What you need to know

• Microsoft shipped firmware updates for the Surface Go 2, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Pro X.
• The updates don't add new features, but they do include fixes and improvements.
• The Surface Pro 8 update features a fix for the graphics configuration and artifact bug.

Microsoft recently rolled out new firmware updates for its Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Go 2. Last month, the company shipped firmware updates for the Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop Studio, bringing many improvements as well as fixes, including one for the 'battery not genuine' bug.

Here's what to expect from the firmware updates:

Surface Pro X

The August 14 release is available for Surface Pro X (Wi-Fi) devices running Windows 11 October 2021 Updates, Version 21H2, or greater. It ships with 3rd party application performance improvements. Microsoft also promises better device and wireless connection stability with new drivers listed below:

• Surface UEFI - Firmware - 10.610.140
• Microsoft SQ1 Adreno 685 GPU - Display adapters - 27.20.1960

Surface Pro 8

According to Microsoft's support website for the Surface Pro 8, users with a device running Windows 10 October 2020 Update, Version 20H2, or greater should have received a new firmware update which shipped at the beginning of this month. The update ships with a fix for the graphics configuration and artifact bug. Here's the driver included in this fix:

• Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics - Extension - Intel Corporation - Extn - 31.0.101.3889

Surface Go 2

And most recently, Microsoft also shipped a new firmware update for its second-generation entry-level Windows tablet, the Surface Go 2. The update ships with several fixes and support for new accessories, as listed below:

• Addresses security vulnerability and improves system stability.
• Enables support for new docking accessories.
• Improves Surface Dock2 stability.

Here are all the new drivers included in this patch:

• Surface UEFI - Firmware - Surface - Firmware - 1.0.2.6
• Surface Dock 2 Firmware Update - Extension - Surface - Extension - 6.13.137.0
• Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt(TM) 4 Dock Firmware Update - Firmware - Surface - Firmware - 2.26.4.0
• Microsoft Devices Telemetry Service - Extension - Surface - Extension - 6.196.139.0

As is often the case, these updates roll out to users in waves, so there's a possibility it might not be available to you immediately. Once it is available for you, it'll be listed in the Windows Update section. You'll need to head over to your Settings tab, find "Windows Update" under there, and click "Check for Updates" to download it.

It's worth noting that you cannot roll back to a previous update once you install the most recent one. You can head to Microsoft's support page for additional information, support documents, and requirements.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has released firmware updates for the Surface series of 2-in-1s including the Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro 7+, Surface Pro 6, and Surface Pro 5.
• The Surface Pro 6 will reach the end of its support services on June 30, 2023.
• The release includes driver updates and security patches but does not include any new features or enhancements.

Not all updates fly out with an array of life altering enhancements or improvements to quality of life on a system, and such is the case for the June 2023 array of updates that have just gone out across Microsoft's Surface Pro 2-in-1s. That doesn't make this batch of updates any less important, however, as there are multiple bug fixes and security patches included. Here's a once over of what you can expect in your update if you are a Surface Pro 8, 7 plus, 6, or 5 owner.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

The June 2023 update for the Surface Pro 8 is small but mighty, including drivers that will fix graphical display issues as well as fixes for pen and touch stability. To receive the latest patch on your Surface Pro 8 you will need to be running Windows 10 20H2, Windows 11 21H2, or a newer version of either OS. Here are all the new drivers included in this patch:

• Intel Corporation - Display - 31.0.1.01.3889
• Intel Corporation - Extn - 31.0.101.3889
• Surface - Ext - 15.25.129.0
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Display adapters
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Extension
• Surface Touch Pen Processor - Extension

The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 will continue to receive support until October 5, 2025.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Plus

Like the Surface Pro 8, the Pro 7 Plus will get an array of bug fixes to improve graphics stability and fix display issues along with a bonus patch to improve Wi-Fi stability.  You'll need to be certain that your PC is running Windows 10 20H2, Windows 11 21H2, or newer versions before you install.  This patch is also available for the Surface Pro 7 plus LTE. The drivers in the patch for the Surface Pro 7 Plus include the following:

• Intel Corporation - Display - 31.0.101.3889
• Intel Corporation - Extn - 31.0.101.3889
• Intel - Bluetooth - 22.190.0.2
• Intel - Net - 22.190.0.4
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics - Display adapters
• Intel Iris XE Graphics - Extension
• Intel Wireless Bluetooth - Bluetooth
• Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHZ - Network adapters

Users of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 plus can expect support for the device to extend until January 15, 2025.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and Generation 5

The Surface Pro 6 and 5th Generation Surface are among the oldest devices to still receive support from the Surface line up. Users of these two PCs can expect to see support start to wind down as it comes to an end for the Surface Pro 6 on June 30, 2023 and a few months later for the 5th Gen Surface on January 14, 2024. Both devices received patches that will resolve external display issues while also addressing potential security concerns.  The drivers included in this update for both devices are:

• Surface - Firmware - 239.645.768.0
• Surface - Extension - 6.13.137.0
• Surface UEFI - Firmware
• Surface Dock 2 - Firmware Update - Extension

You'll want to be sure that your Surface is running Windows 10 20H1 or newer before updating.

How to update

There are no special tricks to installing the updates regardless of which Surface Pro device you own. Simply head over to your Settings tab, find "Windows Update" under there, click "Check for Updates" and let Windows handle the rest. It is important to note that these are firmware updates, and while important they cannot be uninstalled after the fact. While none of the updates included in this list have presented any bugs or issues at this time you should make sure you've created a backup of all of your data prior to installation. 

Additional details, support documents, and requirements can be found on Microsoft's Support page.

From She-Hulk using a Surface Pro 8 to Gmail being optimized for the Surface Duo, we cover a wide range of stories here at Windows Central. To kick off each weekend, we gather the biggest pieces of news mixed with some fun tidbits from across Microsoft land. Here are the highlights from this week.

Missing Windows 8 startup sound revealed

Windows 8 famously shipped without a startup sound. Well, maybe not famously in most circles, but we certainly noticed. Jensen Harris, former Director of Program Management for the Windows User Experience team, has discussed the missing startup sound at length in the past. In short, Microsoft had a chime for the operating system but decided not to ship it. Since then, the Windows 8 startup sound has lurked in the shadows, unheard by everyday users. But no more. Harris played the sound in a recent YouTube video and detailed the process of how it was created and why it ultimately never shipped.

We also learned that Microsoft had a Surface-specific startup sound. It too never shipped, joining the ranks of the canceled Surface Mini and many other products that never saw the light of day. Oh, what could have been.

In any event, both startup sounds are now available as .wav files in case you feel like using them as a notification sound or in your latest TikTok video.

Gmail for Android now spans across Surface Duo

Microsoft optimizes many of its apps to take advantage of the dual-display design of the Surface Duo, but other companies haven't been as quick to adopt to the new form factor. This week, Google finally hopped on board by updating Gmail for Android. The app can now span across both displays of Microsoft's foldable. Much like Microsoft Outlook, Gmail shows a list of emails on the left screen and the contents of a selected email on the right.

With Android 12L on the way, more apps should be optimized for foldables. That operating system centers around devices with larger displays, many of which are built for multitasking.

She-Hulk 

Microsoft and Marvel superheroes have gone hand-in-hand for quite some time. Black Widow made a call using Windows 10 Mobile and Daredevil used a Surface tablet. Even Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man used Bing. That last example was technically from a Sony film, but it was still a Marvel character. Now, you can add She-Hulk to the list of heroes to use Microsoft products.

A new web ad features Jennifer Walters, aka She-Hulk, using a Surface Pro 8 and Windows 11. There's a good chance that the commercial will also appear on television, though we haven't seen it air yet.

The brief ad also highlights that you can download Disney+ on Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store. That's noteworthy because Microsoft hasn't pushed the store as much in the past, at least with this type of partnership. The Microsoft Store was revamped recently and has seen a much bigger push over the last year.

If you keep your eyes peeled, you'll also see a Surface Studio in She-Hulk episode one.

WhatsApp Desktop now works when your phone is offline

WhatsApp Desktop received a major update this week on Windows. No longer a web app (Electron), WhatsApp Desktop looks to deliver better performance and reliability. The app also received a visual refresh, though that's relatively minor compared to a new feature that's now available. WhatsApp Desktop can now send and receive messages even if your phone is offline.

The functionality, which was in beta for several months leading up to general release, helps the communication app compete with the best WhatsApp alternatives. Importantly, WhatsApp Desktop remains end-to-end encrypted in this setup. 

Review roundup:

Alongside the latest news stories, our site houses an ever-growing library of reviews from our experts. Here are all of the gadgets, games, and devices we looked at this week:

• MSI Titan GT77 review: High-end life support for the Intel Core i9-12900HX and NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti
• MSI Optix MPG321UR-QD: This is one stunning 4K gaming monitor
• Gamevice for iPad review: Turn your tablet into an Xbox handheld
• We Are OFK for PC review: A melodic journey to the truth
• Soul Hackers 2 for Xbox review: This game has rekindled my love for Atlus JRPGs
• Madden NFL 23 review: A welcome batch of changes
• Dell Dual Charge Dock (HD22Q) review: A dual-threat dock that's most useful when connected to a Dell laptop
• PC Game Pass 2022 review: When a great Xbox service meets a terrible Windows app
• MultiVersus review: A super-smashing platform fighter

It's the 10-year anniversary of Microsoft's Surface lineup. Throughout this week, we celebrated the family of devices. To wrap things up, we'd like to know which Surface device stands out above the rest.

The Surface family has come a long way since the launch of the RT and original Surface Pro. Microsoft has since released laptops, desktops, foldables, and even a massive conference room hub. This week's poll stacks them all against each other, allowing you to show your love for your top Surface device.

Perhaps you enjoy the Surface Pro 8, a refinement of Microsoft's original vision for the 2-in-1. Maybe you prefer the unique form factor of the Surface Laptop Studio. Alternatively, you may long for the days of Windows Phone and love holding a foldable Surface Duo 2 in your hands. No matter which Surface you love, we want to hear about it.

Of course, most Surface devices have had several iterations, but for this poll, we focused on each range from the lineup. If you're interested in comparing every single Surface device, make sure to check out our extended video special from this week. Executive editor Daniel Rubino, senior editor Jez Corden, and senior editor Zac Bowden go through the entire history of the family.

We also covered the Surface lineup from a variety of other angles this week. You can check out our entire collection of Surface articles or browse through some of the highlights:

• What’s the point of Surface? 10 years on
• 10 years of Surface: What we want to see next
• 10 years of Surface: The highs and lows of Microsoft's personal computers
• How 10 years of Surface inspired a wave of 2-in-1s
• Why I haven't bought a Surface PC (and probably never will)

As a reminder, comments are temporarily disabled on Windows Central. Please reach out to me on Twitter or jump into our official Discord channel to share your thoughts on Surface.

What you need to know

• Adonit just announced its Neo Ink stylus for Surface devices.
• The Adonit Neo Ink works with Surface Book, Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and other Surface hardware.
• It attaches magnetically, supports tilt, palm rejection, and pressure sensitivity, and has programmable shortcut buttons.
• The Adonit Neo Ink stylus is available starting today for $40.

Microsoft Surface enthusiasts may have a new option when it comes to the best Surface Pen alternatives. Adonit just announced its Neo Ink stylus, which is compatible with a wide range of Surface hardware. While we'll have to get our hands on the pen to fully judge it, the specs and design of the device seem quite promising.

The Adonit Neo Ink works with Surface Pro (3-8), Surface Book (1-3), Surface Go (1-2), Surface Studio (1-2), Surface Laptop (1-2), and Surface 3. There's a chance that it would work with other devices, but we've only included what the product's listing shows.

The Neo Ink magnetically attaches to Surface hardware. You can use the pen while it's charging through USB-C, though that would likely feel awkward due to balance issues. Adonit claims 100 hours of battery life off a full charge of the Neo Ink.

 Like Microsoft's own Surface Pen, the Adonit Neo Ink supports 4,096 levels of pressure, tilt, and pressure sensitivity. Adonit's new stylus also includes programmable shortcut buttons and support for palm rejection.

The Adonit Neo Ink is available starting today for $40.

It's been 10 years since Microsoft launched its first Surface device, the Surface RT. Things have changed quite a bit since then. In the last 10 years, Microsoft released multiple major versions of Windows, expanded its Surface family to include a wide range of devices, and the world went through a pandemic. The entire computing landscape has shifted in that time. 

Microsoft's first commercial Surface device didn't exactly land well. The Surface RT was a mismatched experience with severe limitations, and the first Surface Pro was clunky. Luckily, Microsoft righted the ship with the Surface Pro 3, which served as the base design of the lineup for multiple generations. With the refinement of the Surface 2-in-1 form factor, Microsoft made a device that inspired OEMs and competitors to rethink the answer to the now infamous question, "What's a computer?" 

An aspirational device

While Microsoft makes several of the best 2-in-1 laptops, the company has always had loftier goals for the Surface line than being solid PCs. From its inception, the Surface family was about creating aspirational devices that would push OEMs to experiment and expand. 

Generally speaking, the PC landscape had stagnated before the launch of the Surface lineup. Bulky clamshell laptops were the norm, and the idea of a computer that could flip or fold was relatively foreign. I remember using a Surface Pro 2 at university and people being amazed that I could detach the keyboard from my computer. 

With Microsoft's clear commitment to the form factor, PC makers started dipping their toes in the water of convertibles. Most major manufacturers have made at least some 2-in-1s to try to take a bite out of the market. It took time for companies, and consumers, to figure out the preferred general shape and size of 2-in-1s, but things have mostly leveled out.

Moving beyond the form factor shift that the Surface Pro lineup inspired, Microsoft's convertible lineup also pushed the PC market into mobile connectivity. While not the only, or first, devices to feature 4G LTE or 5G connectivity, Surface devices helped pioneer mobile productivity and always-connected devices.

Now, many of the best Windows laptops and best Windows tablets look like a Surface Pro. Even some of those that don't are still influenced by Microsoft's convertible. Consumers have a massive range of PCs from which to choose that can flip, fold, or detach. That was unthinkable before the Surface lineup came along.

It's not just Windows

Of course, it's not just Windows PCs that emulate the Surface 2-in-1 line of devices. Apple's iPad and many of the best Android tablets feature detachable keyboards, much like Microsoft's Surface Pro family.

Samsung likely went the furthest when it comes to emulating a Surface with devices like the Galaxy Tab S8+. With Samsung's DeX, several of the company's tablets provide a Windows-like experience when docked and a tablet interface when on their own. 

Over the years, Apple's iPad has shifted more toward competing with the Surface than merely being a standalone tablet. It took a while, but as of this year, iPadOS will support a mouse, resizable floating windows, and extending to an external monitor. Those features, and others, pushed me to commit to getting an iPad as my next productivity machine.

While memes and jokes have gone back and forth between iPadOS, Android, and Windows fans, it's clear that all three operating systems are going off the template of the Surface lineup of 2-in-1s.

What's next? 

The mobile PC landscape has shifted dramatically over the last decade. While traditional clamshell laptops are still ubiquitous, PCs that can fold, flip, and detach from their keyboards are now commonplace. That's due, at least in part, to Microsoft's efforts with the Surface Pro lineup over the last 10 years. 

Apple, Samsung, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and plenty of others have devices that are, at minimum, heavily inspired by the Surface Pro. Many of the best Windows tablets are basically Surface Pro clones. 

But what does the future hold for PCs? Microsoft has more Surface devices than ever, and we don't expect that to slow down.

Could Microsoft introduce a device with a folding display? Will it double down on mobility and ARM? Could we see a new category of devices introduced yet again? There's a good chance that we'll see several of these things occur over the next 10 years.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 recently received a firmware update.
• It improves inking with the Surface Slim Pen 2.
• The update also includes security and stability improvements.

Microsoft recently shipped a firmware update for the Surface Pro 8. While the update does not include any new features, it does improve inking when using the Surface Slim Pen 2. Microsoft did specify how inking will be improved, but presumably, the latest firmware will help you get the most out of your stylus. The update also improves stability and security for the flagship 2in-1.

The update is available for Surface Pro 8 devices running Windows 10 October 2020 Update, Version 20H2, or greater. Note that firmware updates cannot be uninstalled or reverted to an earlier version.

Here are the highlights of the update, as outlined by Microsoft's support document:

• Addresses critical security vulnerability and improves system stability.
• Improves Surface Slim Pen 2 inking.

Below are the detailed changes of the update:

Microsoft explains that Surface updates are released in stages, so you may not see this update for the Surface Pro 8 right away. The release only started rolling out on May 24, 2022, so there's a good chance that you'll have to wait to see it.

You can get the latest update for the Surface Pro 8 through the Windows 11 Settings app by searching for optional updates. You can also grab it through Microsoft's website to manually install it.

After installing it, make sure to restart your machine to complete the process.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 supports haptic feedback when writing or drawing. It also has a flattened design that looks more like a carpenter's pencil than the cylindrical Surface styli of yesteryear.

If you do a lot of writing with your stylus, you can order Surface Slim Pen 2 replacement tips through the Microsoft Store.

The best docking stations for Surface Pro devices can turn your Windows 2-in-1 into the centerpiece of a productive desktop workstation. The Surface Pro 9 features Thunderbolt 4, opening it up to the best TB4 docks on the market, including the brand-new Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock, which we think is the best docking station for Surface Pro right now.

If you're using an older Surface Pro, you can still get some great docks that add plenty of ports. We've rounded up the best of the best right here for all Surface Pro models.

The quick list

Best Surface Pro dock

Microsoft is now shipping its latest offering in its Surface Dock portfolio. Dubbed the "Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock," this product delivers the first major design change to the Surface Dock since the original launched in 2015. The dock itself is now slimmer, taking up less vertical space while maintaining the same footprint.

Another big change with the new Surface Dock is that it now supports Thunderbolt 4, and swaps out the magnetic Surface Connect cable in favor of the more universal USB-C plug. This means it's only compatible with PCs that have USB-C ports, which means it's only compatible with the Surface Pro 7, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Book 2, or Surface Go 1 and up.

The Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock supports 96W passthrough charging, and can drive dual 4K monitors at 60Hz. On the front of the dock is a USB-A and USB-C port, and around the back you'll find two more USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an ethernet jack, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Kensington lock.

Overall, we think the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is the best dock on the market for Surface PCs with USB-C ports, as it offers excellent versatility and expandability due to its many ports. Plus, for $299 it's relatively affordable for a Thunderbolt 4 capable docking solution.

Best Surface Pro dock for gaming

There are dozens of docking stations on the market today, but I've learned through my BenQ beCreatus DP1310 review, that this one truly stands out from competitors. It supports up to three monitors while also supporting up to two hosts — at the same time — all while in an attractive, slim form factor.

Why would you want this kind of setup? Well, it's perfect for turning your work computer into a gaming station. For instance, I connected the DP1310 to my work computer via HDMI and my ROG Ally gaming handheld via USB-C cable. With the press of the green button, I determined whether my computer displayed on all three connected monitors or if my ROG Ally simultaneously displayed on one of the three monitors. That way, I could jump between interacting with my computer and interacting with my gaming handheld.

The DP1310 offers 4K at 120Hz and 8K at 60Hz so you can get very nice motion clarity from your host devices. As far as ports go, the backside features a USB-C In PD 100W, an HDMI 2.1 Out 1, an HDMI 2.1 In, an HDMI 2.0 Out2, a DisplayPort 1.2 Out 3, an RJ45, a USB-A 10Gbps and two USB-A 480Mbps. Meanwhile, the front offers more connections for your various accessories including a 3.5mm audio, a USB-C PD 36W and two USB-A 7.5W ports. That should be more than enough connections to get you all sorted.

Best Surface Pro dock with ports

The Surface Pro 8 finally added Thunderbolt 4 ports, opening the Surface line up to a bunch of new docks. The new ports carried over to the Surface Pro 9 as well. As it stands now, the CalDigit TS4 is a close runner up to best dock for the newer Surface Pro models. It has a wide range of ports, it charges your Pro while you work, and it's built to last.

The ribbed aluminum chassis dispels heat, is durable, and can be used horizontally or vertically with included non-slip rubber feet. The dock can power a single 8K display at a 60Hz refresh rate, or dual 4K displays each at 60Hz.

In our CalDigit TS4 review, we noted that the TS4's 18 total ports offer the best connectivity of any dock currently on the market. It comes packed with three Thunderbolt 4 ports (one for the host), three USB-C (10Gbps), five USB-A (10Gbps), DisplayPort 1.4, 2.5 GbE, 3.5mm combo in/out, 3.5mm out, 3.5mm in, and UHS-II SD and microSD card readers that can be used simultaneously.

When the dock is attached to your PC, it offers up to 98W of charging power to keep your battery topped up. This dock is expensive and can be hard to find due to its popularity, but it's one of the best Thunderbolt docks on the market and will set you up nicely for the future.

Best business Surface Pro dock

The Kensington SD5780T is another quality Thunderbolt 4 dock that I recently reviewed. Kensington pretty much combined the SD5700T and Surface-certified SD5750T to come up with this new model, adding more charging power (up to 96W), an HDMI 2.1 port, and universal compatibility.

The aluminum shell gives way to plastic faceplates, and the dock works in a horizontal orientation. The build quality isn't quite as high as our top pick due to the plastic, but it's still a quality dock. It comes with a three-year warranty, and you can buy separate mounting accessories to get it off your desk.

The dock offers two downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, four USB-A (10Gbps), 3.5mm audio, and a UHS-II SD card reader. As for charging, the dock can deliver up to 96W of power back to the host Pro 8 or Pro 9. Display support includes dual 4K at a 60Hz refresh rate.

Best Surface Pro dock with Connect

The Surface Dock 2 doesn't hold up well to many of the overall best docking stations on the market, but it has one trick that Surface Pro owners might want to check out. It connects via the Surface Connect port on your PC, leaving the other ports open. If you have an older Surface Pro without USB-C, this might be your saving grace.

The Surface Dock 2 has four total USB-C ports (two in the front and two in the back), two USB-A 3.2, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio, and a lock slot for a bit of extra security. The dock's black finish looks good on a desk, and the long cable that connects to your Surface Pro means you can position it anywhere on your desk.

Using the two USB-C ports on the back, the Surface Dock 2 can handle outputting to two external 4K monitors, creating a true workstation set up. Its biggest weak point is the price, often coming in at above $200 which we don't think is worth it. If you can find it on sale for closer to $150, that's a much better get.

Best compact Surface Pro dock

If you're looking for a hub that doesn't take up much space on your desk, the CalDigit Element Hub is a top pick. When I reviewed it I found it to be a more affordable way (at least compared to high-end TB4 docks) to expand Thunderbolt 4 and USB-A connectivity.

The Element Hub has three downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as four USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports with 10Gbps transfer speeds. If you're working with modern accessories, that might be all the ports you need.

You still get dual 4K display support with up to a 60Hz refresh rate, and there's up to 60W charging power to the Pro 8. The dock is very small and might look good for traveling, but note that you will have to lug around the sizable AC adapter.

Bottom line

The best Surface Pro docks and docking stations have now moved on to Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. For the latest device, I recommend checking out the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock. It has a good selection of ports, 96W charging passthrough, and a contemporary design. The Kensington SD5780T is a great alternative if you can't get your hands on our top pick or if you want lock slots and bracket mounting options.

For older Surface Pro models, the Surface Dock 2 can take advantage of the PC's Surface Connect port. And if you'd like a hub that adds USB-A, Thunderbolt 4, and not much else, the CalDigit Element Hub is a more affordable alternative to the big docks in this roundup.

What you need to know

• You can now order replacement tips for the Surface Slim Pen 2 through the Microsoft Store.
• Tips are sold in packs of three, though businesses can order packs of 80 if desired.
• A pack of three replacement tips costs $25 through the Microsoft Store.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 has a flat design to fit well in hand and a haptic engine to simulate the feel of writing on paper. What it hasn't had, until now, was official replacement tips. That's since changed, as you can buy tips for the Surface Slim Pen 2 through the Microsoft Store.

"Keep extra pen tips handy when you need them with Surface Slim Pen 2 Tips. Designed and made by Microsoft to work perfectly with Surface Slim Pen 2," reads the product's listing. The page notes that the tips are sold in packs of three, but you can also get a pack of 80 if you're a business customer.

When the Slim Pen 2 launched, customers expressed concern that the tip would wear down. Reddit users and others online pointed out that tips weren't available from Microsoft. Until recently, people had to resort to third parties to find replacements. A Microsoft employee in an answer forum recently shared that new tips could be purchased through the Microsoft Store.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 can pair with the Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro X, and Surface Duo 2. While the pen has a haptic engine to simulate the feel of drawing or writing on paper, your device needs to support the feature. The Pro 8 and Laptop Studio support haptic feedback when running Windows 11.

What you need to know

• Kensington unveiled a new BlackBelt Rugged case with integrated mobile dock for the Surface Pro 8.
• Kensington worked with Microsoft to ensure the case fits perfectly around the Pro 8, offering significant drop and wipe-down protection.
• The case also incorporates a mobile dock with one USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) port, one USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) port, HDMI, and UHS-II microSD card reader.
• Expect to pay about $200 for this rugged case.

Kensington is known to make some of the best accessories for the Surface PCs thanks to working alongside Microsoft to ensure full compatibility and — when it comes to cases — an optimal fit. Following a late-2021 announcement with cases for the Surface Pro 8, Laptop Studio, Go 3, and more, Kensington has now announced the BlackBelt Rugged case with integrated mobile dock exclusively for the Surface Pro 8.

While there's already a Kensington rugged case for the Pro 8, this new version tacks on a built-in bank of ports in the top corners of the device. The dock hooks into one of the Pro 8's native Thunderbolt 4 ports, offering up a USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) port of its own with up to 60W of power passthrough and 10Gbps speeds. The right side of the case also has an HDMI port with video support up to 4K at 30Hz or dual QHD at 60Hz. With DSC enabled, it will hit 4K at 60Hz.

The left side of the case adds a UHS-II microSD card reader and a USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) port. The case leaves ventilation ports open, and it leaves access to the native 3.5mm audio jack and the other native Thunderbolt 4 port that's not used to connect the built-in dock. The case also leaves the kickstand uncovered, allowing you to use the full functionality. There's a built-in pen holder, keyboard strap for an attached Type cover, and a hand strap on the back helps to prevent accidental drops.

If you do happen to drop your PC, the case hits MIL-STD-810H Method 504.3 certification for drops. It's also certified to withstand harsh cleaning chemicals. The case comes with a two-year Kensington warranty to help protect your purchase. The BlackBelt Rugged case with integrated mobile dock, exclusively for the Surface Pro 8, looks to cost about $200, as listed at the official Kensington website. It doesn't yet seem to be available at major online retailers.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Panos Panay recently shared a promotional video featuring the Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, and several other Microsoft devices.
• The video shows closeups, renders, and other clips of Microsoft's latest pieces of hardware.
• The Surface Slim Pen 2, Surface Laptop SE, and Xbox Series X also appear in the video.

Microsoft's Surface lineup continues to grow. The company's Chief Product Officer, Panos Panay, decided to highlight Microsoft's most recent products in a promotional video. It's not just PCs that Surface devices that appear. The Xbox Series X is also shown off, as is the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse.

The Surface Laptop Studio is featured prominently in the promotional clip. It is the most recent Surface device to introduce a new form factor, so it's not surprising that Microsoft would want to show it off.

Most of Microsoft's other Surface devices make at least a brief appearance, including the Surface Pro 8, Laptop 4, Pro X, Laptop Go, and Studio. All of the PCs in the reel are running Windows 11, of course, which is the most recent operating system from Microsoft.

The marketing team also showed some love for the Surface Duo 2, which appears toward the end of the video. The company's graphics team has a track record of highlighting hinges, which is how it introduces the Duo 2 in the reel.

On the gaming side of things, Xbox Cloud Gaming is streamed onto the Duo 2 around the end of the promo. The Xbox Series X appears shortly after.

The clip is only two minutes long, but Microsoft managed to fit in at least a snippet of just about every major consumer-facing product it makes.

What you need to know

• MightySkins now has skins available for the Surface Pro 8.
• There are over 900 skins to choose from, and you can create your own custom skin.
• Pricing starts at $23, though that can go up depending on the design and finish you choose.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 has a sleek and professional look, but if you'd like to add a bit of flair, you can pick up a skin for your device. MightySkins now carries skins for the Surface Pro 8, including over 900 skins and the option to upload your own artwork. Skins start at $23 but go up if you choose certain finishes.

All of the skins are made with Premium 3M vinyl, which should allow for easy installation. You can choose between matte, carbon fiber, and glossy glitter finishes.

Generally, MightySkins' designs are artsier than those from competitors, though dBrand does have a leather option. You can also upload your own photos and add text to personalize your device. Note that you have to select your finish before entering the tool for creating your design.

If you prefer a textured look, there are several designs in that category, such as wood and marble. There are also several solid colors to choose from. The MightySkins website loads more designs as you scroll down, so it's worth taking some time to browse through what's available.

For those that like the look of MightySkins but don't have a Surface Pro 8, the company has skins and wraps for many other devices.

A couple of days ago Microsoft announced some deals on the Surface Pro 8. Many of those discounts are still active. However, Best Buy is currently beating that price by $100 on a very specific configuration of the tablet. You can get this version of the Surface Pro 8 on sale for $1,299.99. Not only is that $100 better than Microsoft, it's actually $300 off the device's normal price. This is a featured Deal of the Day for Best Buy, so the price won't last forever or even as long as Microsoft's ongoing sale.

We gave the Surface Pro 8 4.5 stars out of 5 in our review and called it The Best. Daniel Rubino said it "finally hits its full potential with the all-new redesign for 2021. With Thunderbolt 4, optional LTE, 120Hz display, new haptic Slim Pen, 11th Gen Intel, and a new graphite colorway this is a worthwhile upgrade."

This version in particular includes a 13-inch touchscreen display with 2880 x 1920 pixel resolution and that 120Hz refresh rate that helps it look so good. Plus you get an Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM that's great for multi-tasking, and a 256GB solid state drive that is super fast. Since the Pro 8 is on the Intel Evo platform, you also know it has a great battery life (up to 16 hours) and Thunderbolt 4 ports with super-fast 40 Gbps data transfer speeds.

The Pro 8 is also designed to work well with the improved haptic Slim Pen 2 and Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. These are extra accessories you'll most definitely want to spend your savings on for the full Surface experience.

Microsoft's Surface lineup turns 10 years old in June 2022. The flagship device from the family of PCs, the Surface Pro 8, is currently discounted through the Microsoft Store. Building off almost a decade of innovation and improvements, the Surface Pro 8 is one of the best Windows laptops. Right now, you can order a Surface Pro 8 for up to $300 off.

All models of the Surface Pro 8 are discounted at the moment. The Intel Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage costs $900, which is a lower starting price for the Surface Pro 8 than we've seen up to this point. The highest-end Surface Pro 8, the Intel Evo Core i7 version with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage is $200 off (now $2,400).

Save on Surface Pro 8

As is often the case with Surface devices, the largest discount is on the middle model of the device. The Intel Evo Core i5 version with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is $1,100, down $300 from its normal price.

The Surface Pro 8 improves on its predecessor in several key areas. The newer Surface has thinner bezels, a 120Hz display, and support for Thunderbolt 4. It also works with the Slim Pen 2 with haptics and has an improved webcam that can auto-adjust white balance.

"Luckily for fans of Surface Pro, the new Surface Pro 8 is effectively flawless," said our executive editor Daniel Rubino in his review. "Sure, battery life can always be better, but between the new design, larger 120Hz display, new Slim Pen 2 with storage, thinner bezels, and much more, well, it is easily the most exciting update to the most iconic Surface."

Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 is currently on sale through Best Buy. Quite a few models are discounted at the moment, but the best deal is arguably the model with an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage for $1,000. Along with the Surface Pro 8, the deal also includes a Type Cover.

The Surface Pro 8 is a convertible 2-in-1 with a built-in kickstand. It's a versatile device that's greatly enhanced by the Type Cover Keyboard. In fact, the Type Cover tops our list of the best Surface Pro 8 accessories.

Save on Surface Pro 8

Microsoft also has discounts on the Surface Pro 8 at the moment, though they don't include a Type Cover. Through Microsoft, you can order a Surface Pro 8 with an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $1,000. That's a better deal for anyone that doesn't need a Type Cover.

In his review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino said that "the new Surface Pro 8 is effectively flawless." He added that the device "finally hits its full potential with the all-new redesign for 2021."

If you don't like the look of the Surface Pro 8 but still want to get work done on the go, you can check out our list of the best Windows tablets.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is giving away a Solitaire-themed Surface Pro 8.
• You can enter for a chance to win the 2-in-1 through Microsoft Rewards.
• The giveaway ends on March 16, 2022, and is open to residents in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Germany.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 may not be the best gaming laptop, but that could change soon, at least if you're into Solitaire. The company is giving away a limited-edition Solitaire Surface Pro 8 through Microsoft Rewards. You can exchange your reward points for a chance to enter the giveaway, which runs through March 16, 2022.

The back of the limited-edition Surface Pro 8 features the graphic that appears when you win a game of Solitaire.

There's only one Solitaire-themed Surface Pro 8 up for grabs. Each entry for the giveaway costs 200 reward points. If you want to go all out, you can get 150 entries for 5,000 points. The winner of the device will also get a Surface Slim Pen 2, a Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, and a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Family.

To enter for a chance to win, you have to be a resident of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, or Germany.

Of course, if you want the best Solitaire experience you can get on a computer, you'll want to subscribe to PC Game Pass (formerly known as Xbox Game Pass for PC). If you have a PC Game Pass subscription, you can download the ad-free version of Microsoft Solitaire.

The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 are brilliant 2-in-1 Windows laptops, but due to their form factor, they aren't exactly packed with ports. Fortunately, both devices support USB-C and Thunderbolt 4, which means you can easily expand your port options with a USB-C hub or an adapter. If you don't have a Surface Pro, the great thing about our selection of hubs is that all of them will work with all your favorite USB-C-enabled laptops and tablets, including other Surface devices like the Surface Laptop Studio. Here are the best USB-C adapters and hubs for Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9.

The bottom line

Thanks to having a USB-C port, the Surface Pro 8 can be easily expanded to offer a number of additional features. Whether you want to add additional ports, external displays, or memory card readers, there's a compatible dock or adapter that will do the job.

The CalDigit SOHO dock is the best of the bunch, covering off all the main connectors you might want to attach to your Surface Pro 8. It is a tad pricey, but that's OK because there are some great budget alternatives.

USB-C can also be used alongside the Surface Connect port, so if you already have an existing Surface Dock, you can pair it alongside a USB-C hub for maximum connectivity.

If you're at your desk and want to minimize clutter, you can connect your Microsoft tablet to a USB-C monitor. Many of these displays come with a built-in hub on the rear where you'll be able to connect additional peripherals. This way, you'll have just one cable running from the Surface Pro 8 to the monitor.

Residents of the Great White North using the Microsoft store can save up to CAD $150 on the Surface Pro 8 in multiple configurations. This sale includes versions in both Platinum and Graphite. You can pick between about eight different variations all with these savings, which means going for the best priced version at CAD $1,299.99 or upgrading some of the internals and still saving even when it's CAD $1,629.99. The deal comes with free shipping, although it probably won't get here before Christmas if that's what you're looking for.

You can save later in the configuration as well. Add the Microsoft Surface Pro keyboard type cover to your combo. The black version is down to CAD $147.99 instead of CAD $190. That's a nice extra discount, and the type cover is an essential piece of the Pro 8 puzzle. It makes this device go from a tablet to a full blown laptop.

Read our review of the Surface Pro 8 where we gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 and called it one of The Best. Daniel Rubino said, "what makes Surface Pro 8 so good is Microsoft simply did what fans have been asking for: Thunderbolt 4, 120Hz display, improved inking, better performance, thinner bezels, etc. These were all at the top of people's lists of how Surface Pro could be better, and now they're here."

The least expensive option going for CAD $1,299.99 includes an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 128GB SSD. You can upgrade that to an Intel Evo Core i5 processor and a 512GB SSD in the version going for CAD $1,629.99. Anything more advanced than that doesn't come with the same savings.

When it comes to skins to protect or customize your hardware, few other brands stand out like dbrand. The company is now running a special, limited-edition skin made from genuine leather, available in three different hues.

We were recently sent in samples for the Surface Pro 8 and, quite frankly, if you're OK with putting "dead cow" on your 2-in-1, you're going to love what dbrand has done here.

The skin is uncomplicated. There are three colorways, including black, brown, and tan, with a price tag of $50. That's more expensive than the typical skins, but these are thicker and made from "100% authentic, full-grain, vegetable-tanned cowhide," which justifies the cost.

Currently, you can pick up the skin for Surface Pro 8, X, 7, 6, 2017, and Surface Pro 4. There are also skins for the Xbox Series X too. You can also get the skins for your smartphones, including iPhone, Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and more.

Dbrand goes on to note that these skins aren't like the typical vinyl ones the company sells, providing some installation advice and what to expect:

1. After installation, take a few minutes to really rub-down the edges with the included color-matched microfiber cloth. This process will smooth down the border of the leather and make it feel like it's melting into your device. As a result of the leather's thickness, without smoothing it down, you may find an unpleasant sharp border on the skin. This sharp edge will disappear entirely and permanently - just needs to be rubbed away with the microfiber.
2. Scratches and marks are normal. Over time, as the leather collects natural oils, these scratches will disappear and form a timeworn patina. Attached are a few images to give you an idea of how that before/after will look. You can kickstart the process by rubbing away at any scratches with your thumb. While we do plan to release a "Leather Care Kit" in the near future, the natural oils from your hand are the key to this patina process.

Putting them on our Surface Pro 8, you can see just how thick the skins are, although it is not something you notice once installed. The texture and smoothness are simply unmatched compared to vinyl as they have a warmer feel.

Installation is super simple. Just align the skin with the camera and microphone holes on top and the Surface logo on the bottom. Dbrand's use of 3M ensures these will adhere very well after it settles on the device, but if you need to lift it off and correct that is not a problem either. Indeed, I could swap out skins on the fly during the photo shoot without a hitch.

If you have a black Surface device, my advice is to go with black or brown leather, whereas tan may look better on platinum laptops. Of course, the baller move is to split the skin like in the photo above, where one half is black, and the other is brown.

Overall, these are, pardon the pun, killer skins. The idea that these skins will age and patina just like boots or jeans is also a nice bonus.

We hear dbrand has plans for more devices, too, including Surface Duo 2, which is something we're looking forward to trying as that is a combo made for each other.

Just remember, you have less than 18 days to order these before they're gone, as this is a limited run. Also, please don't buy these for your vegan friends unless you really hate them.

What you need to know

• Microsoft recently released a firmware update for the Surface Pro 8.
• The update improves several aspects of the device, including Thunderbolt AMD eGPU support and the reliability of logging on with a Type Cover with a fingerprint reader.
• New Surface Pen haptics are also enabled with the update

The Surface Pro 8 recently received its November 2021 firmware update. Following the update, the Surface Pro 8 should have improved reliability and stability in several key areas. Notably, this update improves touchscreen stability, Thunderbolt AMD eGPU support, and the reliability of logging in with a Type Cover with a fingerprint reader. New Surface Pen haptics have also been added, though Microsoft does not specify any new experiences.

Here are the highlights of the November 2021 firmware update for the Surface Pro 8:

• Improves new Type Cover Fingerprint login reliability.
• Improves graphics stability and performance.
• Improves system security.
• Enables new Surface Pen haptics and improves inking performance.
• Improves Thunderbolt AMD eGPU support.
• Improves touchscreen stability.

Below are the details about each component that's been updated:

Surface firmware updates roll out in stages, so you may not see this one yet on your device.

What you need to know

• SopiGuard now has skins available for the Surface Laptop Studio.
• There are several options for skins, including chrome, carbon fiber, textured, and clear.
• Surface Laptop Studio skins from SopiGuard start at $40.

Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Pro 8 owners can now personalize their PCs with skins from SopiGuard. Several texture options are available, including color shift, carbon fiber, and brushed finish. All of the texture options are available in several colors as well.

Right now, the Surface Laptop Studio has more skin options than the Surface Pro 8. Surface Laptop Studio skins start at $40, and Surface Pro 8 skins start at $20.

Reddit user bwherman shared images of the Surface Laptop Studio with the textured honeycomb skin from SopiGuard. Follow-up photos shared in the comments on Reddit show additional angles. Other textured skins, such as 3M Green Camo, Forged Carbon, Leather White, and Black Wood are also available for the Surface Laptop Studio.

Since the Surface Pro 8 has less surface area to cover, the skins are much more affordable. At this time, some Surface Pro 8 skins from SopiGuard are only available for preorder.

The Surface Pro 8 has fewer textured options. SopiGuard has a photo gallery of all of its different textures and colors on various devices.

If you're an artist or use a stylus on your PC, you can also order a skin for your Surface Slim Pen 2 for $10.

What you need to know

• Google, Microsoft, Apple, and other major companies have new gadgets coming out in October 2021, which has been called "Techtober."
• The iPhone 13, Pixel 6, and new Surface hardware are among the newly announced devices.
• Windows Central readers are overwhelmingly most excited about the Surface Duo 2.

October is always a big month for gadget geeks, and that's especially the case with October 2021. Apple, Google, Microsoft, and other tech giants have new gadgets to show off this month. Many in the industry now refer to October as "Techtober" due to the number of announcements each year. Over the weekend, we ran a poll asking which gadget drew the most excitement from our readers. In a poll full of options from the biggest names in tech, the Surface Duo 2 won in a landslide.

Over 58% of polled Windows Central readers said that they were most excited about the Surface Duo 2. That was more than five times the interest the Pixel 6 drew. Only 2.6% of voters said that they were most interested in the iPhone 13. The MacBook Pro, which should be announced on October 18, 2021, only earned 2% of the votes.

As Windows Central has a readership with many Microsoft and Surface enthusiasts, it's not surprising that the Surface Duo 2 garnered the most attention. What is a bit surprising is the margin by which the Surface Duo 2 beat out every other device. Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio (6.9%), Surface Pro 8 (6.4%), and Surface Go 3 (2%) didn't come close to their foldable Surface sibling.

The Microsoft-made device that drew the second most interest was the Xbox Mini Fridge (9.6%).

Microsoft's Arc Mouse is on sale for just under $50 right now from Walmart. It's a great accessory for Microsoft's new Surface devices, such as the Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, or Surface Go 3. It also pairs well with older Surface hardware, thanks to its compact design. The Microsoft Arc Mouse can fold down into a minuscule sliver that can easily slot into a bag or pocket. You can then pop up the mouse to create a curved body that contours your hand.

Walmart has the black Microsoft Arc Mouse on sale for $50 right now. If you want to get the mouse in different colors, it's worth checking out at other retailers. Microsoft has the Soft Pink model for $53 and the Lilac version for $59. The similarly designed Surface Arc Mouse is also available from Microsoft in several colors starting at $56.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse connects through Bluetooth, so it will work wirelessly with all Surface devices. It doesn't require a dongle, helping keep its footprint small. The mouse weighs just 2.91 ounces (82.5 grams). At its thickest (when folded flat), the mouse is 14.22 mm thick, but it significantly tapers after you get past the part that stores its AAA batteries.

Despite its compact design, the Microsoft Arc Mouse supports both horizontal and vertical scrolling. The mouse has a full scroll plane where your finger rests. To help save battery life, the Microsoft Arc Mouse powers down when you fold it flat.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is one of the best Surface Pro accessories, but if you'd like something a bit heftier, you can check out our list of the best mice. The Microsoft Arc Mouse is convenient and compact, but you'll probably want something more robust for a permanent desk setup.

What you need to know

• Intel's generic graphics for 10/14/2021 enable 'Dynamic Refresh Rate' for Windows 11.
• The drivers let specific displays jump between 60 and 120 Hz automatically.
• While it works on Surface Pro 8 and Laptop Studio, users need to install the drivers manually.
• Once approved as stable, Microsoft will push the drivers out through Windows Update.

In June, we noted a new feature in Windows 11 called Dynamic Refresh Rate, which would allow PCs with high-refresh displays to jump dynamically between low and high-refresh based on scrolling, inking, or inactivity. We strongly hinted that new Surface products would likely embrace such technology, and sure enough, Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio both have 120 Hz screens.

Despite the underlying technology being present, Dynamic Refresh Rate is not enabled on either new Surface is something coming later via an update. Today, users on reddit spotted Intel's latest generic display drivers and noticed that upon installation, a new option now appears enabling this new display option.

We've confirmed on Surface Pro 8 that the new drivers add the option for dynamic refresh rate found under Settings > Display > Advanced Display > Choose a refresh rate. Instead of just 60 Hz or 120 Hz, there is now a third option for Dynamic (60 Hz or 120 Hz) that was not present earlier.

The feature seems to work quite well, although more testing is needed for stability and to see any oddities with the drivers.

The drivers need to be manually installed (extract drivers from the zip file, upgrade driver through Device Manager) as the .exe installer will not work.

Microsoft releases its own "Surface-approved" graphics drivers through Windows Update after it has signed off on the drivers as being stable. It also removes things like the Intel Graphics Panel, which is auto-installed with these drivers.

As a rule of thumb, most users should hold off until Microsoft releases its Surface-approved drivers. These new Intel ones could cause unforeseen issues, especially if someone picks the wrong driver to update or the drivers themselves cause a conflict.

However, the good news is it seems Dynamic Refresh Rate for Windows 11 devices (those with 90Hz or higher displays) is right around the corner. We'll likely see many more laptops announced in the coming months that support this feature, which improves inking (reduced latency) and makes scrolling and OS animations a bit smoother while also helping to mitigate the hit on battery life.

You don't have to shell out $180 to get the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. In fact, you don't even need to fork over $140 to get the Surface Pro Keyboard. That's because the latter product is now down to $103, meaning you'll lose far less money than usual if you get in on the Surface goodness right now.

The Surface Pro Keyboard works with the Surface Pro 8, making it a slightly less insanely priced option for those who want the complete 2021 Surface experience for a few bucks off.

If you've yet to dive into the Surface ecosystem, are still considering whether to get the Pro 8 itself, and aren't yet ready for talk of accessories such as the above keyboard, check out our Surface Pro 8 review. We gave it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, which puts it somewhere close to being within spitting distance of perfection (read the full review for the pros and cons, as star ratings alone will never tell you all you need to know).

In the event you want more than just our opinion, check out the Pro 8 review roundup. Many critics, experts, and professionals are happy with the device.

Finally: You don't have to consider the above keyboard. There are other options in life, such as the best Microsoft Surface keyboards. That's right, there's a whole lineup of alternatives if you're not feeling compelled to spend three figures on a keyboard. The only question is which of the less expensive options will be right for you.

Perhaps one of the most significant and welcomed changes to Surface Pro 8 — besides Thunderbolt 4 and a 120Hz display — is the arrival of a removable SSD. While designed primarily for security concerns, regular consumers can take matters into their hands to upgrade the SSD to a larger size and even gain some speed. It's a fantastic feature since you can save yourself hundreds of dollars if you plan your Surface Pro 8 purchase and SSD upgrade.

But what about the details around such a procedure? What tools do you need? Should you re-paste the thermal enclosure for the SSD? And how do you get Windows 11 onto the new SSD?

All these questions and more are answered in this new guide on how (and why) you want to upgrade your Surface Pro 8's SSD. And if you have a Surface Pro X, we have a separate, but similar guide for that one too.

Time estimate for actual upgrade: < 20 minutes.

Why upgrade your Surface Pro 8 SSD?

Before we begin, let us discuss why you want to upgrade the internal storage to Surface Pro 8.

There are two reasons to consider, with the first being the most obvious:

1. You want more internal storage.
2. You want a (slightly) faster SSD.

The first reason is self-evident. You bought a Surface Pro 8 with 128 or 256GB of storage, and you want more. Maybe you want 512GB or even 1TB.

Indeed, you could buy the 128GB Surface Pro 8 ($1,099) and, for less than $200, get to 1TB if you upgrade it yourself. If you want Microsoft to preconfigure your 1TB option, you need to drop $2,199. It even works if you want that entry-level i7/16GB/256GB model ($1,599). Tossing in a third-party 1TB SSD costs you $1,800 versus $2,199 from Microsoft.

A faster SSD is less of a reason to upgrade and should be seen as a side benefit. Typically, doubling or even quadrupling your storage also improves the read and write performance due to the parallel nature of how flash storage is accomplished. Surface Pro 8's default SSD is, at best, mid-range by today's standards. Popping in more storage could yield +500MB/s improve sequential read scores, which does make everything feel just a smidge snappier.

Which SSD to buy?

Picking which SSD to get for Surface Pro 8 is the tricky part. It's different from buying a standard laptop SSD as Surface Pro 8 (and Pro X) use M.2 2230 PCIe SSD, which are much smaller. The market for such chips is also much tinier, hence why I can't just point you to Amazon and tell you to buy a specific model.

The easiest to recommend is a Toshiba/Kioxia BG4 M.2 2230 PCIe SSD. It gets excellent performance, and it just works. But, Toshiba does not direct-sell to consumers. Instead, it is an OEM part that must be purchased through business channels like Dell or on eBay if you are savvy. The key is to use the product SKU to find the version you want:

• KBG40ZNS256G TOSHIBA BG4 256G PCI-E NVME 2230 SSD (CLASS 35)
• KBG40ZNS512G TOSHIBA BG4 512G PCI-E NVME 2230 SSD (CLASS 35)
• KBG40ZNS1T02 TOSHIBA BG4 1TB PCI-E NVME 2230 SSD (CLASS 35)

Assuming you want to increase the storage and get faster speeds, you will want to search for KBG40ZNS256G (256GB), KBG40ZNS512G (512GB) or KBG40ZNS1T02 (1TB). Pricing at the time of writing is around $30 for 256GB, $99 for 512GB and $200 for 1TB.

The good news is the 1TB option decreased from $300 at the end of 2020 to a more affordable $200 in October 2021. The bad news is that most sellers are from China or Hong Kong, so it could take many weeks to get your purchase.

But there is now another option in 2021 that wasn't available previously: Western Digital (WD).

This part gets even trickier. You could get a Western Digital 1TB drive costing between $117 and $170, making it even a better deal than the $200 Toshiba. Plus, many sellers are based in the U.S., meaning you can get the SSD in days instead of weeks.

For this guide, I bought a "new" WD 1TB CH SN530 drive on eBay for $170. I had it in my hands in three days after ordering.

The "CH" denotes something unique about these, which is they are often used in the Xbox Series X|S. That's why so many of them are listed as "refurbished" or "pre-owned."

But there's a catch with these drives — available storage — which some eBay sellers are upfront about, e.g.:

The speculation here is that allocated space is used for Xbox Series X|S storage, and it can't be recovered.

A typical 1TB SSD usually has 952GB of available storage with around 913GB available after Windows 11 is installed versus the 823GB you'll have (with Windows 11) in one of these Western Digital drives. That's a loss of about 90GB.

On the flip side, if you're jumping from 128GB (available is less than 100GB) to 823GB, you're still getting a massive upgrade. Plus, you can save around $80 versus the Toshiba chip and often get it delivered faster. I can also vouch that the SSD performance is like Toshiba's, making a choice even more difficult.

Whichever route you go, you get a considerable storage upgrade and slightly faster speeds while saving money. The question is whether you need every GB and want to save even more money. The choice is yours.

Tools

There are only a few instruments needed to swap out the Surface Pro 8 SSD, but they are crucial:

• New M.2 2230 SSD
• Torx T3 screwdriver
• SIM Tool ejector
• USB Thumb Drive (Type-C, or Type-A with Type-C adapter; 16GB or larger)
• Surface Pro 8 Recovery Files
• Thermal paste (optional)
• Prying tool or X-ACTO knife (optional)
• Rubbing alcohol and Q-tips (optional)

Thermal paste, a prying tool, and rubbing alcohol are not obligatory as it depends on how detailed you want to be with the replacement. Microsoft ships its SSD in a metal enclosure for protection, functioning additionally as a heat sink. It uses a small amount of thermal paste sandwiched between the drive and the casing. SSDs typically do not produce that much heat (compared to a CPU or GPU), so the benefit is likely minimal.

Some people mount the M.2 SSD directly, but it may rattle due to the thinness without the enclosure. Users can add a shim to stop the rattle or put the new SSD into the old enclosure with (or without) adding the thermal paste.

For this tutorial, I will re-use the metal sleeve and re-paste the thermal compound.

Making a Windows 11 Recovery Drive

Since the replacement SSD does not have an OS, you will need to reinstall Windows 11 after the swap. The easiest way is to load Microsoft's official Surface Pro 8 recovery files to a USB drive, as this gives you all the necessary drivers for Surface Pro 8. Doing so restores Surface Pro 8 to its factory state.

The process is simple. We're going to wipe and configure the USB drive to be bootable and then copy over the Surface Pro 8 + Windows 11 recovery files to it. Here's how:

1. Plug your 16GB+ USB drive plugged into the Surface Pro 8.
2. Search for Recovery Drive and launch the application.

3. Uncheck Back up system files to the recovery drive as it is not needed.

4. Continue with the prompts to format and wipe the drive. This process configures the USB to be used as a bootable recovery drive for Windows 11.

5. Download the 6.4GB of Surface Pro 8 Recovery Files by entering in your Surface Pro 8 serial number (you can find that serial in the Surface app on your device or printed behind the kickstand.)

6. Unzip and extract all the Surface Pro 8 Recovery Files to the USB drive copying over any duplicates.

Put the thumb drive to the side for now, as it will be used after swapping the SSD.

Surface Pro 8: Swapping the SSD

Now that we have the substitute SSD and necessary tools, we can replace the Surface Pro 8's storage. Ensure you have backed up any files, photos, videos, or documents before removing the old SSD.

1. Power down Surface Pro 8 (Hold the power button down.)
2. Open the rear SIM/SSD panel found under the kickstand using a SIM tool.

3. Use the T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the single screw holding in the SSD.

4. Gently lift the SSD up at a slight angle and pull the SSD towards you (wiggle it back and forth.)

If you do not plan to re-use the SSD metal enclosure, you could slide in the new SSD and secure it with the holding screw. Once completed, move on to the next section on reinstalling Windows 11.

If you want to re-use the SSD enclosure (and re-paste it), continue to these steps:

1. Using a thin prying tool or X-ACTO knife, gently tease apart the enclosure starting from each side. It's very thin metal.

2. Remove the old SSD.

3. Remove old thermal paste from the inner enclosure using rubbing alcohol and Q-Tips.

4. Remove the label/sticker from the new SSD (if there is one.)

5. Add a tiny drop of thermal paste to the top of the SSD (1/2 a pea.)

6. Gently smooth the paste around the entire black area of the SSD.

7. Put the SSD back into the enclosure and close it, lightly pressing the sides to crimp it in place.
8. Reinsert SSD enclosure into Surface Pro 8, securing it with the single set screw.
9. Replace rear enclosure door.

Do not add a lot of thermal paste as it is not strictly needed. Nor do you need expensive thermal paste, as this is not a high-performance CPU. You want a very thin layer when spread out, as too much paste defeats the purpose.

Once completed, you should save the old SSD. Since that SSD is just your old OS and files, it'll boot right back up, were you to reinsert it back into Surface Pro 8. If you send in your Surface Pro 8 for a Microsoft warranty claim because it breaks, you'll want to put back the original drive and keep your after-market purchase as you may not get it returned.

Surface Pro 8: Reinstalling Windows 11

Now that the new SSD is in place, you need to reinstall Windows 11. It is recommended to have Surface Pro 8 plugged in for AC power during this process (don't power it on yet until step 2 below):

1. Insert the USB thumb drive into Surface Pro 8's Type-C port (either one.)
2. Press and hold power and volume down (-) buttons at the same time.
3. When the Surface logo appears on screen release only the power button.
4. Continue to hold the volume down (-) key for 10 seconds until the recovery menu appears.
5. From the blue Windows recovery menu choose your language.
6. On the next screen, select Recover from a drive.

7. Follow the rest of the prompts to reinstall Windows 11.

Reinstalling Windows 11 should take about ten minutes. Windows 11 now grabs the latest cumulative updates and drivers during the install. It'll be just like when you first turned on Surface Pro 8 with the entire "out-of-box experience."

Surface Pro 8 SSD Upgrade: Benchmarks

Upgrading the Surface Pro 8 with a 1TB SSD brought two enhancements. Storage size increased from ~197GB to 823GB, which is the main point of this upgrade. Additionally, storage performance increased, which is expected.

For context, read performance is what you experience when running Windows 11 and launching apps — basically, everyday OS operations. Write speed is when you write to disk to create large files, install apps/games, and transfer data, so you don't experience it as much.

My results may vary slightly from yours due to the randomization of input/output operations, but sequential read jumped from 2,390MB/s to 2,895MB/s — a net gain of 505MB per second. Sequential write also had a modest improvement going from 1,609MB/s to 1,993 MB/s — an increase of nearly 400 MB per second.

While sequential speeds did see a significant bump, random read and write did not, although they did slightly improve.

The improved performance is not earth-shattering, but the SSDs in Surface devices are never great, to begin with (Surface Laptop Studio being the single exception). So, any bit here helps.

The best part of this update is the value. If you can spare just shy of $200 for the drive and tools, you'll have made your Surface Pro 8 much more valuable as your primary PC. Good luck!

What you need to know

• Microsoft makes a more affordable Surface Pro Keyboard that works with the Surface Pro 8.
• It doesn't have Alcantara or a slot for the Surface Slim Pen 2 like the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard.
• The Surface Pro Keyboard costs $140 and is currently discounted to $104.

When Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 8, it also showed off the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. This keyboard has an Alcantara finish and a slot for charging the new Surface Slim Pen 2. It also has a $180 price tag, which is more than some people want to pay for a keyboard for a Surface Pro. Microsoft didn't make much fanfare about the fact that people can also order the more affordable Surface Pro Keyboard that works with the Surface Pro 8.

The Surface Pro Keyboard used to be called the Surface Pro X Keyboard. Since the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X share several design elements, some of their accessories are now interchangeable. The Surface Pro Keyboard only costs $140 on a normal day. At the time of publication, it's on sale for $36 off, bringing its price down to $104.

The Surface Pro Keyboard lacks the Alcantara finish of its more expensive sibling. It doesn't have a slot for charging the Surface Slim Pen 2 either. That may be a dealbreaker for people who want to store a pen on the go, but it doesn't matter for people who don't plan to use a stylus with their 2-in-1.

If neither of Microsoft's keyboards meets your needs, you can also check out the Brydge SP+ keyboard. It attaches to the Surface Pro 8 and converts the 2-in-1 into a more traditional laptop. We have a full review of the Brydge SP+ on the way.

The Surface Pro 8 has a higher starting price than its predecessor, and some of its accessories are more expensive than those previously available, but we recently broke down that the price creep of the Surface Pro lineup isn't as steep as it seems.

Microsoft's Surface devices are some of the best Windows tablets, but they've never been cheap. Their prices seem to have crept up over the years as well. The cheapest Surface Pro 8 is $1,100, which is significantly more than the $750 starting price the Surface Pro 7 launched with. Accessories feel like they've gotten more expensive too, making the so-called "Surface tax" even larger. But a closer look at the Surface Pro lineup shows that the price creep may not be as steep as it seems.

Raising the floor

When it comes to prices of devices, you have to make an a̶p̶p̶l̶e̶s̶-t̶o̶-a̶p̶p̶l̶e̶s̶ Surface-to-Surface comparison. The first major difference between the Surface Pro 7 and the Pro 8 is that only the Pro 7 has an Intel Core i3 option. The entry-model Surface Pro 7 also has just 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Many have complained for years that Microsoft shipped devices with only 4GB of RAM, pointing out that it's not enough RAM for modern computing (which isn't exactly true). Microsoft has responded to those complaints by not offering a model of the Surface Pro 8 with such low specs (at least for general consumers; there are Core i3 models for business).

Microsoft has also positioned the Surface Pro X as an entry-model for the Surface Pro lineup. There are differences, such as the Pro X running an ARM processor, but there are Surface Pro devices across a range of prices now. The Wi-Fi-only model of the Surface Pro X starts at $900 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of upgradable storage. That's more than the $750 price of the most affordable Surface Pro 7, but is in line with a Surface Pro 7 with an Intel Core i5 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.

Directly comparing the Surface Pro 7 and Pro 8 across similar specs shows that most comparable SKUs have comparable prices. For example, an Intel Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs $1,200 for either device.

There are some exceptions. On the lower side of things, the Pro 7 with an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage is $200 cheaper than a comparably equipped Pro 8. At the high end, the Surface Pro 7 with an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage is $100 more than a Surface Pro 8 with similar specs.

It is also worth mentioning that the SSD in Surface Pro 8 is user-upgradable. That means you could buy that 128GB or 256GB model and throw in a 1TB SSD for $200 on your own. Sure, it's a bit of work, but the savings are substantial, which was not an option with Surface Pro 7.

A rising Surface tax?

The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard announced alongside the Surface Pro 8 costs $180. That's … not cheap. It's also not the only option. Microsoft didn't make a lot of fanfare about the fact that the Surface Pro X Keyboard has been renamed to the Surface Pro Keyboard. It works with either device and only costs $140. That's only $10 more than the Surface Pro Type Cover that works with the Surface Pro 7.

If you want a premium keyboard with the Surface Pro 8, you can go with the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. It's reinforced with carbon fiber, which is supposed to make it sturdier. It's the same keyboard that pairs with the Surface Pro X. In fact, they're the same listing on the Microsoft Store. It also has Alcantara material and a slot for charging the Surface Slim Pen 2.

Speaking of the pen, the Surface Slim Pen 2 is $130. The Surface Pen only cost $100 at launch. But it's not exactly fair to compare these two pens directly. The Slim Pen 2 has a different design, a haptic engine, and can charge while cradled in the Surface Signature Keyboard. The better comparison, the original Slim Pen that was announced with the Surface Pro X, cost $145 at launch. That's slightly more than the Slim Pen 2's initial price of $130.

Finally, you can also get the new Brydge SP+ wireless keyboard for just $140.

Not so different after all

After digging through the Microsoft Store and looking back at the launch of the Surface Pro 7, the prices of the Surface Pro 8 and Pro 8 aren't as different as I first thought. Microsoft got rid of the most affordable option of the Surface Pro lineup, but sort of replaced it with the Surface Pro X. An entry-level Surface Pro 8 is $200 more than a Surface Pro 7 with the same specs, but as you move to higher specs, prices even out.

Upon closer inspection, the high price of the Surface Pro 8 and its accessories seems to stem from the fact that it follows both the Surface Pro 7 and the Surface Pro X. The Surface Pro 8 is obviously a direct successor to the Surface Pro 7, but it also takes design cues from the Surface Pro X. The Surface Signature Keyboard and Surface Slim Pen 2 also work with the Surface Pro X. Luckily, there are more affordable accessories available.

The biggest reason for the increased price of the Surface Pro line is that Microsoft cut the most affordable option. You can't order a Surface Pro 8 with an Intel Core i3 and 4GB of RAM. For those looking for the most affordable Surface Pro, you'll have to see whether the Surface Pro X meets your needs. For those shopping in the mid or high range, prices haven't changed that much.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and in this massive episode, Dan and Zac review Windows 11, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Laptop Studio. They also touch on Surface Go 3. It's the best Surface Go yet, but still has a long way to go.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on October 8th 2021.

Links:

• Windows 11 review: The start of a new era | Windows Central
• Are you upgrading to Windows 11? | Windows Central
• Surface Pro 8 review: Nearly 10 years in the making, Microsoft finally figures it all out | Windows Central
• Surface Laptop Studio review: Redefining what a Windows laptop can be (again) | Windows Central
• Surface Go 3: Price, release date, features, and everything you need to know | Windows Central

Subscribe to the podcast

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Hosts

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

Make this show great by participating!

Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

• Email: wcpodcast@windowscentral.com
• Twitter: @WindowsCentral with hashtag #wcpodcast

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface app has been updated with a new look and user experience.
• The app now supports Surface accessories, including audio devices, docks, and pens.
• The Surface app now works with Smart charging for devices that support it.

Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3 this week. Following the availability of the new hardware, Microsoft updated its Surface app for Windows. The app has a new look that fits in on Windows 11, and it has several new features. The app now works with Smart charging on supported devices. It also supports Surface accessories, including docks, pens, and audio devices.

Here's everything new from the Surface app's October 2021 update:

• An updated user experience that complements the premium hardware experience for Surface
• Support for Surface accessories, including Surface audio devices, pen, and docks
• Support for features, like Smart charging, on devices that support it
• New promotions for eligible Surface devices
• Support for 36 languages

The app's user experience has changed quite a bit. Previously, the app looked similar to Windows 10 apps like the Settings app. The updated Surface app lines up better with Windows 11.

It's been a busy week for Microsoft's Surface lineup. Make sure to check out our Surface Pro 8 review and Surface Laptop Studio review to catch up on everything about the latest devices from Microsoft.

Microsoft's Surface hardware events are always eagerly anticipated thanks to the promise of shiny new devices. This year was no exception, as we waited to see whether expectations of a Pro 8, Laptop Studio, Pro X, Go 3, and Duo 2 would be realized.

While Microsoft seems to always be on the ball with its design choices — save maybe port selection — the performance hardware side of things isn't always as easy to appreciate. The AMD-powered Surface Laptop 3 15 comes to mind, as do the Intel-powered Surface Studio 2 and Surface Go 2. These devices launched with aging processors, much to the chagrin of power users who wanted the absolute best performance in their brand-new device.

A whole new crop of Surface PCs is here, launching Oct. 5 to coincide with the worldwide rollout of Windows 11. While the Pro X hasn't seen a performance upgrade, the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 do have some new CPUs. And with the launch of the new Surface Laptop Studio, there are also some Intel H-series chips to take a look at. Let's see what we can expect from these CPUs, as well as how they might compare to a bunch of other popular laptops that we've already had in for testing.

Surface Pro 8 and 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake

The Surface Pro 8 can be equipped with four different processors, all from Intel's 11th Gen Tiger Lake series. PCIe 4, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6 support comes with these CPUs. Looking at the consumer side first — the Pro 8 also has commercial options for business — there are Core i5-1135G7 and Core i7-1185G7 quad-core chips available. These are both 10nm with a maximum 28W TDP, capable of hyper-threading for a total of eight threads.

The i5 tops out at around 4.2GHz with Turbo, while the i7 hits about 4.8GHz with Turbo. As for the cache, the i5 is looking at 8MB while the i7 has 12MB. Intel Iris Xe graphics are integrated into both chips, with the i7 version being a bit more powerful thanks to a slightly higher frequency and more execution units (96 compared to 80). You can expect better graphics performance compared to previous Iris Plus and UHD integrated chips, but I still wouldn't consider the Pro 8 a gaming PC. You can find a lot more power in our collection of the best gaming laptops.

We've already seen the i5-1135G7 in the Surface Pro 7 Plus where it achieved impressive numbers in both Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R23 benchmarking. And now that we've tested the Core i7-1185G7 in the Surface Pro 8, we can see where performance rests.

On the commercial side of the Pro 8 release, a Core i3-1115G4 and Core i5-1145G7 join the aforementioned Core i7-1185G7. Why the different i5 on the commercial side? It has Intel vPro capabilities, just like the i7-1185G7, to help with remote management. These appeal to IT departments, so it makes sense for Microsoft to offer them for enterprise buys. The i5-1145G7 has a slightly higher Turbo clock compared to its 1135G7 counterpart, but its cache, TDP, and graphics frequency remain the same.

The Core i3 is there to help keep costs down, or for anyone who doesn't need a whole lot of power. It's a dual-core chip with Intel UHD integrated graphics, so don't expect it to measure up too closely to the i5 and i7 siblings. We've tested the i3-1115G4 in the Acer Aspire 5, but haven't so far tested the i5-1145G7; I pulled average single-core and multi-core numbers from official Geekbench listings to give an idea of what to expect. As for Cinebench, i3 and i7 numbers are listed.

Take these numbers with a grain of salt. The Pro 8 is its own device, and averages pulled from a huge database are certainly skewed.

Surface Laptop Studio and 11th Gen Intel H-series CPUs

The Surface Laptop Studio is the latest device to join the lineup, bringing a snazzy 2-in-1 design with display hinge on top of a standard laptop body. It's packing 11th Gen Intel Core H-series CPUs for a bit more power owing to its "Studio" designation. Entry-level configs have a Core i5-11300H, with the Core i7-11370H available as a step up. PCIe 4, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6 support come with these chips.

These two Tiger Lake CPUs have four cores, eight threads, a 10nm process, and a maximum 35W TDP. The i5's base clock speed hits up to 3.1GHz at that 35W TDP, while the i7 hits 3.3GHz when drawing the same power. As for Turbo, the i5 hits 4.4GHz while the i7 hits 4.8GHz.

Both chips feature integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, though the Laptop Studio provides dedicated graphics options as well for more power. Compared to the 11th Gen G7 CPUs in the Surface Pro 8, and compared to 10th Gen H-series counterparts, you should expect better performance here.

We tested the Surface Laptop Studio's Core i7-11370H CPU, putting it through multiple benchmarks to see exactly how it performs.

As for the Core i5-11300H option, we still haven't had a chance to test it in-house. Notebookcheck has average Geekbench 5 scores of 1,313 (single-core) and 4,403 (multi-core). Similarly, CPU-Monkey has Cinebench R23 average scores of 1,394 (single-core) and 5,349 (multi-core).

Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro X

The Surface Go 3 saw mostly a performance upgrade. It's now available with either an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or a 10th Gen Intel Core i3-10100Y. This isn't a huge bump in power, and it's looking like the same issue of "barely enough" that we saw in the Surface Go 2 will be true once again.

While benchmarks and performance numbers are not plentiful for either of these chips — we will have our own set of numbers once we have a Go 3 in for testing — we can compare them to the older Go 2 CPUs.

The Pentium Gold 6500Y in the Go 3 is a dual-core chip with four threads, 5W TDP (up to 7W), and 1.1GHz base frequency. The Gold 4425Y in the Go 2 is also a dual-core chip with four threads, with a 6W TDP and 1.7GHz base frequency. The 6500Y does have a larger cache (4MB compared to 2MB) and a slightly higher max frequency for its integrated graphics. Performance is likely not going to be wildly different if you're coming from a Go 2 with the Pentium chip.

The 10th Gen i3-10100Y in the Go 3 has two cores, four threads, 5W TDP (up to 7W), 4MB cache, and a 1.3GHz base frequency. The 8th Gen m3-8100Y has two cores, four threads, 5W TDP (up to 8W), 4MB cache, and a 1.1GHz base frequency. Again, these chips are quite close on paper, and we will have to see how they perform in a real-world setting.

As for the Surface Pro X announced at the 2021 Surface Event, nothing is changing when it comes to performance hardware. There's now a version available without built-in LTE, which also lowers the starting cost of the device.

Both the Microsoft SQ1 and SQ1 ARM CPUs remain as available options for the Pro. If you're interested in how these chips compare, Executive Editor Daniel Rubino's in-depth Surface Pro X SQ2 review has all the information. And if you're looking for details about a bunch of other great laptops, our collection of the best Windows laptops likely has what you need.

What you need to know

• You can now order dbrand skins for the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3.
• Surface Duo 2 dbrand skins are also available for preorder.
• Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Duo 2 skins start at $20.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 went on sale earlier this week. Now, anyone interested in Microsoft's latest 2-in-1 devices can order skins for them from dbrand. As is the case with most of dbrand's Surface skins, you can order a skin for the body of the device and an additional skin for the logo on the back of the PC.

Back skins for the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 cost $20, while logo skins cost $1. The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 have smaller cameras than the Surface Duo 2, so you cannot order camera skins for the 2-in-1s.

You can choose from a wide range of patterns, including carbon fiber, wood, swarm, and camo. Pastel skins come in shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, pink, and "black" (note that pastel black does not appear black). You can also go for a leather look in black or white.

The Surface Duo 2 doesn't come out until later this month, but you can preorder skins for the foldable device from dbrand. Like the skins for its Surface siblings, the main body skins for the Surface Duo 2 cost $20. The logo and camera skins for the Duo 2 cost $2.

For years, fans of Microsoft's Surface line — including us — have been frustrated by the fact that Microsoft continuously chose not to outfit its devices with Thunderbolt ports. While manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, and HP were putting Thunderbolt on several of their laptops, Microsoft stubbornly stuck with standard USB-C. However, that has finally changed, as both the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Laptop Studio feature not one, but two Thunderbolt ports.

But is the addition of Thunderbolt really that big of a deal? Ultimately, while it's true that Thunderbolt isn't the flashiest feature out there, we do think it's a very valuable and important one. Here's why the addition of Thunderbolt 4 on Surface devices is a significant step forward.

Support for dual-monitor setups

One of the biggest reasons the addition of Thunderbolt 4 on the Surface Pro 8 and Laptop Studio is significant is because Thunderbolt 4 is capable of supporting the use of not one, but two external 4K external monitors. This is a big deal, as it means that you'll now be able to use dual-monitor setups by using a single Thunderbolt 4 port.

Since the Surface Pro 8 and Laptop Studio have two Thunderbolt 4 ports, this gives you the freedom to utilize the other one for other accessories like hard drives or USB hubs. This will save you a lot of money that you may have otherwise needed to spend on a docking station (though getting one of the best laptop docking stations is still a good idea if you can afford one).

Using a pair of the best computer monitors is one of the best ways to enhance your ability to multitask while working in the office or at your home workstation. Therefore, the fact that the Surface Pro 8 and Laptop Studio are equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports makes them very flexible, as putting together a dual-monitor setup is easier than ever before with them.

Top-notch transfer speeds

Another reason the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports on new Surface devices is valuable is because they utilize 40Gbps bandwidth. This allows users to transfer files to and from the best external hard drives, such as the CalDigit Tuff nano, much faster than they could with traditional USB-A or USB-C ports that only support lower speeds.

While you probably won't take advantage of this much if you don't often work with large files, it's a big deal for people who do a lot of photo or video editing. Since high-quality images and videos tend to take up a lot of space, many editors will load them onto external drives when they're finished and then retrieve them later when they're needed. Being able to do this quickly will save them a ton of time.

Since Surface devices haven't had Thunderbolt until now, they've generally been considered a sub-par option for media editing. However, now that Microsoft has embraced Thunderbolt, something like the Surface Laptop Studio is perfect for editing photos and video. Not only does the Surface Laptop Studio have beefy specs and a relatively compact design, but it also comes with the high-speed Thunderbolt connectivity that most editors look for in a laptop.

Compatibility with eGPUs

The addition of Thunderbolt 4 ports also means that you can use the best eGPUs for gaming with the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Laptop Studio, which is something that will benefit the Surface Pro 8 especially. The Surface Pro 8's powerful 11th Gen Intel CPUs, all-day battery life, and thin and light chassis make it perfect for workday productivity. But when it's time to unwind, the fact that you can hook it up to an eGPU means that it can also be transformed into a great gaming machine, too — especially since the device's display looks fantastic and has a refresh rate of 120Hz.

In his Surface Pro 8 review, my colleague Daniel Rubino was able to easily achieve 120 FPS in Dying Light 2 while playing at resolutions at and above 2K by using a Razer eGPU equipped with an NVIDIA RTX 2080. This performance easily rivals many of the best gaming laptops out there, and it's all thanks to the flexibility of Thunderbolt.

Final thoughts

While Thunderbolt may not seem like a big deal on the surface (har har), it's one of the most valuable features that modern laptops have. Between its compatibility with multiple displays, its high-speed data transfers, and its support for eGPUs, Thunderbolt 4 is a big deal — and the fact that Microsoft has finally embraced it with the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio means that these devices will be significantly more competitive than their predecessors.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 launched today. As is the case with many major product launches, reviews for the device came out the same day the Surface Pro 8 became available for purchase. It's been almost 10 years since Microsoft's Surface Pro came out, so the company has had time to refine its design. That's reflected in its reviews, which are largely positive.

Our executive editor Daniel Rubino gave the device a 4.5 out of 5 in our Surface Pro 8 review:

The Verge's review discussed how the Surface Pro 8 marries the design of the Surface Pro X with the power of the Surface Pro lineup. As a result, people don't need to compromise looks for power or vice versa:

XDA's review of the Surface Pro 8 also likened the design of the device to the Surface Pro X:

In its review of the Surface Pro 8, Tom's Guide highlighted how good Windows 11 feels on Microsoft's latest flagship 2-in-1:

PCMag called the device the "most meaningful update to the product in years" in its review:

Experts appear to be impressed by the Surface Pro 8. Many brought up its high price, but the device still earned high marks from those in the industry.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio introduces a new form factor, the non-detachable 2-in-1. Like many Surface devices, it's earned positive marks for its design and the engineering required to make it, but several reviews bring up its lack of power compared to the best Windows laptops. Here's how industry experts feel about Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Studio.

In his Surface Laptop Studio review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino gave the unique device 4 out of 5 stars. Despite the high price of the Surface Laptop Studio, Rubino came away impressed by its flexibility:

The folks over at Engadget were pleased with the design of the Surface Laptop Studio, but wish it was more powerful:

Our sister site TechRadar also brought up the lack of power in its Surface Laptop Studio review. The laptop earned a 3.5 out of 5 for its good display, design, trackpad, and webcam, but it lost points for its price and use of an Intel H35 processor:

In what appears to be a trend across several reviews, Tom's Hardware also lauded the design of the Surface Laptop Studio but criticized its lack of power:

Overall, the reviews for the Surface Laptop Studio echo similar sentiments. It isn't as powerful as some of its competitors, but it stands out for its unique design. Microsoft may not view that fact as a bad thing. In his Windows Central writeup, Rubino points out that the Surface Laptop Studio is designed for a specific niche:

You can also read reviews of the other latest Surface devices here on Windows Central, such as the Surface Pro 8.

Microsoft has been riding the modern Surface Pro design since 2014's Surface Pro 3, which finally nailed the iconic design with a 3:2 display. Microsoft has always made modest improvements over the years, including fanless i5, angled typing, improved cameras, better thermals, a larger display, and improving the Surface Pen. But the design started getting stale in 2018 as companies moved towards thinner bezels and adopting Intel's Thunderbolt 3.

While Surface Pro 7+ made things better with Intel 11th Gen and a larger battery, it was aimed only at business users. At the time, we speculated Microsoft wanted to significantly revise Surface Pro but not alienate its enterprise users who rely on consistency. That hypothesis was correct as Surface Pro 8 is an entirely new device that shifted ports around, replaced others, and won't work with expensive accessories like the super cool Kensington SD7000 dock.

Luckily for fans of Surface Pro, the new Surface Pro 8 is effectively flawless. Sure, battery life can always be better, but between the new design, larger 120Hz display, new Slim Pen 2 with storage, thinner bezels, and much more, well, it is easily the most exciting update to the most iconic Surface.

Considering Surface Pro turns 10 years old next June, Surface Pro 8 is a fitting tribute to one of the most significant PCs of the modern era.

Surface Pro 8: Price, availability, and specs

Surface Pro 8 is now available in nine markets. Those in the US and other markets can order it through Microsoft, Best Buy, Amazon, and other third-party retailers. Those nine initial markets include:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Austria
• Germany
• Ireland
• Switzerland
• France
• Japan

Due to an ongoing global chip and processor shortage that affects Microsoft quite substantially, some markets may not see Surface Pro 8 until early 2022, while others may see it in late 2021. Those markets include:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Denmark
• Finland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
• Poland
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• The Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Greece
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia

Starting price is $1,099 for the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. That's a higher price than Surface Pro 7 due to Microsoft dropping Core i3 models with 4GB of RAM from the consumer market (there are commercial models with Core i3 and 8GB of RAM). The move will likely give some breathing room for Surface Pro X, which now starts at $899 for Wi-Fi only and is an excellent alternative to that Core i3.

The above pricing does not include the Surface Pro Keyboard ($140) without the Slim Pen 2 or the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 ($280). Those keyboards come in four colors, including Poppy Red, Ice Blue, Platinum, and black.

Before getting to the specs, here is a general overview of what is new and different from Surface Pro 7:

• Rounded chassis "compliments fluid UI design of Windows 11"
• Thinner bezels expand the display real estate by 11%
• Chassis made from recycled anodized aluminum (versus magnesium)
• New ambient color sensor to dynamically adjust display colors based on room lighting
• 120Hz display makes pen latency "seemingly undetectable"
• IR camera has been improved substantially for speed and accuracy
• Microsoft's AI lets Windows Hello dynamically adapt to changes in your appearance (glasses and facial hair)
• 5MP full HD RGB camera has larger 1.4-micron pixels for better low-light performance
• The camera also has tuning optimizations to keep your face in focus
• Dolby Vision (HDR) and Dolby Atmos (surround sound)
• Surface Pro 8 supports up to 23-watt TDP for the 11th Gen Intel processor
• You can get LTE in Core i3 and Core i7 models for the first time (commercial markets)
• Battery has increased to 50.4WHr up from 43.2WHr
• Uses new carbon composite thermal dissipation system
• 46% faster compute and 75% boost to graphics processing compared to Surface Pro 7

The addition of Thunderbolt 4 (two ports, right side), Surface Slim Pen 2 with storage, and a larger display thanks to the thinner bezels are the most notable changes. But as you can see above, Microsoft redid nearly everything on Surface Pro 8 from the ground up compared to Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro 7+, making it feel like an entirely new device.

Since the SSD is accessible, users can manually upgrade storage to 1TB (maybe even 2TB). Also new this year is the ability to get up to 32GB of RAM.

Surface Pro 8: How to upgrade the SSD (and which one to get)

For this review, we are using the $1,600 model with Core i7, 256GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and a Platinum Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2, bringing the total price to $1,880 before taxes.

Surface Pro 8 ships with Windows 11, with Windows 11 Home for consumer editions while the business models get Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Pro. Users can always upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for an extra $99.

It's finally modern

Surface Pro 8: Design and features

Putting the Surface Pro 8 next to Surface Pro X (Microsoft's ARM variant) and looking straight on, you couldn't tell the difference between the two. But looking at the side profiles, the difference is evident: Add some vents and push the back out a few millimeters to cool those 11th Gen Intel processors, and you get Surface Pro 8. That's a good thing as Surface Pro X is the best designed Surface Pro.

Those changes mean Surface Pro 8 weighs 0.26 pounds (118g) more than Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 8 and is nearly 2mm thicker than Pro X (and 1mm thicker than Pro 7/7+). I think it's almost impossible to detect the weight difference when carrying the two. Pro 8 is noticeably fuller in overall size, but I can't complain about it either.

This year, Microsoft swapped out magnesium for aluminum in the chassis with a new Graphite colorway. The result? Microsoft finally nailed black. Whereas previous black Surface Pros were fingerprint magnets, this chassis is nearly impervious to the greasiest hands. It's these small details that I appreciate.

That chassis is also subtly more rounded than previous Surfaces, which had more stark edging. The slightly sloped and contouring edge feels soft and pleasant to hold and matches Windows 11 (with rounded corners).

Microsoft keeps it simple for ports. Below the power button are two Type-C on the right-hand side. Both support Intel's Thunderbolt 4, which means you can now connect this PC up to an external GPU (eGPU), use Thunderbolt 4 docks, and super-fast external Thunderbolt drives. The feature is long overdue and finally makes Surface Pro 8 a genuinely modern PC. Content creators will love it.

Below those Type-C ports is the Surface Connect along with its included 65-watt charger. Surface Connect with its magnetic attachment is a fan favorite, and while you can charge via Type-C, you get some fast charging with Surface Connect, including going from 0 to 80% charge in an hour.

On the left-hand side are a headphone jack and volume rocker. That headphone port is no big deal, but something Surface Pro X omits.

In the top bezel, which is admittedly thicker than the rest, is a stellar 5MP full HD camera that puts everything else to shame (save for Surface Laptop Studio, which is similar). Microsoft uses some AI trickery to enhance lighting and track your face, so the focus doesn't blur out if you take a swig from your coffee. If you spend a lot of time on video calls, Surface Pro 8 is a superb choice.

There are also a couple of microphone and infrared sensors for Windows Hello to log into Windows 11 with your face (biometric security). It's insanely fast. New this year is an adaptive color sensor as well. More on that in the display part of the review below.

A 10MP camera (up from 8MP) is on the rear that matches the one in Surface Pro X. It can now do 4K video. It's a good camera for screenshotting a whiteboard for OneNote or other essential tasks.

I struggle to come up with words to describe how much better the dual 2W speakers (up from 1.6W) are with Dolby Atmos (spatial audio). With that slightly thicker chassis and more powerful speakers, Surface Pro 8 now has a resonance, resulting in a much richer sound profile than older Surface Pros. I think it even sounds as good if not better than the quad speakers of Surface Laptop Studio. These are some solid speakers for watching movies, playing games, or when on a Microsoft Teams call.

The Surface Pro Signature Keyboards are the same design as Surface Pro X and are interchangeable with that model. You do, however, get the new Windows 11 logo, which is a nice touch.

The new platinum color is a darker gray this year and looks great. It's supposedly also slightly more rigid. The bigger deal is the tray for the Surface Slim Pen or Surface Slim Pen 2. The pen now tucks away when not in use and even recharges it. It's a genius design and makes this Surface Pro that much better than previous iterations, as you'll no longer lose that pen in transit.

The touchpad is smooth, uses Microsoft Precision drivers, and clicks very loudly, which is annoying in a quiet room. Microsoft solves this on Surface Laptop Studio with a non-moving haptic trackpad where you can adjust the "click" volume. I'd like to see that tech used here in the future.

I've always loved typing on the Surface Pro keyboards, and that is true here. The angle, the way the keys respond, the backlighting, it's also super enjoyable.

It's worth noting that Microsoft finally added some small magnets in the keyboard, too, so it now stays closed and won't flop around. Surface Pro X did this, and it's a welcomed addition here too.

My only minor gripe with Surface Pro 8 is that the kickstand is slightly more difficult to open because the notch is harder to discern with the smoothed edges. It's super minor, but the Pro 7's kickstand is easier to grip to open.

A LOT to talk about

Surface Pro 8: Display and inking

The centerpiece of Surface Pro is its display, and there are numerous significant changes for Surface Pro 8, all for the better.

Moving to a more prominent 13-inch display is not only easier on my aging eyes, but also results in those bezels being thinned out. An 11% increase in screen size may not sound like much, but it's a significant difference in usage, with Surface Pro 8 being even more immersive.

Plus, it just looks better.

Sure, those bezels all have different proportions (not an issue on Surface Laptop Studio), but I don't care. The result is a bigger, bolder display.

Pixels per inch (PPI) is still 267 despite the large size thanks to the increased resolution of 2880x1920 (versus 2736x1824). The display aspect is also still 3:2 — a signature of Surface that closely resembles A9 paper size.

And that display is good. Using a colorimeter, I measured 100% sRGB, 81% AdobeRGB, and 83% DCI-P3 — that's a vast improvement. By comparison, Surface Pro 7/7+ was just 98% sRGB, 73% AdobeRGB, and 72% DCI-P3.

Brightness peaked at 441 nits (just shy of claimed 450) and bottoms out at a super low 1.9 nits making this an excellent PC for use in a pitch-black room as you won't be blinded.

Also new is the 120Hz screen refresh. By default, Surface Pro 8 is set for 60Hz, but users can go into Settings > Display > Advanced Display > Choose a refresh rate and set it to 120Hz (at the detriment of slightly worse battery life). Animations and video are smoother, making Windows 11 feel zippier.

Speaking of, Windows 11 now supports Dynamic Refresh Rate, which lets displays instantly shift between 60Hz (idle) and 120Hz (scrolling, inking). That should help prolong battery life while also delivering that faster display refresh. Disappointingly that feature is not yet enabled, although Microsoft expects a firmware update later to enable it.

That 120Hz is also responsible for the lack of latency with Surface Slim Pen 2. The higher refresh lets the ink "flow" better, simulating a real inking experience. That pen also supports haptics, a type of "force feedback." Haptic inking only works if the app supports it, but there are quite a few that already do, including:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Journal
• Microsoft Whiteboard
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Adobe Fresco
• Sketchable
• LiquidText
• Shapr3D

Users can control how strong the haptics feel under Settings, as well as turning it off. By default, it is set to 50% though I found turning it up to near 100% is a better experience. The feature makes it feel like friction when writing simulating using a pencil on paper. Changing to pen or marker changes it again. And the pen gives a little "kick" when using Adobe Fresco and the lasso tool when you are nearing the grab points.

Pen haptics is a neat feature, but not quite jaw-dropping either as it's subtle. But when combined with the new pen tip in Surface Slim Pen 2, it positively enhances the overall experience. Toss in 120Hz refresh for no latency, the ability to tuck it away in the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard (where it also recharges), and the whole set is a very impressive advancement in digital inking.

For the first time, Microsoft is also using Dolby Vision, a form of high-dynamic-range (HDR), which enhances contrast with video content. When linked with movies graded for Dolby Vision, you get deeper blacks, better contrast, and richer colors.

By default, there are no settings for Dolby Vision, but users can install the Dolby Access app in the Microsoft Store. That app can tune audio (Dolby Atmos), and video (Dolby Vision) with some presets.

Likewise, there is now an adaptive color sensor. That sensor sits near the front-facing webcam and auto-adjusts the white balance to match your current ambient lighting resulting in more consistency across different environments. Apple has been doing this for a few years now (aka "True Tone"). The effect is harsh whites get mellowed out under warmer lighting conditions. Oddly, while I dislike True Tone on the iPhone, I enjoy it here. Of course, users can disable it under Settings > Display.

I am pleased to report that Microsoft does now let users disable Intel's "adaptive contrast," long a bugaboo of Surface fans. Adaptive contrast dims blacks and reduces contrast to decrease power consumption, making it a valuable feature for the battery conscious. However, the experience can create jarring shifts in brightness when jumping between a primarily white web page and something predominantly black.

When you combine 120Hz, Dolby Vision HDR, adaptive color, and excellent color accuracy in a larger 13-inch screen, you get the best Surface Pro display experience ever. It's terrific. Using Wi-Fi 6 and streaming the new The Matrix: Resurrections 4K trailer is incredibly delightful with bold, bright, contrasty colors. It's an enormous difference.

My only protest with the Surface Pro 8 display is an old one: It's too glossy because of no anti-reflective (AR) layer. HP, Dell, Lenovo, and especially Apple use AR in their pen-enabled products like the iPad Pro. AR keeps contrast and color accuracy while making the device more comfortable under bright lights or outdoors. It's a frankly baffling oversight, and Microsoft has been unable to provide me with a justifiable answer for its absence.

11th Gen delivers

Surface Pro 8: Performance and battery

Although Surface Pro 7+ launched earlier this year with Intel 11th Gen U-series processors, Surface Pro 8 gets slightly updated ones for the higher-end Core i7 range. Instead of a 4.7GHz Core i7-1165G7, the Surface Pro 8 brings the slightly faster 4.8GHz Core i7-1185G7.

The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are also clocked slightly higher (1.35GHz vs. 1.3GHz). That i7-1185G7 is now Intel vPro compatible with Intel Trusted Execution Technology and Total Memory Encryption, which is in line with Windows 11's focus on hardware and software security.

Direct comparisons with previous Surface Pros are challenging as we have had a mix of Core i5 models, but with reworked thermals and the Intel EVO platform, the Surface Pro 8 has some excellent results.

Despite being more thermally constrained (smaller, tighter chassis), the Surface Pro 8 with i7 matches Surface Laptop 4 (13-inch) with the same Core i7 in PCMark 10, which measures overall system performance using a mix of CPU and GPU. That's very good as typical Surface Pros struggled to match more traditional laptops.

Indeed, even on Cinebench 23, which is all CPU, Surface Pro 8 leads the pack of similar laptops with the same Core i7-1185G7 processor confirming that Microsoft did some crazy thermal work with the new design (it's also way ahead of Surface Book 3 with a 10th Gen i7). Likewise, on Geekbench 5 where Surface Pro 8 is in range of the superb Razer Book 13 and Dell XPS 13 (9310).

No surprise that Surface Pro 8 is not ideal for gaming, but Iris Xe is still a significant improvement over Intel UHD graphics from years prior. Surface Pro 8 should be no better or worse than any other Core i7 Ultrabook in 2021. And with the rise of PC cloud streaming via Xbox Game Pass, the delta between a gaming rig and ultra-portable PC is narrowing. (Plus, eGPUs are now possible).

Speaking of, using an eGPU with an NVIDIA RTX 2080, I was able to get easily get 120+ frames-per-second in Dying Light 2 running at 2K and higher resolutions on an external display. Since most games these days are GPU-heavy, it's the graphics card you use in that GPU that matters most instead of the Surface Pro 8's quad-core CPU.

Turning to the SSD and Microsoft continues to make strikes in performance, although not as much as with Surface Laptop Studio. Surface Pro 8, which now has a replaceable SSD, managed 2,400MB/s for sequential read and 1,600MB/s for sequential write. While not astounding compared to other laptops, that is a big jump from Surface Pro 7's 2,000MB/s for read and just 752MB/s for write.

Battery life is tricky as there are now so many variables. For this test, we disabled battery-saving features like auto-brightness and adaptive contrast while keeping performance set to "recommended." Display brightness is set to 40% to match our previous Surface Pro 7/7+ battery benches.

Using PCMark 10 Modern Office, which constitutes light to medium productivity work including video chats, web browsing, and Office use, Surface Pro 8 at 120Hz managed a respectable 9 hours and 3 minutes. Knocking down the refresh rate to 60Hz (default setting) and battery life increased to 10 hours and 45 minutes. That's just shy of Surface Pro 7+ (11 hours and 12 minutes), but Surface Pro 8 has a slightly faster processor and a larger display. But it is better than Surface Pro 7, which only garnered 9 hours and 52 minutes.

Of course, if you set the display brightness to 80% (or higher) with 120Hz on while gaming or using the GPU, you'll shave many hours off those results. Display brightness is one of the most extensive battery drawers, so auto-brightness and adaptive contrast are enabled by default to help improve things.

The bottom line is, comparatively, Surface Pro 8 is not that dissimilar from previous Surface Pros, just slightly better. While the battery is larger (50.2WHr) than Surface Pro 7 (43.2WHr), the increased screen size and other advancements offset some of the gains from Intel 11th Gen. Nonetheless, it is also OK to say this is the best battery life of any Surface Pro even if those gains are small.

Finally, turning to heat and fan noise, even the Core i5 model is now actively cooled. But while that fan kicks in under duress, e.g., Windows Update, compiling, rendering, or gaming, the fan itself is quiet, with only the whooshing of air being pushed through the chassis being audible. It's not loud, and there is no whine, but you will hear it. Compared to most Ultrabooks, however, I'd classify Surface Pro 8 as very quiet. During regular light use like web browsing, email, etc., it's silent.

Temperatures are also very nominal and in line with previous Surfaces. The back can get warm but is never hot to the touch. I measured a peak of 108°F (42°C) on the upper back panel, which cools down rapidly once the CPU and GPU settle down.

Send in the clones

Surface Pro 8: Competition

Depending on how you feel about the overall design of Surface Pro's tablet + PC features, there are a few worthy alternatives out there.

First is Surface Pro X, which originated this updated design. The new Wi-Fi-only model for $899 is the alternative to the non-existent Core i3 Surface Pro 8 for consumers. It has worse performance due to that aging Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2/Microsoft SQ2 ARM processor, but it makes up for it with a few extra hours of battery life plus 4G LTE. You don't get haptic pen compatibility, but it is slightly thinner and lighter.

Aimed more as businesses, there is Dell's Latitude 7320 Detachable. It has a more flimsy kickstand, but you get Thunderbolt 4, a 13-inch display (just full HD), 11th Gen Intel and a 5MP full HD camera. The battery is smaller, though, at 40WHr.

Lenovo also has its new ThinkPad X12 Detachable, which is similar to Surface Pro but aimed at enterprise. It has a lower-res full HD display and some weak speakers but brings all of Lenovo's magic over, including its famed "smile" keyboard design. There are also options for 4G.

HP also has the Surface Pro-like Elite X2 G8, also with Intel 11th Gen and even an optional 3,000x2,000 resolution in a 13-inch display. You get three Type-C ports, with two being Thunderbolt 4.

If you want just a traditional clamshell laptop, Surface Laptop 4 13-inch with Intel is a good choice as you'll get similar performance. Indeed, all of our best Ultrabook picks are worthy alternatives.

It's terrific

Should you buy the Surface Pro 8?

Who it's for

• Content creators
• Artists, notetakers, designers
• People who want a light and compact Windows PC

Who it isn't for

• Gamers
• People who need a discrete NVIDIA GPU

I've been using Surface Pro since its incarnation in 2012. It was a rough start at first as the idea was ahead of the hardware in those days resulting in terrible battery life and some awkward tradeoffs. But Microsoft persevered, and it was between Surface Pro 3 and Pro 4 where the idea finally began to click with consumers.

Nearly a decade on and Surface Pro 8, I'd argue, realizes that original idea of what this device could be. Sure, the tablet angle has waned with the demise of Windows 8, but the utility and convenience of Surface Pro's design is an essential option in the sea of laptop PCs. Not everyone needs to love it, but a lot of us do.

But what makes Surface Pro 8 so good is Microsoft simply did what fans have been asking for: Thunderbolt 4, 120Hz display, improved inking, better performance, thinner bezels, etc. These were all at the top of people's lists of how Surface Pro could be better, and now they're here.

Yeah, gaming is still a challenge, but at least you can now use an eGPU with an NVIDIA RTX 3080 GPU for your desktop setup and game like a boss, all from a single PC. And cloud streaming for Xbox games is also becoming a reality.

There are some minor gripes: Battery life is still not amazing, multi-core performance is lagging, and there is a fan. Apple has solved some of these with its M1 processor, although even the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 gets only six hours at max brightness and when set at 50% brightness just eight hours and 35 minutes. That's good, but not exactly miles ahead of Surface Pro 8, the superior PC.

Where does Surface Pro go from here? Adding AR to the glass and getting better processors is all that is needed. A microSD slot would be OK, but its use is diminishing each year. While LTE is nice, it is odd not to offer 5G in 2022 (my bet is Surface Pro X gets it first).

Microsoft is likely to ride this new Surface Pro design for the next three to five years. The good news is they did it right. Falling into a cycle of modest processor improvements and refinements will be A-OK.

Just give me AR, next time, kthxbai.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced five new Surface devices in September 2021, four of which are now available for purchase.
• The Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Pro X are now available.
• The Surface Duo 2 won't be available until October 22, 2021.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Go 3 are now available for purchase. The Surface Laptop Studio introduces a new form factor while the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 update Microsoft's 2-in-1 lineups. The Surface Pro X didn't receive a design overhaul or spec update, but starting today, you can order a more affordable model without LTE.

Note that some retailers may not take orders for the new devices until later today, October 5, 2021. At the time of publication, orders are live on Microsoft and Best Buy's websites.

The Surface Laptop Studio is a non-detachable 2-in-1. You can pull its screen forward to switch it into different modes. It's also the most powerful Surface device ever, according to Microsoft. Our executive editor Daniel Rubino runs the device through its paces in his Surface Laptop Studio review

The Surface Pro lineup has been around for 10 years. The Surface Pro 8 refines the lineup's design with a larger display and thinner bezels. It's also significantly more powerful than the Surface Pro 7. You can read more about the new 2-in-1 in our Surface Pro 8 review.

The Surface Go 3 has the same form factor and design as its predecessor but now has better hardware under the hood. Its Intel Core i3 model is 60% faster than the original Surface Go 2.

The Surface Pro X has a model without LTE connectivity that brings its starting price down. There aren't any other changes to the Surface Pro X lineup, but the model with only Wi-Fi connectivity is now available for order.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced five new Surface devices and three new accessories last week.
• Over 30% of our readers that voted in a recent poll want to buy a Surface Duo 2.
• The Surface Pro 8 received the second most votes, with almost 24% of polled participants saying they'd like to order one.

Going into Microsoft's Surface hardware event, our readers were most excited by the Surface Duo 2. That excitement appears to have continued following the official announcement of the foldable device.

"Preordered two Duos for my husband and I," said sarfinv in the comments section of our recent poll. GraniteStateColin preordered one as well, "I've preordered the Duo 2 already (but grumbled about the missing Qi)." Several other readers said they would buy a Surface Duo 2 when it became available through their respective carriers.

Over 30% of our polled readers said they'd want to buy the Surface Duo 2.

The Surface Pro 8 came in second place with 23.64% of the vote (note that voters could select multiple options in this poll). The Surface Pro 8 saw its most significant refresh in several generations, including thinner bezels and a larger display.

Around one in five voters said they'd want to purchase the Surface Laptop Studio. Several have already preordered Microsoft's new device. ITMedCEO said that a "fully loaded Surface Laptop Studio is on the way!"

Microsoft calls the Surface Laptop Studio the most powerful Surface device to date. That power convinced jasqid to order one. "I pre-ordered the i7 studio laptop. First time I ever [ordered] a device like this. I've [had] a pro 3, pro 7 i5 and it just wasn't enough. Kept over heating. So I went with this beefier piece. Not looking forward to the extra weight and thickness but it will have to do."

While it fell behind the major hardware announcements, the Surface Slim Pen 2 drew a fair amount of interest from our readers. Almost 14% of those polled said that they would purchase a Surface Slim Pen 2.

Microsoft expanded its Surface family with five new devices and three new accessories this week. Now that you've had a couple of days to digest all of the announcements, we want to know which device (or devices) you actually want to buy. There are plenty of innovative pieces of hardware that may impress you technically, but this poll focuses on the Surface devices you want to spend your hard-earned money on. Actions speak louder than words, after all.

We covered all of the Surface devices announced in a roundup and had a special edition of the Windows Central Podcast this week, but we'll also run through the new hardware here as well to get you up to speed.

The Surface Laptop Studio is the most powerful Surface ever, according to Microsoft. It also introduces a unique form factor with its screen. It could make our list of the best laptops, though we'll have to do a full review first to assess its merits. With a starting price of $1,600, it's also the most expensive of the new Surface devices.

The Surface Duo 2 drew the most interest leading up to the event. Buzz around the web and activity from commenters on our site suggest the excitement has increased since the device was officially announced. The Duo 2 has a faster chip, bigger screens, and better cameras than the original Surface Duo. It also supports 5G and NFC. Like the Surface Laptop Studio, it also has a high price tag ($1,500).

Microsoft revamped its Surface Pro line with the Surface Pro 8. It has a larger display and thinner bezels than its predecessor. It's also significantly faster than the Surface Pro 7. Microsoft rounded out the Surface Pro 8 with a 120Hz display, Dolby Vision, and Adaptive Color Technology.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 looks like it will make our list of the best Surface accessories. It has a haptic motor inside that provides feedback as you interact with supported PCs. It can replicate the feel of writing on paper and provide queues when navigating around Windows 11.

The Surface Go 3 was a more modest upgrade for its respective line than some of its Surface event siblings, but it's still much faster than the Surface Go 2. It also maintains its relative affordability with a starting price of $400.

Microsoft didn't refresh the Surface Pro X with a new design or new internals. The company did announce a lower starting price for the device thanks to a new model without support for LTE.

Lastly: You'll notice we mentioned eight total items were announced at the event, but only seven are in the poll. That's because one of them (the Ocean Plastic Mouse) doesn't have Surface in its name. Cue the sad trombone.

Which new Surface devices would you like to buy, if any? Let us know in the poll above and the comments below. While you do that, you can also check out which Surface devices the Windows Central team members want.

Some Pro 8 models can handle lightweight or cloud-based gaming

The refreshed Surface Pro 8 is here, complete with 11th Gen Intel Core CPUs, larger display, upgraded inking experience, new ports, and better cameras. Compared to the Surface Pro 7, the Pro 8 is a big upgrade. But those new features don't exactly mean the Pro 8 is suddenly a monster PC that can handle anything. Like previous generations, the Pro lineup is focused more on professionals who want a slim 2-in-1 design that can keep up with other modern Ultrabooks.

Was the Surface Pro 7 good for gaming? No, not really; at least compared to the best gaming laptops on the market today. The same holds true for the Pro 8. Integrated Iris Xe graphics in the Core i5 and Core i7 Pro 8 models are a solid step up from Intel UHD and Iris Plus graphics available in the Pro 7, but you're still not going to get performance at the level of something discrete, like an NVIDIA RTX 3060. And the Core i3 Pro 8 model is significantly weaker with its Intel UHD graphics.

The Pro 8 will do well with light indie games, many of which can be found through Xbox Game Pass for PC. It will also handle older titles without as high of system requirements. The Pro 8's biggest issue will likely be keeping itself cool while under prolonged load, so maxing out the chips with modern AAA titles won't do it any favors.

With Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming program (aka xCloud) also now getting streaming through the PC Xbox app, it's easier than ever to stream games to your PC without having to tax its internal hardware. xCloud isn't the only player in the streaming game, with PlayStation Now making a strong case for itself.

The Pro 8 and its Wi-Fi 6 capabilities shouldn't have issues handling the network load, at least as long as it's paired up with a solid router. Check out our list of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers if you need an upgrade. And with 5G support expected in 2022, you'll be able to stream games to your Pro 8 in even more places.

Those of you who want a true gaming experience will still want to check out one of the best gaming laptops available today. These laptops have specially designed cooling systems to keep a more powerful CPU and dedicated GPU cool under prolonged load. They also generally offer more ports, a keyboard geared for gamers, and a screen to make your favorite titles look as good as possible.

Something like the HP OMEN 15 will be much better geared toward delivering a high-end gaming experience, and it's even in the same price range as the Pro 8.

Overall, while both of these Surface devices are superb, we think that the Surface Pro 8 will be the better option for most users because of the fact it's more portable and costs less while still offering excellent performance. If you're in need of something that can do it all with innovative hardware and some of the best specs on the market, though, the Surface Laptop Studio will be right up your alley.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Laptop Studio: Portability or power?

Both the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Laptop Studio are premium devices outfitted with premium hardware and features, but the Surface Laptop Studio generally edges out its sister device in many respects. Its H-series 11th Gen CPUs are a cut above the G-series ones in the Surface Pro 8, and its NVIDIA RTX GPUs crush the Surface Pro 8's Intel Iris and Intel Xe integrated graphics. Both devices can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM, though the Surface Laptop Studio has an additional option for a 2TB SSD that the Surface Pro 8 does not. It's also got four speakers as opposed to the Surface Pro 8's two, and it even has a 2-3 hour advantage on battery life. Finally, the hinged design of the Laptop Studio is incredibly beneficial and allows you to use it as a laptop, as a "staging" device for gaming and movies, or as a full-blown studio workstation.

So why, then, are we recommending the Surface Pro 8 over the Surface Laptop Studio? Ultimately, it's because the Laptop Studio having the hardware edge doesn't necessarily mean that it's a device most people will use to its fullest potential. It may be the most powerful Surface ever made, but does the average laptop user really need that power? Generally speaking, most people use their laptop for general productivity, web browsing, movies, and (maybe) light gaming. The Surface Laptop Studio is overkill for these activities — most people will be better off with the thinner, lighter, and more affordable Surface Pro 8 (which still offers excellent performance). The Surface Laptop Studio is ideal for specific types of users, such as those that do more serious gaming, use 3D rendering programs, edit visual media, or develop software.

Notably, the Surface Pro 8 also has a few advantages of its own. Its display is a bit sharper than the Surface Laptop Studio's thanks to its higher PPI (pixels per inch) count, and it can also be configured with LTE if you want to stay connected on the go. It's also more compact and is easier to carry around thanks to its smaller dimensions and weight.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Laptop Studio: Which is a better buy?

Both the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Laptop Studio are among the best Microsoft Surface PCs ever made, but if we had to recommend one over the other, it would be the Surface Pro 8. Its thin and light design, lower cost, and excellent performance make it a phenomenal option for the average user. It strikes the perfect balance between portability, power, and price.

If you're in need of a device with top-of-the-line CPU and GPU power or something that can transform into a workstation-friendly form factor, however, don't overlook the Surface Laptop Studio. It may be more expensive and a little more cumbersome compared to the Surface Pro 8, but its absolutely worth it if you're planning to put the extra horsepower and flexibility to good use.

For other excellent options, don't miss our coverage on the best Windows laptops available.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Surface Pro X: Tech specs

While the Surface Pro 8 has seen a significant hardware bump over its predecessor, the Surface Pro X has remained mostly identical, with the only really noticeable change being the availability of a Wi-Fi-only version.

Surface Pro 8 gets its biggest upgrade in years

As much of a game-changing device the Surface Pro has proved to be for the Windows ecosystem, every year there has always been something missing. With the Surface Pro 8 that finally goes away, as the device has seen its biggest upgrade in some years.

On the outside, it now looks basically identical to the Surface Pro X. It's a little thicker and a little heavier, but the display has been bumped to the same 13 inches as you find on the Pro X with the same super skinny bezels. The Surface Pro 8 also supports the newest signature keyboard cover and the Surface Slim Pen. And like the Pro X, it also comes in both Wi-Fi-only and cellular versions.

But one of the biggest omissions has always been Thunderbolt, which for a device with "Pro" in its name, felt like a mistake. That's now finally been rectified, and Thunderbolt 4 is on the Surface Pro 8 for superfast data transfer. If you always wanted to use an eGPU, a Thunderbolt dock, or a Thunderbolt-enabled external display with your Surface Pro, now you can.

Thunderbolt doesn't come at the expense of anything else, either. It retains the Surface Connect port so legacy docks and chargers can still be used.

Surface Pro X is now the cheaper option

With the addition of a Wi-Fi-only version of the Surface Pro X, it now becomes the cheapest option for a 2021 model Surface Pro. Starting at $900, removing the cellular connectivity drops $100 off the entry-level model and $200 off more expensive specifications.

By comparison, a Wi-Fi-only Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,100. Naturally, even the base model benefits from features the Surface Pro X doesn't have, like Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 4, but at $200 more expensive. If these features don't interest you, then you stand to save a good chunk of change going with the Surface Pro X.

If price is important and you're looking to get a new Surface Pro for the lowest possible price, then the Surface Pro X certainly has the edge.

Windows 11 out of the box (mostly)

Naturally, the newest Surface Pro devices will ship with Windows 11. Mostly. The new Wi-Fi-only model of the Surface Pro X will ship with Windows 11 pre-installed, though Microsoft is currently saying that the LTE model will still ship with Windows 10 and that you'll have to do the upgrade yourself.

It's also worth remembering that the Surface Pro X will be running Windows 11 on ARM. Windows for ARM processors has come a long way, but it should still be remembered that you may encounter issues with compatibility. That said, if you mostly use Microsoft Store applications, you should be OK.

The enterprise versions of the Surface Pro 8 are also available with Windows 10, but the upgrade to Windows 11 isn't a difficult process if you do need to do it yourself.

Difficult but not impossible choice

With two devices that are extremely close to each other, choosing can be difficult, but not impossible. Ultimately you should consider a couple of things.

If you want to spend the least, the Surface Pro X is a perfect choice. It's close enough to the Surface Pro 8 for the average user that you shouldn't notice much difference in overall use. It supports the same keyboard and pen, looks the same, has similar battery life and is actually slimmer and lighter.

If performance is more important, as are features like Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 4, then you're better off with the Surface Pro 8.

Overall, the Dell XPS 13 will be the better choice for most people due to the fact that it's more affordable across the board and doesn't require purchasing the keyboard separately. With that said, the Surface Pro 8 is a phenomenal device that goes toe-to-toe with the Dell XPS 13's specs, and also offers additional flexibility thanks to its convertible nature and slightly better battery life.

Dell XPS 13 vs. Surface Pro 8: Clamshell or convertible?

In several ways, the Dell XPS 13 and the Surface Pro 8 are very similar. Both devices feature near-identical CPU and GPU specs, and both also have tons of options for lots of RAM and storage (the Dell XPS 13 has an additional option for a 2TB SSD as well as a microSD slot). Both also have fantastic displays; the Dell XPS 13 even has a 4K variant available, though the Surface Pro 8 has the edge in terms of refresh rate as its display is 120Hz. The devices both also support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, though the Surface Pro 8 can also be configured with LTE connectivity if you want internet connectivity on the go and don't mind the increased cost or the impact on battery life.

The primary things that separate the Dell XPS 13 and the Surface Pro 8 are pricing and form factor. Every single configuration of the Dell XPS 13 is more affordable than their Surface Pro 8 equivalent, which makes the XPS 13 more affordable and accessible overall — especially since the Surface Pro 8's Type Cover keyboard is sold separately. That being said, the convertible design of the Pro 8 does make it more flexible, and its Type Cover even comes with a handy slot for charging and storing a Surface Slim Pen 2.

Dell XPS 13 vs. Surface Pro 8: Which should you buy?

While both the Dell XPS 13 and Surface Pro 8 are fantastic, we ultimately feel that the Dell XPS 13 will be better for most people since it delivers the same top-notch performance as the Surface Pro 8 for a lower cost. There's also an option for a 4K display, a 2TB SSD, and a slot for additional microSD storage that you can take advantage of.

If you want the versatility of a convertible, slightly better battery life, LTE connectivity, or a 120Hz display, the Surface Pro 8 is a superb alternative. It may be more expensive than the Dell XPS 13, but it's one of the best Microsoft Surface PCs yet, and we definitely recommend getting it if its advantages appeal to you.

For more high-quality options to consider, don't miss our roundup of the best Windows laptops available.

Microsoft announced five new Surface devices and three new accessories at yesterday's hardware event. With that many new pieces of hardware, there's something for just about everyone here at Windows Central. We know from our recent poll that our readers are most excited about the Surface Duo 2, but did that hold true with our writers and editors? Let's take a look at the Surface devices the Windows Central team is most excited about.

Surface Pro 8

Brendan Lowry is part of our team focusing on gaming. His head was turned by the Surface Pro 8:

Our senior writer Cale Hunt has seen plenty of laptops and tablets in his day. He's also excited for the Surface Pro 8:

Our senior writer Richard Devine saw the refreshed design of the Surface Pro 8 as a welcome change to the flagship 2-in-1:

Surface Laptop Studio

The Surface Laptop Studio introduced a unique form factor to the Surface family. It's a non-detachable 2-in-1 and the most powerful Surface ever, according to Microsoft.

Cole Martin has reviewed devices like the XP-Pen Artist 24 Pro. As a writer with a particular set of skills with a pen, Martin was intrigued by the Surface Laptop Studio:

Editor-in-Chief Dan Thorp-Lancaster is excited about the Surface Laptop Studio. He's even promised he won't spill a glass of water on it if he ever picks one up:

Surface Duo 2

Anyone who's listened to the Windows Central Podcast or follows our senior editor Zac Bowden on Twitter knows his passion for mobile Surface devices. It should come as no surprise that his favorite new Surface device is the Surface Duo 2:

Honorable mention: Surface Pro X

Microsoft didn't announce a spec bump or design refresh for the Surface Pro X yesterday. It did announce a version without LTE for a lower starting price. I wrote a piece yesterday about why the Surface Pro X without LTE is perfect for me.

Why do I need a new Type Cover for the Surface Pro 8?

In the past, Microsoft has generally offered backwards and forwards compatibility with the Surface Type Cover line, letting you use previous-gen Type Covers on the Surface Pro 7, for example. This year's Surface Pro 8 revision is one of the biggest we've had in recent years, however, with a refreshed chassis and design profile.

The new size and shape of the Surface Pro 8 simply don't lend themselves to the current slate of Surface Pro Type Covers. However, it does work with the Surface Pro X Type Cover, which has a bay for the new Surface Slim Pen.

The Surface Pro 8 follows the design language of the Surface Pro X a little more closely than its previous incarnations, so it makes sense that Microsoft would fall back on the Pro X Type Cover instead. Although, it's a little frustrating too, given that the Pro X Type Cover is anywhere up to $40 more expensive than the previous-gen standard Surface Type Covers.

Can I buy a cheaper third-party Surface Pro X Type Cover?

The market for third-party Surface Pro X Type Covers right now is practically non-existent. The Surface Pro X wasn't the most popular incarnation of the Surface line, owing to its ARM-based architecture. In the right hands, the Surface Pro X is a truly great PC, but it potentially isn't ready to go fully mainstream yet. However, the arrival of the Surface Pro 8 and its Pro X Type Cover requirement means that manufacturers will be looking to adapt their designs for the new market. It's fair to assume that the Surface Pro 9 and 10 will also use this new connector style, so we can expect some third-party options to appear in the coming weeks and months ahead.

If you don't want to blow an additional $130 dollars on a Pro X Type Cover, you can just use a regular Bluetooth or standard USB-based keyboard with the Surface Pro 8, since it is, at the end of the day, just another Windows PC. Take a look at our best Bluetooth keyboards roundup for some options.

What you need to know

• Kensington has a long list of accessories built to work with Microsoft's new Surface hardware.
• Accessories include a docking station, rugged case, privacy screen, and cable locks.
• The Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3 all have accessories available from Kensington.

Kensington worked with Microsoft to create a long list of officially licensed "Designed for Surface" accessories. These new accessories are compatible with many of Microsoft's new hardware, including the Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Go 3. Kensington's accessories include cable locks, docking stations, privacy covers, and rugged cases.

The Kensington BlackBelt Rugged Case for Surface Pro 8 offers military-grade wipe-down and drop protection. Even with the case on, the Surface Pro 8 can use its kickstand. The case can also be secured with a Kensington keyed or combination lock.

For people who need to be careful about privacy, the Kensington MagPro Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen for Surface Pro 8 narrows the field of view of the device to +/- 30 degrees. It also filters out harmful blue light to reduce eye strain. The screen attaches to the Surface Pro 8 magnetically and still allows people to use a stylus or touch. The screen is reversible, with one side featuring a matte finish and the other having a glossy finish.

The Kensington SD5750T Thunderbolt 4 Dock for Surface Pro 8 and Surface Studio is a DFS-certified Thunderbolt 4 dock. It supports transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s. It features 11 ports, including four Thunderbolt 4 ports. The dock supports a single 8K screen or dual 4K screens (at 60 Hz).

It's important to note that the Kensington SD7000 Docking Station does not work with the Surface Pro 8. That accessory converts the Surface Pro into a miniature Surface Studio, but it doesn't work with Microsoft's latest 2-in-1. The newest Surface device that the Kensington SD7000 works with is the Surface Pro 7 Plus.

What you need to know

• Commercial customers will be able to order Microsoft's new Surface devices with Windows 10 or Windows 11.
• The Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3 will have options for either operating system.
• The consumer versions of new Surface hardware will ship with Windows 11.

Microsoft announced several new Surface devices yesterday, including the Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3. While all of these devices start shipping on October 5, 2021, which is the same date as the release of Windows 11, commercial customers will have the option to get the devices with Windows 11 or Windows 10.

"In light of the general availability of Windows 11, Oct. 5, 2021, commercial customers can choose to have Windows 10 or Windows 11 installed on new Surface devices including Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3," says a Microsoft doc.

Having the option to receive devices with Windows 10 or Windows 11 should make things easier for IT admins. Microsoft explains:

Commercial customers can order devices through authorized Microsoft Surface resellers.

Consumer versions of new Surface devices will ship with Windows 11. If a person wants a new Surface device with Windows 10, they can go through an authorized Microsoft Surface reseller to purchase a commercial version of the device.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced five new Surface devices yesterday and three new accessories.
• The majority of our polled readers are excited about the lineup.
• Almost one in eight polled participants said they were underwhelmed by the announced devices.

Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Duo 2, Surface Pro 8, and several other devices yesterday. The buzz around the web seems generally positive for the devices, but we wanted to know what our readers thought, so we ran a poll.

During its event, Microsoft introduced a new form factor with the Surface Laptop Studio. The Surface Duo 2 saw a major upgrade both in terms of specs and design. Other devices, like the Surface Go 3, saw more modest upgrades. With different approaches to its separate Surface lines, Microsoft drew a range of reactions from our readers.

Almost 66% of polled participants said that they were excited about the new Surface hardware. Just over 18% said they didn't feel strongly about the new devices either way. Over 15% said that they were underwhelmed by the new lineup.

"The Surface Duo 2 and Surface Pro 8 definitely got my attention the most," said Fat8893. "The Duo 2 finally has much-needed upgrades from the first-gen model and the Pro 8 is now a worthy adversary to Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable and Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Tablet."

While only 15.51% of voters said they were underwhelmed, those disappointed in the Surface lineup seemed especially frustrated.

Not everyone was thrilled with Microsoft's new hardware. "The Laptop Studio is a letdown across the board," said Keith Wallace. "The design feels like it's trying to match Apple. The color palette of the chassis and keyboard looks like they're trying to cop a Macbook. It feels less flexible and capable than the Surface Book."

Overall, the Surface Pro 8 is the better choice for most people thanks to its cutting-edge CPUs, capable integrated graphics, LTE option, better ports, and lower price. With that said, don't overlook the Surface Book 3 if you're in need of a device with lots of GPU power. It may not have the best processors or ports, but it's got enough juice in the graphics department to power everything from gaming to advanced 3D rendering.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Book 3: Processing or graphics?

The main difference between the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Book 3 is that the former has top-of-the-line processors, while the latter can be outfitted with some beefy graphics horsepower. The Surface Pro 8 has a wide range of 11th Gen Intel CPUs available that outperform the Book 3's 10th Gen options, but the Book 3 can be configured with powerful GPUs like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000. The integrated Intel Xe Graphics in the Surface Pro 8 are better than the Book 3's aging Intel Iris Plus integrated graphics, but if you're serious about getting a strong GPU for gaming, video editing, or 3D rendering work, the Surface Book 3 is the clear winner. Both devices can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM, and both have excellent touch displays with high resolutions and quality color gamuts.

Outside of the CPU and GPU department, the Surface Pro 8 comes out on top with its modern ports, which notably includes Thunderbolt 4. The Pro 8 can also be outfitted with LTE connectivity for more effective mobile usage, and it also has a considerably lower price tag overall. The Surface Book 3 has a few advantages too — namely, an option for a 2TB SSD and a slightly better battery life — but we ultimately feel that unless you have a specific need for a powerful dedicated GPU in your laptop, you should get the Surface Pro 8.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Book 3: Which should you buy?

Both the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Book 3 are incredibly attractive devices that are sure to make anyone happy, but between them, we think that the Surface Pro 8 will be the better choice for most people since the improved performance of its 11th Gen Intel processors will be very valuable for productivity and recreation. It also has Intel's advanced Xe integrated graphics available, which are strong enough to handle everything from the basics to light gaming and media editing. It's also got modern Thunderbolt 4 ports and a lower price, too.

Don't overlook the Surface Book 3 if you need a specialized Surface that packs lots of GPU horsepower, however. Its 10th Gen Intel CPUs aren't as good as the 11th Gen ones found in the Surface Pro 8, but its various NVIDIA GPU options crush the Surface Pro 8's Intel Xe integrated graphics when it comes to serious gaming and advanced video editing or 3D rendering tasks. It can also be configured with more storage and has a slightly better battery life as well.

If neither of these PCs are right for you, make sure to check out our roundup of the best Windows laptops available.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 8 gets a breakdown in the latest Microsoft Mechanics video.
• Faster Windows Hello, new ambient color sensor, 23-watt TDP, and more were revealed.
• Surface Pro 8 also switches from magnesium to anodized recycled aluminum for the chassis.
• There's also a new carbon composite thermal dissipation system.

The all-new Surface Pro 8 is the first major overhaul to the Surface Pro line since 2014's Surface Pro 3. Besides thinner bezels, Thunderbolt 4, a larger display, and 11th Gen CPU, there are many other more minor changes that weren't mentioned in the press release or product specs announcement.

The latest Microsoft Mechanics video spends a good seven minutes breaking down what's new, and as it turns out, there is quite a lot that you may not have known about.

We've summarized the main points below, but it's worth watching the video yourself to have it all explained:

• Modern, rounded chassis "compliments the fluid UI design of Windows 11"
• The thinner bezels expand the display real estate by 11%
• The chassis is made from recycled aluminum instead of magnesium
• Both "classic" Platinum and Graphite Pro colorways are anodized
• First Surface display with ambient color sensor to dynamically adjust display colors based on room lighting
• Display brightness peaks at 450 nits and goes down to just two nits
• 120Hz display makes pen latency "seemingly undetectable"
• The IR camera has been improved "substantially" in terms of speed and accuracy
• Microsoft's AI platform lets Windows Hello dynamically adapts to changes in your appearance with glasses or changes in facial hair
• The 5MP full HD RGB camera has larger 1.4-micron pixels for better low-light performance
• The camera also has tuning optimizations to keep your face in focus and lighting exposure more consistent
• Dolby Vision (HDR) and Dolby Atmos (surround sound) enhance the multimedia experience
• Surface Pro 8 supports up to 23-watt TDP for the 11th Gen Intel processor, a "first for the Pro line"
• You can get LTE in Core i3 and Core i7 models for the first time (Commercial markets)
• Battery has increased to 50.4 WHr up from 43.2 WHr (Surface Pro 7+ is also 50.4WHr, but Surface Pro 7 is 43.2)
• Uses new carbon composite thermal dissipation system: Vapor chamber, three heat pipes, and three graphite spreaders
• Improved perimeter venting
• 46% faster compute and 75% boost to graphics processing compared to Surface Pro 7

That's a lot of stuff for Surface Pro 8, which goes to show you that what makes a PC "great" is more than just the name on the processor.

We'll keep all these changes in mind when we do our Surface Pro 8 review sometime in October to see how much of a difference it really makes. You can get more of an idea of how Surface Pro 8 compares to Surface Pro 7 to hold you over for now or go deeper on those new 11th Gen processors.

Surface Pro 8 is expected to begin shipping on October 5 in the following markets:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Austria
• Germany
• Ireland
• Switzerland
• France
• Japan