Latest from Windows Central in Microsoft-surface-pro-x

Microsoft ships new firmware updates for a host of Surface devices

kevinokemwa@outlook.com (Kevin Okemwa) — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:05:27 +0000

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.

Microsoft News Roundup: Surface Pro and X lines merging, Surface Duo 2 out of stock, AMD Ryzen 7000, two foldable PCs, and more

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 13:12:09 +0000

To kick off each weekend, we round up all of the biggest news stories from the land of Microsoft, Windows, and all related tech. And what a week for news it was. We reported that the Surface Pro and Surface Pro X lines will merge, reviewed the latest version of Windows 11, and covered a load of new gadgets from IFA 2022. We also received confirmation of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family Plan pricing and saw the Surface Duo 2 out of stock last Microsoft and Best Buy.

Microsoft to merge Surface Pro and Surface Pro X lines

(Image credit: Future)

Microsoft's Surface Pro and Surface Pro X lines have inched closer together over the years in terms of design. Soon, Microsoft will formalize the coming together by merging the lines entirely. According to an exclusive report from our senior editor, Microsoft will merge the Surface Pro X ARM And Surface Pro 9 Intel versions under one product line.

The next ARM-powered Surface Pro is expected to ship with a chip based on the Snapdragon 8cx Gen3. On the Intel side of things, the Surface Pro 9 should have a 12th Gen chip, possibly from the company's P series.

For the first time, the Surface Pro lineup will have 5G connectivity options with the Surface Pro 9. It will also have a new Type Cover design, though previous keyboards would still be compatible with the newer PC.

AMD uneils Ryzen 7000 CPUs

(Image credit: Windows Central)

AMD unveiled its Ryzen 7000 processors at its "Together We Advance PCs event this week. The chipset is based on AMD's 5nm Zen 4 architecture and will use the new AM5 socket design. AMD claims that the lineup will deliver 11% faster single-thread performance than the Intel Core i9-12900K and 44% faster multi-thread performance. The company also promises 475 better performance per watt.

At the high end of the series, AMD will have its Ryzen 9 7950X, which will compete with the Intel Core i9-12900K.

Ryzen 7000 CPUs will launch on September 27, 2022 with a starting price of $299, though pricing will range up to $699 for the flagship chip.

Our senior editor Chuong Nguyen shared an extensive breakdown of the Ryzen 7000 series, including specs, prices, and more.

ASUS and Lenovo announce foldable PCs

(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

This week we saw not one, but two foldable PCs announced. ASUS kicked things off with the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold, a large foldable with a 17-inch display. It can flip and fold into various postures, including acting as a large tablet, a laptop, or a portable desktop.

In any normal week, the launch of a 17-inch foldable would steal headlines, but Lenovo decided to try to steal ASUS' thunder by unveiling its second generation ThinkPad X1 Fold. It's more refined, customizable, and versatile than ASUS' offering. It's also cheaper than the Zenbook 17 Fold. That being said, competition is always a good thing.

Not to be topped by ASUS, Lenovo's foldable PC has even more postures. In addition to being able to convert into a large tablet, laptop, or portable desktop, the ThinkPad X1 Fold can act as a pseudo-multi-monitor setup. It does this by resting in a vertical orientation with its display slightly folded.

Our colleague Mr. Mobile, aka Michael Fisher, reviewed the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold this week. If you skip to the 8:27 mark of his video, you'll see his comparison of the Zenbook 17 Fold and the new ThinkPad X1 Fold.

Surface Duo 2 now out of stock, sparking questions

(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Microsoft's Surface Duo 2 is out of stock for consumers and businesses on the company's website. Best Buy stores also removed kiosks for the foldable mobile device and have limited stock available. While there isn't any confirmation regarding why the Surface Duo 2 has been taken off shelves, our executive editor Daniel Rubino shared his speculation this week.

The Surface Duo 2 is set to receive Android 12L soon, possibly in the next few months. There's a chance that Microsoft pulled the Surface Duo 2 back to reship it with Android 12L pre-installed.

Microsoft has not responded to our request for comment yet, though we'll keep you updated if the company shares anything.

Notably, our senior editor Zac Bowden doesn't expect a Surface Duo 3 this fall.

NVIDIA and AMD ordered to stop selling AI chips to China

(Image credit: Future)

The ongoing tech war between the United States and China saw a major development this week. The U.S. government ordered AMD and NVIDIA to stop shipping certain products to China. The order prevents the sale of specific AI chips to China due to risks of military use in China or Russia.

"The USG indicated that the new license requirement will address the risk that the covered products may be used in, or diverted to, a ‘military end use’ or ‘military end user’ in China and Russia," said an SEC filing.

The AI chips in question can power features such as image recognition and scanning large libraries of data, both of which can be used for military purposes.

China and the United States have been on rocky ground when it comes to technology for several years. The U.S. government banned the sale of chips made with tech from the country to Huawei in 2020.

Arm suing Qualcomm over Nuvia designs

(Image credit: Qualcomm)

NVIDIA and AMD weren't the only tech giants to make the headlines for legal battles this week. Arm sued Qualcomm, alleging that the latter breached licensing agreements and committed trademark infringement. The lawsuit centers around Qualcomm's work on new chips using tech from Nuvia.

Qualcomm purchased Nuvia in 2021 for $1.4 billion. Nuvia was founded by the makers of Apple's A-series chips, which laid the foundation for the popular M-series processors seen in MacBooks, Macs, and other Apple hardware. Nuvia's acquisition is supposed to help Qualcomm compete with the likes of Apple, but it's now hit a bit of a snag.

Arm alleges that Qualcomm has continued to use terminated licenses since March 2022. Qualcomm disagrees with the claim.

This battle will likely go on for some time before we see a conclusion. Arm and Qualcomm have worked together for years, but Qualcomm's purchase of Nuvia could help the chipmaker distance itself from Arm a bit and provide flexibility in the future.

Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family pricing confirmed

(Image credit: Jez Corden | Windows Central)

Shifting over to gaming, Microsoft finally confirmed the branding and pricing of its Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family plan. Its cost varies a bit based on location. USers in Columbia will have to pay €21.99 a month, while those in Colombia will be charged $49,990 COP. For context, €21.99 is roughly $98,360 COP.

The new plan allows up to five players to receive the benefits of XBox Game Pass Ultimate, including Xbox Live Gold and EA Play. It supports one main account and up to four other players that can be added on.

Microsoft has not outlined its timeline for rolling out the service to other regions.

Surface Studio 3 rumors and accessory leaks emerge

(Image credit: Future)

New accessories are on the way for the Surface Studio family, according to Microsoft's own Surface app. A recent update to the application included renders of a new Surface Keyboard, Surface Mouse, and Surface Pen, which our senior editor Zac Bowden assumes will launch alongside a new Surface Studio 3 this fall.

While the new Surface Keyboard shares a lot of design elements with its predecessor, it has iconography that matches Windows 11, such as the new Windows 11 Start button logo.

Here's a first look at the refreshed Surface Keyboard and Surface Pen, which I assume are being updated for the upcoming Surface Studio 3 this fall pic.twitter.com/RJs8qYrkarAugust 31, 2022

The new Surface Mouse appears to be the same as the previous generation, apart from its new color option. The updated Surface Pen has a clip similar to older versions of the accessory from a few years ago.

IFA 2022

(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

While foldable PCs may have turned the most heads, several other devices were announced at IFA 2022. Lenovo's new Glasses T1 places a monitor on your face and connects to a phone or PC without having the bulk of other smart glasses. LG unveiled a bendable monitor that can act as a flat display or curve for immersion. MSI highlighted several of its new gadgets at IFA 2022 this week, and ASUS unveiled multiple ExpertBooks as well.

Review roundup

(Image credit: Future)

Our experts review the latest games, gadgets, and more each week. This week our team looked at the upcoming major update to Windows 11, the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold, and quite a few other items:

Windows 11 on ARM gets big boost with rollout of ARM64EC

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 16:00:40 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft rolled out support for ARM64EC for Windows 11 on Arm.
ARM64EC allows apps to run on Arm hardware with a combination of ARM code that runs natively and x64 code that runs through emulation.
This setup lets developers gradually migrate apps completely over to ARM while seeing performance benefits immediately.

Windows 11 on ARM devices, such as the Surface Pro X and Lenovo ThinkPad X13s, could see a new wave of supported apps. Microsoft just announced the general availability of ARM64EC, which allows developers to build applications with a combination of x64 and ARM code. For example, the bulk of an app could run natively on ARM code, while a few extensions or specific features could rely on x64 code running through emulation. The end result is better app performance on Windows 11 on ARM devices.

With ARM64EC, developers can gradually migrate applications to ARM without having to wait to see immediate returns. Microsoft explained the benefits of ARM64EC in a developer blog post when the feature was first announced.

"With ARM64EC, you can choose to start small and build incrementally. You can identify a part of your codebase that would benefit most from native performance and rebuild it as ARM64EC," explained Microsoft. "The rest of the app will remain fully functional as emulated x64, but the recompiled ARM64EC parts will now have native speed. Over time, you can recompile more of the app as ARM64EC to further improve performance and conserve battery life for your app’s customers."

In addition to optimizing an application for Windows 11 on ARM taking time, doing so requires an investment of work that only pays off when completed. Until ARM64EC was unveiled, developers couldn't port an app halfway. Now, applications can be gradually migrated from x64 code to ARM code, all with the added benefit of seeing immediate performance gains.

ARM64EC is also useful for situations in which dependencies don't support ARM natively. In these cases, developers can now make ARM apps that utilize x64 dependencies.

Microsoft has several tools to help developers get started with ARM64EC, including a support document.

Poll: Which Surface device is your favorite?

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 13:15:30 +0000

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:

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.

Check out this new $40 Surface Pen alternative from Adonit

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 16:06:30 +0000

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.

(Image credit: Adonit)

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

Adonit Neo Ink- $40

This stylus works with a wide range of Surface devices. It attaches to hardware magnetically and features programmable shortcut buttons. Like Microsoft's Surface Pen, the Neo Ink supports palm rejection, tilt, and pressure sensitivity.View Deal

Surface Slim Pen 2 replacement tips finally available through Microsoft Store

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Fri, 06 May 2022 12:49:48 +0000

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.

Surface Slim Pen 2 tips

You can now order replacement tips for the Surface Slim Pen 2. General users can get packs of three, while business customers can order packs of 80.

Refurbished Surface Pro 7, Go 2, Laptop 3, and more on sale for Earth Day

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:05:10 +0000

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

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

Save on Surface

Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse | $5 off

This mouse is made with recycled ocean plastic that's been recovered from oceans and waterways. It connects through Bluetooth 5.0 LE, allowing it to work with PCs and a wide range of devices.View Deal

Refurbished Surface devices | Up to $350

Purchasing a refurbished device is a great way to save money. It also helps reduce e-waste. Microsoft has several refurbished Surface devices available, including the Go 2, Laptop 3, and Pro 7.View Deal

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

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

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

Surface Laptop Studio, Pro 8, Pro X, and more shown off by Panos Panay in promo video

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:12:20 +0000

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.

A photo posted by on

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.

Microsoft Surface Pro X adds support for new Type Cover with firmware update

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 14:21:36 +0000

What you need to know

A firmware update for the Wi-Fi-only Surface Pro X recently rolled out.
The update improves system stability, enables support for the new Surface Type Cover, and updates the device in a few other areas.
The update for the Wi-Fi-only Surface Pro X is the same one that shipped to LTE versions of the device in February 2022.

Microsoft started shipping a firmware update for the Wi-Fi-only Surface Pro X earlier this week. The update brings several improvements as well as support for the new Surface Type Cover.

Here are all of the changes in the update:

Improves system stability and resolves system bugcheck.
Improves Camera performance.
Enables support for new Surface Type Cover.
Improves integration with Surface Dock 2.
Improves trackpad accuracy.
Improves Bluetooth performance.

If you're an expert on Surface Pro X firmware updates, you'll notice that the changelog for the recent update for the Wi-Fi-only model is identical to the list of changes the LTE versions of the device received last month.

Updating to the most recent firmware required extra steps for the LTE versions of the Surface Pro X in February. That is not the case for the Wi-Fi-only model of the 2-in-1.

Microsoft outlines the specific driver versions and device managers in a changelog for the update.

Surface updates are released in stages, so you may not be able to grab the latest firmware right away. The update started shipping on March 14, 2022, so you should receive it in the near future if you haven't already.

Microsoft notes that you should install all optional updates after you have finished installing the latest firmware on your device.

Surface Pro X snags a fresh firmware update from February

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:28:13 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft recently released a firmware update for the Surface Pro X.
Only models of the Surface Pro X with LTE connectivity have a new update to install.
Surface Pro X devices may run into an issue that prevents the Eye Contact feature from working after installing the update.

Microsoft's Surface Pro X recently received a firmware update. Specifically, models of the Surface Pro X with an SQ2 or SQ1 processor and LTE connectivity have an update available. The Wi-Fi-only version of the Surface Pro X hasn't received an update since January 2022.

Here's everything that's in the firmware update:

Improves system stability and resolves system bugcheck.
Improves Camera performance.
Enables support for new Surface Type Cover.
Improves integration with Surface Dock 2.
Improves trackpad accuracy.
Improves Bluetooth performance.

To update your Surface Pro X, it needs to be running the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 20H1) or greater.

You may need to take some additional steps following the update. "There is an issue initiating the Eye Contact feature on the February 28, 2022 update on devices that have taken the Windows 11 update," says Microsoft. The company outlines a workaround for this issue.

To turn the feature on or off, you need to toggle it within the Windows Settings app. People with affected systems will have to perform these steps every time they open the Camera app:

Select Start > Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Camera > Surface Camera Front or Surface Camera Rear
Toggle the Eye Contact feature.

Microsoft is working on a permanent solution for the issue.

The specific drivers that have been updated are detailed in a Microsoft support document.

Microsoft Surface Pro X on sale for up to $150 off at Best Buy

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 16:45:58 +0000

Microsoft's Surface Pro X is one of the best Windows tablets, and right now you can pick one up for as much as $150 off through Best Buy. There are discounts on all Surface Pro X models, though how much you save depends on the version you order. The Surface Pro X with an SQ1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage is down to $800, which is $100 off its normal price. The highest-end model with an SQ2 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage ($1,500) is $150 off.

The Surface Pro is a thin convertible 2-in-1 that can stay connected to the internet through LTE. It features a 13-inch display that's surrounded by thin bezels. The design of the Surface Pro X is so liked, that Microsoft decided to emulate it when creating the Surface Pro 8.

Save on Surface Pro X

Microsoft Surface Pro X | Up to $150 off

Microsoft's Surface Pro X is a thin convertible 2-in-1 that gets good battery life. It's a versatile device that works with a detachable keyboard and the Surface Pen. Right now, you can pick one up for as little as $800 at Best Buy.View Deal

Note that this deal on the Surface Pro X does not include a keyboard. Microsoft makes a couple of keyboards that work with the Surface Pro X, the most affordable of which costs $140.

While the Surface Pro X is a well-reviewed tablet, it does have some limitations due to it being a Windows on ARM PC. The 2-in-1 can run many of the best Windows apps, but some of the applications will have to run through emulation. It's important to ensure that the Surface Pro X is able to run the apps you need before purchasing the device.

Best Surface Pro X Sleeves in 2022

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:44:58 +0000

The Surface Pro X is the thinnest Pro yet from Microsoft, and its premium chassis is certainly one to behold. It's portable by nature thanks to the lightweight build and LTE connectivity, so you probably want to add some protection to keep it scratch-free or safe from drops while you're on the move. We've rounded up a bunch of the best sleeves for the Pro X right here.

Waterfield Designs Dash

Premium design

WaterField's products are handmade in San Francisco, and you can expect a premium product in the Dash. It's made of ballistic nylon for impressive but lightweight durability and a water-resistant coating keeps out unplanned weather. The inside is lined with compression foam to keep your Pro X safe, and it's secured with an elastic strap. Grab it in a vertical or horizontal orientation.

tomtoc 360

Thick corner protection

Are you worried about drop damage? This tomtoc 360 sleeve has thick padding around all four corners instead of just along the sides. It's all wrapped up in a sturdy zippered pocket with room for a Pro X and an attached Type Cover. A smaller zippered pocket on the outside holds smaller accessories, and you'll be able to choose from more than a few different colors and designs.

Mosiso sleeve

Budget protection

Need a quality sleeve but don't want to spend too much? This Mosiso sleeve comes in a bunch of different designs and the price is certainly right. A main zippered pocket lined with fleece has padding to protect your Pro X against drops and scrapes, while a secondary zippered pocket on the outside has room for your charger and smaller accessories.

Inateck sleeve

Handle for easy carrying

Inateck's 12.3-inch sleeve fits all Pro models, including the X, bringing a soft flannel lining to prevent scratches and a durable polyester exterior that protects against the elements. The main pocket is zippered to keep everything inside, and a handle on top makes it easy to carry on its own, sort of like a briefcase. Grab it in Dark Gray or Black colors.

MoKo sleeve

PU leather option

MoKo's sleeve is a great option for deal hunters and vegans alike. It's made from PU leather for a sharp, professional look, complete with a magnetized folding flap to keep everything in place. The inside is lined with felt to prevent scratches, and a dedicated Surface Pen holder on the side is ideal if you're still using the original model instead of the Surface Slim Pen.

Waterfield Designs Vero

With real leather

This premium slim sleeve is handmade in San Francisco from a single piece of full-grain leather, with the corners along the top cut to allow a charging cable in. A dedicated Surface Pen holder keeps it close at hand, and the interior is lined with plush to prevent scratches. A snug fit holds your Pro X in place instead of a zipper to further prevent damage to your device. Grab it in Grizzly or Chocolate leather color.

If we're making some suggestions

Any of the sleeves included in the roundup above will offer on-the-go protection for your Surface Pro X. However, if you're wondering which one to ultimately go with, we recommend checking out the Waterfield Designs Dash sleeve. Each Dash is handmade specifically for the Pro X, meaning you're going to get a perfect fit that comes with a lifetime warranty.

It's available in either black ballistic nylon or a Luna textile in four other colors, including blue, green, red, and grey. You can also choose between horizontal or vertical orientation, which changes the side into which you can slip your Pro X. To keep it all contained, an elastic band slips over the opening. For your smaller accessories, including charger, there's a zippered mesh pocket on the back of the sleeve.

The Dash is relatively pricey, so if it's not quite in your budget we also recommend checking out the tomtoc 360. Many sleeves provide padding along the sides but neglect the corners where accidental drops will do the most damage. The tomtoc 360, however, offers thick protection around all corners, along with plush lining to cut down on any scratching. The main pocket is zippered, and there's a secondary zippered pocket on the outside for your smaller accessories.

Microsoft states that x64 emulation is only available on Windows 11 on ARM PCs

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:00:19 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft discussed the status of x64 emulation for Windows on ARM today.
The company confirmed that a PC running Windows 11 on ARM is required to utilize x64 emulation.
Microsoft notes that x64 emulation for Windows is only generally available in Windows 11.

People with the Surface Pro X, Galaxy Book Go, and other Windows on ARM devices will have to upgrade to Windows 11 to utilize x64 emulation. Microsoft discussed the emulation of x64 apps today alongside the announcement of the Windows 10 November 2021 Update and Windows 10 shifting to only one major update per year.

Microsoft explained that x64 emulation for Windows is only generally available in Windows 11. It added that people that want to experience x64 emulation will need to upgrade to Windows 11 on ARM. Microsoft's phrasing suggests that x64 emulation will not roll out to Windows 10 on ARM PCs at any point in the future.

Microsoft tested x64 emulation on Windows 10 on ARM for around one year, but the feature will not ship to the older OS.

Windows 10 on ARM will receive support and security updates until October 14, 2025. After that date, it will fall out of support.

While many big-name apps, including Microsoft Teams, can natively run on Windows on ARM hardware, there are some programs that require emulation. Many video and photo editors are x64 apps. Several games are also x64, though even with emulation, devices like the Surface Pro X won't compete with the best gaming laptops.

Our executive editor goes into depth regarding app compatibility in his Surface Pro X review.

The ability to run x64 apps may be more important for devices that run Qualcomm's upcoming ARM processors built by the Nuvia team. These processors could rival Apple's M-Series chips, which would be a big win for Windows 11 on ARM PCs.

Here's how you can get a Surface Pro X for under $700

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 12:08:12 +0000

Microsoft's Surface Pro X recently gained an option for a model without LTE connectivity. That device is designed to lower the entry cost of the thin-and-light Windows 2-in-1. But right now, you can get a model with LTE connectivity for even less than a Wi-Fi-only model, thanks to a deal for a renewed Surface Pro X. Amazon Renewed models start at just $634, but the best deals are on the 8GB/256GB model ($691) and 16GB/256GB model ($782).

A Surface Pro X with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage normally costs $1,100 through the Microsoft Store. That means you can save almost $480 by getting an Amazon Renewed model. The version with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is a bit more difficult to compare because the discounted device on Amazon runs on the older SQ1 processor, while the similarly spec'd option through Microsoft has the SQ2 CPU. Amazon's deal is still a nice option, but it's important to note the difference in processors.

Surface Pro X

The Surface Pro X is a thin-and-light convertible Windows PC. It can connect through LTE and is a great option for people on the go. Right now, you can save big on Amazon Renewed models.

The Surface Pro X is a thin convertible from Microsoft. It has a thin body and can attach to accessories such as the Surface Keyboard. It runs Windows 10 on ARM (and is upgradable to Windows 11 on ARM). That helps the device get better battery life and turn on instantly, but it does have its drawbacks. Our executive editor Daniel Rubino said that the Surface Pro X is "a perfect PC but only in the right hands." It's important to check out his Surface Pro X review to see how Windows 10 on ARM affects app compatibility.

Amazon Renewed products are pre-owned and professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned. The listing promises no visible cosmetic imperfections, and that batteries will exceed 80% capacity compared to new pieces of hardware. These devices are also backed by the 90-day Amazon Renewed guarantee. Amazon details the terms of this guarantee, but the long-in-short is that you can replace or return the device within 90 days if you are unhappy with it.

Surface Duo 2 draws interest, and preorders, from enthusiasts

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:16:40 +0000

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.

Which Surface devices do you want to buy?

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 13:00:02 +0000

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.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8 vs. X: Which is a better buy?

richard.devine@futurenet.com (Richard Devine) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 22:00:02 +0000

Surface Pro 8

Big update

The Surface Pro 8 is the biggest redesign to the Surface Pro lineup in a number of years. It now combines the sleek, improved form factor of the Surface Pro X with powerful internals, optional LTE and finally, Thunderbolt 4.

Pros

Same larger display as the Surface Pro X
Latest generation Intel processors
Thunderbolt 4
Supports new Slim Pen
Wi-Fi 6 and optional LTE

Cons

Pricey
Still requires extra purchase for keyboard

Microsoft Surface Pro X

ARM-powered

The Surface Pro X is powered by a custom Microsoft SQ1 or SQ2 CPU with Adreno 685 or 690 graphics (GPU) for ARM power and good battery life. The redesign to the Surface Pro 8 overshadows it, though.

Pros

Adreno GPU is pretty potent
LTE connectivity standard
Two USB-C ports
Thin and light
Smart design with Surface Slim Pen

Cons

No Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Still requires extra purchase for keyboard
No 3.5mm audio jack

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.

Category	Surface Pro X (late 2021)	Surface Pro 8
OS	Windows 11 Home on ARM Windows 10 Home on ARM (LTE) Windows 11 Pro on ARM (commercial, LTE)	Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro (commercial) Windows 10 Pro (commercial)
Processor	Microsoft SQ1 Microsoft SQ2	Consumer: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Core i7-1185G7 Commercial: 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Core i5-1145G7 Core i7-1185G7
RAM	8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x	8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR4x
Graphics	SQ1 Adreno 685 SQ2 Adreno 690	Intel UHD (i3) Intel Iris Xe (i5, i7)
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB SSD Upgradeable	128GB, 256GB SSD (Wi-Fi, LTE) 512GB, 1TB SSD (Wi-Fi)
Display	13 inches 2880x1920 267 PPI 3:2 aspect ratio Touch	13 inches 2880x1920 267 PPI 3:2 aspect ratio Up to 120Hz (60Hz default) Touch
Ports	Two USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) Surface Connect Nano SIM (LTE model)	Two Thunderbolt 4 Surface Connect 3.5mm audio
Audio	Dual 2W speakers Dolby Audio Dual far-field studio mics	Dual 2W stereo speakers Dolby Atmos Dual far-field studio mics
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0 Snapdragon X24 LTE Nano SIM, eSIM support	Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.1 Snapdragon X20 LTE eSIM support
Camera	IR camera Front-facing 5MP (1080p) Rear-facing 10MP (1080p, 4K)	IR camera Front-facing 5MP (1080p) Rear-facing 10MP (1080p, 4K)
Keyboard	Surface Pro Signature keyboard Surface Pro keyboard Not included	Surface Pro Signature keyboard Not included
Touchpad	Precision	Precision
Pen	Surface Slim Pen 2 Not included	Surface Slim Pen 2 Not included
Security	Firmware TPM BitLocker support IR camera	TPM 2.0 IR camera
Battery	Up to 15 hours	Up to 16 hours
Dimensions	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches (287mm x 208mm x 7.3mm)	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches (287mm x 208.3mm x 9.4mm)
Weight	From 1.7 pounds (774g)	1.96 pounds (891g)
Color	Platinum Matte Black	Platinum Graphite

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

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central)

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)

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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.

Surface Pro 8

Microsoft thinned the bezels and refined the design of its flagship 2-in-1 to make the Surface Pro 8. It's more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7 as well.

Surface Pro X

The Surface Pro X didn't get a design refresh or a spec bump. It did, however, gain an option for a model without LTE, which lowers the starting price of the device.

Enthusiasts are excited about the Surface Laptop Studio, Pro 8, and Microsoft's other hardware

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:01:30 +0000

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."

Why you might want to wait to buy Microsoft's refreshed Surface Pro X

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 22:30:02 +0000

Microsoft's Surface Pro X is now available without LTE. Opting for a version of the thin-and-light device with only Wi-Fi connectivity can save you a few dollars, but it may be worth waiting a bit to pick one up.

The starting price of the Surface Pro X (with LTE) is $1,000, but it's normal to see it for less. In fact, you could purchase the Surface Pro X (with LTE) for as little as $800 just a couple of months ago. That isn't the only time that we've seen the device for that starting price. The Surface Pro X even fell to $750 on Amazon in May 2020, though that price hasn't been seen since.

The Surface Pro X already tops our list as the best tablet. Adding a more affordable version without LTE support provides people with more options. But if you want the most value for your money, it's probably worth waiting until the more affordable version of the Surface Pro X is cheaper than what the LTE model cost in August.

Here are the starting prices for all versions of the Surface Pro X:

Surface Pro X

Specs	Price
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 128GB Wi-Fi	$899.99 USD (Platinum)
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 128GB LTE	$999.99 USD (Black)
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 256GB Wi-Fi	$1,099.99 USD (Platinum)
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 256GB LTE	$1,249.99 USD (Black)
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 256GB Wi-Fi	$1,299.99 USD (Platinum)
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 256GB LTE	$1,449.99 USD (Platinum, black)
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 512GB Wi-Fi	$1,499.99 USD (Platinum)
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 512GB LTE	$1,649.99 USD (Platinum, black)

The good news for Surface shoppers is that if the base price of the Surface Pro X without LTE is lower than the LTE version, we could see prices drop below $800 at some point.

Surface Pro X

The Surface Pro X is an incredibly thin 2-in-1 device that gets up to 15 hours of battery life. It now has a version without LTE connectivity for a lower starting price, though it may be worth waiting for a discount.

Why the Surface Pro X without LTE is perfect for me

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 19:30:02 +0000

Earlier today, Microsoft announced a version of the Surface Pro X without support for LTE. Models with LTE will still be available, of course, but the version with only Wi-Fi connectivity for the web may raise a few eyebrows. The Surface Pro X is advertised as an Always Connected device, so it might seem odd to make it an only sometimes connected device.

While I'm sure the LTE version of the Surface Pro will continue to be popular, I believe there's a niche for a device without LTE support, and I'm squarely in it.

I mostly use my gadgets at home

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

I'm a homebody. I consider myself active, but I'm based at home. I work from home, walk my dogs, and coach American football within a short drive or tram ride from my house. If I do travel, it's to see my parents in America, who have an office at home. I almost never have to work while using cellular data.

I think that Always Connected devices are great for many people but being able to connect to the web from anywhere without having to tether to my phone doesn't move the needle for me.

I can't imagine that I'm the only person who primarily uses their tablet in their own home. If I am, it's nice that Microsoft built a tablet just for me.

I don't want to waste money

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

I suppose if money wasn't an object, I'd pick up an LTE version of the Surface Pro X. There's certainly no harm in having an option to connect through LTE, but I don't need to pay $100 for it. I also don't want to have to pay for a separate SIM plan since I'd use LTE connectivity so infrequently.

On the rare occasion in which I do have to use a device through LTE, I just use my phone to tether my connection. I know it's not as elegant as having built-in LTE support. I know it drains my phone's battery. But the reality is that I do it so little that those are minor inconveniences.

For some strange reason, I was given the chance to upgrade to 165GB of cellular data per month for less money than I was paying to get 25GB. I share mobile data with my wife, and we've never used all 165GB. Maybe that's not normal, but in my specific case, I have more data than I can use, so paying for a separate SIM card to avoid having to tether isn't worth it. Paying $100 extra so my device can use that SIM card doesn't make sense either.

I can put the money I save towards a Brydge SPX+ keyboard that converts the Surface Pro X into a traditional laptop.

I love the Surface Pro X's design

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Windows 10 on ARM and Windows 11 on ARM aren't just about devices always being connected to the web. That's one major selling point, but it's not the only draw. Devices like the Surface Pro X are sleek, thin, and light. They also get excellent battery life. There's a reason that it tops our list as the best Windows 10 tablet.

Two major factors have held me back from considering the Surface Pro X as a personal device. First, it is a bit pricey. If I bought a Surface Pro X, it would be a nice-to-have, not a must-have. Saving $100 makes it easier to treat myself. Occasionally the LTE model of the Surface Pro X goes on sale for $800. I'm hoping that the Wi-Fi version falls below that at some point.

Second, there are some apps that I use that don't work with Windows 10 on ARM. Luckily, Windows 11 on ARM supports x86 and x64 app emulation. With support for both, all of the apps I use work on the Surface Pro X in some capacity. Of course, apps compiled to run natively on ARM devices will run better, but I'll at least be able to use my favorite apps.

With Windows 11 and a more affordable Surface Pro X that doesn't have LTE, Microsoft overcame two of my final hurdles.

Surface Pro X

The Surface Pro X is an incredibly thin 2-in-1 device that gets up to 15 hours of battery life. It now has a version without LTE connectivity for a lower starting price.

Are you excited about Microsoft's new lineup of Surface hardware?

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:34:25 +0000

Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 8, Surface Duo 2, and several other devices today. At its hardware event, the company refreshed old devices, bumped up specs, and revamped designs. It also introduced a new form factor with the Surface Laptop Studio. Now that the event's over, we want to know if you're excited about Microsoft's new lineup of Surface hardware.

We have a full recap of everything Microsoft announced at its Surface hardware event, but we'll run through a few of the highlights as a refresher.

The Surface Laptop Studio is the most powerful Surface device ever built. It introduces a unique form factor as a non-detachable 2-in-1. Its screen is on a hinge, allowing it to be pulled into different modes. It can be used as a traditional laptop, pulled forward into "Stage mode," or laid flat into "Studio mode."

After over a year of reports and rumors, Microsoft officially announced the Surface Duo 2. It marks a significant bump in performance over its predecessor. The Surface Duo 2 runs on a Snapdragon 888 processor, supports 5G, and has NFC. It also has significantly better cameras than the original Surface Duo. Leading up to the event, the Surface Duo 2 drew the most attention from our readers.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Microsoft says that the Surface Pro 8 is the "most significant leap forward since Pro 3." It's more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7. It also has thinner bezels, which allow it to have a larger screen without having to be a larger device. Additionally, for the first time ever, a Surface Pro supports Thunderbolt.

While Microsoft refreshed several of its devices, there are few pieces of Surface hardware that didn't see an update. Notably, the Surface Studio 2 continues to age without a successor. The Surface Laptop Go came out last year and didn't see a follow-up today. The Surface Laptop line also wasn't refreshed today, though Microsoft only announced the Surface Laptop 4 in April 2021.

Some people may not be happy with the updates and upgrades that Microsoft announced today. For example, commenters on our site expressed frustration over the low entry specs of the Surface Go 3.

What are your thoughts on Microsoft's new Surface devices? Are you excited about the hardware or underwhelmed? Let us know in the poll above and in the comments below.

Here's how to preorder Surface Duo 2, Pro 8, Laptop Studio, and Go 3

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:14:24 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft announced five new Surface devices today.
The Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Duo 2, Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Pro X are all available for preorder.
Most of the devices will ship on October 5, 2021, though the Duo 2 won't ship until October 21, 2021.

Microsoft expanded its Surface lineup with five new devices. The Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Duo 2, Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Pro X are all available for preorder. All but one of the devices will ship on October 5, 2021. Those ordering the Surface Duo 2 will have to wait until October 21, 2021 to receive it.

The new Surface devices were only announced today, but preorders are already live.

The Surface Laptop Studio introduces a new form factor for the Surface family. It's a non-detachable 2-in-1, meaning you can pull the screen of the Surface Laptop Studio into different modes. The Surface Laptop Studio is also the most powerful Surface that Microsoft has built.

Surface Laptop Studio

The Surface Laptop Studio is a non-detachable 2-in-1. Its screen is on a hinge and can be pulled into different modes for productivity, presenting, and gaming.

The original Surface Duo was a unique device that fell short as a smartphone in some areas. Microsoft aims to overcome those shortcomings with the Surface Duo 2. It has a Snapdragon 888 processor, 5G support, and NFC. It also has a triple-camera setup.

Surface Duo 2

The Surface Duo 2 is a major upgrade over the original Surface Duo. It's powered by a Snapdragon 888 processor, supports 5G, and has NFC. It also features much better cameras than its predecessor.

The Surface Pro lineup has maintained the same form factor and general design since the Surface Pro 3. That changes with the Surface Pro 8, which has thinner bezels and a larger display than its predecessors. The Surface Pro 8 is also more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7.

Surface Pro 8

Microsoft thinned the bezels and refined the design of its flagship 2-in-1 to make the Surface Pro 8. It's more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7 as well.

Microsoft didn't announce a spec bump or redesign for the Surface Pro X. Instead, the company will now sell a version without LTE support. The non-LTE version of the Surface Pro X has a lower starting price.

Surface Pro X

The Surface Pro X didn't get a design refresh or a spec bump today. It did, however, gain an option for a model without LTE, which lowers the starting price of the device.

The Surface Go 3 maintains the shape and design of its predecessors but now has better hardware under the hood. The Intel Core i3 model of the Surface Go 3 is 60% faster than the Surface Go 2.

Surface Go 3

The Surface Go 3's Intel Core i3 model is 60% faster than its predecessor. You can grab an LTE version of the device or one with only Wi-Fi connectivity for the web.

Microsoft Surface 2021 event: Prices and everything announced

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:00:15 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Duo 2 today.
The company also announced a refreshed Surface Pro X and the Surface Go 3.
To go along with the Surface devices, Microsoft announced the Surface Slim Pen 2, the Surface Adaptive Kit, and the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse.

Microsoft announced a slew of Surface devices at its hardware event today, including the Surface Laptop Studio, the Surface Pro 8, and the Surface Duo 2. We saw old favorites get refreshed, the introduction of a new form factor, and the announcement of several accessories. To help you catch up on all of today's news, we've gathered all of the highlights into one piece. If you want to hear our experts dive into the new hardware, make sure to check out our special edition of the Windows Central Podcast.

Most of the Surface devices are available for preorder today and will start shipping on October 5, 2021, but there are exceptions. The Surface Duo 2 will be up for preorder today but won't be available until October 21, 2021.

Surface Laptop Studio

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

The Surface Laptop Studio is the most powerful Surface that Microsoft has ever built. It runs on an 11th Gen Intel Core H35 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU. It's a non-detachable 2-in-1, which is a first for the Surface family of devices. The Dynamic Woven Hinge of the Surface Laptop Studio allows its display to shift between modes. As its name suggests, the Surface Laptop Studio looks like a marriage of the Surface Studio and the Surface Laptop.

The display of the Surface Laptop Studio is a 14.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen. You can pull the screen of the device to any angle between the look of a traditional laptop and completely flat over the keyboard. Microsoft calls the angled view "Stage mode" and the flat view "Studio mode."

The Surface Slim Pen 2 can be stored underneath the keyboard of the Surface Laptop Studio. People can then take it out to draw on the display of the laptop or take notes.

The Surface Laptop Studio starts at $1,600 and is available for preorder now in select markets.

Surface Laptop Studio

This unique laptop has its display on a Dynamic Woven Hinge. You can pull the display into different modes for inking, gaming, presenting, and productivity.

Surface Duo 2

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

The Surface Duo 2 is likely the device that received the biggest jump compared to its predecessor. The original Surface Duo introduced a new form factor but lagged behind in many smartphone categories. The Surface Duo 2 closes many of those gaps. It runs on a Snapdragon 888 processor, supports 5G, and has NFC. It has a dynamic triple-lens camera, which looks to be significantly better than that of the original Surface Duo.

Each of the displays on the Surface Duo 2 are slightly larger than those of the Surface Duo (5.8 inches vs. 5.6 inches). That increase comes largely from the thinner bezels of the Surface Duo 2, though the device still has noticeable top and bottom bezels.

The Surface Duo 2 starts at $1,500 and is available for preorder starting today.

Surface Duo 2

The Surface Duo 2 is a major leap over the original Surface Duo. It runs on a Snapdragon 888 processor, supports 5G, and has NFC. It also has significantly improved cameras.

Surface Pro 8

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft calls the Surface Pro 8 the "most significant leap forward since Pro 3." The Surface Pro 8 is more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7. The newest Surface Pro has an 11th Gen Intel Core processor, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and is built on the Intel Evo platform. Thunderbolt support is significant as Microsoft has held off until this generation of Surface devices.

The Surface Pro 8 has a 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display. That display expands close to the edges of the device, much like the Surface Pro X. In a first for the Surface Pro lineup, the Surface Pro 8's display is 120Hz. This should work well with the Dynamic Refresh Rate of Windows 11. The Surface Pro 8 supports Dolby Vision and Adaptive Color Technology as well.

The 2-in-1 has a 5-megapixel camera on the front and a 10-megapixel camera on the back, the latter of which supports 4K. The Surface Pro 8 also has Dolby Atmos sound and dual far-field Studio Mics, which should help people studying or working from home.

The Surface Pro 8 also works with the Surface Slim Pen 2.

Surface Pro 8

Microsoft calls this the most significant leap forward since Pro 3. The Surface Pro 8 is more than twice as fast as its predecessor and has thinner bezels.

Surface Slim Pen 2

Speaking of the Surface Slim Pen 2, Microsoft's new stylus has a sharper tip, ultra-low latency, and supports haptic feedback. The Surface Slim Pen 2 can be magnetically attached to the Surface Laptop Studio or stored within the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 works with new features in Windows 11 and Microsoft's G6 processor that's in the Surface Laptop Studio and the Surface Pro 8 to provide tactile signals. For example, a person will receive tactile feedback when circling to select content in Microsoft 365 apps or using tools in Adobe Fresco.

Haptic writing

Surface Slim Pen 2

Feels like real paper

The Surface Slim Pen 2 has a taptic signal engine that makes it feel like you're writing or drawing on real paper. It has a haptic engine that vibrates to deliver feedback.

Surface Pro X

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

The Surface Pro X didn't receive a design overhaul or a chip update like many of its Surface siblings. Microsoft did, however, lower the entry price of the Surface Pro X by offering a model without support for LTE. The Wi-Fi model of the Surface Pro X starts at $900, which is $100 less than the starting price of LTE models.

Microsoft's improvements to Windows on ARM will also be showcased on the Surface Pro X. Windows 11 supports both x86 and x64 emulation, allowing devices to run far more applications. Several big-name apps have also been optimized for Windows on ARM, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Teams. These improvements will also help other Windows on ARM devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book Go, but they will also boost the capabilities of the Surface Pro X.

Surface Pro X

The Surface Pro has a lower starting price now that Microsoft offers a non-LTE version.

Surface Go 3

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

The Surface Go 3 improved the Go line's speed thanks to a spec bump. The Intel Core i3 version is 60% faster than its predecessor. The Surface Go 3 has models with LTE support on the way to help people stay connected.

The Surface Go 3 keeps the compact form factor that's earned the love of many fans. It has a 10.5-inch touch display and only weighs 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg). It also keeps its low starting price of just $400, which is in the same range as the best budget tablets.

Surface Go 3

The Intel Core i3 model of the Surface Go 3 is 60% faster than its predecessor. You can order it with LTE support or Wi-Fi connectivity exclusively.

Surface Adaptive Kit

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft's Inclusive Tech Lab created the Surface Adaptive Kit. It's designed to make devices more accessible. It does this with a combination of keycap labels, bump labels, port indicators, and device openers.

The Surface Adaptive Kit will be available later this year.

Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

Last but not least (at least for the environment), Microsoft announced the Ocean Plastic Mouse. The Bluetooth mouse is made of 20% recycled plastic recovered from oceans and waterways. It is shipped in a box that's 100% recyclable. The shape of the mouse strongly resembles the Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse.

Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse

This Bluetooth mouse is made of 20% recycled plastic recovered from oceans and waterways.

Microsoft lowers starting price of Surface Pro X with non-LTE model

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:00:02 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft introduced a version of the Surface Pro X without LTE support.
The Wi-Fi version of the Surface Pro X starts at $900, which is $100 less than the LTE version.
The Surface Pro X will benefit from Microsoft's work to improve Windows on ARM.
You can preorder the Surface Pro X without LTE starting today.

Microsoft's Surface Pro X didn't receive a design refresh or an updated processor like many of its Surface siblings. It did, however, gain an option without LTE connectivity. The non-LTE Surface Pro X has a lower starting price of $900, which is $100 less than its Always Connected counterpart. The Surface Pro X will also get a boost with the launch of Windows 11 on October 5, 2021.

While not exclusive to the Surface Pro X, Microsoft's improvements to Windows on ARM should result in a better experience on the 2-in-1. Windows 11 supports both x86 and x64 emulation, allowing ARM devices to run a larger library of apps. Notably, Microsoft designed a 64-bit version of Office specifically for Windows on ARM. Microsoft's ARM64EC technology allows Office to use x64 plugins even though most of the app is compiled to run natively on Windows 11 on ARM.

Microsoft has also worked with developers to get more apps optimized for Windows 11 on ARM. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Shapr 3D, Zoom, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Teams have all been optimized for Windows on ARM devices like the Surface Pro X.

These improvements to Windows on ARM will also benefit devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book Go.

The specs of the Surface Pro X haven't changed. You can still choose between SQ1 and SQ2 models depending on how much processing power you need. Note that the Surface Pro X with LTE will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The Wi-Fi Surface Pro X will ship with Windows 11.

Category	Surface Pro X
Operating System	(Without LTE) Windows 11 Home on ARM (With LTE) Windows 10 Home on ARM (upgradeable to Windows 11)
Display	13-inch PixelSense 3:2 aspect ratio 2880x1920 (267 PPI)
Processor	Microsoft SQ1 Microsoft SQ2
GPU	Adreno 685 Adreno 690
Memory	8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x
Storage	128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD (removable)
Rear Camera	10MP autofocus (1080p and 4K video)
Front Camera	5MP (1080p)
Security	Windows Hello face authentication camera
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 LTE Bluetooth 5.0
Ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x nano SIM (LTE version only), 1x Surface Connect, Surface Keyboard connector
Battery	Up to 15 hours typical use
Dimensions	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches (287mm x 208mm x 7.3mm)
Weight	1.7 lbs (774g) w/o keyboard 2.36lbs (1,074g) with keyboard
Colors	Matte black (only available on some configurations) Platinum
Availability	Oct 13th and beyond
Pricing	Starts at $900 ($1,300 for SQ2)

Some people hoped for the Surface Pro X to bump up to Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, but it still comes with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.

Here are all the SKUs avaialble for the Surface Pro X:

Surface Pro X

Specs	Price
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 128GB WiFi	$899.99 USD (Platinum)
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 128GB LTE	$999.99 USD (Black)
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 256GB WiFi	$1099.99 USD (Platinum)
SQ1, 8GB RAM, 256GB LTE	$1249.99 USD (Black)
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 256GB WiFi	$1299.99 USD (Platinum)
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 256GB LTE	$1449.99 USD (Platinum, Black)
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 512GB WiFi	$1499.99 USD (Platinum)
SQ2, 16GB RAM, 512GB LTE	$1649.99 USD (Platinum, Black)

With an option for a model with only Wi-Fi connectivity, the Surface Pro X becomes a bit more affordable. Some people want the thin form factor and better battery life that comes with a Windows on ARM device but don't require LTE connectivity. We've seen the LTE version of the Surface Pro X go on sale for as low as $800. With a lower starting price, its discounted price could potentially drop even further.

Surface Pro X

The Surface Pro X is an incredibly thin 2-in-1 device that gets up to 15 hours of battery life. It now has a version without LTE connectivity for a lower starting price.

Microsoft Surface 2021 event: Start time and how to watch

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:12:00 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft will hold a Surface hardware event on September 22, 2021 at 11 a.m. EST (8 a.m. PST).
The company is expected to announce the Surface Pro 8, Surface Duo 2, Surface Book 4, and several other Surface devices.
The event will be streamed through Microsoft's website.

Microsoft's Surface hardware event kicks off at 11 a.m. EST (convert to your local time) today, September 22, 2021. The Surface Pro 8, Surface Duo 2, and Surface Book 4 (which may go by a different name) are all expected to be announced at the event.

Microsoft will stream the event on its website. We've embedded the video below.

A refreshed Surface Pro X, a Surface Go 3, and a few Surface accessories are also expected at Microsoft's event.

Our senior editor Zac Bowden has broken down what we should expect from the 2021 Surface hardware event. Between leaks and information from sources, quite a bit is known about Microsoft's new hardware, but it's still worth watching the event live. Panos Panay and the Surface team are known for adding "one more thing" to their events.

It's also worth checking out the stream to see the first images of the Surface devices. While fan renders and leaks have given us glimpses of Microsoft's upcoming devices, we haven't seen any official photos or sizzler reels of the hardware.

Of the suspected devices, our readers are most excited about the Surface Duo 2. It looks to be a significant upgrade over the original Surface Duo in both design and specs. The Surface Book 4 also appeals to our readers thanks to its unique form factor. The device is said to be a non-detachable 2-in-1 with powerful internals.

Ask Windows Central: What are your predictions and expectations for the Surface event?

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 18:09:37 +0000

Welcome to the eighth episode of Ask Windows Central, a show where we answer our communities most asked questions around Microsoft, Windows, Surface, Xbox, and the general tech industry. This week's episode features just one question that we've been asked countless times over the last few weeks: What are your expectations for this week's Surface event?

If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the show, be sure to submit them in the comments below, or email daniel@windowscentral.com with "Ask Windows Central" in the subject line! You can also join the Windows Central Discord and ask questions in the dedicated #ask-wc channel.

If you're on Twitter, you can tweet your question with the #AskWindowsCentral tag included, and make sure you tag either @daniel_rubino or @zacbowden so we can see it.

If you have any feedback about the show format, please let us know. We're building this show around you, so if there's something you don't like or think we should change, we're all ears. We hope you enjoy the episode, and look forward to getting back to your questions in the next one.

Which Surface device are you looking forward to the most?

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 13:00:03 +0000

Microsoft is set to announce a bevy of Surface hardware next week. The company will likely unveil the Surface Pro 8, Surface Duo 2, and several other devices on September 22, 2021. We want to know which device you're looking forward to the most.

Our senior editor Zac Bowden has a full breakdown of what to expect from Microsoft's fall 2021 Surface hardware event, but we'll run through the anticipated devices here as well.

The Surface Duo 2 looks to be a major step up from its predecessor. It's said to have flagship specs, bigger screens, improved cameras, and support for NFC. We also expect it to support 5G. Sources indicate that the Duo 2 will have a screen with a faster refresh rate as well. In short, the Surface Duo 2 looks to be an improvement across the board compared to its predecessor.

The Surface Pro 8 will probably be a minor update when it comes to external design. The display should be a bit bigger than that of the Surface Pro 7, but a design overhaul isn't likely. The Surface Pro 8 could ship with Thunderbolt support, which would be a first for Surface hardware. We do expect some new features in the Surface Pro 8, such as "wake on touch" and "wake to approach," both of which are Windows 11 features.

We predict a new Surface Pro X announced at the event, likely in a chip refresh capacity. It should also support Windows 11 features like "wake on touch." Both the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X could support Dynamic Refresh Rate.

Source: Ryan Smalley (Image credit: Source: Ryan Smalley)

The Surface Book 4 may be the biggest announcement of the day. We aren't sure the device will be called the Surface Book 4. We believe that Microsoft will unveil a flagship laptop with a non-detachable 2-in-1 design. There's enough speculation about the Surface Book 4 that you should read up on our coverage of the device before voting here.

The Surface Go 3 will likely see a chip refresh as well. We may also see the smaller Surface in a new color.

Maybe you're happy with your main Surface hardware but are excited about some new accessories. We expect Microsoft to announce a new Surface Pen and Type Covers. We could also see new Surface Headphones or Surface Earbuds, though Microsoft might not have new versions of these to unveil next week.

Tons of Surface news is forecast to drop next week. We'll cover all of it here and will even have a special edition of the Windows Central Podcast after the Surface hardware event.

While we wait for the event, please let us know your thoughts on the upcoming hardware. Which device are you most excited about? Vote in the poll above and share your opinions in the comments below.

Microsoft makes it easier to order replacement parts for several Surface devices

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:10:23 +0000

What you need to know

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

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

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

The specific components available vary between devices.

Component	Description	Surface Laptop 4	Surface Laptop 3	Surface Pro 7+	Surface Pro 7	Surface Pro X SQ2	Surface Pro X SQ1
SSD Door	Provides access to removable solid state drive (rSSD)			☑		☑	☑
Kickstand	Hinged stand for 2-1 devices			☑	☑	☑	☑
AB-Cover	Display assembly	☑	☑
C-Cover	Keyboard, Trackpad, and Frame assembly	☑	☑

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

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

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

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Pro X: Which should you buy?

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 18:00:02 +0000

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Powerful Surface 2-in-1

The Surface Pro 7 hasn't seen a huge physical change from the Pro 6, though it now has a USB-C port. Inside, 10th Gen Intel Core "Ice Lake" processor (CPU) options are available, which deliver improved performance and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. The display isn't as big and battery life won't match up compared to the Pro X, but you can get a baseline Pro 7 for less money.

Pros

10th Gen Intel Core CPUs available
Works with Wi-Fi 6
Cheaper starting price
Up to 1TB storage
Intel Iris Plus Graphics are relatively powerful

Cons

Smaller display
Less battery life
No LTE connectivity

Microsoft Surface Pro X

ARM-powered Pro

The Surface Pro X is Microsoft's thinnest Pro to date, but it does come at a higher starting price. It's powered by a custom Microsoft SQ1 or SQ2 CPU with Adreno 685 or 690 graphics (GPU) for ARM power and better battery life. You don't get Wi-Fi 6, but LTE connectivity means you can stay in touch anywhere. Add the Surface Slim Pen and Type Cover to the mix for an overall stellar device for creatives on the move.

Pros

Adreno GPU with 2 teraflops
LTE connectivity standard
Two USB-C ports
Thinnest and lightest Pro yet
Smart design with new Surface Slim Pen

Cons

No Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
ARM has some limitations
More expensive to start
No 3.5mm audio jack

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

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

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

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

Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Pro X tech specs

	Surface Pro 7	Surface Pro X
OS	Windows 10	Windows 10
Processor	10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 Core i5-1035G4 Core i7-1065G7	Microsoft SQ1 Microsoft SQ2
RAM	4GB, 8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x	8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD	128GB, 256GB, 512GB SSD
Display size	12.3 inches Touch	13 inches Touch
Display resolution	2736x1824 267 PPI	2880x1920 267 PPI
Aspect ratio	3:2	3:2
Graphics	Intel UHD (i3) Intel Iris Plus (i5, i7)	Microsoft SQ1 Adreno 685 SQ2 Adreno 690
Ports	USB-C 3.1 USB-A 3.5mm audio Surface Connect microSD card reader	Two USB-C Surface Connect nano SIM
LTE	No	Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 LTE modem
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0	Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0
Camera	Front-facing 5MP (1080p) Rear-facing 8MP (1080p)	Front-facing 5MP (1080p) Rear-facing 10MP (4K video)
Biometrics	IR camera	IR camera
Battery	Up to 10.5 hours	Up to 13 hours
Dimensions	11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches (292mm x 201mm x 8.5mm)	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches (287mm x 208mm x 7.3mm)
Weight	From 1.7 pounds (775g)	From 1.7 pounds (774g)
Color	Platinum Matte Black	Platinum Matte Black

Design and features

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

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

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

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

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

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

Display and inking

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

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

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

Performance

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central)

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

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

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

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Device	CPU	Single-core	Multi-core
Surface Pro X	SQ2	798	3,100
Surface Pro X	SQ1	725	2,819
Surface Pro 7	i5-1035G4	1,191	4,441
Surface Pro 6	i7-8650U	1,113	3,519
Surface Pro 6	i5-8250U	904	3,440
Surface Laptop 3	Ryzen 5	769	2,720

PCMark

PCMark 10

Device	Score
Surface Pro X SQ2	5,088
Surface Pro X SQ1	4,617
Surface Pro 7 i5	3,992
Surface Pro 6 i7	3,644
Surface Pro 6 i5	3,501
Surface Laptop 3 15	4,006

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

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

Price

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

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

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

Go with the Surface Pro 7 for the best performance

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

Powerful Surface 2-in-1

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 2-in-1

10th Gen Intel CPUs and Wi-Fi 6

The Surface Pro 7 has been refreshed with 10th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 "Ice Lake" CPU options for improved performance, and it offers USB-C for added connectivity.

Stick with the Surface Pro X for ultimate portability

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

ARM-powered Pro

Microsoft Surface Pro X 2-in-1

Thinnest Surface Pro yet

Powered by a custom SQ1 or SQ2 CPU, powerful Adreno 685 or 690 GPU, and with LTE connectivity, the thinnest Surface Pro yet is able to keep up with a mobile lifestyle.

Surface Pro X on sale for $800 in time for back to school

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:37:19 +0000

Microsoft's Surface Pro X is back down to one of its lowest prices ever in time for back-to-school season. The portable 2-in-1 is a compact device that earns a spot on our list of the best laptops for high school students. It's thin, light, and can be used as either a tablet or like a traditional laptop if you pick up a Surface Pro X Keyboard.

Right now, both the Surface Pro X and its keyboard are on sale through the Microsoft Store. The Surface Pro X starts at $800 (down from $1,000), and the Surface Pro X Keyboard costs $96 (down from $140) if you bundle it with the Surface Pro X. There's also a similar sale on the Surface Pro X through Best Buy.

Surface Pro X | $200 off

Microsoft's Surface Pro X is the best Windows tablet on the market. It's thin, light, and delivers solid battery life. It's the closest you can get to an iPad running Windows.View Deal

The model that costs $800 has an SQ1 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. You can save up to $300 on high-end models of the device, including the version with an SQ2 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. While the device is available in black or platinum colors, certain models are only available in a single color right now through the Microsoft Store.

Later this year, the Surface Pro X will receive a free upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft showed off Windows 11 on the Surface Pro X when it announced its new operating system.

While the Surface Pro X is a well-reviewed device, it's important to know that it's a Windows 10 on ARM PC. That means that certain programs run in emulation on it while others are not available on the device at all. Our executive editor Daniel Rubino touches on this in his 2020 Surface Pro X review. If you're a student looking for a laptop or someone purchasing a device for a student, make sure that any apps a person needs will work on the Surface Pro X before buying it.

We can believe that the Surface Pro X is down to $800, but it's still a good deal

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 12:03:48 +0000

Microsoft's Surface Pro X is down to a starting price of just $800 at several retailers. Microsoft, Staples, and Best Buy all have discounts on the lightweight 2-in-1. The model running on the SQ1 processor with 8GB of RAM is the most affordable option, but you can also save $300 on the highest-end model with an SQ2 processor and 512GB of storage.

When a big deal starts, sites, including ourselves, often point out that we "can't believe" the current deal. That's not exactly the case with the discounted price of the Surface Pro X right now. We've seen the device with a starting price of $800 before, but it's still a good deal. The Surface Pro X is the best Windows tablet. It has a thin and light body, a sleek design, and delivers good battery life. It's the closest thing to an iPad competitor running Windows.

Surface Pro X | $200 off

Microsoft's Surface Pro X is the best Windows tablet on the market. It's thin, light, and delivers solid battery life. It's the closest you can get to an iPad running Windows.View Deal

Microsoft is clearly focusing on the Surface Pro X right now. The company has a new video ad campaign for the 2-in-1 and also showed the Surface Pro X running Windows 11 when it announced the new operating system.

The Surface Pro X runs Windows 10 right now but should be able to upgrade to Windows 11 when the new operating system comes out. Windows 11 is optimized for touch, so it should help get the most out of the Surface Pro X.

You can use the Surface Pro X like a laptop by picking up its Type Cover. It also works well with the Surface Slim Pen, which is one of the best Surface Pro X accessories.

Check out Windows 11 on the Surface Pro X

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:07:45 +0000

What you need to know

A new video from Microsoft shows off Windows 11 on the Surface Pro X.
The video highlights how the new operating system is touch-optimized alongside several new features.
The newly-posted video was also shown during Microsoft's Windows 11 event last week.

Last week when Microsoft unveiled Windows 11, it showed the operating system running on the Surface Pro X during part of the event. That segment focused on how the OS is optimized for touch and showcased several new features. Now, that clip is available from Microsoft on its own. Microsoft also has a blog post discussing how the Surface Pro X works well with Windows 11.

The video appears to be identical to what Microsoft shared during its livestream but is easier to find than having to jump through a 45-minute video.

Windows 11's touch-optimization is a large focus of the video. The presenter detaches the keyboard from the Surface Pro X, and the Taskbar icons space out a bit. Touch targets also get larger, making it easier to resize windows and to move them around.

Swipe gestures work on touchscreens, and they're the same familiar gestures that already work on Windows trackpads. The video highlights how navigating the operating system is easier with touch, including swiping the widgets panel open and into fullscreen mode.

All of these touch-based features should work on any Windows 11 device that supports touch, but the Surface Pro X is a good device to showcase them. Microsoft aims for its Surface products to illustrate what devices running Windows can do.

With its thin bezels, 3:2 aspect ratio, and support for touch and pen, the Surface Pro X is arguably the most modern Surface device. Now, it's been shown off running Windows 11, which aims to be the most modern version of the operating system.

Surface Pro X firmware update squashes bugs and improves reliability

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 14:45:54 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft recently rolled out firmware updates for the Surface Pro X.
There are firmware updates available for both the SQ2 and SQ1 versions of the device.
The updates don't include any changes but do have several fixes.

Microsoft just rolled out updates for the Surface Pro X, including models with the SQ2 and SQ1 processors. As is normally the case, the updates don't include any new features, but they do bring several fixes and improvements.

Here's the changelog for the Surface Pro X with an SQ2 processor from Microsoft:

Device Manager Name	Version and Update
Surface System Aggregator - Firmware	1.207.139.0 - Improves device stability and reliability.
Qualcomm Wi-Fi B/G/N/AC (2x2) Svc - Network adapters	1.0.1540.0 - Addresses critical security vulnerabilities and improves connection stability.
Surface UEFI - Firmware	7.570.140.0 - Resolves the external display connection issue, improves device stability and reliability.
Surface Dock 2 Firmware Update Driver Extension	6.1.137.0 - Enables Surface Dock 2 updates.
Qualcomm USBC UCSI Participant - System devices	2.16.139.0 - Improves external monitor connection when resuming from hibernate.
Snapdragon TM X24 LTE Modem - Network adapters	1.0.1500.0 - Resolves update issue where the device cannot receive SMS messages.
Surface Radio Monitor - System devices	3.50.139.0 - Resolves Device Manager error reporting.
Surface Pro X Peripheral Image Loader Device - System devices	1.0.1220.0 - Merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.

The list of changes for the original Surface Pro X is identical apart from the final item:

Device Manager Name	Version and Update
Surface System Aggregator - Firmware	1.207.139.0 - Improves device stability and reliability.
Qualcomm Wi-Fi B/G/N/AC (2x2) Svc - Network adapters	1.0.1540.0 - Addresses critical security vulnerabilities and improves connection stability.
Surface UEFI - Firmware	7.570.140.0 - Resolves the external display connection issue, improves device stability and reliability.
Surface Dock 2 Firmware Update Driver Extension	6.1.137.0 - Enables Surface Dock 2 updates.
Qualcomm USBC UCSI Participant - System devices	2.16.139.0 - Improves external monitor connection when resuming from hibernate.
Snapdragon TM X24 LTE Modem - Network adapters	1.0.1500.0 - Resolves update issue where the device cannot receive SMS messages.
Surface Radio Monitor - System devices	3.50.139.0 - Resolves Device Manager error reporting.
Surface Pro X Peripheral Image Loader Device - System devices	1.0.1220.0 - Merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.

You can grab the updates now through Windows Update.

The Microsoft Store is having a Surface sale for Memorial Day and beyond

Robert Carnevale — Tue, 25 May 2021 20:49:39 +0000

What you need to know

From May 17 to May 31, save $100 on Surface Go 2 bundles.
From May 28 to June 20, save up to $100 on the Surface Laptop Go.
From May 28 to June 13, save up to $360 on the Surface Pro X.

Microsoft has some snazzy deals lined up for just about every occasion happening in the near future. Father's Day, Memorial Day, and general graduation date ranges are all covered in the latest Microsoft Store sale, wherein the tech giant is offering up its Surface Go 2 bundles, Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Pro X at discounted rates.

As was noted when the deals were shared with Windows Central, keep in mind the following perks of grabbing one of these discounts from the MS Store: "Any Surface purchased from Microsoft Store comes with the Microsoft Store Promise for Surface, including free 2-3 day shipping, a 60-day extended return window and access to on-demand training videos and workshops."

The Surface Laptop Go, Surface Pro X, and Surface Go 2 are all among the best Microsoft Surface PCs you can get, so know that whatever product you want to score a deal on will likely be a good one; it's all just a matter of grabbing the one suited for your needs or those of the person you're buying gifts for.

Go Pro

Surface Pro X

Windows 10 on Arm PCs = excellence

The Surface Pro X is a great Windows 10 on ARM PC. And if you want it at a serious discount, now's the time to strike.

Ultraportable

Surface Go 2

Time to go

The Surface Go 2 lives up to its name, being the device of choice for on-the-go Surface enthusiasts. If you need mobility, this is the machine for you.

Tiny but mighty

Surface Laptop Go

A little friend

Don't think that size is all that matters. This little foldable may be portable, but it also packs a punch.

Surface Pro X with SQ2 processor down to one of its lowest prices ever

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 10 May 2021 17:29:37 +0000

Right now, you can grab the Surface Pro X with an SQ2 processor for $300 off through the Microsoft Store. The sale brings the price of the version with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage down to $1,200. If you bump up to the model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the discounted price is $1,500.

The Surface Pro X is a thin-and-light 2-in-1 built to last all day. It's a Windows 10 on ARM PC that got 8-10 hours of battery life in our real-world testing. Thanks to its form factor and the fact that it can connect through LTE, it's a versatile PC that's easy to take on the go.

Thin and light Surface

Surface Pro X SQ2

An excellent Windows 10 on ARM PC

The Surface Pro X with an SQ2 processor is one of the best Windows 10 on ARM PCs you can buy. It's thin, light, and supports LTE connectivity. Right now, you can grab it for $300 off from Microsoft.

When Microsoft refreshed the Surface Pro X with the SQ2 processor, it also added the option to get it in platinum, a favorite color among many Surface owners. The sale through the Microsoft Store discounts the Surface Pro X with an SQ2 in either platinum or black. If you don't mind jumping back another generation, the Surface Pro X with an SQ1 processor is also $300 off, bringing its starting price down to just $800.

The Surface Pro X doesn't just stand out for its battery life. In his Surface Pro X (2020) review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino said that the "Surface Pro X easily has the best webcam on any laptop. Period." It also works with the Surface Slim Pen and all of the best Surface Pro X accessories.

Is the Surface Pro X good for gaming?

jez@windowscentral.com (Jez Corden) — Tue, 04 May 2021 19:00:00 +0000

Is the Surface Pro X good for gaming?

Best answer: Yes, with caveats. Thanks to the diversity of Windows content, you can actually turn this into a decent gaming machine for highly optimized games and arcade-style 2D side-scrollers. Just don't expect to be playing the latest AAA blockbuster on ultra-high graphics. At least not natively. If you want a PC that runs games more reliably, that you can take with you, consider the Razer Blade 15 instead.Always connected: Surface Pro X (From $800 at Microsoft)For superior portable gaming: Razer Blade 15 (From $1,300 at Razer)

Arcade style tablet

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

The Surface Pro X is a unique proposition from Microsoft. It's powered by ARM architecture, yet runs full Windows 10. This creates a lot of benefits, but also a few limitations. For the full rundown on the technicalities therein, please consult our full Surface Pro X review.

Given its mobile-like architecture, typically, you can expect superior battery life compared to similar Windows laptop hybrids in this class, as long as you're using apps optimized for ARM. Emulating x86 programs pushes the battery a bit harder. Even when running games, the ARM-powered Surface Pro X gets nowhere near as warm as its Intel-powered brethren, which is a welcome benefit if you're someone familiar with how damn warm the Surface Pro line can get during intensive tasks.

YouTube reviewer josher14 demonstrates Batman Arkham City running surprisingly well on the Surface Pro X.

In terms of playability, there are dozens, perhaps hundreds, of games that run well on the Surface Pro X, but you have to accept the limitations. Visually simplistic games like Guacamelee, Dead Cells, Hollow Knight, Blasphemous, and even more layered 2D games like Ori and the Blind Forest run well on the Pro X. Essentially any 2D side-scrolling arcade-style game will run well on this device. Still, you can even push it up to 3D in some scenarios too.

Some 3D games like Diablo III, Overwatch, Fortnite, and others can achieve a playable frame rate on the lowest possible settings. Aggressively optimized games like Rocket League can also achieve very respectable frame rates, even up to 60 FPS. YouTube gaming reviewer josher14 demonstrated a range of older 3D Unreal Engine games that perform incredibly well on the device, including Batman Arkham City. You can watch an example above.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

The seems to vary wildly from title to title, depending on how the game is built and how well optimized it is. Essentially, you shouldn't pick up the Surface Pro X specifically for gaming. Still, it's certainly something it can do on the side, along with its impressive performance for productivity tasks and always-connected LTE chipset.

Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming option

Source: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)

Despite the limited capabilities of the Surface Pro X in terms of native gaming, thanks to Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming, we now have another option.

Xbox Game Pass lets you play the Xbox versions of games via streaming over an internet connection, using a connected Xbox controller, or even with on-screen touch controls in a pinch. 4G LTE probably isn't fast enough unless you have a particularly great signal and stick primarily to turn-based games (of which there many). But, over a stable Wi-Fi connection, the Surface Pro X makes for a great streaming device, with good battery life.

Consider Razer Blade 15 instead for more potent portable gaming

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

If you want a more capable gaming PC that retains the sleekness and mobility of the Surface Pro X, consider the Razer Blade 15 as an alternative.

It's a fair bit pricier, but that's due to its more beefy internals geared towards gaming, rather than productivity. The model I'm using has an RTX 2060 dedicated GPU, which is leaps and bounds more powerful than the ARM chipset found in the Pro X, complete with full Intel Core i7 processing and 16GB of RAM. It also has large fans underneath for cooling, and a Thunderbolt port for external GPU enclosures if you want to push it even further.

Of course, you're sacrificing a touch screen, inking, and tablet-style user scenarios from dropping the Surface Pro range. Still, if it's gaming you're interested in, a more serious laptop like the Razer Blade 15 is something you should definitely consider. The Pro X should be seen primarily as a productivity device that can do some very light gaming on the side, and nothing more.

Windows 10 on ARM

Microsoft Surface Pro X

Thin and light arcade gaming

You won't be playing Cyberpunk 2077 on Ultra settings on this thing, but for light gaming on the side, the Pro X is surprisingly decent.

For real gaming power

Razer Blade 15 (2019)

If you want more power in a portable package

If you're looking for a real gaming PC that you can pack up and easily take with you, the 2019 Razer Blade 15 is the best option available right now.

First look: Surface Original skins bring an artist's elegance to your favorite Surface

daniel@windowscentral.com (Daniel Rubino) — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 14:00:03 +0000

Coinciding with the launch of Surface Laptop 4, Microsoft also launched its latest ad campaign around the slogan of 'Original by design.'

While there have been new ads, including one taking on Apple, there is also a more subtle 'Redesign your Surface' program that is out there too. The website has Microsoft partnering with dbrand and artists for some very creative skins.

I ordered up two of the skins, and here are some photos of how they look and what we love.

Surface Duo: Marcus Rivero

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

For my Surface Duo I wanted something with more punch (I'm also a sucker for the blue vs. orange palette).

In a deeper dive into Marcus Rivero, the artist behind the piece, Microsoft notes that this "Surface design embodies his signature style with bright, air-brushed colors, and pays homage to his process of experimenting with bold new mediums."

I like this skin a lot, especially as we head into summer, where the colors give a warmer vibe. It also nicely matches the "ice" Surface Duo bumper I've been using.

Dbrand is generous here, too, offering two skins for the rear of Surface Duo depending if you use the bumper or not.

Note: due to the thickness of the 3M skins, using a bumper is advised if you reverse-fold Surface Duo.

Installation is fast and easy. Line up the Surface logo with the skin, and you're good to go.

Design and installation: A+

Surface Pro X: Brooke Shaden

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Surface Pro X (SQ2) in platinum already gorgeous looking, so for this, I didn't want a skin that drastically altered the appearance. I also wanted one that would match my 'ice' Type Cover.

The Brooke Shaden skin is fabulous. From the description: "Using film negatives as a nod to Brooke's art, this piece embraces her ability to reshape the physical world into an entirely new creation."

I love this design. Indeed, I am curious how it would look on Surface Duo with a grey bumper. It is a subtle design, but it also adds depth. I love the juxtaposition of nature and technology, but also the tones that this utilizes. It's both techy with the markers and corners yet natural with the shadowed leaves.

Installation is also effortless. Dbrand uses two pieces for each half of Surface Pro X. Like Surface Duo, align the skin with the logo, and it lays down perfectly. For the second skin, starting with centering it around the camera and rear microphone, lets you get perfect placement.

Design and installation: A+

Surface Originals: Final thoughts

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

These new skins are not low-cost. Surface Duo is around $26, while a Surface Book 3 skin runs you $50. But I imagine a good chunk of that money goes to the artist, which I support, and dbrand easily makes the highest-quality skins around with excellent and robust packaging to prevent damage during transit.

Besides the two skins shown here, there are five others. One is dbrand's own black and white fractalesque design, which is captivating (and my next choice) along with the stunning 'black and purple' piece by Collete Davis.

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

My only gripe with these skins is the website itself, which is a total nightmare for navigation. While it's pretty looking, there is just too much going on, making it difficult to get to the actual skins section to order.

Overall, if you are looking for a way to spice up your Surface Pro, Laptop Go, Surface Go, or Surface Book, these creative skins are easy to recommend.

Original Surface skins

Celebrities and creators inspire these original Surface skins. They're available on just about every piece of Surface hardware that you can purchase.

Leaked Snapdragon processor could bring a big boost to the Surface Pro X

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 11:27:33 +0000

What you need to know

Leaked benchmarks of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 show a massive leap compared to the Microsoft SQ2.
The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 appears to sit between the Intel Core i7-1065G7 and the Intel Core i7-1165G7 in terms of multi-core performance.
As with all leaked benchmarks, these figures need to be taken with a grain of salt.

Microsoft's Surface Pro X and other Windows 10 on ARM devices could gain a big performance boost in their next generation. Leaked benchmarks (via Notebookcheck) of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 show dramatically improved single-core and multi-core scores over the SQ2 processor (which is based on the same Kryo 495 CPU as the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2).

These benchmarks need to be placed in context before we dive into the numbers. Benchmarks like this always need to be taken with a grain of salt, as they can be incorrect, faked, or be for early models of devices that don't reflect the final product that will ship. These scores are also for a Qualcomm Reference Design (QRD), which means that the figures came from an engineering sample. The retail version of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 could have better performance, but the main takeaway is that the figures need to be viewed in context.

According to the benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 earned a single-core score of 982 and a multi-core score of 4,918. In his Surface Pro X review, our executive editor saw a single-core score of 798 and a multi-core score of 3,100 on his device running the SQ2 processor.

Source: Geekbench (Image credit: Source: Geekbench)

The scores showed in the benchmarks place the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 between the Intel Core i7-1065G7 and the Intel core i7-1165G7 in multi-core performance. The Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 gets 5% better multi-core performance than the former and 9% lower than the latter.

As expected, even a leap this large still has Snapdragon's offering fall short of Apple's M1 in the same tests. The MacBook Air with an M1 chip got a single-core score of 1,687 and a multi-core score of 7,433. Apple's M1 chips are so good that when someone used virtualization software to run Windows 10 on an M1 device it still got a higher score than the leaked Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 scores.

Even if it does fall short of Apple's M1 chips, the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 could be a large leap for Windows 10 on ARM PCs.

Surface Pro X gets firmware update with long changelog but few changes

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:32:25 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft's Surface Pro X has a new firmware update available.
The update has a lengthy changelog of stability improvements.
Surface Pro X SQ2 and SQ1 devices have now merged support in several areas.

Microsoft recently rolled out a firmware update for the Surface Pro X with an SQ2 processor. The update has a lengthy list of stability improvements. As is normally the case, it doesn't have any new features.

All of the changes are under the Microsoft Corporation - System Hardware Update section. Several of the changes list "merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices" as one of their changes.

Here's everything that's new in the update, as found on the Surface Pro X support page:

Device Manager Name	Version and Update
Qualcomm Advanced Modem Subsystem Device	10400.1.77.3 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Adreno 680 GPU	27.20.1460.0 - Improves graphics performance, system stability, and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Bluetooth Radio Driver	1.0.1460.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Bluetooth UART Transport Driver	1.0.1460.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Bus Device	1.0.1360.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Bus Device	1.0.1440.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Data Device	1.0.1460.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Hexagon 690 DSP	1.0.1440.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Hexagon 690 DSP	1.0.1440.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Location	1.0.1380.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Memory and File System Device	1.0.1440.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm System Manager Device	1.0.1380.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm System Manager Device	1.0.1440.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm System Manager Device	1.0.1380.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Wi-Fi B/G/N/AC (2x2)	1.0.1420.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface Dock 2 Firmware Update Driver Extension	6.1.137.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface Hid Mini Driver	3.31.139.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface Pen BLE LC Adaptation Driver	3.11.139.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface Pro X CDSP Subsystem Bus Device Extension	1.0.1160.1 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface Pro X Power Engine Plug-in Device	1.0.1380.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface Pro X SPI Device	1.0.1380.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface Serial Hub Driver	9.54.139.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface SMF Core Driver	3.116.139.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface System Aggregator	1.108.139.0 - Improves system stability.
Surface Touch Firmware	5.0.121.139 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface UEFI	7.563.140.0 - Improves system stability.

The update started rolling out on April 22, 2021, so you should see it now on your Surface Pro X.

Microsoft merges support for the Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 with latest update

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:03:38 +0000

What you need to know

A firmware update recently rolled out for the Surface Pro X.
The update is for the Surface Pro X with an SQ2 processor.
The update "merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices" in several areas.

Microsoft's Surface Pro X recently received a firmware update. Specifically, the update is for the Surface Pro X with an SQ2 processor, which is also referred to as the Surface Pro X (2020). As is normally the case, the firmware update doesn't include any new features. It does, however, include several improvements.

This update appears to mark a merging of support for the Surface Pro X with SQ1 and SQ2 processors in several areas. Several items in the changelog state, "Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices." This seems to imply that going forward, changes will roll out to both devices together, at least for the items mentioned.

Here's the complete changelog from Microsoft:

Device Manager Name	Version and Update
Qualcomm Bus Device – System devices	1.0.1220.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Hexagon 690 DSP - System devices	1.0.1260.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm Hexagon 690 DSP - System devices	1.0.1260.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm System Manager Device – System devices	1.0.1120.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm System Manager Device – System devices	1.0.1160.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm System Manager Device – System devices	1.0.1220.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm System Manager Device – System devices	1.0.1280.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm USBC UCSI Participant – System devices	2.9.139.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Qualcomm(R) Wi-Fi B/G/N/AC (2x2) Svc - Network adapters	1.0.1260.0 - Improves Wi-Fi stability.
Surface Hot Plug – System devices	3.71.139.0 - Improves system stability and addresses system bugcheck.
Surface Pro X CDSP Subsystem – Extension	1.0.1160.0 - Improves integration between system services.
Surface Pro X Power Engine Plug-in Device – System devices	1.0.1260.0 - Improves system stability and merges support for both Surface Pro X SQ1 and SQ2 devices.
Surface Serial Hub Driver - System devices	9.53.139.0 - Improves system stability and addresses system bugcheck.
Surface System Telemetry Driver – System devices	2.34.137.0 - Facilitates power and thermal related data analysis.
Surface UEFI – Firmware	7.545.140.0 - Improves system stability.

There are no known issues with this firmware update. The update started rolling out last week, but we now have a changelog for it.

Surface savings are still here for the Laptop Go, Pro X, and Laptop 3

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 15:09:07 +0000

Microsoft's discounts on Surface devices continue. We've covered several deals on the best Microsoft Surface PCs lately, and there are some more deals worth highlighting. Right now, you can grab the Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Laptop 3 for a discount through the Microsoft Store.

Best Laptop

Surface Laptop 3

A premium, straightforward laptop

It's not a 2-in-1, so it has no form factor tricks up its sleeve. But it is a tremendous, premium looking 2-in-1 with a great display and specs to boot.

The Surface Pro X is on sale for up to $200 off right now. That discount of $200 is available on every variant listed on the Microsoft Store, but some options are out of stock. You can still order any variant in black at the time of publication, but platinum variants are limited.

Similarly, the Surface Laptop 3 discounts max out at $300 right now, but availability depends on the color you choose. A few options are only discounted by $200 right now, but many are $300 off.

The Surface Laptop Go starts at just $650 for the Core i5 version with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The cheapest version with only 4GB of RAM isn't on sale through Microsoft right now.

Surface Laptop Go

Looking for something with the same design as the Surface Laptop but easier on the wallet? Look no further with the Surface Laptop Go with its 12.45-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, aluminum and polycarbonate exterior, Omnisonic speakers, and Windows Hello-enabled fingerprint reader. The $700 model is the one to get.

Sleeker Surface

Surface Pro X

On the go

The Surface Pro X is a drastic redesign of Microsoft's Surface Pro line, slimming everything down with an ARM processor and LTE connectivity.

Brydge SPX+ review: Turning your Surface Pro X into a Surface Laptop

daniel@windowscentral.com (Daniel Rubino) — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 19:39:29 +0000

When Brydge offered me a review sample for its forthcoming SPX+ Bluetooth keyboard, I was a bit baffled. Why would you want this over the standard Surface Pro X Keyboard or Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen Bundle?

My fellow writers pointed out that it turns Surface Pro X into a proper laptop. That refreshed my memory: not everyone loves the Surface Pro 2-in-1 design. Some find it uncomfortable or unwieldy to use in the lap. I am not one of those people, but I see how some could feel that way.

Brydge's new SPX+ keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.0 and an innovative hinge design to make Surface Pro X more like a Surface Laptop. It succeeds, too, with only a few minor considerations that keep it from being perfect. Here is what you need to know and why you may want this rather expensive accessory.

Brydge SPX+

Bottom line: The Brydge SPX+ is not cheap, but its quality, excellent design, and ability to transform Surface Pro X into a new form factor is impressive. Excellent Bluetooth, battery life, trackpad, and typing, make it an easy transition so long as you don't mind the added weight.

Pros

Transforms Pro X into a laptop
Excellent design, sturdy
Good Bluetooth and typing
Wireless Precision Touchpad
Battery lasts a long time (Type-C)

Cons

Expensive
Loses pen silo
Adds bulk and weight

Making a Pro X laptop

Brydge SPX+: What I like

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

The SPX+ for Surface Pro X is one of many Bluetooth keyboards that Brydge makes, including ones for Surface Pro and Surface Go.

The design is simple and to the point. You get a black keyboard in the box with a Type-C cable (no adapter) for recharging the SPX+. Type-C usage here instead of micro USB is very welcomed.

On top, you get a full-sized keyboard that very much looks like the standard Surface one. There is the addition of Bluetooth and dedicated Settings keys. On the bottom, there are rubber feet on all four corners to prevent sliding on a hard surface. The edges nicely taper, sweeping up and away from the bottom. Typing is similar between this keyboard and the official Surface one making, adaptation effortless.

Setup is quick and straightforward. Slide the Surface Pro X into the two hinge areas that grab each side. Next, hold the SPX+'s Bluetooth key to go into pairing mode. Windows recognizes it instantly, and you pair and go. The SPX+ uses Bluetooth 5.0, which is ideal. When you close the Pro X with SPX+, both devices go into sleep mode. Opening them up and hitting any SPX+ key wakes both, and you are instantly reconnected.

The SPX+ offers 180-degree posturing as well. You can use it as a laptop at 90 degrees or lay it completely flat. It is balanced, too, meaning if you open Surface Pro X to 110 degrees, the unit doesn't teeter over. The hinges are stiff, in the right way, and robust. You will need two hands for opening, however.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Once set up, the whole kit feels durable and sturdy. The SPX+ nicely mirrors the size, shape, and weight of Surface Pro X giving the combo a feeling of equilibrium.

The battery is particularly good even with the backlit keys (three-stage). Brydge rates it at 40 hours of usage with the keyboard backlight on the entire time or six-months at two-hours of use per day with no backlight. Over the last week of on and off usage, I did not get below 50 percent battery (which can be checked under Bluetooth connections). Type-C charging makes topping off the power a breeze.

In theory, you may get more battery life out of Surface Pro X since you are not also powering a Surface Type Cover (backlight, connection) any longer. I did not measure that, and I assume it would be minimal (maybe an extra 30 minutes?), but it is a small perk.

Let's talk about typing and trackpad performance. Characteristically, this is where things get dicey as Bluetooth is … Bluetooth. But the SPX+ worked very well. I never had an issue with reconnection, and it all felt very native. That was improved upon by the Microsoft Precision Touchpad. Brydge calls this "the world's first Bluetooth precision touchpad" and even has a patent on it. While it is not as good as a wired/native solution, it is a particularly excellent trackpad. It is smooth, the gestures all worked, and accuracy was precise. You can initially tell that that movement is off by a millisecond, but your brain adapts after some use.

A beefy Pro X

Brydge SPX+: What I don't like

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

The weight of SPX+ is not insignificant. On its own, the SPX+ comes in at 670 grams (1.4lbs). The Surface Signature Type Cover with Surface Slim Pen, by comparison, weighs just 297 grams (0.64lbs). When combined with Surface Pro X, the total weight is 1.45kg (3.2lbs). That's full laptop territory.

The hulking weight is due to the inclusion of a large battery and the aluminum bottom and keyboard frame. The top of the SPX+ is plastic and does not feel as high quality, but Brydge likely did this to lower the overall weight. I'll also add that, for Surface Pro X to not topple over when pushed past 90 degrees, you need the bottom keyboard to act as a counterweight. This keyboard does that very well, which, again, explains the load.

Obviously, with this design, you lose the ability to store the Surface Slim Pen. That's a shame, as it removes one of Surface Pro X's significant benefits. You can still use any Surface Pen, but you'll have to find another way to pack it. On the other hand, if you want to convert Surface Pro X from a 2-in-1 to a laptop, you may not care about pen storage anyway.

Brydge's wireless Bluetooth Precision touchpad is genius, but you can still tell there is a smidge of latency. You get used to it, and this is the best Bluetooth trackpad I have ever used. But if you switch between computers a lot, you will notice the slight difference.

Although you get three-stage backlighting for the keys, it's adequate but not mind-blowingly bright or consistent.

The SPX+ is also not cheap. Microsoft's Surface Pro X Keyboard (without pen) is $139 but often drops to $103. The SPX+, which is metal, Bluetooth, and has a large battery, is $160. I think the price is fair for the product, but it is not the cheapest solution.

Brydge SPX+: Should you buy?

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Who it's for

You want Surface Pro X but wish it were a laptop
You don't prioritize pen and inking
You don't mind a heavier device
You want Surface Pro X more "lap-able"

Who it isn't for

You like Surface Pro X light and flexible
You need a way to store Surface Slim Pen
You want the cheapest Surface Pro X setup

I was skeptical of enjoying SPX+. After all, it is heavier and bulkier, plus I was happy with the official Type Cover. But after using it just for a few hours, I began to like it a lot. Every time I turned it on, it just worked. The quality of typing, trackpad, and overall feel are also notable.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

I still feel the top deck could use a little more polish to make it feel higher-end and more lavish, but that is not a showstopper either, as the product works as intended. The battery life is excellent and having a Type-C port means it is simple to recharge. Being Bluetooth, this also means you can detach SPX+ and use it at a distance, which could be useful for some.

If, however, you like the current Surface Pro X design as a 2-in-1 and like the official covers, there is not a whole lot here to sway you to switch. The SPX+ is only for those who want that old-school laptop feel or have issues using a Type Cover in their lap. If you are one of those people, I say go and get the Brydge SPX+ as it succeeds where it intends.

For more ideas, check our best Surface Pro X accessories for additional recommendations.

Brydge SPX+

Bottom line: The Brydge SPX+ is not cheap, but its quality, excellent design, and ability to transform Surface Pro X into a new form factor is impressive. Excellent Bluetooth, battery life, trackpad, and typing, making it an easy transition so long as you don't mind the added weight.

Microsoft Surface Pro X SQ2

Bottom line: Refreshed for late 2020 is the new Surface Pro X with the SQ2 processor. A faster CPU, more powerful GPU, improved battery life, x64 app emulation in November (Insiders), and now in platinum, there is a lot to like here. You can even now pick multiple colors for the Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen Bundle. Preorder now; get it for October 13th.

Microsoft Surface savings are here for last-minute holiday shopping

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:40:30 +0000

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

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

Flagship 2-in-1

Surface Pro 7 bundle

The original 2-in-1

Featuring Intel's 10th-generation chips, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, and a crisp 12.3-inch display, the Surface Pro 7 is the latest in Microsoft's Pro lineup. This bundle also gets you a Type Cover, a sleeve, and options to add more at a discount.

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

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

Check out Adobe Lightroom on the Surface Pro X (video)

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 18:43:25 +0000

What you need to know

Adobe Lightroom now runs natively on Windows 10 on ARM devices.
A new video shows how the Surface Pro X handles Adobe Lightroom.
Adobe Lightroom was optimized for Windows 10 on ARM at the same time Adobe rolled out support for Apple's M1 processors.

Adobe recently rolled out native support for Lightroom on Windows 10 on ARM devices. This allows the application to take advantage of the hardware of devices such as the Surface Pro X. Now, a video from Ho Young Won shows Adobe Lightroom in action on the Surface Pro X.

Microsoft Surface Pro X is an impressive piece of hardware, but app limitations caused by it running on an ARM processor can hold it back. Microsoft is tackling this in two ways. Microsoft recently rolled out emulation support for 64-bit apps running on Windows 10 on ARM. This allows a wide variety of apps to run on devices like the Surface Pro X that couldn't run on it before. Because it's in emulation, it's not as good as native applications. In comes Microsoft's push to get developers to optimize their apps for Windows 10 on ARM. Adobe is in the process of adopting ARM, and Lightroom recently gained support.

Won's video is on the original Surface Pro X, not the newer model with an SQ2 processor. In his video, Won runs Lightroom through some basic tasks, such as launching the app, importing photos, editing images, and exporting images. Loading images and scrolling looks a bit glitchy, but editing images seems smooth.

Have you used Lightroom on a Windows 10 on ARM device? How did it perform? Let us know in the comments below.

Adobe Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is one of Adobe's core editing apps. It allows you to make professional-grade edits to images. The app itself is free but requires a paid subscription.

Sleeker Surface

Surface Pro X

On the go

The Surface Pro X is a drastic redesign of Microsoft's Surface Pro line, slimming everything down with an ARM processor and LTE connectivity.

Fresh firmware updates arrive for the Surface Pro X

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 12:10:14 +0000

What you need to know

A new firmware update is available for the Surface Pro X.
Both the SQ1 and SQ2 models of the Surface Pro X have updates.
The updates improve stability and fix several bugs.

The Surface Pro X has a new set of firmware updates available. Whether you have a Surface Pro X with an SQ1 processor or the refreshed Surface Pro X with an SQ2 processor, you should see an update for your device. As is normally the case with firmware updates, these updates include bug fixes and improve stability but don't have any new features.

While the original Surface Pro X and the Surface Pro X with the SQ2 processor each have an update available, they have different changelogs with different fixes and improvements.

If you have the Surface Pro X with the SQ1 processor, you'll see these changes:

Device Manager Name	Version and Update
Qualcomm Adreno 680 GPU - Display adapters	26.18.1250.0 - Improves graphics performance and stability.
Qualcomm Bus Device	1.0.1220.0 - Improves device stability when resumes from sleep.
Qualcomm Hexagon 690 DSP	1.0.1260.0 - Improves the Eye Contact feature and improves stability.
Qualcomm System Manager Device	1.0.1120.0 - Addresses security updates and improves system stability.
Qualcomm Wi-Fi B/G/N/AC (2x2) Svc - Network adapters	1.0.1260.0 - Improves Wi-Fi network stability.
Surface Panel - Monitor	4.28.139.0 - Improves the device color profile performance.
Surface Pro X Power Engine Plug-in Device	1.0.1260.0 - Optimizes power performance and stability.
Surface System Aggregator – Firmware	14.309.139.0 - * Improves Battery Smart Charging reliability.
Surface UEFI – Firmware	3.530.140.0 - Improves system stability.

If you have the original Surface Pro X with the SQ2 processor, you will see these changes:

Device Manager Name	Version and Update
Qualcomm Wi-Fi B/G/N/AC (2x2) Svc - Network adapters	1.0.1220.0 - Improves device stability when resumes from sleep.
Surface 0953 Fw Update – Firmware	2.12.139.0 - Improves Surface Pen inking.
Surface Pen Cfu Over BleLc Extn Package - Extension	2.9.139.0 - Improves Surface Pen inking.
Qualcomm USBC UCSI Participant – System devices	2.10.139.0 - Address system bugcheck.
Surface Panel - Monitor	4.28.139.0 - Improves the device color profile performance.
Surface UEFI – Firmware	7.205.140.0 - Improves system stability and addresses system bugcheck.
Surface Dock 2 Firmware Update Driver - Extension	5.5.0.0- Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during Wake On LAN scenarios and improves the overall stability.

Sleeker Surface

Surface Pro X

On the go

The Surface Pro X is a drastic redesign of Microsoft's Surface Pro line, slimming everything down with an ARM processor and LTE connectivity.

iPad Pro 2020 vs. Surface Pro X: Which is a better buy?

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 15:00:03 +0000

Surface Pro X

LTE-enabled Windows PC

The Surface Pro X is an ARM-powered Windows 10 2-in-1 that comes standard with LTE connectivity. It has a beautiful touch display, it has inking support, and its 2-in-1 form factor is the best to use. It doesn't have the same performance as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but you'll generally pay less for the Pro X.

Pros

LTE comes standard
Generally more affordable
Can run software outside the app store
Best 2-in-1 form factor
All-day battery life

Cons

Wi-Fi 5
ARM has some limitations

Apple iPad Pro 12.9

LTE-enabled iPadOS tablet

The 2020 12.9-inch iPad Pro comes with a beautiful touch display, compatible with a pen, keyboard, and touchpad. It comes with Wi-Fi 6 and optional LTE connectivity, and it delivers a solid performance. However, it only has one port, and iPadOS has some limitations if you're not already invested in the ecosystem.

Pros

Gorgeous display
Wi-Fi 6 and optional LTE
Thinner and lighter build
Pen and keyboard available
Myriad apps and enticing ecosystem

Cons

Only one USB-C port
iPadOS has limitations
Generally costs more

Surface Pro X vs. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 tech specs

	Surface Pro X	Apple iPad Pro 12.9
OS	Windows 10	iPadOS
Processor	Microsoft SQ1 Microsoft SQ2	Apple A12Z Bionic
RAM	8GB, 16GB, LPDDR4x	6GB
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Display size	13 inches Touch	12.9 inches Touch
Display resolution	2880x1920 267 PPI	2732x2048 264 PPI
Graphics	SQ1 Adreno 685	Apple A12Z
Ports	Two USB-C Surface Connect Nano-SIM	USB-C Nano-SIM
LTE	Standard	Optional
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0	Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0
Camera	Front-facing 5MP Rear-facing 10MP	Front-facing 7MP Rear-facing 12MP (Wide angle) Rear-facing 10MP (Ultra wide)
Biometrics	Facial recognition	Facial recognition
Keyboard	Optional	Optional
Pen	Optional	Optional
Battery	38.2Wh	36.7Wh
Dimensions	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches (287mm x 208mm x 7.3mm)	11.04 x 8.46 x 0.23 inches (280.6mm x 214.9mm x 5.9mm)
Weight	From 1.7 pounds (774g)	From 1.41 pounds (641g)
Color	Matte Black Platinum	Silver Space Gray

The user experience

Apple has moved its iPad Pro closer than ever to the Surface Pro lineup with a Magic Keyboard that includes multi-angle display and touchpad support. However, no matter how close the two devices are in terms of design, the operating systems still differ.

The Surface Pro X runs Windows 10 Home, an OS primarily designed for a standard PC experience. Microsoft has come a long way in terms of its operating system's tablet functionality, but it still doesn't stand up to what Apple has in iPadOS. Everything flows together extremely well on iPad, and if you primarily want a tablet experience, the iPad Pro is no doubt going to make more sense. The added option for a keyboard and touchpad for the iPad also helps bridge some of the gap that used to exist between the two devices.

The iPad Pro's A12Z custom CPU has eight cores and runs at 2.48GHz. Thanks to a mid-gen update for the Pro X it's now available with a custom SQ1 or SQ2 CPU. The difference? A minor performance bump that moves the base clock up to 3.15GHz from 3.0GHz in the SQ1.

Testing with synthetic benchmark Geekbench 5, the iPad Pro comes out on top with a 1,114 single-core score and 4,654 multi-core score. That's considerably higher than the Pro X's SQ1 725 single-core score and 2,819 multi-core score and SQ2 798 and 3,100 scores. The iPad Pro's integrated GPU also wins out here. If you want the snappiest performance, Apple's device is going to be the better option.

However, iPadOS strictly adheres to the Apple ecosystem. If you want an app, it must be available from the App Store, and there are some limitations in that sense. People already invested in the Apple ecosystem are no doubt already aware of some of iPadOS drawbacks, and that's not to say the Pro X doesn't also have some limitations due to its ARM64 processor (CPU).

Native ARM64 apps — including those recompiled for ARM64 and most UWP apps — net the best performance running on the Pro X, but you can also run older desktop (32-bit x86) apps in an emulation mode. The drawback here is a slight hit to performance. The Pro X cannot currently handle 64-bit x86 apps, though it's rumored that emulation support is coming sometime in 2020.

Bottom line? If you're in search of a device that feels more like a PC in the sense of freedom to do and run what you want, the Pro X is no doubt going to be a better choice. The Pro X is designed to comfortably work as a tablet or a laptop PC, and adding the hardware for the latter form is going to cost significantly less than similar hardware for the iPad Pro.

Hardware and cost

One of the main selling points for the new iPad Pro is its Magic Keyboard with Trackpad hardware. Like the Surface Pro X's Type Cover, this addition adds a keyboard, touchpad, and angle adjustability, effectively turning the iPad Pro into a laptop when attached. That's a big deal for those who primarily use an iPad Pro for everyday work, but it comes at a steep cost.

Adding the Magic Keyboard to your 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs a about $349. Add that to the primary cost of the baseline iPad Pro, toss in an Apple Pencil, and you're looking at spending a minimum of $1,479. In comparison, a Surface Pro X Type Cover with Surface Slim Pen costs about $193, bringing the total cost of a baseline bundle up to about $1,193. That's a savings of about $300. And don't forget the Pro X comes with a built-in kickstand, allowing you to prop it up on a flat surface without any other attached hardware.

In terms of tablet hardware, both of these devices are true beauties. They're thin, they're light, and they're rocking gorgeous touch IPS displays. Pixels-per-inch is nearly the same, and both have support for inking, but the iPad Pro's 120Hz refresh rate, blistering 600-nit brightness, and vivid color edge out what the Pro X has to offer. The Pro X's display isn't a slouch, but it can't quite compete with the iPad Pro.

LTE connectivity is available in both devices, but you'll pay more for the feature in the iPad Pro as it doesn't come standard like in the Pro X. However, the iPad Pro does sport Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for blistering wireless speeds, while the Pro X is stuck on Wi-Fi 5.

Source: iMore (Image credit: Source: iMore)

The Pro X adds an additional USB-C port to the mix compared to the iPad Pro, and it also has Surface Connect for charging, leaving both ports open for other business. Neither device has a 3.5mm audio jack, meaning you'll have to make due with Bluetooth or a USB-C adapter.

Both devices offer biometrics in the form of facial recognition, adding some extra security. While both devices have standard front-facing cameras (5MP in the Pro X and 7MP in the iPad Pro), the iPad Pro has two rear-facing cameras compared to one on the Pro X. The iPad Pro also has a LiDAR scanner for light detection and ranging. If you're serious about taking photos with a tablet, the iPad Pro is probably going to make more sense.

Go with the Surface Pro X for a PC experience

Love Windows and want something closer to a standard PC experience with a tablet tossed in for good measure? The Surface Pro X, one of our picks for best Windows laptop, is no doubt a better pick. ARM has some limitations, but it should still give you more freedom than iPadOS. And it's going to cost less, especially when adding in accessories and LTE connectivity.

LTE-enabled Windows PC

Surface Pro X

The thinnest Surface yet

Go with the Pro X if you love Windows and don't want to pay nearly as much for a 2-in-1 experience.

Choose the iPad Pro for a better tablet experience

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a formidable tablet with awesome performance, made better by the new Magic Keyboard and Trackpad. It's ideal for those already invested in Apple's ecosystem, though it will generally cost more than a Pro X, especially when you add in useful accessories.

LTE-enabled iPadOS tablet

New Apple iPad Pro 12.9

Latest and greatest iPad Pro

Want a true tablet experience with some unreal hardware to back it up? The 12.9-inch iPad Pro delivers.

Surface Pro X (2020) review: Minor changes for the best ARM PC

daniel@windowscentral.com (Daniel Rubino) — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 17:00:03 +0000

The Surface Pro X arrived late last year as the newest entry to the rapidly growing line of Microsoft-branded devices. With its modern design, decent battery life, 4G LTE, and instant-on abilities, I made no qualms that it was my personal laptop of the year. But while I thought Pro X was nearly perfect, I also noted only for the right customer.

Microsoft is refreshing Surface Pro X for late 2020, and make no mistake, this is a mild iteration from last year. But a lot of progress around Windows 10 on ARM has been made in the previous 12 months, including our first preview of x64 emulation due in November.

What is new with that Microsoft SQ2 processor, and how does Surface Pro X still fair? Here's my review after using it for the last three weeks.

Microsoft Surface Pro X

From $999 Bottom line: Microsoft has refreshed Surface Pro X for late 2020, and while the changes are welcome - new colors, slightly faster processor - the performance of ARM is slipping quickly behind Intel and AMD. But for those who need a 4G LTE, thin-and-light tablet PC that is just a joy to use, nothing beats Surface Pro X.View Deal

To the point

Surface Pro X (2020) What's new

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

There are four main buckets for changes to or with Surface Pro X:

New SQ2 processor
New platinum colorway
More color options for the Surface Pro X Signature Type Cover
General advancements in ARM and Windows

Out of these, it is only the new processor and advancements in ARM that are notable.

Following Qualcomm's somewhat vague announcement of its Snapdragon 8cx Gen2 5G, which now features optional 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and improved performance, Microsoft followed with its SQ2 chip. Both are based on the Kryo 495 CPU from last year and are clocked a tad higher than last year's processors.

Interestingly, the other two features of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8cx Gen2 5G announcement – specifically 5G and Wi-Fi 6 – did not make it over to this refreshed Surface Pro X. That is somewhat understandable for 5G, which is still a bit green, and it would likely require a significant redesign of Surface Pro X's antenna system. Nonetheless, it would have been exciting to have as an option. The omission of Wi-Fi 6 is more disappointing and unclear.

I can't think of a single thing that needs improving on Surface Pro X for design.

The new platinum color option, which is only found in the upper two price tiers of Surface Pro X, is outstanding. Gone are the fingerprints the black model was so prone to collecting. And this platinum is very platinum, by which I mean it has such a gorgeous shimmer that is likely attributable to the aluminum chassis. This laptop plays with the light in ways the black model could not.

Name	CPU	RAM/Storage	Price
Surface Pro X	SQ1	8GB/128GB	$999
Surface Pro X	SQ1	8GB/256GB	$1,299
Surface Pro X	SQ2	16GB/256GB	$1,499
Surface Pro X	SQ2	16GB/512GB	$1,799

There are now three new Surface Pro X Signature Type Cover options for color: Platinum, Ice Blue, and Poppy Red matching the Surface Pro 7 line. Each of those keyboards also has the Surface Slim Pen dock built-in for quick and easy access. While not an upgrade, it shows confidence in the product line with Microsoft expanding options for those who want more customization. Compared to last year's black-on-black, these new combos are a breath of fresh air.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Microsoft has also had a nice stream of announcements demonstrating the company's commitment to Windows on ARM. Last year, I lamented there was no version of the new Edge browser compiled for ARM64, though that was resolved a few weeks later. Microsoft Teams is also now optimized for ARM64 delivering improved performance and battery life. Microsoft announced the inclusion of ARM in its growing App Assure program, which helps developers and companies convert and optimize their apps for Windows and ARM-based systems.

Category	Surface Pro X
Operating System	Windows 10 Home on ARM (Consumer) Microsoft 365 Family 30-day trial
Display	13-inch PixelSense 3:2 aspect ratio 2880x1920 (267 PPI)
Processor	Microsoft SQ1 Microsoft SQ2
GPU	Adreno 685 Adreno 690
Memory	8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x
Storage	128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD (removable)
Rear Camera	10MP autofocus (1080p and 4K video)
Front Camera	5MP (1080p)
Security	Windows Hello face authentication camera
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 LTE Bluetooth 5.0
Ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x nano SIM, 1x Surface Connect, Surface Keyboard connector
Battery	Up to 15 hours typical use
Dimensions	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches (287mm x 208mm x 7.3mm)
Weight	1.7 lbs (774g) w/o keyboard 2.36lbs (1,074g) with keyboard
Colors	Matte black Platinum
Availability	Oct 13th and beyond
Pricing	Starts at $999 ($1,499 for SQ2)

Microsoft is now preloading Amazon Prime Video and the new Liquid Text app with Surface Pro X. While LiquidText has a free version, the fully-featured app is around $30. While not cheap, it is a great productivity app ported natively to Windows on ARM from the Apple iPad ecosystem. It's a winner.

However, the most exciting news is that in November 2020, Microsoft should give Windows Insiders the first look at x64 emulation on ARM. Currently, Windows on ARM can only emulate x86-32-bit programs, but not 64-bit ones leaving many business and specialized apps unable to run on Surface Pro X, for example, Adobe Photoshop. With x64 emulation, that should solve many of those app incompatibility problems, effectively making ARM the same as traditional x86 systems.

Testing will begin in November, with the commercial release of x64 emulation occurring sometime later in 2021.

Now with more color

Microsoft Surface Pro X design and features

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Despite many exciting laptops in 2020, Surface Pro X still holds its own for style and design. While the aging Surface Pro 7 is always a good alternative, there are simply no convertible-tablet PCs that match the slimness and looks of Surface Pro X.

At just 7.3mm thin, the Surface Pro X feels very much like an iPad Pro — solid, metal, premium, and lean. The Surface Pro 7, by comparison, is a hair thicker at 8.5mm. Weight, however, is similar between both devices at just 1.7 pounds (775 grams).

Audio is excellent, thanks to the dual front-facing speakers. They are loud and vibrant and are remarkably similar to the Apple iPad and iPhone sound profile.

Ports are sparse with just two USB Type-C, either of which can be used for charging, data, or display out. Neither are Thunderbolt 3. There is no Type-A port, so users will need a dongle (not included). While the lack of a micro SD card reader is unsurprising, the omission of a 3.5mm headphone jack is regrettable. Microsoft sells a $12 Type-C to headphone adapter for those who do not want to use Bluetooth.

Bluetooth 5 and the 4G LTE X24 modem provide wireless connectivity. The LTE modem is a world-modem and not carrier- or SIM-locked, and users can sign up for an eSIM within Windows 10 directly. Users can even switch between a physical SIM and eSIM dynamically, which is excellent for traveling.

Below the kickstand, there is a door that pops off using an included SIM tray tool. Below that door is the replaceable M.2 2230 NVMe SSD and nano-SIM card slot for the 4G LTE modem (eSIM is also supported). Smaller M.2 2230 drives are harder to find, but they can be bought inexpensively online, giving users an easy way to upgrade (or replace) storage. Because of this feature, the site iFixit gives the Surface Pro X a favorable rating for repairability.

It's a testament to Microsoft design that I can't think of a single thing that needs improving on Surface Pro X.

Bright and glossy

Microsoft Surface Pro display

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Due to the thinner side bezels, the Surface Pro X gets a larger 13-inch display compared to the 12.3-inch one found on Surface Pro 7. That number may seem small, but it is noticeable, and Surface Pro X is more enjoyable to use because of it.

The 2880 x 1920 resolution gives a pleasing 267 pixel-per-inch (PPI) density. It's a higher resolution than the Surface Pro 7's 2736 x 1820, but its smaller size results in the same 267 PPI as the Surface Pro X.

Last year I could not test color accuracy due to driver incompatibility, but that is changed. Plugging in my Spyder X colorimeter, it suddenly worked – just one of those bits of software coming online for Windows on ARM.

This is an outstanding display that's bright, punchy, and sharp. Plus, those thin bezels.

Microsoft quotes 450 nits of brightness, but I exceeded that with an impressive 487 nits at max and six nits minimum in my tests. By comparison, Surface Pro 7 is below that at 410 nits, although it can go a bit dimmer at just three nits.

Color accuracy is also reasonable at 99 percent sRGB, 74 percent AdobeRGB, and 75 percent DCI-P3. Those are all a hair higher than Surface Pro 7.

Like my criticism of last year's Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Laptop 3, the Surface Pro X omits wide-color gamut (WCG) abilities, high-dynamic-range (HDR)/Dolby Vision, and anti-glare that other PCs in this price category feature. Surface Pro X lets users switch between an "enhanced" color profile with a more saturated look or a more neutral sRGB mode where color correctness is necessary.

Overall, the display on Surface Pro X is a selling point. It is bright, color-accurate, punchy, sharp, and larger than Surface Pro 7.

Slimming down and hiding away

Microsoft Surface Pro X pen and inking

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

One of Surface Pro X's hallmark features is its Surface Slim Pen, which can be optionally bought with the Signature Type Cover or by itself. Due to its design, it is perfect for those who use the pen all the time and those who barely need it at all. It is just incredible.

The secret is the Surface Slim Pen stows nicely in the Surface Pro X's keyboard deck. Held by strong magnets, the tray also wirelessly recharges the pen when not in use. It's a smart idea — one that lets you forget you even have a pen right up until you need it. Hidden away, it also means you'll never lose the pen in your bag. The magnets are so good that even if you place the pen down incorrectly in the tray, it flips over to make sure it charges.

Functionally, the Surface Slim Pen is the same as the regular Surface Pen. It has a Bluetooth button at one end that also double as an eraser. There are two buttons near the tip for functions that can be assigned.

The Slim Pen and stowaway feature is simply awesome.

Based on Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP), formerly known as DuoSense2 under N-trig, the Surface Slim pen supports tilt and 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels. Because of this, you can use the Surface Slim on other Surface PCs, and the older, regular Surface Pen also works on the Surface Pro X.

For artists, the usual pen jitter still occurs when slowly drawing straight lines.

I had no issues using the Surface Slim Pen for notetaking or marking up documents. While you can use it for drawing and higher-level artistry, I think Microsoft is keener on those using this pen for work-related tasks.

Sadly, the new Surface Slim Pen is not cheap at ~$115. If you buy the Surface Slim Pen separately, you still get a small wireless charging dock for it.

Draw Away

Microsoft Surface Slim Pen

Microsoft's latest Surface stylus

With the launch of the Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft redesigned the Surface Pen and threw in some wireless charging for good measure.

Best cameras around

Microsoft Surface Pro X keyboard and cameras

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

The Surface Pro X keyboard is fantastic and familiar to anyone who has used a Surface before. With three-stage backlighting, ample key travel, and a decently sized glass-topped trackpad, the Surface Pro X's keyboard is as good as Surface Pro 7's.

So-called "lapability" may be an issue for those with shorter legs, but I have no problem whatsoever.

Surface Pro X easily has the best webcam on any laptop. Period.

Tiny magnets that help keep the Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard closed, which is a nice touch. While you can shake it loose, the magnets help lock the cover to the Surface Pro X's display.

The Surface Pro X cameras are the best of any Surface — and Windows 10 PC — to date. They are marvelous with excellent sharpness and clarity, beating Surface Pro 7 and Surface Book 3. The 5MP full HD front-facing camera with dual Studio Mics ensures exceptional Zoom or Microsoft Teams conference calls. In the rear is an 11MP full HD (1080p) camera with autofocus that's not all that dissimilar to Surface Duo. That's a small bump from the Surface Pro 7's 8MP camera, but it shows when taking pictures of whiteboards for your notes.

One new trick introduced earlier this year is Eye Contact. It's an option found under the Surface app and is off by default. The feature is exclusive to Surface Pro X and is due to the Qualcomm AI chip on board. The technology auto-adjusts your eyes in real-time using the video camera, so it looks like you are looking directly at the person and not down on your screen. While it is a subtle adjustment, it works incredibly well, and with any app that uses video.

Windows Hello — Microsoft's system for bio-authentication and facial recognition — works as anticipated and is fast and accurate. Due to the Qualcomm ARM processor, the Surface Pro X is nearly "instant on" each time you open the keyboard.

Mobile and virtual meetings are a necessity in 2020, and here Surface Pro X shines. If you need to work in your house or take a meeting away from Wi-Fi, there is no better laptop PC than Surface Pro X.

A modest improvement

Microsoft Surface Pro X benchmarks and battery

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Getting to the crux of Surface Pro X (2020) is what is new with the Microsoft SQ2 processor and Adreno 690 GPU (up from an Adreno 685).

The SQ2 does not replace the SQ1 as Microsoft continues to sell that chip in the $999 and $1,299 models. Instead. SQ2 is for the $1,499 and $1,799 editions, which also come in the new platinum color.

The good news is if you have Surface Pro X with SQ1 (or you can only afford that model), you are not missing much. Please make no mistake: SQ2 is faster, but we are talking minor improvements, not generational shifts. The less-than-impressive conclusion is that SQ2 is clocked at 3.15GHz compared to 3.0GHz of SQ1 (and the original Snapdragon 8cx is just 2.85GHz).

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Device	CPU	Single core	Multi core
Surface Pro X	SQ2	798	3,100
Surface Pro X	SQ1	725	2,819
Flex 5G	SD 8cx	716	2,844
Galaxy Book S	SD 8cx	685	2,681
MagicBook 14	Ryzen 5 3500U	748	2999
Acer Swift 7	i7-8500Y	732	1,106
Surface Laptop 3 13.5	i5-1035G7	1,177	4,413
Surface Laptop 2	i5-8250U	909	3,372
Surface Pro 7	i5-1035G4	1,191	4,441
Surface Pro 6	i7-8650U	1,113	3,519
Surface Pro 6	i5-8250U	904	3,440
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 7390	i7-1065G7	1,209	3,571

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Device	CPU	Single core	Multi core
Surface Pro X (ARM)	SQ2	3,649	12,299
Surface Pro X (x86)	SQ2	2,379	7,422
Surface Pro X (ARM)	SQ1	3,505	11,727
Surface Pro X (x86)	SQ1	2,182	6,822
Flex 5G (ARM)	SD 8cx	3,288	11,139
Galaxy Book S (ARM)	SD 8cx	3,271	11,096
Yoga C630 (ARM)	SD 850	2,287	7,215
Flex 5G (x86)	SD 8cx	2,103	6,681
Galaxy Book S (x86)	SD 8cx	2,032	6,371
Yoga C630 (x86)	SD 850	1,345	3,560
Acer Swift 7	i7-8500Y	2,281	4,905
Samsung Galaxy Book2 (ARM)	SD850	2,262	7,405
Samsung Galaxy Book2 (x86)	SD850	1,345	4,164
HP Envy x2 (ARM)	SD835	2,111	6,314
Surface Go	Pentium	2,078	3,934
Surface 3	Atom x7	1,078	2,777
Surface Laptop 3 13.5	i5-1035G7	5,265	17,345
Surface Laptop 2	i5-8250U	4,203	13,233
Surface Laptop	i5-7200U	3,725	7,523
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 7390	i7-1065G7	5,459	19,097

PCMark 10

Applications (Higher is better)

Device	CPU	Score
Surface Pro X	Microsoft SQ2	5,088
Surface Pro X	Microsoft SQ1	4,617
Flex 5G	SD 8cx	5,026
Galaxy Book S	SD 8cx	4,308

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

Device	Read	Write
Surface Pro X (SQ2)	2,045 MB/s	810 MB/s
Surface Pro X	2,023 MB/s	832 MB/s
Lenovo Flex 5G	1,913 MB/s	426 MB/s
Samsung Galaxy Book S	1,912 MB/s	425 MB/s
Lenovo Yoga c630	791 MB/s	220 MB/s
Samsung Galaxy Book2	722 MB/s	205 MB/s
HP Envy x2	513 MB/s	197 MB/s
Surface Go (SSD)	1,185 MB/s	133 MB/s
Surface Go (eMMC)	260 MB/s	145 MB/s
Surface 3	149 MB/s	33 MB/s
Surface Laptop 3 13.5	2,338 MB/s	1,583 MB/s
Surface Laptop 3 15	2,028 MB/s	806 MB/s
Surface Laptop 2	1,509 MB/s	811 MB/s
Surface Laptop	486 MB/s	244 MB/s
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 7390	2,400 MB/s	1,228 MB/s

In 3DMark Night Raid, which runs natively on ARM and pushes the CPU and GPU heavily, Surface Pro X (2020) scored 7,366 while Surface Pro X (2019) 7,085. That's a four percent difference, and in video playback, just a couple of frames-per-second disparity.

The new SQ2 is technically faster, but barely so. It's a bit disappointing.

The Adreno 690 GPU in Surface Pro X is no slouch, either. Surface Pro X (7,366) more than doubles Samsung Galaxy Book2 (2,972). And compared to the Intel Core i5-8250U with Intel UHD 620 (6,517), the Surface Pro X easily topples it by a wide margin.

PCMark 10 Applications (ARM) loops through productivity work using Excel, the web (Edge), PowerPoint, and Word for twenty minutes. Again, the SQ2 (5,078) beats SQ1 (4,523), resulting in a 12 percent improvement in overall performance.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

The app story is still the same from last year, except that Microsoft Teams and Edge are now fully optimized for ARM64. Here is a list of apps I extensively use on Surface Pro X without any problem:

Microsoft Office (Word, OneNote, Excel)
Microsoft Edge
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Spotify
VUDU
Disney+
Twitter
Microsoft Teams
Slack (PWA)
Mail (Outlook.com)
Flow Mail (Gmail)
Polarr Photo Editor Pro
Microsoft News
GroupMe
OneDrive
Skype
Microsoft To Do
myTube! (YouTube)
MobileDiscord PTB (Discord)
Unigram (Telegram)
ExpressVPN using manual configuration

Gaming is not out of the question, either. I can play Borderlands 2 (Steam) at ~50+ frames-per-second (FPS) at 1600 x 900. Bumping the resolution to 1920 x 1080 and ~32-40 FPS is very enjoyable, especially when paired with an Xbox controller (Bluetooth). Other games like Dead Cells, Batman: Arkham City, Portal 2, Tesla vs. Lovecraft, Streets of Rogue play simply fine too. Indeed, Surface Pro X's display and audio make this a fun gaming machine if you are OK with older titles, platformers, and 2D fare.

A similar story is found with Geekbench, where SQ2 gets around 300 more points on multi-core performance than SQ1 and Geekbench 4, especially when comparing 32-bit emulation vs. native ARM performance.

For RAM, Surface Pro X ships with either eight or 16GB of LPDDR4x and is quite performant and energy-efficient.

The SSD performance has not changed either, yielding a satisfactory 2,000 MB/s sequential read and ~800 MB/s write transfer rate using CrystalDiskMark.

PCMark 10 Battery (Applications)

Device	Time	Battery
Surface Pro X SQ2	8 hours, 42 minutes	20% left
Flex 5G	18 hours	20% left
Galaxy Book S	11 hours, 11 mins	21% left
Surface Pro X	8 hours, 31 minutes	20% left

Battery life is virtually the same as last year due to optimizations in drivers, Windows 10, and ARM64 applications. On the "recommended" setting, I get 8.5 hours at 200 nits of brightness. You could easily push ten hours in battery saver and lower display brightness. Throwing it on max performance, and I still get over 7 hours. While that is not record-breaking – even for an ARM PC – considering the size and display resolution, it is effectively all-day. The Lenovo Flex 5G gets substantially longer battery life. Still, it achieves that with a dimmer, lower-resolution display, slower processor, and much larger battery, which results in it being a half-pound heavier.

From the data, we can conclude Microsoft SQ2 is a bit faster, and the overall Windows experience feels a smidge zippier. Still, there is a good reason why Microsoft is also not calling this Surface Pro X 2.

Target audience

Surface Pro X: Who is this for?

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

As I said in 2019, Surface Pro X is a unique device with a particular target audience. Think of it more like a specialized tool rather than a do-it-all PC. For my job and when I'm not behind a desktop PC, Surface Pro X is my preferred laptop to use, whether it's on the couch, flying, getting away for the weekend, or visiting a friend. I use it all the time.

Microsoft Surface hardware chief Panos Panay said the Surface Pro X is for "a tech-forward, mobile professional". That sounds like corporate marketing jargon, but there is some truth to it. Much of today's workforce is increasingly mobile, relying on a few core productivity-based apps like Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Outlook, web, PDF readers, remote access, VPN, and custom line-of-business (LOB) apps. These workers need something very portable, long battery life, 4G LTE, and instant-on abilities with inking for document management.

Panay says more about who would benefit from the Surface Pro X in 2019:

And so, if you're leaning into tech, and you want something a little bit cutting edge, this is a great product. It's crazy cool. If you work on a train, a bus, a plane, if you're ride-sharing in a car, you like working at the park or at Starbucks, that's a mobile user to me. They use their products everywhere. It's perfect for that.

Some of that has changed in 2020, however. Being mobile and needing 4G LTE is less critical, as so many are now working remotely from home. That will change as the world comes out of the pandemic in 2021. But for now, LTE is less of a selling point. Nonetheless, features like instant-on, all-day battery life, exceptional teleconferencing abilities, and portability make using Surface Pro X for home-work that much more enjoyable. Surface Pro X is essentially an Apple iPad Pro but with Windows 10 and an excellent keyboard.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

If you need a PC that is always on LTE, turns on quickly, and brings the benefits of a 2-in-1 laptop, Surface Pro X solves some problems for you. But if you want PC gaming, the ability to run computer-aided design (CAD) apps, heavy-lifting things like video editing and media creation, then the Surface Pro X creates problems. Knowing where you fall on that spectrum determines if the Surface Pro X is right for you.

Confused? That's understandable. Luckily, Microsoft has a tool to help steer you towards the right Surface.

Looking at the competition

Surface Pro X Alternatives

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

When it comes to Surface Pro X, there are not many alternatives that tick all the same boxes for features, quality, and design. Assuming long battery life and 4G LTE are priorities, Samsung's Galaxy Book S and Lenovo's Flex 5G are worthy alternatives. While neither are as pen-and-tablet focused as Surface Pro X, they tend to get longer battery life, and in the case of the Flex 5G, offer next-gen internet connectivity.

If you prefer going with a traditional Intel x86 processor and want 4G LTE, the HP Elite Dragonfly is an excellent option as well as the highly-praised Spectre x360 13, which is more affordable. For more business folks, Dell's Latitude 9510 is fantastic. All have 4G LTE options and get decent to very good battery life, albeit in a heavier, more traditional laptop form factor.

You can find more recommendations in our Best Windows 10 LTE Laptops 2020 roundup.

Small tweaks

Surface Pro X (2020) Should you buy?

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Who it's for

If you want a thin tablet/convertible PC
If you need always-connected 4G LTE, instant-on
If you want a good pen and inking experience
If you prefer thin bezels and a great office productivity device
If you like the iPad but wish it ran Windows

Who it isn't for

If you want to game (without streaming)
If you're looking to stretch your dollar
If you need 64-bit x86 applications like Adobe Photoshop (for now)

Surface Pro X with SQ2 is not an upgrade from last year's model. Instead, it is an attempt by Microsoft to keep its flagship Windows 10 on ARM Surface fresh for 2020. It mostly succeeds, but the new SQ2 processor is more of a footnote than a banner feature. It also does nothing to close the gap with traditional x86 chips.

There's nothing like Surface Pro X on the market, but it's also not for everyone.

That conclusion means if you are a current Surface Pro X owner, upgrading to this "new" version is probably not the best use of your money. The one exception is if you live on the Pro X all day, and you really (and I mean really) want it in platinum. You know what? I don't blame you – this refreshed version is dynamite looking.

Things are much better for those looking to jump on Windows 10 on ARM than when I last reviewed Surface Pro X. Microsoft Edge and Teams are now native for ARM64, helping with performance and battery. App x86-64-bit emulation is right around the corner, which could solve many app compatibility limitations, and there is now a nifty AI-based Eye Contact feature.

There are some unsurprising disappointments too. While 5G is still in its infancy, it would have been a fascinating future-proofing opportunity (see Lenovo Flex 5G). The same goes for Wi-Fi 6, which is another minor but essential upgrade that is missing.

Performance is still reasonable with the Microsoft SQ2, and, for my work, it is all I need. But it is challenging to ignore Intel and AMD, who are making rousing processors in 2020 that genuinely take a massive lead in performance over Qualcomm. While the Snapdragon 8cx is an OK competitor against a two-year-old 8th Gen Intel Core i5, it pales next to an 11th Gen or a Ryzen 4000 series. That's just a fact.

Of course, there cannot be a device like Surface Pro X – super thin and light, no heat or fan, long battery life, and 4G LTE – but powered by an x86 processor. Not yet, at least. And that is what makes Surface Pro X so unique. There's nothing else like it on the market.

Overall, I still love Surface Pro X, and it is my go-to PC when I'm not at a desktop. But Qualcomm needs to start delivering real year-over-year performance gains if it wants to compete against Intel and AMD. Here's hoping we see that in Surface Pro X 2.

Microsoft Surface Pro X SQ2

Refreshed for late 2020 is the new Surface Pro X with the SQ2 processor. A faster CPU, more powerful GPU, improved battery life, x64 app emulation in November (Insiders), and now in platinum, there is a lot to like here. You can even now pick multiple colors for the Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen Bundle. Preorder now; get it for October 13th.View Deal

Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen Bundle

This bundle includes the Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard that features Alcantara and the Surface Slim Pen that charges wirelessly within the keyboard. Previously only in Black, you can now get newer colors like Platinum, Ice Blue, and Poppy Red.View Deal

Happy birthday Microsoft Surface: 8 years old and still innovating

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 17:57:14 +0000

What you need to know

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

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

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

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

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

Eight years ago today Microsoft launched Surface.

This was from launch night in NYC and yeah, that's @panos_panay signing devices and boxes for fans.

Surface has had a massive impact on PCs going forward and changed the conversation. pic.twitter.com/l4vLtkgmfvEight years ago today Microsoft launched Surface.

This was from launch night in NYC and yeah, that's @panos_panay signing devices and boxes for fans.

Surface has had a massive impact on PCs going forward and changed the conversation. pic.twitter.com/l4vLtkgmfv— Daniel Rubino (@Daniel_Rubino) October 26, 2020 October 26, 2020

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

Project Andromeda: The secret history of Windows on Surface Duo

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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

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

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

Better and faster than ever

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Type-C and 10th Gen Intel are game-changers

Microsoft has finally added a loaded-out USB Type-C port to the Surface Pro 7. When combined with Intel's 10th Gen processor and GPU, this year's Core i5 blows away last year's Core i7 all without a fan. Minor tweaks to the RAM, going to Intel for Wi-Fi 6, and Instant On ability make this Surface Pro 7 an absolute joy to use.

Two in one

Surface Book 3

Power on the go

The refreshed Surface Book 3 for 2020 gets Intel 10th Gen processors, more powerful GTX graphics, and much better Wi-Fi, SSD, and RAM options making this one powerful 2-in-1 convertible PC.

Microsoft Teams goes native ARM, gets significant performance bump on select PCs

sendicott47@outlook.com (Sean Endicott) — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:17:45 +0000

What you need to know

An ARM version of Microsoft Teams is now available.
The ARM version of Teams will run better on devices like the Surface Pro X.
Previously, Microsoft Teams ran in emulation on ARM devices.

Microsoft launched a new native ARM64 version of Microsoft Teams this week. The ARM version of Teams will significantly improve performance on devices like the Surface Pro X in comparison to the previous version that runs through emulation. Microsoft senior PM Bill Weidenborner shared the news on LinkedIn recently.

The previous version of Microsoft Teams is a 32-bit app that runs in emulation. As a result, performance isn't as good as that of native ARM64 applications. Several people on Reddit state that the new ARM64 version is more stable and responsive than the 32-bit version.

Windows 10 on ARM PCs, including Microsoft's own Surface Pro X, can run 32-bit applications through emulation and will be able to run 64-bit apps through emulation in the future. But native applications will deliver the best performance and responsiveness.

The native ARM64 version of Microsoft Teams appears to have rolled out without much fanfare. We can confirm that downloading Teams through Microsoft's website right now gets you the 64-bit version of the app if you're on a Windows 10 on ARM PC.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams allows you to collaborate with colleagues, upload files, send messages, and chat through video. It integrates with Office 365 and several other cloud services.

Surface Laptop Go, Surface Pro X shown off by Panos Panay and in sizzler videos

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:56:50 +0000

What you need to know

New videos from Microsoft show off the Surface Laptop Go and updated Surface Pro X.
Microsoft's Panos Panay leads one of the videos from Microsoft's Building 87.
The Surface Laptop Go and upgraded Surface Pro X will be available on October 13 and be preordered now.

Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Go and the upgraded Surface Pro X today. In a new video on the Microsoft Surface channel, Microsoft chief product officer Panos Panay breaks down both new devices. Panay is joined by Microsoft CVP Robin Seiler and VP Pete Kyriacou to introduce the new Surface hardware.

The Surface Laptop Go is a smaller and lighter laptop from Microsoft's Surface team that starts at a more affordable $549. The Surface Pro X maintains its form factor, but now has an option with the new SQ2 processor and a faster GPU. The updated Surface Pro X starts at $1,499, though the entry-level model with the SQ1 starts at $999.

If you prefer a snappier sizzler video, you're in luck. Microsoft shared sizzlers for both new devices within the longer video with Panay and on their own.

The new Surface devices are available for preorder now.

Surface Laptop Go

Looking for something with the same design as the Surface Laptop but easier on the wallet? Look no further with the Surface Laptop Go with its 12.45-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, aluminum and polycarbonate exterior, omnisonic speakers, and Windows Hello-enabled fingerprint reader.

Preorder

Microsoft Surface Pro X SQ2

The thinnest and lightest Surface Pro available – now better

New toys

Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen Bundle