for storage, get up to a 1TB SSD in any of the Pro models. It can be removed and upgraded in the Pro 8 and Pro 7 Plus, but not in the standard Pro 7.

One final thing to note is that the Pro 8 can be configured with LTE with up to a Core i7 CPU. In the Pro 7 Plus, it was only available with the Core i5 chip.

Go with the Surface Pro 8 for a significant upgrade

The Surface Pro 8 is now available to preorder in select markets, including U.S., Canada, U.K., Austria, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, France, and Japan. Prices start at about $1,100. This will be for non-LTE versions, as those with LTE connectivity aren't expected to launch until 2022.

The Pro 8 represents a significant update to the Pro line, with a larger display, better ports, better cameras, improved inking, and improved performance. It might not be worth it if you recently picked up a Surface Pro 7 Plus, but even compared to the standard Pro 7 it should be quite tempting.

Be sure to have a look at our roundup of the best Microsoft Surface PCs if neither of these is really what you're looking for.

The Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus are still viable contenders

The standard Pro 7 is starting to show its age, especially with the new upgrades in the Pro 8. You aren't going to get as much performance or screen space, and the port selection isn't as good as the new Thunderbolt 4. The rear-facing camera also isn't as good, and there's no LTE support.

On the other hand, the Pro 7 Plus is a much closer rival to the Pro 8. It doesn't have the same display or inking capabilities, nor does it have Thunderbolt 4. However, performance will be much closer, and you can still get LTE.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is making more spare parts available for Surface devices starting on October 15, 2021.
• Commercial customers will be able to order a replacement kickstand, SSD door, and other parts.
• The availability of parts varies from device to device.

Microsoft will expand its offering of spare parts for Surface devices to make it easier for IT technicians to repair PCs. Starting on October 15, 2021, commercial customers will be able to order a wider range of spare parts from Microsoft, including a kickstand and an SSD door. Organizations will be able to order spare parts through authorized Surface device resellers.

"We have a longstanding commitment to maximize product life, minimize waste, use more renewable resources, and improve the modularity, reparability, and recyclability of our devices—including our packaging," says Microsoft in a Tech Community post. "We are also working with our industry partners to make available more repair options that ensure the quality of repairs, safeguard consumer's privacy and security, and help protect consumers from injury."

The specific components available vary between devices.

Microsoft's Surface devices have a history of being difficult to repair. The Surface Pro 7 earned a 1/10 repairability score from iFixit. That's slightly better than the original Surface Laptop, which earned a 0. In its verdict, iFixit said, "The Surface Laptop is not a laptop. It's a glue-filled monstrosity. There is nothing about it that is upgradable or long-lasting, and it literally can't be opened without destroying it."

Microsoft appears to have listened to complaints regarding Surface repairability. The Surface Laptop 3 earned a 5/10 score from iFixit. While that's relatively low, it's significantly better than previous Surface Laptops. The expansion of spare part availability should also make devices easier to fix.

Microsoft notes that previously released spare parts, including SSDs for the Surface Pro 7+, are only available in the United States. The company also recommends that skilled IT technicians perform any repairs.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 is one of the best Windows tablets. Even though a Surface Pro 8 could be announced as soon as next month, the Surface Pro 7 remains a solid device. You can pick a Surface Pro 7 up right now through Best Buy for under $600, and that price includes a Type Cover.

Best Buy's most affordable deal for the Surface Pro 7 is for the Intel Core i3 model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. These are admittedly modest specs, but if you have a light workload and enjoy the form factor of the Surface Pro 7, the entry-level model can handle web browsing and general productivity.

If you need something more powerful, the Intel Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is on sale for $700. This is more of a Goldilocks device, hitting the sweet spot between affordability and power.

If you need to bump up even further in terms of specs, there are plenty of options available. Best Buy has deals on models all the way up to the Intel Core i7 model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage ($1,300).

The Type Cover is pretty much an essential Surface Pro 7 accessory. It allows you to use the device like a laptop but can detach from the PC to let you use the Surface Pro 7 as a tablet. Many bundles include a Type Cover, so make sure to check if one is included in a deal whenever you purchase a Surface.

The Surface Pro 7 is a continuation of the Pro design we've come to know and love, albeit with a few minor changes. On the other hand, the Surface Pro X is a significant departure, as it's the first ARM-powered Pro we've seen. It's built for a different usage scenario despite following similar design cues, and it was announced alongside a new Surface Slim Pen and Type Cover combination.

There's now the Surface Pro 7 Plus for Business, which adds optional 4G LTE, 11th Gen Intel Core CPU and Iris Xe integrated graphics, and longer battery life. Although I'll still be focusing on the standard Pro 7, you can check out our Surface Pro 7 Plus vs. Surface Pro 7 comparison to see all the major differences.

And there's also the SQ2 version of the Surface Pro X released late 2020. Aside from the upgraded ARM CPU, there's a new platinum color scheme, more colors for the Type Cover, and some general advancement in ARM and Windows. Both SQ1 and SQ2 models are still readily available to buy from Microsoft and other major retailers.

Let's take a look at the specs that make up these two devices.

Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Pro X tech specs

Design and features

If you're familiar with the previous generations of the 2-in-1 Pro lineup, not much has changed for the Pro 7. It still has the folding kickstand on the back, a unibody aluminum design, and it includes an IR camera for Windows Hello. It's so similar that you will be able to use older Type Covers and Surface Pens with the Pro 7, potentially saving you a good chunk of money if you're upgrading.

The Surface Pro X, on the other hand, has a thinner chassis that's lighter than Core i7 models of the Pro 7. It still has a kickstand on the back for propping up the tablet, and it works in tandem with a new style keyboard that has a storage bay for the new Surface Slim Pen you can buy separately.

For ports, the Pro 7 now includes USB-C instead of Mini DisplayPort, allowing more versatility while still offering external display support. The Pro X has two USB-C ports, but it doesn't have USB-A for your older devices. Both 2-in-1s have the proprietary Surface Connect port, and both have a Surface Keyboard connector. One thing that's irksome is a lack of 3.5mm audio jack on the Pro X; Microsoft has already put out a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, so you'll have to jump on the dongle wagon if you'd like to use wired headphones.

There's no LTE connectivity for the Pro 7 (you'll have to go with the Pro 7 Plus for that), though it does offer Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for blazing wireless speeds. The Pro X is stuck on Wi-Fi 5, which is what we're used to, but it does have support for both physical (Nano SIM) and eSIM to keep you connected when out of Wi-Fi range.

The front-facing cameras are similarly 5 megapixel (1080p) on both models, though the rear-facing cameras differ. The Pro 7 has an 8-megapixel camera capable of 1080p video, while the Pro X has a 10-megapixel camera capable of 4K video. If you're concerned with capture quality, the Pro X will no doubt be the better choice.

Display and inking

Nothing has changed for the Surface Pro 7 in the touch display department compared to the Pro 6. It's sized at 12.3 inches with a 2736x1824 resolution and 267 PPI, with a boxy 3:2 aspect ratio that's ideal for a tablet. It works with the Surface Pen for a quality inking experience with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support for shading. To keep the Pen nearby, it clips magnetically onto the side of the tablet.

The Pro X has shaken things up when it comes to the touch display. The chassis has almost the same footprint as the Pro 7's, but the screen has had its bezel shrunk to accommodate more screen real estate. The result is a 13-inch display with 2880x1920 resolution and 267 PPI. It has the same 3:2 aspect ratio and ultimately will offer about the same experience as you'll get with the Pro 7.

However, the Surface Slim Pen has a storage bay built into the attachable keyboard, where it will charge while not in use. If you're sick of your Pen falling off your Pro while in your bag, the Pro X's setup will be a welcome change. Note that the Slim Pen should work with other Surface devices.

Performance

The Surface Pro X is the first ARM-powered Pro device to hit the market. The original models have inside a custom 7nm Microsoft SQ1 7W CPU. It is essentially a suped-up Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx complete with eight cores, 3GHz clock, and custom Adreno 685 graphics (GPU), able to power dual 4K external displays. There's also now the SQ2 version that gives a slight boost to performance. When I say slight, I mean slight. If you already have a Pro X with SQ1 CPU, the upgrade is certainly not worth it.

The GPU delivers 2 teraflops of power — the original Xbox One had 1.3 teraflops — but it's not exactly meant for gaming. OpenGL games won't work on ARM, and the device is ultimately suited best for web and scripted apps. UNITY and Unreal engines are getting ARM support, though, so we could begin to see some very good mobile games for the Pro X in the future. The Pro X isn't a gaming laptop, but it can certainly keep up with Intel's integrated graphics.

Intel Iris Plus Graphics in Core i5 and Core i7 Surface Pro 7 models will be able to handle light to medium gaming, but likewise don't expect it to perform as a gaming juggernaut. One thing to keep in mind is the arrival of Project xCloud, Microsoft's upcoming game-streaming service. With a fast, steady internet connection, both the Pro 7 and Pro X could be used for a quality gaming experience.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

PCMark

PCMark 10

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On the CPU side you will see some limitations in the ARM-powered Pro X, but in just about all cases you're going to be able to use your favorite software. And in terms of raw power, the SQ1 and SQ2 CPUs easily beat an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U. They just won't beat out the 10th Gen chips in the Pro 7. Battery life hits eight hours regularly in the Pro 7, while the Pro X hits about 10 hours using ARM64 and UWP apps. It falls to about seven or eight hours if emulating 32-bit x86 apps.

RAM in both devices runs up to 16GB of LPDDR4x. You can go as low as 4GB of RAM in the Pro 7 to save money, while the Pro X drops down to 8GB. For storage, the Pro 7 goes up to a 1TB solid-state drive (SSD), while the Pro X maxes out at 512GB. However, storage on the Pro X can be removed without having to pull apart the entire chassis, something that's not possible on the Pro 7.

Price

Looking at Microsoft, prices for the Pro 7 start at $750. These baseline configurations include an Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD, and do not include a Type Cover or Surface Pen. A decked-out model with Core i7-1065G7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD runs at about $2,100, making it considerably more expensive than the Pro X.

There are several variants of the Surface Pro X available to buy, including an introductory $850 model with SQ1 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD. Bumping storage up to a 256GB SSD raises the price to about $1,000. Moving up to SQ2 models, you're looking at about $1,200 for a model with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. A high-end model with SQ2 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD costs about $1,500.

Keep in mind that other retailers will likely have different prices, so you might be able to snag either device for even cheaper during a sale.

Go with the Surface Pro 7 for the best performance

The 10th Gen Intel Core "Ice Lake" CPUs available in the Pro 7 are going to be hard to beat in terms of raw performance, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics are no joke either. Add up to 1TB of storage space and enjoy Wi-Fi 6 wireless speeds. You won't get LTE here and battery life won't be quite as good, but the Pro 7 is a more traditional device that comes at a cheaper starting price. If neither of these devices are really to your liking, head over to our roundup of the best Windows laptop options.

Stick with the Surface Pro X for ultimate portability

The ARM-powered Surface Pro X won't match up performance-wise with the higher-end Pro 7 models, but LTE connectivity, longer battery life, and a slimmer body make it easy to take with you wherever you go. A smart new storage system for a slimmer pen is an attractive addition, and two USB-C ports offer decent connectivity.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 is down to just $599 right now through Best Buy. The current deal also gets you a Black Type Cover, which is one of the best Surface Pro accessories. Microsoft's flagship 2-in-1 rarely drops to this price, especially with a Type Cover included, so it's a great time to pick up the convertible device..

The model that's on sale for $599 has an Intel 10th Gen Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Those are admittedly modest specs but should be able to handle everyday tasks like browsing the web and some light productivity work. Even the Core i3 model of the Surface Pro 7 can run many of the best Windows apps.

In our Surface Pro 7 review, the device earned a five-star rating from our executive editor Daniel Rubino. Its form factor, battery life, and USB-C port make it a solid modern convertible. It also earned high marks for its Instant On and resume capabilities.

"The Surface Pro 7, though, is almost everything I want in a portable PC," said Rubino. "Performance is excellent, typing and audio are still the best of the bunch, and battery life gets me through the day."

While the Surface Pro 7 is an impressive device, especially at its current price, its design is dated at this point. If you want a Surface 2-in-1 with a more modern design, you should check out the Surface Pro X. It earns the top spot in our list of the best Windows tablets.

Connectivity changes for the future

Not a lot changed physically for this generation compared to the Pro 6, but the Surface Pro 7 did have its Mini DisplayPort replaced with USB-C 3.1. This allowed for more versatile connectivity options better suited for the future. The same held true for the Surface Pro 7 Plus, the lightly refreshed version available on the business side of Microsoft's site. Many external devices and accessories are going the way of USB-C, and previously the Pro laptops did not have a native way to connect.

As discussed in a Microsoft Mechanics video that details the features of the Surface Pro 7 devices, the USB-C 3.1 port can drive dual 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate. This leaves the Surface Connect port free for straight charging without the need for a Surface Dock 2, and it leaves the USB-A port open for connecting something like one of our picks for best USB hub.

In an enlightening post from Dan S. Charlton's blog, it's made apparent that connecting dual 4K monitors via USB-C and hitting the 60Hz refresh rate requires some additional or specialized hardware due to the Pro 7's native support of DisplayPort 1.4. To achieve this setup, you have a few options.

The easiest solution, and likely the one that most people will opt for, is adding an adapter. When the Pro 7 was first released there were limited adapter options, though some with superior specs have become available.

The Cable Matters USB-C 4K adapter is available for about $66 and has the right DisplayPort 1.4 Multi-Stream Transport (MST) support to handle dual 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate. Just plug it into your Pro 7's USB-C port and connect each external 4K monitor individually.

There's also the option of investing in a monitor that natively supports DP 1.4 MST up (through DisplayPort or USB-C) and DP 1.2 or 1.4 down to start a daisy chain. The second monitor only needs to run DP 1.2 or DP 1.4 to connect back to the first display.

Monitors that can handle being first in this type of daisy chain are tough to find, especially with a 4K resolution, but BenQ's 27-inch PD2700U fits the bill. It costs about $500 and has the right features and color reproduction for professional design work. Note that to connect this monitor to your Pro 7, you will need a small USB-C to DP adapter. Cable Matters again has a compatible option for about $18.

What about the Surface Pro 8?

Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 brought some big changes to the Pro lineup, including a more rounded chassis, larger display, better camera, larger battery, new performance hardware, and new ports. 

There are now dual Thunderbolt 4 ports on the Pro 8, which allow you to connect to powerful Thunderbolt 4 docking stations. Thanks to the dual TB4 ports, you can theoretically connect straight to a couple of 4K monitors with nothing more than Thunderbolt cables.

Our sibling guide to dual 4K displays on the Surface Pro 8 has more information.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7+ recently received firmware updates.
• The updates include critical security fixes and other improvements.
• As is usually the case, the updates do not include any new features.

Microsoft rolled out firmware updates for its Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7+ last week. Amidst the announcement of Windows 11, the updates rolled out without much fanfare. As is normally the case, the firmware updates don't include any new features. Instead, they include several fixes and improvements, including critical security fixes.

Here's the complete changelog from Microsoft for the Surface Pro 7.

Here are the changes listed in Microsoft's Surface Pro 7+ changelog:

You can grab the updates now through Windows Update or manually install them through Microsoft's Surface devices download page.

What you need to know

• Prime Day is next week, and devices like the Surface Pro 7 will likely be listed as on sale.
• It's important to take a look at the price history of devices to see if you're actually getting a good deal.
• The Surface Pro 7 is currently listed at $745, which isn't a terrible price but is not the lowest we've ever seen.

Amazon Prime Day 2021 is less than a week away. On June 21 and 22, Amazon will discount thousands of items, ranging from electronics to just about anything else. It's usually one of the best times of the year to pick up many devices, but it's important to keep an eye out for "sales" on devices that actually list a price that's the same, or even more, than normal.

Right now, there's a "deal" on the Surface Pro 7 that "saves" you $122. The listing is for a Surface Pro 7 with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. If you search that listing on CamelCamel, which you can do easily with the Camelizer extension, you'll see that the current price is higher than it was earlier this year.

A completely separate listing for the Surface Pro 7, which is also for the model with an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, has the device at $745. That may seem like a good deal, but again using CamelCamel, you'll see that the price now is higher than it was just a few weeks ago.

There are better deals available, but even these aren't the lowest price we've ever seen. Walmart and Amazon have bundles for a Surface Pro 7 with an Intel Core i5 and 8GB of RAM that come with a Black Type Cover. Those bundles only cost $800, making them a much better option since the Type Cover is one of the best Surface Pro accessories.

While Walmart and Amazon's current deals are better than some other options, the same bundles were on sale for $698 only a few months ago. Of course, there's a chance that the bundles could drop down for Prime Day next week.

Shopping online can be difficult because listings can make it seem like you're getting a great deal when you actually aren't. Many shoppers aren't going to check prices across multiple websites, use price tracking tools, and compare different listings for the same item on the same website.

During Prime Day and leading up to it, our team of deal experts will do this for you, helping you find the best deal on the Surface Pro 7 and a wide range of other devices. Make sure to keep an eye on our piece tracking the best Prime Day laptop deals.

For now, the best deal we could find on the Surface Pro 7 is the bundle with a Type Cover linked below, though it's probably worth waiting a week to see if it drops down to under $700.

What you need to know

• Microsoft patented an under-display camera design that's inspired by the company's logo.
• The setup would use four cameras that each have different color filters.
• The patent discusses the camera system on both mobile phones and PCs.

Microsoft may have a unique design on the way in the tech industry's neverending battle against notches. A recently published patent spotted by LetsGoDigital discusses an under-display camera setup. The setup shown in the patent has four cameras that each filter different colors. In addition to making the camera setup look like the Microsoft logo, the design allows devices to get four images that they can stitch together.

"Colors in an icon may provide color filters corresponding to an array of lenses that focus color-separated light on one or more camera sensors,' reads the patent's abstract. "Sensors may be optimized for particular colors. Color-separated images may be combined into a single image."

Some may jump to assume that under-display camera technology would be aimed exclusively at phones. We've already seen some companies test the water with other forms of under-display cameras. That's not the case with Microsoft's patent, however. The patent clearly discusses and illustrates how the camera system could work on mobile devices and PCs.

"Camera thickness may be reduced using multiple lenses and sensors," says Microsoft in the patent. The company adds that the setup could be used to show notification colors or act as decoration on a display.

While the under-display nature of this design is unique, Microsoft also discusses using it on the back of a phone as well. This could see the benefit of reduced thinness without having to battle taking images through a screen or placing a logo on a display.

As is the case with all patents, this design may never ship on an actual device. It is interesting, however, to see Microsoft try to innovate in the display space. The patent was filed in November 2019 but wasn't published until May 13, 2021.

Surface Pro 7 for light, or cloud-based gaming

While we haven't yet gone hands-on and tested the Pro 7 for ourselves, previous Surface Pro generations and Intel i7 10th-generation benchmarks give us an idea of what to expect. The Surface Pro series is generally held back by its form factor, which makes it very susceptible to heat under load, and thus, thermal throttling. We have no idea how the new Pro 7 will handle thermals, but there's a scientific limit that contemporary engineering has yet to circumvent in any meaningful way, as of yet.

In any case, the Pro 7 comes with 10th-generation Intel i7 chips, which offer meaningful performance gains over the previous generation. The lower-end Pro 7 has Intel UHD graphics, while the higher end sports Iris Plus. Iris Plus will provide the best graphical performance, but we still expect it to fall short for all but the most-optimized, moderately intensive games. You won't be playing games like Gears 5 or Forza Horizon 4 on maximum settings, at decent frame rates. For Forza Horizon 4, typical 10th Gen benchmarks suggest it might run at around 20 FPS at maximum, even while making compromises in the resolution and visuals. This device simply isn't designed for gaming.

However, thanks to the vast legacy and diversity of gaming content on Windows, there are still thousands of less-intensive games you could play. Games from previous generations with lower-end graphics like Half Life 2, F.E.A.R., Bioshock, or DOOM 3 will run pretty well on the Pro 7, and be more than playable. Even some modern games with less-intensive visuals like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Minecraft will perform decently enough on the Pro 7.

Things get interesting when you throw in cloud-based streaming services like PlayStation Now and Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming, which allows you to stream modern games over your internet connection. Xbox Game Pass's cloud gaming platform, also known as Project xCloud, is available now for Android, and is in beta testing for the web for PCs and iOS devices. It should roll out more broadly later in 2021. PlayStation Now is already available for PC, however, and works incredibly well for streaming games at 1080p. Since it's streaming over your internet connection, it doesn't need to use anywhere near as much processing power as a game running natively. You could confidently run PlayStation's God of War at 1080p on even the lowest-end Pro 7 if your internet connection is stable enough, with 5GHz Wi-Fi.

For any serious contemporary PC gaming, you're going to need something with a dedicated GPU, such as the Razer Blade 15 or above. Still, you'd have to sacrifice the Pro 7's sleek, highly portable 2-in-1 form factor for the privilege.

Over the long weekend, you can snag yourself a Surface Pro 7 with a Type Cover at a discount. Best Buy has a sale on a wide range of devices this weekend, including Microsoft's Surface Pro 7. The bundle on sale also includes a Black Type Cover, which is a must-have Surface Pro accessory.

$699 isn't the lowest price that the Surface Pro 7 with a Type Cover has ever been, but it is a good deal. It's also a lower entry price than you'll see on Microsoft's website. Microsoft's current Surface Pro 7 and Pro Type Cover Bundle starts at $950 because you can only get it with an Intel Core i5 or higher. Best Buy's discounted bundle is for the Intel Core i3 model.

A Surface Pro 7 with an Intel Core i3 and 4GB of RAM isn't the most powerful PC around, but it can handle everyday tasks like sending emails and browsing the web. Some people may pay too much to get a model that has power they'll never need. If you like the Surface Pro 7's form factor but only need to do basic tasks on your 2-in-1, the Intel Core i3 version should be fine for you.

Albeit for a different device, the Surface Go, our executive editor showed how a device with only 4GB of RAM is fine for some people.

If you're on the market for a different Surface device, make sure to check out our roundup of Microsoft's Surface Memorial Day sale.

Choosing between the best 2-in-1 on the market and one of the best Ultrabooks ever made is a tough decision to make. Both have similar class hardware, support Wi-Fi 6, and have plenty of storage and RAM options depending on your budget. But there are some key areas that one or the other could make more sense. With Black Friday approaching, there will likely also be good chances to save money on both.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 vs. Dell XPS 13: tech specs

Surface Pro 7 is cheaper and has pen support

Not all Surface Pro 7 spec levels are cheaper — indeed, at the highest end, you can spend more than on an XPS 13. More importantly, the cost of entry into a Surface Pro 7 is much lower than the XPS 13 at just $749 compared to $999 (initial price). Both entry models are comparable, too, albeit with a newer CPU now in the XPS 13.

Even considering the extra cost of buying a Type Cover if you want to go full laptop, the cheapest Surface Pro 7 is still cheaper than the cheapest XPS 13. Best of all, you don't need a Type Cover. Thanks to the wonderful standards of USB and Bluetooth, you could always grab something cheaper to type with. There's also the fact that every Surface Pro 7 has a touchscreen, while the cheaper XPS 13 does not.

Performance between the two machines will be largely similar — they're even about the same size — but there's one area the Surface Pro 7 has a clear advantage. Officially Dell doesn't support pen input on the touch-enabled XPS 13, while the Surface Pro 7 is an absolute beast for inking. Whether drawing or writing, the Surface Pro 7 is one of the absolute best devices for digital pen users that money can buy.

Pair it up with an optional Surface Dial, too, and you get even more flexibility. The Surface Pro 7's form factor also lends itself perfectly to using a pen since it's a tablet first.

Dell XPS 13 has 4K, Thunderbolt 3, and better battery life

The Dell XPS 13, by contrast, is a traditional Ultrabook with comparable internal specs to the Surface Pro 7. However, it does have some tricks up its sleeve that might make more sense to you when making a purchase choice.

For one, the XPS 13 boasts a better battery life. One drawback to the Surface Pro 7 is just limited space inside for all the tech since there's no keyboard portion. The XPS 13 has more space for more battery.

The XPS 13 also has two things that the Surface Pro does not. The first is Thunderbolt 4, which Microsoft still doesn't support, though at least USB-C made it onto the Surface Pro 7. This means you're free to use any Thunderbolt docks or accessories instead of having to get locked behind Microsoft's Surface Connect port.

A 4K display may also be important to you, and you're able to get one on the XPS 13. For most people, the 1080p display will still represent the best overall value, but for some, such as video editors, having 4K is important, and you can't get it on the Surface Pro 7.

Get a Surface Pro 7 if you want a 2-in-1

One of the easiest ways to decide is to figure out if the flexibility you get from the Surface Pro 7 is important to you. If you just want a laptop, then it's probably not the best choice, but if the idea of having both a tablet and a laptop, something you can use for entertainment, drawing, or handwriting, as well as crunching out some work, sounds good, then it's still the one to get. It's also the most affordable at the entry level.

XPS 13 is still a top Ultrabook

The XPS 13 is everything that we love about Ultrabooks. It's compact yet powerful, stunningly designed, and executed, and the latest model is even more amazing than its predecessors. It doesn't have the flexibility the Surface Pro 7 does (but it does come with a keyboard!), but if you're looking for the best laptop, then this is what you should buy.

Apple may be in the headlines for its new iPad Pro, but it's not the only 2-in-1 device on the market. Right now, you can save hundreds of dollars on the Surface Pro 7 through Microsoft and Best Buy. There are deals from the more modest Intel Core i3 Surface Pro 7 all the way up to the Intel Core i7 model.

The Surface Pro 7 is one of the best Windows laptops. While many competitors immitate its form factor and design, our executive editor calls the Surface Pro 7 "Microsoft's king of the 2-in-1s" in his Surface Pro 7 review.

With a starting price of $599 with a Black Type Cover, this isn't the cheapest that we've ever seen a Surface Pro 7, but it's close. A great thing about the current sale is that it's not limited to the entry-level Surface Pro 7. Best Buy also has a deal on the Intel Core i7 with 16GB of RAM for $1,200.

The goldilocks model, the Intel Core i5 with 8GB of RAM isn't on sale through Best Buy, but if you head over to the Microsoft Store you can snag it for $699, though you'll have to purchase the Type Cover separately.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced the Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 today.
• The pen is optimized to work with Surface Go and Surface Pro devices.
• The Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 will be available starting on April 27 for $20.

Microsoft announced a new digital pen today that's significantly cheaper than the competition. The new Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 only costs $20, which is less than all of best Surface Pen and Surface Slim Pen alternatives currently on the market. It's also cheaper than the best Apple Pencil alternatives. Microsoft announced the new digital pen in a recent blog post.

You can use the Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 with Surface Go or Surface Pro devices. Microsoft's blog post highlights that using digital ink within a classroom setting can help save paper, trees, ink, and money. Wellington College switched to Surface devices and saved 3.8 million sheets of paper, according to Microsoft.

The Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 has a longer enclosure and improved design compared to its predecessor. You can also replace the tip of the Microsoft Classroom Pen 2. It has a slot for tethering and a clip, both of which help people keep track of the pen. A video from Microsoft showcasing the pen discusses how a physical clip is more secure than attaching magnetically.

Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 will be available starting on April 27, 2021 for only $20 per pen. Microsoft says the Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 will be sold in packs of 20 for $399.80. The company does not state if the pen will be sold individually. The Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 will be sold exclusively to educational institutions.

What you need to know

• Microsoft launched a website for original Surface skins inspired by celebrities and influencers.
• The website features designs inspired by former NFL player Martellus Bennett and creator Cache Bunny.
• The skins featured on the website are made by dbrand.

Earlier today, we spotted a video by the Microsoft Surface team with the tagline "original by design." Alongside that video highlighting the Surface family of devices, Microsoft announced a website called WeAreOriginalByDesign. The website includes dbrand skins for Microsoft's entire range of Surface devices.

The website features original designs inspired by different celebrities and influencers, such as creator Cache Bunny and former NFL player Martellus Bennett. In total, there are seven skins featured right now, six of which are inspired by people. The seventh is dbrand's well-known Robot Camo pattern. Each featured person also has a video that tells their story and a section that breaks down the Surface kit that they use.

If you click the section to redesign your Surface, you're taken to an area to pick out your skin. You have to select a category of Surface first, such as Surface Pro, and then you can pick a specific model. For example, if you'd like a skin for your Surface Pro X, you have to first select Surface Pro and then specify that you want a skin for the Surface Pro X.

When you've picked out what you'd like to buy, going to your cart redirects you to dbrand's website.

The website seems a bit awkward to navigate at this point, especially with a keyboard and mouse. There are several different types of movement required to navigate the site, including clicking and dragging a page, clicking through content, and ultimately jumping to another website entirely to make a purchase. It doesn't load on Edge on my Android phone either at this point.

Your reward for navigating the website is a unique set of skins for just about any Surface device that you'd like.

What you need to know

• Microsoft recently filed a design patent application for the "airplane mode" form factor and "magnetic hinge connection" seen in its Surface devices.
• If approved, the patent could prevent other manufacturers from emulating the form factor of the Surface Pro.
• Microsoft could then make agreements with manufacturers regarding making devices with similar form factors.

Microsoft recently filed a design patent to help protect the design of its Surface Pro and Surface Go devices. The patent application is for the "airplane mode" form factor of devices that can have a kickstand extend and rest on a keyboard that's been flipped back, and, more specifically, the "magnetic hinge connection" that lets that posture happen.

The airplane mode name likely comes from the fact that this setup could rest well on an airplane's tray table. It's not related to airplane mode on phones or disconnecting from internet connectivity.

If that design sounds familiar, it's because we've seen it on every Surface Pro from the original to the Surface Pro 7. It's also appeared in other Surface devices like the Surface Go 2. The purpose of this patent likely isn't to protect an upcoming technology but to prevent other companies from creating Surface Pro clones without Microsoft being on board.

The best Windows tablets are Surface devices, and many great devices like the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable take design cues from the Surface family. Having a patent on the form factor would allow Microsoft to have a say in which companies make Surface clones.

Microsoft isn't opposed to other companies making devices that use a form factor similar to the Surface Pro, but it's likely that the company would want to partner with those making them. If Apple creates an iPad Pro with a kickstand and Type Cover-style keyboard, that could be seen as bad news by Microsoft. The iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard is different enough that Microsoft doesn't seem concerned.

If Microsoft is granted this patent, it could strike deals with companies that allow other manufacturers to create devices that look similar to the Surface Pro. Other companies have used similar strategies in the past, such as Apple patenting different design elements of the iPhone.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's latest ad pits the Surface Pro 7 against the iPad Pro.
• The ad focuses on power, ports, price, and other areas that Microsoft believes the Surface Pro outshines the iPad Pro.
• At the moment, the ad has hundreds of more downvotes than upvotes.

Microsoft's latest ad for the Surface Pro 7 compares the versatile 2-in-1 to Apple's iPad Pro. This isn't the first time that these devices have been put head-to-head, and it certainly won't be the last. The ad focuses on the differences between the devices, such as form factor, operating system, and accessories, rather than just comparing the devices by specs.

The ad shows off the Surface Pro 7's kickstand, Type Cover, and port selection. It also highlights that the Surface Pro 7 is a full PC, rather than "just a tablet" like the iPad Pro. It concludes with a price comparison of the devices, which leans in the Surface Pro 7's favor.

While the ad seems innocent enough, people on the internet don't appear to agree. At the time of publication, it has 1,300 downvotes vs 933 upvotes. Getting ratioed is fairly common online, especially on YouTube. With many people already firmly in either the Microsoft or Apple camp, it's normal to see people come out in droves against what they view as competition.

Advertisements are subjective in value, but this latest ad from Microsoft seems to make more sense than Intel's latest campaign against Apple hardware. While the Surface Pro 7 and iPad Pro are both fine pieces of tech, they are different in several key areas.

Our sister site iMore's iPad Pro review calls it "the ultimate 2-in-1 for everyone." Our Surface Pro 7 review says that "Microsoft's king of the 2-in-1s retains its crown." Depending on your needs and wants in a 2-in-1, both of those headlines can be accurate.

If you're debating between the two devices, we have a piece comparing the iPad Pro 2020 vs the Surface Pro 7.

What you need to know

• A recent ad from Microsoft compares the Surface Pro and the MacBook.
• The ad highlights the flexible 2-in-1 form factor of the Surface Pro.
• The MacBook is called the "BackBook" within the ad.

We've seen a few ads calling out Apple's MacBooks over the last couple of weeks. Intel launched a video campaign and a dedicated website comparing Intel-powered PCs to Apple's M1 MacBooks. Now, Microsoft is getting in on the fun with an ad comparing the Surface Pro to the M̶a̶c̶B̶o̶o̶k̶ "BackBook."

Okay, so the ad technically is comparing the Surface Pro to the "BackBook," but it's clearly referring to a MacBook. The ad, which was shared on Twitter by Microsoft India, highlights how the Surface Pro can detach from its keyboard and be used flexibly while the MacBook cannot.

This is a normal comparison between the Surface Pro and the MacBook, which, to be honest, don't directly compete with each other. While their target audiences might overlap some, the Surface Pro is a flexible 2-in-1 while the MacBook is a traditional clamshell laptop.

The Surface Laptop 3 vs MacBook Pro is a better comparison, as they're both clamshell laptops. Another apt comparison is the iPad Pro 2020 vs. Surface Pro 7 as both of them are 2-in-1s.

Both of these devices are quite similar regarding the internals, but it's the design and functionality where everything changes. While the Surface Book 3 is technically a 2-in-1, it's designed as more of a traditional notebook experience, whereas the Surface Pro 7 is a tablet through and through. Whether you need a laptop or tablet will undoubtedly make your decision a little easier. Surface Book 3 also comes rocking dedicated graphics processors and far longer battery life.

Surface Book 3 vs. Surface Pro 7: tech specs

Features and design

Microsoft didn't change much with the physical design of the Surface Pro 7 compared to the Pro 6, aside from adding a USB-C port. The same goes for the Surface Book 3. It looks almost identical to a Surface Book 2. While the Pro 7 has USB-A for older devices, a 3.5mm audio jack, Surface Connect, and a microSD card reader, the larger Surface Book 2 can make use of its more substantial form factor with two USB-A 3.1, USB-C, two Surface Connect ports, 3.5mm audio, and a full-size SD card reader.

The Surface Pro 7 is designed first and foremost as a tablet, which you can add a Type Cover for a notebook-esque experience. Surface Book 3 comes as a complete notebook package with a display, keyboard, and touchpad. The display part can be disconnected from the base unit and used as a tablet (since all the inner workings are found within), and it can even be re-connected facing the other way.

Both devices use IR cameras for biometric security with Windows Hello and use similar shooters for video calls and photos. It's all about whether you want a portable tablet or a more powerful laptop.

Display and inking

Surface Book 3 comes in 13.5-inch and 15-inch flavors. The smaller display has the same 267 pixel-per-inch (PPI) count as the 12.3-inch Pro 7 display, but the larger 15-inch falls a little shorter at 260 PPI. The larger Surface Book 3 comes equipped with higher resolution, but no matter which device you choose, you'll appreciate just how good the screens are.

All three Surface PCs have an aspect ratio of 3:2, and all are compatible with Surface Pen for inking. Four thousand ninety-six levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support are present throughout, and you can combine a Surface Dial for improved productivity — though the Pro 7 only supports the dial off screen.

Performance and price

Like other Microsoft PCs, Surface Book 3 can be configured with various specifications. The 13.5-inch model is available with the same 10th Gen Intel processors the larger 15-inch model has, though you won't be able to enjoy either the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Max-Q) or Quadro RTX 3000 dedicated GPUs. The smaller Surface Book 3 can only take the GTX 1650 (Max-Q) or Intel Iris Plus.

The same goes for storage, which can go up to a whopping 2TB with the 15-inch Surface Book 3. RAM is the same for both sizes. Pricing starts from $1,600 and $2,300 for the 13.5- and 15-inch Surface Book 3, respectively. Where the Surface Book 3 truly shines against the Surface Pro 7 is battery life, allowing you to go up to 17 and a half hours before needing to find a power outlet.

That's so long as you keep the tablet portion of the Surface Book 3 connected to its keyboard base (which also houses an additional battery). The battery on the Pro 7 is around 10 hours. But you won't be stressing it with games since you can't upgrade to dedicated GPUs inside the tablet like you can in the Surface Book 3. However, it'll keep up with most tasks and allow you to use it on the go, thanks to its lighter build.

The best part about Surface Pro 7 is the price, which comes in at $749, a massive discount compared to the Surface Book 3. Though do keep in mind that Type Covers are sold separately.

Go with the Surface Book 3 if you're a power user

Surface Book 3 is the one you need if you're planning to run intensive software like video editing suites. The dedicated GPUs, powerful 10th Gen Intel CPUs, and speedy LDDR4x RAM make it quite the capable machine. You can remove the main display from the keyboard base and use it as a tablet, though it will not feel as portable as the Surface Pro 7.

Surface Pro 7 is a better portable, more versatile PC

Surface Pro 7 is best suited to those who value portability over all else. You still get the same 10th Gen processors from Intel, support for Wi-Fi 6, all wrapped up in a tighter, lighter package. The only downside is the slightly poorer battery life, lack of any dedicated GPUs, and additional cost for Type Covers. It's on our list for best Windows 10 tablet too.

You can save big on quite a few Surface devices right now as part of the "Microsoft 3-Day Shopping Event" at Best Buy. The event includes sales on the Surface Pro 7, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Duo, and several other devices from Microsoft. There are also discounts on Windows 10 PCs from other manufacturers as well as accessories.

If you're looking for a 2-in1, you can save $460 on the Surface Pro 7 in a bundle that includes a Type Cover. How much you save on the Surface Pro 7 depends on the exact internals that you choose. As an example, you can save $460 on the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The savings become more modest on more budget-friendly devices, but there are options with a starting price as low as $700.

If you're on the hunt for some games, you can save quite a bit on Xbox and PC titles. The minimum savings for discounted games is 16%, but some deals cut up to 50% off. There are deals on Sea of Thieves, Gears 5, Forza Horizon 4, and plenty of other big-name titles.

There are also a number of accessories on sale, including keyboards and mice. You can snag a Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse bundle for just $40 or save $40 when you bundle together a couple of Surface accessories.

There are a lot of sales to dig through, including some great bargains and bundles, but the 3-day sale ends on February 21, 2021.

It's not rare to see Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 on sale, but occasionally a price is exceptionally low, making it hard to resist picking one up. That's the case at the moment, as the Surface Pro 7 starts at just $700 right now from the Microsoft Store, and that's including a Type Cover. This is one of the best prices we've seen on the Surface Pro 7, especially as part of a bundle that includes a Type Cover of your color of choice.

The entry-level Surface Pro 7 has a 10th Gen Intel Core i3 inside, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Those are admittedly modest specs, so you may want to jump up across the board. Luckily, the Surface Pro 7 with a Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is also on sale. The Core i5 Surface Pro 7 is available in either black or platinum and comes bundled with a Type Cover for a total of $900.

The savings on the bundles include a discount on the 2-in-1 itself as well as the Type Cover. You can save $350 on the Core i5 models and $110 on the Type Cover, bringing the total savings up to $460.

The Core i5 model is a solid choice for most people. In his Surface Pro 7 review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino says that "For most users, the Core i5 Surface Pro 7 is the ideal choice." He also highlights that the Surface Pro 7 delivers "Exceptional performance for [the] Core i5 version." The Core i5 model of the Surface Pro 7 is fanless but gets better performance than the Core i7 Surface Pro 6.

If you don't need those specs but like the form factor of the Surface Pro 7, the entry-level variant is a great deal right now.

In January, Microsoft announced not Surface Pro 8, but Surface Pro 7+ with the unique "for Business" added on to the name. It is a move we have not seen from the company before, but it makes sense if a modernized and revamped Surface Pro 8 for consumers is due later this year.

There is not a long list of changes between Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7+ for Business, but that does not mean they are insignificant either. Indeed, bumping to Intel's latest hardware and adding in Iris Xe graphics is a game-changer for this PC category.

So, who should get Surface Pro 7+, and what does better internal hardware get you? Let's find out.

The TL;DR

Surface Pro 7+ for Business What's new

This review will be slightly different from previous Surface Pro ones simply because I already did an exhaustive review of last year's Surface Pro 7, which is still relevant. Instead, I will focus on what is new with Surface Pro 7+ compared to previous versions, summarized this way:

1. New configuration options: Up to 32GB of RAM
2. Design: New removable SSD enclosure
3. Connectivity: New optional 4G LTE
4. Performance: Intel 11th Gen + Iris Xe graphics
5. Longevity: Larger battery, longer battery life

Some of these are self-explanatory.

For the first time, you can now order a Surface Pro with up to 32GB of RAM instead of being limited to just 16GB. That model, which features a Core i7 and 1TB SSD, will set you back a jaw-dropping $2,800, but for developers and those who really like Surface Pro, it is an excellent option to have available finally. You can't get that model, though, with LTE.

The new removable SSD enclosure follows Surface Pro X, which has had a similar design since late 2019. Consumers may value this option, but it is driven by enterprise and government customers who want an easier way to upgrade hardware and ensure security (since IT can remove the drive before servicing).

Swapping the SSD is a simple task. Use a SIM tool for popping the door, removing the single T3 Torx screw to slide out the drive. The form factor is M.2 2230, so it is smaller and more stubby than regular laptop SSDs, but the performance and concept are the same. I wrote a detailed guide on swapping the SSD for Surface Pro X, and everything applies here to Surface Pro 7+ for Business.

Everything else is the same with Surface Pro 7+ compared to Surface Pro 7, including the excellent dual-front facing speakers, color-accurate display that supports touch and inking, and the entire design. Even ports, which are still limited to a single Type-A and Type-C (power, data, display out; no Thunderbolt) with a Surface Connect for power, remain unchanged. There's also a headphone jack on the upper left side, as expected.

LTE, processor, and battery life get a little more complicated, so they get detailed sections in this review.

For more in-depth discussions on Surface Pro 7+'s design, pen functionality, keyboard, audio, and more, please refer to my full Surface Pro 7 review.

Always connected

Surface Pro 7+ now with 4G LTE

LTE is crucial for business devices due to the inherent security flaws found when using open Wi-Fi networks, especially when traveling at airports or coffee shops. Moreover, it is much more convenient to have an always-connected PC versus tethering with your phone.

Microsoft last offered a Surface Pro with 4G LTE back in 2018 with Surface Pro 5. A lot has changed in those three years, with Intel going from dual-core to quad-core processing, resulting in a colossal leap in multi-core performance. So, it makes sense to see that option here in 2021 for business users.

Microsoft uses the Snapdragon X20 LTE Modem supporting CAT 18 and up to 1.2 Gbps downloads and CAT 13 and 150 Mbps uploads. It is not as fancy as Qualcomm's newer X24 modem with up to 2 Gbps downloads, but it is more than adequate for most users. This modem is also a significant jump from the 2018 model, which only supported LTE Advanced CAT 9 up to 450 Mbps downloads.

For 2021, it is odd for Microsoft to pass over an option for 5G, which many companies like HP and Lenovo are offering in their 2-in-1 devices. Microsoft says its customers did not list 5G as a priority feature, which may be accurate, but it seems unlikely to hold water in two years from now. Nonetheless, 4G LTE is still quite capable and, when paired with the latest Intel hardware, is quite performative.

Surface Pro 7+ supports both a physical nano-SIM and eSIM profiles. Users can dynamically switch between the two profiles through network properties, making it easy for IT departments to manage. Users can also buy data on the go with the Mobile Plans app, which activates instantly.

The laptop is SIM-unlocked and supports global LTE bands, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66. Compared to the previous LTE Surface Pro, Surface Pro 7+ supports more bands, including 13, 25, and 66.

LTE performance is excellent with Surface Pro 7+, primarily due to the ideal antenna placement. Microsoft gets credit for putting the antenna at the top and rear of the device, ensuring maximum reception exposure.

Interestingly, Microsoft hides the 4G LTE antenna through a very creative process they had to invent. A laptop must have "windows" built-in that are non-metal based for adequate reception. Microsoft accomplishes this with a "gapless and stepless" process, fusing the antenna seamlessly to the chassis. It is a subtle thing, but it demonstrates Microsoft's focus on detail and design worth calling out.

During my testing, the modem never crashed or had problems reconnecting. With a decent T-Mobile connection, I was able to pull down nearly 40 Mbps, and an impressive 47 Mbps upload in my office.

With no LTE, Surface Pro 7+ falls back to Wi-Fi 6 powered by Intel. There's also Bluetooth 5.0 for peripherals and headphones.

Damn that's good

Surface Pro 7+ Benchmarks and battery

The crux of Surface Pro 7+ comes down to its upgraded Intel 11th Gen processor and Iris Xe graphics (available in Core i5 and i7 models). Like previous Surface Pro generations, the Core i3 and i5 options are still fanless, whereas the Core i7 model uses active cooling when necessary. (Microsoft uses the empty fan slot in the i5 model for the 4G LTE modem).

Surface Pro 7+ is the fastest Surface for all intents and purposes (Surface Studio 2 being the exception). While multi-core scores are dramatically improved over 10th Gen models, Iris Xe graphics help the most.

On Cinebench 23, Surface Pro 7+ with a Core i5 not only beats Surface Pro 7, but it blows away a Surface Pro 6 with a Core i7-8650U.

On Geekbench 5, Surface Pro 7+ is the fastest Surface, even beating a Surface Book 3 15" with a 2020-era Core i7-1065G7.

In 3Dmark Time Spy, which uses CPU and GPU, Surface Pro 7+ nearly doubles Surface Pro 7 and triples that of Surface Pro 6. Surface Book 3 15" redeems itself thanks to its much beefier NVIDIA GeForce GTX-1660 Ti, but it's not by a lot.

These results suggest that the Core i7 Surface Pro 7+ would even be more impressive for raw performance, albeit at the expense of having a fan.

Another nice bump is the noticeable increase in storage performance. Surface Pro 7+ gains some faster sequential read speeds (2,200 MB/s) and gets an even more significant jump in sequential write (1,076 MB/s) over Surface Pro 7 thanks to the 256GB Samsung 830 SSD. The contrast is even starker between Surface Pro 7+ and Surface Pro 6. It's nowhere near PCIe 4, but it's better.

Broadening results to other modern laptops and Surface Pro 7+ is comparable to other devices in its class with similar hardware configurations. The results are nothing special, but Microsoft is the only vendor using a fanless Core i5, whereas all the others are actively cooled. That is notable.

Turning to battery life and there are some interesting conclusions. Leaving 4G LTE on (but not being actively used) has no impact on battery life. Running PCMark 10's Modern Office Battery rundown benchmark (with LTE off, brightness fixed at 40 percent, and on recommend power), Surface Pro 7+ earned 11 hours and 13 minutes of run time. Leaving LTE on and re-running the benchmark resulted in 11 hours and 12 minutes of runtime, which is remarkably consistent.

By comparison, Surface Pro 7 scored only 9 hours and 52 minutes with the same settings. While an extra 1 hour and 20 minutes is not a massive gain, that additional 90 minutes could be 'make or break' for many users in daily usage. Toss in the apparent performance gains of Surface Pro 7+ and 4G LTE availability, and it is even more noteworthy.

Turning to Windows Battery Report, which is based on my real-world usage and Surface Pro 7+ ranges between 7 hours and 30 minutes up to 11 hours with lighter use. Your experience will depend on how bright you set the display and how hard you push the GPU.

Even with the lack of a fan, Thermals are excellent with Surface Pro 7+ never getting too hot to touch thanks to its vertical orientation and heat dissipation through the top vents.

Configuration options

Surface Pro 7+ pricing, models, and availability

With the inclusion of LTE, up to 32GB of RAM, and both black and platinum colorways, there are quite a few configuration options for Surface Pro 7+. Here are all of them broken by category.

Surface Pro 7+ Wi-Fi Commercial

Surface Pro 7+ LTE Commercial

Surface Pro 7+ Wi-Fi Education

Pricing starts at $899 for the Core i3 with 8GB and 128GB of storage (platinum) and peaks at $2,800 for Core i7, 32GB, and 1TB of storage (platinum). Education models are $100 cheaper, only come in platinum, and do not have an LTE option.

The Surface Pro 7+ is now available but you can't just go pick one up from your local store. The Surface Pro 7+ is for business users, and to order one you'll need to go through a Surface Commercial Authorized Device Reseller or the Microsoft Store Business Desk.

Should you buy?

Surface Pro 7+ is dull but also incredibly powerful

If Microsoft were marketing Surface Pro 7+ as a consumer device, it would be easy to critique the thick bezels, lack of 5G, and lack of Thunderbolt 4. Those are still cons for many, but Surface Pro 7+ is aimed squarely at enterprise and education markets where such things are less important.

It's evident Surface Pro 7+ delivers substantial improvements, especially over the last LTE model from 2018. Businesses will appreciate improved 4G LTE, a removable SSD, and up to 32GB of RAM. Intel 11th Gen is a colossal upgrade with markedly increased CPU and GPU performance. Those benchmarks are only made sweeter by the considerable jump in battery life.

Some will see Microsoft as being stubborn (or lazy) with Surface Pro by not revamping the design. That's fair. But, IT departments will rejoice that this new version does not break compatibility with Surface Dock 2, Kensington Dock, or need new cables. Companies buying these en masse for the next two to four years will likely be OK with any perceived limitations.

Surface Pro 7+ for Business does have stiff competition, though. Lenovo's similar ThinkPad X12 offers Thunderbolt 4 and even 5G with its famed Lenovo keyboard and TrackPoint. HP has the refreshed Elite x2 G8 (due in April) with 4G LTE, Thunderbolt 4, more display options, and up to 2TB of storage. Both are exceptional options that fill in Surface Pro 7+'s obvious gaps should they bother you. Microsoft's own Surface Pro X SQ2 has a larger display, pen storage, and overall more modern look. For something fancier and more of a traditional laptop, Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga with 5G is fascinating.

For more ideas, see our best 2-in-1 laptops. And if you need an always-connected PC, see our best LTE laptops and best 5G latops for additional alternatives.

But if you are hooked on the Surface Pro's design and Microsoft's vision, it is hard not to like the new 7+, even if it is for business. It's a bit boring, but it's also a workhorse. The good news for consumers is it seems likely we will get a more substantially revised Surface Pro 8 later this year. If Surface Pro 7+ is a preview for performance and battery life, it will be worth the wait.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is one of the most popular 2-in1s that you can grab these days. It comes in a wide range of models, going from the Intel Core i3 model all the way to the Intel Core i7 model. But for many people, the Intel Core i5 model is the perfect middle ground. It balances budget and performance, with enough oomph to get work done and a price that, while not cheap, is more palatable than the pricey Core i7 variant. Now, thanks to a deal from Best Buy, the Core i5 Surface Pro 7 is down to just $900, and that includes a Type Cover.

The Surface Pro 7 is on our best Windows laptop list and our best Windows tablet list. It's been the top of Microsoft's 2-in-1 offerings for years and is all around a solid device.

Best Buy's deal on the Surface Pro 7 includes a Poppy Red Type Cover as well. The model that's on sale for $900 has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. If you don't need as much storage or RAM, you can check out deals from the Microsoft Store that start at $650.

The Core i5 model of the Surface Pro 7 is fanless but gets better performance than the Core i7 Surface Pro 6. In his Surface Pro 7 review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino says that "For most users, the Core i5 Surface Pro 7 is the ideal choice." He also highlights that the Surface Pro 7 delivers "Exceptional performance for [the] Core i5 version."

Best Buy has at least one configuration of the Surface Pro 7 on sale right now. It's down to $899, which is a huge discount since the Pro 7 would normally cost as much as $1,330. This configuration is currently $1,200 at the Microsoft store, and it would cost another $130 for the black type cover that is already included in the price of the Best Buy version. So not only do you get what is mostly considered an essential accessory for the Pro 7, you get it basically for free with this deal.

We gave the Surface Pro 7 5 out of 5 stars and said, "The Surface Pro 7, though, is almost everything I want in a portable PC. Performance is excellent, typing and audio are still the best of the bunch, and battery life gets me through the day." Daniel Rubino added, "That Type-C port brings so many new options to the table, drastically increasing the Pro's abilities."

The Surface Pro 7 12.3-inch display has a 2736 x 1824 pixel resolution with PixelSense touchscreen technology. The machine has facial recognition built in, too, which makes logging in super simple and secure. Other specifications include 8GB RAM, a 512GB solid state drive, and a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor.

There are cameras on the front and back. The rear camera 8 megapixels and the front camera has 5 megapixels and both record in 1080p resolutions. The battery can last for up to 10.5 hours. It has Bluetooth 5.0 technology and Wi-Fi built in. The connections and interfaces include USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPort, a headphone jack, and a microSDXC card reader.

The operating system is Windows 10 Home and you can get a free trial to Office 365. It is covered by a one-year warranty from Microsoft.

The deal includes a Surface Pro Type Cover, which provides a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large glass trackpad. The Type Cover is basically essential if you want your Surface Pro 7 to be a full-blown laptop instead of just a tablet computer.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 comes in a wide range of variants. You can get it with a powerful Intel Core i7 or go for the entry level Intel Core i3 model. Sat between those two variants is the Intel Core i5 version, which is the Goldilocks device for many people. It delivers enough power to get a lot of work done without breaking the bank. Right now, the Surface Pro 7 with an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage is on sale from Walmart for just $698, and that includes the Type Cover. A similar deal is also available from Microsoft.

The Surface Pro 7 is on both our best Windows laptop list and our best Windows tablet list. The Surface Pro line has led the 2-in-1 market for years, and the Surface Pro 7 sits atop Microsoft's range of convertible devices.

In his Surface Pro 7 review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino says that "For most users, the Core i5 Surface Pro 7 is the ideal choice." He also highlights that the Surface Pro 7 delivers "Exceptional performance for [the] Core i5 version." The Core i5 model of the Surface Pro 7 is fanless but gets better performance than the Core i7 Surface Pro 6.

Adding value to this deal is that it gets you the Surface Pro Type Cover in black. That cover retails on Microsoft's website for $130. That takes a sizeable chunk off the "Surface tax" that you usually have to pay to get the 2-in-1 with a keyboard.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's latest advertisement compares the Surface Pro 7 to the MacBook Pro.
• The ad ran during the NFC and AFC championship games for the NFL.
• It focuses on the Surface Pro 7's touchscreen, price, and detachable keyboard.

If you joined the millions of people that watched the NFC and AFC championship games for the NFL over the weekend, you likely saw Microsoft's latest advertisement for the Surface Pro 7. In the spirit of competition, the ad places the Surface Pro 7 and Apple's MacBook Pro against each other. The ad focuses on several ways that the Surface Pro 7 stands out against the MacBook Pro, including a full touchscreen.

Microsoft and Apple have a long running rivalry across several form factors and device categories, so it's not surprising to see Microsoft square up against Apple. The MacBook Pro has garnered attention and adoration from customers and the media, so it's timely to show of the Surface Pro 7 to get some points back in the eyes of the public.

The advertisement features a young man comparing some of the features of the two devices. Unsurprisingly, it focuses on ways the Surface Pro 7 bests its competition, including its touchscreen, support for a pen, detachable keyboard, and lower price. He also points out that the Surface Pro 7 can run more games than the MacBook Pro. Surface devices aren't known for gaming, but in general, Windows 10 is a better operating system for games that macOS.

The Surface Pro 7 and MacBook Pro aren't exactly in direct competition. Microsoft has a Surface Laptop 3 that is a more traditional laptop. For what it's worth, many of the benefits highlighted in the ad, apart from the detachable keyboard, also apply to the Surface Laptop 3. While the Surface Pro 7 and MacBook Pro aren't the same form factor, people often compare them and pick between them when it comes to grabbing a device.

Microsoft has yet another sale on its Surface Pro 7. This time, you can purchase some of the high-end configurations of the Surface Pro 7 and pair them with a discounted Pro Type Cover. The Microsoft Store currently has a sale on the Intel Core i7 version with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage in either black or platinum.

The discount brings the price of the Surface Pro 7 down to $1,650, which is $250 off of its normal price of $1,900. You also save $110 on the Pro Type Cover, bringing the total savings to $360.

In his Surface Pro 7 review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino said that the 2-in-1 is "an absolute joy to use," adding that, "It's simply terrific. It proves that the Pro's design is not only here to stay but that this the best iteration of it."

Note that this deal is on the Surface Pro 7 (non-plus). On its store listing, this bundle is called the "Surface Pro 7 + Pro Type Cover Bundle" but there is a space between the "7" and the "+." In this case, the "+" is used to mean "and," meaning that you get a Surface Pro 7 and a Pro Type Cover in this bundle.

The Surface Pro 7+ might be the latest Surface device to come out, but it's built for business customers. Microsoft will continue to sell the Surface Pro 7 (non-plus) for general consumers.

What you need to know

• The Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ is now available for order.
• The Surface Pro 7+ has a removable SSD, optional LTE, and is aimed at business users.
• The Surface Pro 7+ is available starting at $899.

Microsoft recently announced the Surface Pro 7+. The 2-in-1 PC was announced without as much fanfare as we normally see from Microsoft, but that's because the device isn't a radical overhaul of the Surface Pro 7. Instead, it's a refinement of the Surface Pro 7 design with features aimed at business users. It has a removable SSD, an option for LTE, and is available with up to 32GB of RAM.

Just because it isn't a radical overhaul doesn't mean it isn't worth taking a look, however. Our executive editor Daniel Rubino goes through everything that's new, how it compares to the Surface Pro 7, and answers commonly asked questions in his Surface Pro 7+ announcement post.

The Surface Pro 7+ sees a significant bump in performance. It runs on Intel 11th Gen processors and Iris Xe graphics. According to Microsoft, the device gets up to a 30 percent boost on the CPU side of things and almost an 80 percent boost when it comes to GPU. In total, the Surface Pro 7+ is now "2.1 times faster" than before, according to Microsoft.

The Surface Pro 7+ also has longer battery life than the Surface Pro 7. The Wi-Fi version of the Surface Pro 7+ is rated for up to 15 hours of battery life, compared to the Surface Pro 7's 10.5 hours. If you choose to have LTE on the Surface Pro 7+, it drops the battery estimate to 13.5 hours.

The Surface Pro 7+ is available starting today with a starting price of $899, but you can't just go pick one up from your local store. The Surface Pro 7+ is for business users, and to order one you'll need to go through a Surface Commercial Authorized Device Reseller or the Microsoft Store Business Desk. Authorized sellers include some recognizable names, including CDW, Staples, and Verizon.

Luckily, ordering online isn't that complicated. If you go to Microsoft's website, you can configure and order one right now. We were able to add one to our cart without doing anything special.

The Surface Pro 7+ is meant just for business users and doesn't replace the Surface Pro 7, which will continue to be sold. While the Surface Pro 7+ is intended for business users, anyone should be able to order one, they'll just have to go through different channels than they're used to.

Today at Best Buy you can get the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 on sale for $559, which is $400 off this configuration's normal price. At Microsoft this particular configuration goes for about $840 total including both the Pro 7 and its type cover. Best Buy is throwing in the type cover while still discounting the price, which is where a lot of the savings come from as those type covers are selling for $90 individually right now. As one of Best Buy's deals of the day, this price won't last long.

We gave the Surface Pro 7 5 out of 5 stars and said, "The Surface Pro 7, though, is almost everything I want in a portable PC. Performance is excellent, typing and audio are still the best of the bunch, and battery life gets me through the day." Daniel Rubino added, "That Type-C port brings so many new options to the table, drastically increasing the Pro's abilities."

The Surface Pro 7 12.3-inch display has a 2736 x 1824 pixel resolution with PixelSense touchscreen technology. The machine has facial recognition built in, too, which makes logging in super simple and secure. Other specifications include 4GB RAM, a 128GB solid state drive, and a 10th-generation Intel Core i3 processor.

There are cameras on the front and back. The rear camera 8 megapixels and the front camera has 5 megapixels and both record in 1080p resolutions. The battery can last for up to 10.5 hours. It has Bluetooth 5.0 technology and Wi-Fi built in. The connections and interfaces include USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPort, a headphone jack, and a microSDXC card reader.

The operating system is Windows 10 Home and you can get a free trial to Office 365. It is covered by a one-year warranty from Microsoft.

The deal includes a Surface Pro Type Cover, which provides a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large glass trackpad. The Type Cover is basically essential if you want your Surface Pro 7 to be a full-blown laptop instead of just a tablet computer.

If you're trying to squeeze in some last-minute holiday shopping, Microsoft is here to help you out. The Microsoft Store has a big sale right now on Surface devices. You can save hundreds on devices like the Surface Pro 7, Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Pro X. Even Surface accessories are on sale, like the Surface Arc Mouse and the Surface Pen.

The headline deal for Surface savings is the discounted Surface Pro 7 bundle. You can save up to $430 off on the bundle that includes the Surface Pro 7, a Type Cover, and a sleeve. You can also tack on optional items, such as a Microsoft 365 subscription or Surface accessories. There are several storage and color options on sale for the Surface Pro 7, so you can make sure to get the exact configuration and color combination that you'd like.

In his Surface Pro 7 review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino said that the 2-in-1 is "an absolute joy to use," adding that, "It's simply terrific. It proves that the Pro's design is not only here to stay but that this the best iteration of it."

There are plenty of great deals on Surface devices, so make sure to check out Microsoft's page dedicated to the last-minute holiday deals. Deals include up to $300 on the Surface Laptop 3, up to $150 off on the Surface Laptop Go, and up to $300 off on the Surface Book 3.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is an excellent 2-in-1 device. One of its only drawbacks is that its Type Cover is sold separately and adds quite a bit to the device's cost. Thanks to a bundle on the Microsoft Store, you can get the Surface Pro 7 and a Type Cover at discounted rates as part of a bundle. The savings get you both for the normal price of just a Surface Pro 7.

This Surface Pro 7 bundle saves you money on a wide range of Surface Pro configurations. You can get the budget-friendly Intel Core i3 version for $550 ($200 off) or go all the way up to the Intel Core i7 model for $1,550 ($250 off).

The bundle also cuts up to $110 off the cost of the Signature Type Cover. You can choose a Signature Type Cover in red, blue, or black, and also have an option for a version with Fingerprint ID.

You can just grab the Surface Pro 7 and Type Cover if you'd like, but you can also add several other items at discounted rates, including 15 months of Microsoft 365 for the cost of 12 months, a Microsoft Complete Protection Plan, or several accessories like the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse.

What you need to know

• The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ keyboard built for the Surface Pro lineup is now available from Best Buy.
• The keyboard converts the Surface Pro 4, 5, 6, or 7 into a traditional laptop.
• The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ keyboard for the Microsoft Surface Pro is avaialble for $150.

Brydge keyboards allow you to convert tablets, such as the Surface Pro or iPad, into traditional laptops. They clasp the bottom of your tablet and add a hinge to make your device function as a laptop. Now, you can purchase the Brydge 12.3 Pro+ keyboard for the Microsoft Surface Pro from Best Buy for $150.

The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ connects through Bluetooth 5.0 but still features a precision trackpad. It has backlit keys with three levels of brightness. According to Brydge, it can get up to six months of battery life per charge.

The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ has been available since September of this year, but you can now pick it up from Best Buy. Toby Mander-Jones, Co-CEO and Founder of Brydge, shares his thoughts on the Best Buy launch in a press release:

The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ works with the Surface Pro 4, 5, 6, and 7 and is available now on Best Buy's website. The Brydge 10.5 Go+ for the Surface Go will also be available from Best Buy in December. Surface Pro X users will have to wait a bit longer, as the Brydge SPX+ will be available from Best Buy in January 2021.

What you need to know

• Microsoft launched its first Surface device eight years ago.
• The Surface lineup pushed computing form factors and inspired many devices.
• The Surface family now includes 2-in-1s, laptops, desktops, enterprise hubs, and a folding phone.

Microsoft unveiled the Surface lineup eight years ago. The big-bezelled original Surface devices launched with Windows 8 and came in a then at the time new form factor, a convertible 2-in-1. Since the initial Surface launch, Microsoft has refined the Surface 2-in-1 concept through 7 iterations, multiple size spinoffs, and the Surface family expanded to other device categories.

More than pen support, flipping around, or kickstands, the Surface lineup has always been about innovation. Microsoft's Surface family strives to push stagnant categories forward. The greatest influence of the Surface lineup is likely the influx of 2-in-1s that are now on the market. Once a novel idea, convertibles are now commonplace, and just about every major manufacturer has at least dipped their foot into the form factor.

Memes really do come true, which was evidenced by Apple's shift to have iPads become more and more like computers. In just a few short years, Apple shifted from the infamous "What's a computer" ad to its "Your next a computer is not a computer" ad. That shift is a microcosm of the push by Microsoft's Surface line. 2-in-1s haven't replaced laptops — and were probably never meant to — but they've become a viable category on their own.

Microsoft has also greatly expanded the Surface lineup. Since the early days of the Surface Pro and Surface RT, we've seen Microsoft release the Surface Book, Surface Laptop, Surface Studio, and Surface Go lines. While some pushed boundaries more than others, such as the Surface Book detaching its screen from its base, they all innovated in some way and drove manufacturers to step up their game.

Project Andromeda: The secret history of Windows on Surface Duo

Microsoft has also ventured into new categories and architectures to showcase how things can work. The Surface Pro X runs on a Snapdragon processor, and the Surface Duo delivers a dual-screen Android experience based on productivity.

Not every Surface device has been a success, but the family as a whole has grown rapidly over eight years, and people look forward to Microsoft's major events announcing more devices each year.

What's your favorite Surface device? Let us know in the comments below.

Whether you should buy the Surface Go 2 or Surface Pro 7 depends largely on how much you value portability. The Surface Pro 7 isn't heavy by any means, but it's a beast compared to the Go 2. That's because it's vastly more powerful, effectively allowing you to use it as you would your desktop PC.

You can find a whole host of electronics on sale for Black Friday, and the Surface range can often be found discounted on storefronts. Should you locate the Surface Go 2 or Pro 7 on sale, it's worth considering to save some money in the process. Microsoft also sells numerous other Surface devices at various price ranges and specifications, so you should be able to locate a new portable PC for you.

Surface Go 2 vs. Surface Pro 7: tech specs

Design and features

Not a lot changed between the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 in terms of design. The dimensions are pretty much the same, so too is the overall build. This allows for all previous generation accessories to continue working with the newer Surface Go—a massive win for anyone upgrading.

The Surface Pro 7 is of a similar affair with Microsoft not going all out with a redesign compared to the previous generation. The Go rocks more rounded, smoother edges and corners that make it easier to hold when being used as a tablet. It also weighs less, coming in at just 544g for the Wi-Fi only version. The Pro isn't exactly massive, but its 775g is noticeable.

Interestingly, both tablets have a kickstand that can rotate 165 degrees and are made of magnesium. They're also similar for cameras with a 5 and 8 megapixel (MP) combo being used for facial recognition in Windows 10. Ports are an interesting separation with the Go 2 coming with a single USB-C, Surface Connect, microSDXC card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The Surface Pro 7 rocks USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio jack, Surface Connect, and a microSD reader. If you're after LTE capabilities, the Go 2 is your only option right now since Microsoft doesn't offer the Pro 7 with LTE. For both tablets, you can buy a Surface Pen — sold separately for about $100 — and both have Type Covers — also sold separately — with Precision touchpads and an Alcantara fabric finish.

Display

You simply get more screen real estate with the Surface Pro 7, thanks to the 12.3-inch display compared to the Surface Go's 10.5 incher. Color accuracy between the two is roughly the same, so too are the bezels, making it largely down to which display size you'd prefer.

Where there is a difference between the two tablets is resolution. The Pro 7 is a clear winner here with a resolution of 2736x1824 and a pixels-per-inch (PPI) count of 267, which is pretty good. The Go 2 has a resolution of 1920x1280 and a PPI of 220. Both tablets have functional 3:2 aspect ratios, and both have magnets in the side to hold the Surface Pen when not in use.

Performance

Interestingly, while the Surface Pro 7 is the more capable device and comes rocking up to an Intel 10th Gen Core i7-1065G7 CPU, the Surface Go 2 is no slouch. Unlike Intel's low-end CPUs of old, the Intel Core m3-8100Y is rather snappy with daily use. It won't turn heads in benchmarks, but it's more than good enough for general PC use.

Still, if you need more power for a little photo editing on the go, the Surface Pro 7 is where you should spend your money. Storage is another win for Surface Pro 7, which is another small reason it costs considerably more than the Go 2. You can configure it with up to 1TB of storage, while the Go 2 can only max out at 128GB (or 256GB for commercial).

Surface Go 2 for those on the go

See what I did there? But seriously, the Go 2 is ideally suited to those who frequently find themselves moving between location and require a Windows-based tablet for the journey. You've got optional LTE, Wi-Fi 6 support, and various configurations available, starting at a lower price.

Surface Pro 7 for more performance

Get the Surface Pro 7 if you want a tablet that will almost provide a PC-like experience on the go. The speedy Intel Core i7 processor is great at general use and even some more powerful apps, but don't expect desktop-like performance. It's the premium Surface tablet.

There's no better time to shop and save money on a new laptop. Be sure to check out our continuously updated article on the best Dell XPS 13 Black Friday deals.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 is essentially an Ultrabook like the XPS 13 but without a fixed keyboard. It's much more versatile than Dell's flagship notebook and can be used as a tablet or laptop, but if you're after a notebook experience alone, you may want the XPS 13 instead. It's about as good a laptop you can buy right now and is included in our best Windows laptop collection.

The Dell XPS 13 was refreshed recently, and so we don't expect it to go on sale, but you will be able to find deals on plenty of Windows PCs for Black Friday. Be sure to keep an eye out for discounts on both of these notebooks, though even at full price, the XPS 13 really is class-leading.

Dell XPS 13 (9310) vs Surface Pro 7 tech specs

Impressive portable performance

There aren't many differences between the Surface Pro 7 and Dell XPS 13, especially when comparing specifications. Both options come with the possibility of choosing an Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor, but Microsoft can undercut Dell by around $200, which is a considerable sum of change.

This is largely due to Dell using Intel's more recent 11th Gen processors. But the company also achieves this is by offering less RAM on the base model (4GB vs. 8GB in the XPS 13) and less storage (128GB vs. 256GB in the XPS 13). These won't matter too much in the great scheme of things, but if you plan on doing anything other than checking email, browsing websites, and chatting to friends and family on instant messengers, you'll want to consider at least 8GB of RAM.

The Surface Pro 7 and XPS 13 have plenty of options to choose from, including Intel CPU SKUs, up to 16GB of RAM, and 512GB storage for the XPS 13 or 1TB storage for the Surface Pro 7. There is a slight downside to the Surface Pro 7 in that it doesn't technically come with a keyboard ... at least not a physical one. You'll need to shell out some more for the fancy Type Cover, but it's well worth it.

Dell has Thunderbolt 4 only, while Microsoft has more ports (and Thunderbolt 3) in the Surface Pro.

Laptop or tablet?

There's no real wrong answer here. Specifications are close, as is pricing when you consider optional accessories you really cannot live without on the Surface Pro 7. However, it comes down to whether you need a laptop or tablet. If you want something more like a tablet experience that you can use without a keyboard with your feet up on the sofa or relax reading a book on, the Surface Pro 7 is the winner.

The XPS 13 is about the best Ultrabook money can buy, and it's perfect for anyone who wants a great laptop. You can't ink on it, and the keyboard is always attached, but it's a machine. Whether you need to hit the road for the day, treat it like your desktop workstation, or unwind with some top-notch PC gaming, the XPS 13 has the ability to handle everything you throw at it. It's just a shame about the lack of any 4G option.

Dell XPS 13 for laptop lovers

If you want the best Ultrabook, look no further than the XPS 13. It houses the latest Intel processors and can be kitted out with plenty of RAM and storage to let you get on with the day.

Go with the Surface Pro 7 for something a little different

There are plenty of laptops out there to choose from, and the XPS 13 really is the best of the best. However, if you fancy trying something new, the Surface Pro 7 gives you both a notebook and tablet experience wrapped up in a gorgeous form factor.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 6 are certainly cut from the same cloth, and at first glance, you might mistake one for the other. However, the real changes (other than the USB-C port) come on the inside, with the Pro 7 sporting new 10th Gen Intel Core CPU options and LPDDR4x RAM for improved performance. Here's a breakdown of the exact specs you'll find in each model.

With Black Friday quickly approaching, we're expecting to see some discounts on these 2-in-1 devices. There are plenty of Pro 7 tablets and bundles available, often at a great price without a sale, so be sure you're actually getting a good deal. A tool like CamelCamelCamel can help you determine if you're seeing a deal or standard pricing. The Pro 6 is a bit of a different story, as stock is waning due to its age. Still, you might be able to find a great deal on a bundle or refurbished models as retailers attempt to get rid of old stock.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Pro 6 tech specs

Design and features

The Surface Pro 7 is a minor refresh over the last-gen Surface Pro 6, with most of the changes coming from the internal hardware. Still, the Pro 7 has made the jump from Mini DisplayPort for the much more versatile USB-C port. This should make it much easier to connect your newer accessories, and it can still be used for external displays. Alongside USB-C, the Pro 7 holds onto USB-A, 3.5mm audio, Surface Connect, and a microSD card reader.

If you're making the jump from an older Surface Pro model (from the Pro 3 and newer), older Type Covers should work with the Pro 7. This should save you a good chunk of money if you're upgrading. One new feature that we're excited about is Wi-Fi 6 connectivity in the Pro 6, which will offer wireless speeds far beyond what we've become accustomed to with Wi-Fi 5. Both the Pro 6 and Pro 7 are available in Platinum and Black colors.

Display and inking

Nothing has really changed when it comes to the display. With both the Pro 6 and Pro 7 you're looking at a 12.3-inch touch display with boxy 3:2 aspect ratio, 2736x1824 resolution, and 267 PPI. Both Pro models are compatible with the Surface Dial for off-screen interactions, and both offer an exceptional inking experience with the Surface Pen. Expect 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support.

Performance and price

The Surface Pro 6 is available with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 "Kaby Lake R" CPUs. These are not the later 8th Gen "Whiskey Lake" CPUs, but they're nevertheless performers.

Geekbench 5 single-core scores for the Core i5-8250U hover around the 800 to 900 mark, while multi-core scores reach up to about 3,400. The Core i7-8550U again measures around the 900 single-core score, reaching up to about a 3,500 multi-core score. These CPUs can handle a relatively heavy workload, and they should be able to shred through any multitasking.

The Pro 7 has been refreshed with 10th Gen Intel Core "Ice Lake" CPUs with a 10nm architecture, and it's available with Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 versions. Compared with Geekbench 5 tests, the Core i7-1065G7 begins around the 1,200 to 1,300 mark for a single-core score, while multi-core scores reach, in many cases, well above 4,000.

The Pro 7 Core i5 model outperforms the Pro 6 Core i7 model, which is quite impressive. As for battery life, the Pro 7 will last about eight hours from a charge, whereas the Pro 6 hits closer to 10 hours. That's the tradeoff for better performance.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4.0 (CPU) (higher is better)

PCMark

PCMark 10

GPU

Geekbench 5.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

.

As for gaming, 10th Gen Core i5 and Core i7 Intel CPUs feature Iris Plus Graphics, which will provide a better experience than what the 8th Gen CPUs have to offer. Neither device has a dedicated GPU option, so if you want to game on a Pro, spending the extra money is no doubt worth it.

As expected, you're going to pay more for the newer Pro 7. Configurations with a Core i3 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD start at $750, while a model with Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD costs closer to about $1,200. Maxing things out with the Pro 7, including a Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD costs about $2,300.

As for the Pro 6, prices are all over the place due to third-party retailers mostly taking over remaining stock. Your best bet is to find a bundle with Type Cover, Surface Pen, and more for around the same price you'd pay for a new standalone tablet. There are also plenty of refurbished options available that will save you quite a bit of money compared to a new Pro 7.

Go with the Surface Pro 7 for better performance, connectivity

The Surface Pro 7 hasn't seen a substantial physical change since the last generation, but inside is where it counts. 10th Gen Intel Core "Ice Lake" CPUs outperform the 8th Gen "Kaby Lake R" CPUs in the Pro 6, and the newer 2-in-1 also sports faster LPDDR4x RAM. You will pay more for the Pro 7, but for better performance and a USB-C port, it's the right choice. And if neither of these laptops is quite what you're looking for, check out our collection of the overall best Windows laptop options on the market today.

The Surface Pro 6 is still a solid buy

The release of a new generation always makes an older device pale, but the Surface Pro 6 is still a reliable option for anyone who wants to save some money and still get an awesome device. The touch display is the same resolution and offers the same brilliant picture, and the overall design is essentially the same. You won't get a USB-C port or 10th Gen Intel CPU performance, but for many people, that's OK.

What you need to know

• New firmware and driver updates are rolling out for Surface Pro 7 and Surface Book 3.
• The Surface Book 3 updates are mostly focused on camera improvements, while Surface Pro 7 gets camera and pen improvements.
• These updates are rolling out now via Windows Update.

Microsoft this week shipped a new set of driver and firmware updates for two of its latest Surface devices. Both the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Book 3 received updates as part of this round, and they're mainly focused on a couple of areas. Most notably, both devices have picked up some general camera improvements, while the Surface Pro 7 has some additional improvements for the Surface Slim Pen and inking experience.

Here's a look at what's included in the updates for the Surface Pro 7:

Here's everything new for the Surface Book 3:

If you have a Surface Pro 7 or Surface Book 3, these updates should be available for you to download now via Windows Update.

What you need to know

• Brydge unveils several accessories that are "Designed for Surface."
• The accessories include a standalone Precision trackpad, a standalone keyboard, and keyboards that turn the Surface Pro and Surface Go into laptops.
• The W-Touch trackpad costs $100 and the W-Type keyboard costs $60.
• The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ and 10.5 Go+ keyboards cost $150 and $130 respectively.

Brydge has a range of new accessories coming out that make Microsoft's Surface devices more versatile. The company unveiled the W-Touch standalone Precision trackpad, the W-Type keyboard, the Brydge 12.3 Pro+ keyboard, and the 10.5 Go+ keyboard (via The Verge). The W-Touch trackpad ($100), W-Touch keyboard ($60), and Brydge 12.3 Pro+ ($150), and the 10.5 Go+ ($130) go on sale August 17, though they won't ship until a bit after that. All of the accessories will ship the week of August 31 except that 10.5 Go+ which will ship the week of September 7.

The W-Touch trackpad is a unique accessory because it is the "first ever standalone Wireless Windows Precision Trackpad," according to Brydge. The W-Touch trackpad seems similar to the Magic Trackpad 2 that's popular for macOS devices, though the W-Touch is built for Windows 10.

The W-Touch connects with Bluetooth 4.2. It supports the gestures you'd expect in a Precision trackpad, including pinch to zoom, multitouch swiping to switch desktops, and swiping to show the multitask view on Windows 10. The W-Touch is made in partnership with Microsoft.

The W-Type is a full-size keyboard with a number pad. It Also has a full row of function keys. It connects with Bluetooth 5.1 and features an Aluminum body. It has 2mm of travel on its keys, which should feel comfortable.

The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ and 10.5 Go+ will be more familiar to people who have used Brydge products before. Brydge is known for its iPad keyboards that perform a similar function, allowing you to slot a tablet into a keyboard to make a laptop-like device while having the option to remove the tablet to use on its own.

The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ works with the Surface Pro 4, 5, 6, and 7 while the 10.5 Go+ works with the Surface Go and Surface Go 2. The 12.3 Pro+ has a 70 percent larger touchpad than the original Brydge 12.3. Both of the keyboards have the "world's first Bluetooth precision touchpad for Windows," according to Brydge.

The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ does not work with the Surface Pro X, which makes sense considering the Surface Pro X has different physical dimensions than any Surface Pro. When Engadget first covered these keyboards from Brydge, it reported that a Surface Pro X version would be available in the second half of 2020.

The Surface Pro 7 already made our list of Best Windows laptops as the best convertible device. With the new Brydge keyboard, you now have more options to convert the Surface Pro 7.

The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ and 10.5 Go+ keyboards charge with USB-C, have backlit keys, and support multitouch gestures. These keyboards connect with Bluetooth rather than the pogo pins that Microsoft's Surface Type Covers use.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's back to school sale is live and has savings across a range of devices.
• Surface hardware, PCs from popular manufacturers, and several accessories are on sale.
• You can save $339 as part of a Surface Pro 7 bundle.

Microsoft's back to school sale is live, allowing you to save hundreds on devices and accessories from the Microsoft Store. There are deals on a wide range of devices, including Surface hardware, PCs from Lenovo, HP, Acer, and more, and even a deal on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to help students relax after their homework is done. You can check out all of the deals on the Microsoft Store website.

Several Surfaces devices are part of the back to school sale, including the Surface Book 3 for up to $200 off, the Surface Pro X for $100 off, and savings on accessories like the Surface Slim Pen, Surface Mobile Mouse, and Surface Arc Mouse.

The Surface Pro 7 has a couple of bundles available, including one deal that saves you $339 by bundling together a Surface Pro 7, Type Cover, Surface Pen, and Microsoft Complete. The Surface Pro 7 made our Best Windows laptop list as the best 2-in-1 available.

In addition to the savings on these deals, Microsoft highlights that purchases from the Microsoft Store have a 60-day return policy, a 60-day lowest price promise, and free support. You can also get Office 365 Education for free if you qualify.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 will launch in South Africa on July 29.
• New Surface hardware might also launch in Mexico in August.
• The Surface Pro 7 starts at R17,999 and the Surface Laptop 3 starts at R22,999.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 will launch in South Africa on July 29. Announced earlier this year, the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 are among Microsoft's latest additions to the Surface lineup. The Surface Pro 7 starts at R17,999 and the Surface Laptop 3 starts at R22,999.

The Surface Pro 7 is the latest 2-in-1 from Microsoft. Its external design is similar to the Surface Pro 6, but it has a USB-C port rather than a Mini DisplayPort. The larger differences are on the insides. The Surface Pro 7 features Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and has Intel wireless technology inside. It earned a rare five out of five in our executive editor Daniel Rubino's review.

The Surface Laptop 3 brings more modern internals to a traditional clamshell laptop. It's available in either 13-inch or 15-inch variants and features either AMD or Intel processors depending on the model you choose. The Surface Laptop 3 features 10th Gen Intel CPUs and has a more modern USB-C port on its side.

The latest Surface devices might also launch in Mexico soon. Microsoft sent out a save the date invite to people with what appears to be a Surface Pro 7.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is still blocking some Surface devices from receiving the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.
• It appeared as if the blocks were removed last week, but Microsoft has since updated its availability page.
• Microsoft has not specified which other safeguards are causing the block of the update.

Updated July 10, 2020: We've added a note that the blocks could be related to issues with OneDrive.

Microsoft continues to block Surface devices from receiving the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (Windows 10 version 2004). At the end of June, Microsoft updated a page on Windows 10 version 2004 availability. That update stated an issue was resolved and that the safeguard hold had been removed. Now, Microsoft has added text into that post stating that other safeguards might still prevent your device from receiving the update.

ZDNet spotted the words that Microsoft added on July 8. Here is what the page stated before.

You can see an archived version of that page courtesy of the Wayback Machine.

Here is the new wording, with emphasis added by ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley:

Microsoft has not specified which other safeguard holds could block devices from receiving the Windows 10 May 2020 Update. The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 were blocked previously, but Foley reports that people with several devices have been blocked from the update, including those with a Surface Laptop 3, Surface Pro 7, Surface Go 2, Surface Book 2, Surface Book 3, and Surface Pro X.

There's a chance that the blocks are related to OneDrive issues. Some on Reddit have had to uninstall OneDrive in order to upgrade Surface devices to Windows 10 version 2004.

Forcing an upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10 on blocked device can result in issues. We recommend holding off at least until Microsoft states that these issues are resolved, and holds are completely removed.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is lifting the block on some Surface devices for the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.
• The block was in place for devices with multiple Always on, Always Connected capable network adapters.
• The block was removed on June 29 but may take up to 48 hours to be offered to devices.

Microsoft removed the block for several Surface devices from the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (via ZDNet). The blocks were in place because previously affected devices could run into unexpected shutdowns, restarts, and other errors. The issue was resolved with the KB4557957 update that rolled out on June 9, but Microsoft waited until the end of June to lift the block, presumably to make sure the issue was truly resolved. The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 are among the devices no longer blocked from the update.

As outlined in a Microsoft online doc, some devices with more than one Always On, Always Connected network adapter could run into issues, including the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3.

When Microsoft updated the doc explaining the resolution, it noted that it could take up to 48 hours before the update is offered to PCs that were previously blocked. As noted by BleepingComputer that update occurred on June 29, so the update should be rolling out to unblocked Surface devices now.

BleepingComputer also points out that there are still seven update blocks in place for Windows 10 version 2004 (the Windows 10 May 2020 Update). That means that some devices are still blocked from receiving the update.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 7 with Black Type Cover is currently $360 off at Best Buy.
• The Core i3 variant is the only version that's currently discounted.
• The Surface Pro 7 earned a nearly flawless rating in our recent review.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 is currently $360 off as part of a bundle. To take advantage of the savings, you'll need to purchase an Intel Core i3 version alongside the Black Type Cover. That bundle usually retails at $959 but is down to $599 on Best Buy right now. The sale ends today, so you'll have to act quickly if you want to take advantage of the discount.

The Surface Pro 7 earned a nearly flawless rating in our review, thanks in part to its battery life, Instant On capabilities, and USB-C port. We reviewed the Intel Core i5 version, so you'll need to make sure the Core i3 version that's currently discounted meets your demands.

The Surface Pro 7 is the latest iteration of Microsoft's Surface Pro form factor. It adds modern ports and better internals over its predecessor but maintains the familiar 2-in-1 form factor.

Expanding your Surface

Microsoft's new Surface Dock 2 features a plethora of ports to expand the functionality of your Surface devices. You can connect it to all your peripherals and then leave it on your desk. When you bring your Surface device to your desk, you just have to connect your device to the Surface Dock 2 with a single cable. It's an easy and convenient way to have your Surface remain portable while having the ability to connect to plenty of devices at your desk. The Surface Dock 2 has USB-C ports, charges your device, and features fast transfer speeds, but it can't work with all Surface devices. The Surface Dock 2 is expected to launch on May 26, 2020, but is available for preorder now

To use a Surface Dock 2, you generally have to have a Surface device made in 2017 or later. Specifically, it works with the Surface Book 3, Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro 6, Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Laptop 2, Surface Laptop (1st Gen), Surface Go 2, Surface Go, Surface Go, and Surface 3. Some of the data transfer rates vary depending on the Surface device you have. Surface devices also vary in how much resolution they can put out to external monitors through the dock. You can check Microsoft's support page to see a complete chart of features.

The Surface Dock 2 provides a wide variety of ports to connect old and new devices such as keyboards and mice. Here are the ports included on the Surface Dock 2:

• 2x front-facing USB-C ports.
• 2x rear-facing, video-enabled USB-C ports
• 2x rear-facing USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps) ports
• 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
• 1x 3.5mm audio in/out port
• Kensington compatible lock

The Surface Dock 2 is ideal for desktop setups. It can drive two 4K displays at 60Hz or two 5K displays at 30Hz. It also has enterprise management tools for IT admins to manage the dock with authentication.

In addition to connecting your supported Surface device to peripherals, the Surface Dock 2 can charge your Surface device. It supports up to 120 watts of power delivery to your Surface device and a total of 199 watts to all devices connected to the dock. The increase to 120 watts, when compared to the original Surface Dock, means that your Surface device won't run out of battery while plugged in. The older dock couldn't supply enough power to keep up with the device's power draw at times. With the Surface Dock 2, you can plug in your Surface device, use it all day, then take it on the go on a full charge.

If you're using an older Surface device and want some of the same benefits that you get with the Surface Dock 2, you can check out the original Surface Dock. It's dated at this point, but it still has several ports and allows you to easily connect your Surface to several devices.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and both sizes of the Surface Laptop 3 are now available in India.
• The Surface Pro 7 earned a 5/5 in our review and the Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch earned a 4.5/5.
• The Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Laptop 3 start at INR 98,999, INR 72,999, and INR 98,999, respectively.

The Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch, and Surface Laptop 3 15-inch are now available in India. Microsoft announced the availability of the devices in a news post. The Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Laptop 3 start at INR 98,999, INR 72,999, and INR 98,999 respectively. All of the newly available Surface devices can be purchased through authorized resellers as well as authorized retail and online partners of Microsoft.

The devices expand the Surface lineup in India, including multiple devices that earned high marks in our reviews. The Surface Pro 7 earned a 5/5 in our revew and our executive editor Daniel Rubino said the Surface Pro X is "A perfect PC but only in the right hands." The Surface Pro 7 kept to the more traditional Surface Pro look but added a USB-C port to improve connectivity. It also has a 10th Gen Intel processor and Intel Plus graphics to give it more power.

The Surface Pro X has a revamped and modern appearance, featuring minimal bezels and a thin body. The Surface Pro X is the first device from Microsoft to run on Windows 10 on ARM. It's aimed at mobile users and people who need to take their device on the go. It supports LTE SIM and eSIM and gets ten hours of battery life.

The Surface Pro 3 13.5 also earned high marks in our review. It bumps up its internals to 10th Gen Intel processors and includes quite a few upgrades over the previous generation, including a faster SSD, a USB-C 31 port, and a larger trackpad.