Latest from Windows Central in Surface-pro

Microsoft knows its new Surface PCs are too expensive: Combats skyrocketing prices with new 8GB RAM models that start at $849

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Microsoft is now selling new configurations of the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch with 8GB RAM in an attempt to quell the ongoing component pricing crisis that has seen the cost of Surface PCs skyrocket in recent months. These new affordable models will now start at $849 for the Surface Pro and $949 for the Surface Laptop.

Outside of the new RAM configuration, nothing else is new with these devices. These are still the 1st Edition models of the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch, powered by Qualcomm's now last-gen Snapdragon X Plus, along with 256GB of storage. These devices originally launched with 16GB RAM at $799 and $899, but saw price hikes to over $1,000 earlier this year.

Now that Microsoft has introduced models with less RAM, the company has been able to bring pricing back below $1,000. The company has been working to ensure Windows 11 is better optimized to run on devices with less than 16GB RAM, including disabling things like Widgets and other under the hood optimizations.

Of course, these new configurations also don't have any Copilot+ PC AI capabilities, as one of the requirements for that is a minimum of 16GB RAM. That means Windows 11 will be lighter right out of the gate, as it doesn't have to deal with all the advanced AI features that ship as part of PCs with higher RAM configurations.

Microsoft will continue to sell models with 16GB RAM for those who want to splash out on something a little more capable, but for many who just need a computer for basic tasks and workflows, the 8GB configurations should be fine enough. The good news is if you're not sure if 8GB is enough, the Microsoft Store offers a 60 day return policy, giving you plenty of time to buy the device and try it out before committing.

The new 8GB RAM options only appear to apply to the midrange Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch. The flagship Surface Laptop 8th Generation and Surface Pro 12th Generation are not currently available with 8GB RAM configurations, meaning they still start with 16GB RAM for $1,499.

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The Surface Pro 12 isn't the Surface Pro 12-inch: Microsoft's naming scheme has reached peak chaos

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:04:16 +0000

Through a series of staggered press releases, Microsoft has unveiled six new Surface devices this year. The Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface RTX Spark Dev Box have distinct names and designs that make them easy to identify. But the situation is less clear for the other Surface hardware.

The business and consumer versions of the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 were announced separately by Microsoft and have key differences. But the average shopper will struggle to find the right PC because of Microsoft's Surface naming scheme.

Searching for "Surface Laptop" and filtering results by screen size still shows three different types of PCs. (Image credit: Best Buy)

Let's say you found out about the new Surface hardware because you're an enthusiast. Despite the lack of an event, business devices launching without consumer counterparts at first, and the overall blasé attitude of Microsoft toward Surface, you learned that consumer versions of the Surface Pro and a Surface Laptop are on the way. What are you met with? A confusing naming scheme that basically requires you to already know which device you want.

Microsoft's website doesn't even have a device officially called "Surface Laptop 8." Instead, the company has a "Surface Laptop, 13-inch" and a "Surface Laptop 13.8-inch" available. Considering many companies round screen size within names, I'd forgive you for assuming these are the same device.

Head over to a third-party retailer, and things get worse. Search for "Surface Laptop" on Best Buy's website, and you'll see a mixture of Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (7th Edition), Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition but not specified on the search results page), and the Surface Laptop 13.

Normally, I wouldn't criticize a company for keeping the same name across generations. Car shoppers never seem confused about the difference between 2025 and 2026 model of the same car. But things get a bit muddier when there are devices with similar names from different generations of the same line and a PC from a separate line.

The Surface Pro family adds another layer of complexity because it's been around so long that its generation numbers overlap with screen size configurations.

The Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition) came out after the Surface Pro 11 and before the Surface Pro 13-inch (12th Edition), but don't call it the Surface Pro 12. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro 12-inch came out after the Surface Pro 11 (officially called the Surface Pro 13-inch (11th Edition)), confusing people and causing some reviews and references to call the smaller device the "Surface Pro 12."

My head hurts writing about this. Just look at this chart covering the last handful of devices:

Official name	Casual name
Surface Pro 13-inch (11th Edition)	Surface Pro 11
Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition)	Surface Pro 12-inch
Surface Pro 13-inch (12th Edition)	Surface Pro 12

Maybe Microsoft would argue that its official names are clear, but the company swapped its naming scheme a couple years ago, and that added to the confusion. The first handful of Surface Pros were just Surface Pro followed by a number. Microsoft tested a new naming scheme with what many call the Surface Pro 5, but then reverted for a while to traditional numbering.

But Microsoft doubled back and now uses the "Edition" naming structure except for the confusingly named Surface Pro 12-inch.

Let's be real

I predict people will claim they understand all the Surface names and that I'm an old man yelling at a cloud. But please take a moment to consider folks who aren't tech experts. Shouldn't a Google search for "Surface Pro 12" show one device? Shouldn't searching Microsoft's own website for the same thing provide clarity?

The average shopper doesn't eat, live, and breathe Surface announcements. Microsoft's Surface naming scheme is about as consistent as that of Xbox and Windows.

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Surface will have Snapdragon X2 in business and consumer models — so what are the differences?

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:36:35 +0000

Microsoft just announced the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8. No, you're not having Déjà vu; Microsoft also announced a Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 earlier this year, but those were specifically designed for business users (and technically they're called Surface Pro for Business 12th Edition and Surface Laptop for Business 8th Edition).

The "for Business" Surface PCs have several differences that make them more attractive to enterprise customers. They're also more expensive, but for good reasons.

When Microsoft shifted its consumer-focused Surface PCs to Snapdragon X chips, the Surface for Business lineup received extra attention. Those business PCs were the only way to get a brand-new Surface with an Intel chip inside.

Snapdragon X2-powered Surface for Business PCs will start shipping by July 14, 2026, meaning you'll be able to order a Surface Pro 12 for Business or a Surface Laptop 8 for Business with either Intel chips or Snapdragon X2 chips.

Because anyone could purchase a "for Business" Surface through Microsoft's website, some viewed the split as a shortcut to get a new Intel-powered Surface. Of course, you can purchase a new Surface with an Intel chip inside, but you'll be paying for a lot of extras you probably will never need.

Only "for Business" Surface PCs have options with a privacy screen. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Surface for Business PCs have special options for hardware, software, and security. The feature consumers will likely envy is the special privacy screen. That integrated privacy screen makes it difficult to see what's shown on a display when viewed at an angle.

Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino called the privacy screen "revolutionary" in our Surface Laptop 8 for Business review. I'd suspect it's the top business-specific feature general consumers would want.

Here are the main features that are exclusive to business Surface PCs when compared to their consumer-focused siblings:

Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise
Integrated Privacy Screen option
Advanced Exchange Warranty service
Device Firmware Configuration Interface (DFCI) cloud management
Windows Autopilot tenant pre-registration
Access to the cloud-based Surface Management Portal
Native corporate domain onboarding pathways during initial setup
Intel models available (Snapdragon X2 is available on Business or Consumer)

Windows 11 Pro probably comes in second place when it comes to consumer envy, though you could always pay to upgrade your consumer Surface.

There's a chance that 5G connectivity will be a key differentiator as well, but we're waiting on confirmation about some details. At the moment, we know there are Intel-powered Surface for Business PCs with 5G connectivity (but last gen). We'll have to see if similar configurations are made available with Snapdragon X2 chips.

Companies shopping for business laptops value the added security and management features available on Surface for Business PCs. The privacy screen is also more catered to professional users, though I'd argue anyone should have the option.

Ultimately, consumer vs. business comes down to a lot more than Snapdragon X vs. Intel, especially now that the Snapdragon X2 is available in both.

Microsoft unveils Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 with Snapdragon X2 chips, featuring better performance and battery life, and higher price tags to match

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Last month, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12, powered by Intel Core Ultra series 3 chips and made available exclusively for business customers for a very high price. Today, the company is announcing the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 again, but this time with Snapdragon X2 chips and more consumer-friendly pricing.

While the Snapdragon models are cheaper than the Intel ones, they're still significantly more expensive than the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 were when they first launched in 2024.

The new Surface Laptop 8 with Snapdragon X2 starts at $1,599, and the Surface Pro 12 starts at $1,499. The entry-level SKUs include a Snapdragon X2 Plus with 16GB RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. To compare, the Surface Laptop 7 launched in 2024 with a Snapdragon X Plus with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage for just $999.

Surface Pro 12 now has a dune Flex Keyboard accessory. (Image credit: Microsoft)

So the new devices are $600 and $500 more expensive respectively, owing to the ongoing component pricing crisis caused by AI. The good news is Microsoft is offering incentives to upgrade to these new models. Between now and June 30, if you buy the new Surface Pro 13, it comes with a Surface Pro keyboard for free! If you order the Surface Laptop, you'll get a free Surface Arc Mouse, and a 50% off offer for Microsoft Complete.

Microsoft is also offering more money for trade-ins currently, so if you have an existing device that you don't need or want to swap for a new model, you can now save up to $900. It's clear the company is hoping that these deals will encourage users to upgrade to the newer models.

So what's actually new outside of the silicon? Well, Microsoft is touting 53% faster graphics performance compared to the last gen models, along with longer battery life on the Surface Pro, now coming in at 15.5 hours, and up to 20 hours on Surface Laptop.

Surface Laptop now comes in a new Jade color. (Image credit: Microsoft)

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is now available in Dune, and the Surface Laptop 8 itself now comes in a beautiful new Jade green colorway. The Surface Laptop also has a new display on the 15-inch variant with a much higher resolution, coming in at 262PPI. The Laptop also has a new haptic trackpad, which provides subtle feedback when interacting with Windows.

The devices are now also available with more RAM configurations. The last-gen models could only be configured with either 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB RAM. The new devices now have a 24GB RAM option for those who find 16GB too little but 32GB too much, similar to what Apple does with the Mac.

Overall, these are nice quality of life upgrades for the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro. Whether they are worth the higher starting prices will be up to buyers to device. The devices are available to order today for consumers, with business variants of the Snapdragon X2 devices coming on July 14 which will include the same privacy screen features as found on the Intel variants.

Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 specifications

If you're interested in the full specification breakdown on these new Surface PCs, we've compiled all the information into handy spec tables that you can view below.

Surface Pro 12 specifications
Category	Specification
Processor	Snapdragon® X2 Plus (10 Core) Snapdragon® X2 Elite (12 Core)
NPU	Qualcomm® Hexagon™ with 80 TOPS
Graphics	Qualcomm® Adreno™ GPU
Memory Options	16GB, 24GB, 32GB or 64GB LPDDR5x RAM
Storage Options	Removable solid-state drive (Gen 4 SSD): 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OLED Display	Touchscreen: 13-inch PixelSense™ Flow display Resolution: 2880 x 1920 (267 PPI), 3:2 Aspect ratio Contrast ratio: 1M:1 Dynamic refresh rate: up to 120Hz Brightness: SDR 600 nits maximum (typical) / HDR 900 nits peak luminance Color Profiles: SDR mode (sRGB and Vivid), HDR mode (HDR) Features: Individually color-calibrated, Adaptive color, Adaptive contrast, Auto color management, 10-point multi-touch, Dolby Vision IQ™ support, Strengthened glass
LCD Display	Touchscreen: 13-inch PixelSense™ Flow display Resolution: 2880 x 1920 (267 PPI), 3:2 Aspect ratio Contrast ratio: 1300:1 Dynamic refresh rate: up to 120Hz Brightness: SDR 600 nits maximum (typical) / HDR 600 nits peak luminance Color Profiles: SDR mode (sRGB and Vivid), HDR mode (HDR) Features: Individually color-calibrated, Adaptive color, Adaptive contrast, Auto color management, 10-point multi-touch, Dolby Vision IQ™ support, Strengthened glass
Size and Weight	Length: 11.3 inch (287 mm) Width: 8.2 inch (209 mm) Height: 0.37 inch (9.3 mm) Weight: 1.97 lbs (895 g) (not including Keyboard)
Battery Life	Up to 15.5 hours of local video playback Up to 11.5 hours of active web usage
Security	Windows 11 Secured-core PC Microsoft Pluton security processor / TPM 2.0 Windows Hello facial recognition with Enhanced Sign-in Security Microsoft Defender for enhanced identity and privacy protection Smart App Control
Cameras	Front: Quad HD front-facing Surface Studio Camera (1440p) with ultrawide field of view Front Features: Support for Windows Studio Effects (automatic framing, portrait blur, creative filters, eye contact, portrait light) Rear: 10 MP Ultra HD rear-facing camera
Audio	Dual Studio Mics with voice focus 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos® Support for Bluetooth® LE Audio
Ports and Charging	2 x USB-C® / USB4® (supports Charging, Data transfer, and DisplayPort 1.4a up to three 4K monitors at 60Hz) Surface Connect Port / Surface Pro 13-inch Keyboard port Fast charging supported (minimum 60W charger via Surface Connect or USB-C)
Network & Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth® Core 5.4 technology
Exterior & Colors	Casing: Anodized aluminum Colors: Platinum, Black, Dune Physical Buttons: Volume, Power Kickstand: 165 degrees full friction hinge

Surface Laptop 8 specifications
Specification	Surface Laptop, 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Surface Laptop, 15-inch (8th Edition)
Processor	Snapdragon® X2 Plus (10 Core) Snapdragon® X2 Elite (12 Core)	Snapdragon® X2 Plus (10 Core) Snapdragon® X2 Elite (12 Core)
NPU	Qualcomm® Hexagon™ with 80 TOPS	Qualcomm® Hexagon™ with 80 TOPS
Graphics	Qualcomm® Adreno™ GPU	Qualcomm® Adreno™ GPU
Memory	16GB, 24GB, 32GB or 64GB LPDDR5X RAM	16GB, 24GB, 32GB or 64GB LPDDR5X RAM
Storage	Removable Gen 4 SSD: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB	Removable Gen 4 SSD: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Display	13.8-inch PixelSense Flow™ touchscreen Resolution: 2304 x 1536 (201 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 Contrast ratio: 1300:1 Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz Brightness: 600 nits max (SDR/HDR)	15-inch PixelSense Flow™ touchscreen Resolution: 3270 x 2180 (262 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 Contrast ratio: 1300:1 Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz Brightness: 600 nits max (SDR/HDR)
Dimensions & Weight	Length: 11.85" (301 mm) Width: 8.67" (220 mm) Height: 0.69" (17.5 mm) Weight: 3.00 lbs (1.36 kg)	Length: 12.96" (329 mm) Width: 9.41" (239 mm) Height: 0.72" (18.3 mm) Weight: 3.67 lbs (1.66 kg)

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Microsoft will finally include a keyboard with its new Surface Pro 12, but only for a limited time

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Many believe that the Surface Pro should come with a keyboard. In fact, it's something that reviewers and customers alike have complained about ever since the first Surface launched all the way back in 2012, as the keyboard is an integral aspect of the overall Surface Pro experience.

Well, it appears Microsoft is finally addressing those complaints, at least temporarily. With the launch of the new Surface Pro 12th Gen, Microsoft is including a Surface Pro keyboard with every new order for customers in the United States.

"For a limited time, customers in the U.S. can take advantage of our exclusive hero offer from June 16 through June 30, including a free Surface Pro 13-inch Keyboard when purchasing a Surface Pro 13-inch," Microsoft confirmed.

That means the $170 keyboard accessory is now free, as long as you order a Surface Pro before June 30. After that date, the Surface Pro Keyboard will once again become an optional extra that costs money. The keyboard that's included in the deal is the basic one with no Surface Pen charging functionality.

The Surface Pro keyboard in question. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Of course, Microsoft still sells its more expensive Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, which is not part of this deal unsurprisingly. That keyboard costs an eyewatering $400, and that's without the Surface Slim Pen 2. If you want the pen too, that bumps the price up to $500.

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is the best Surface Pro keyboard however, complete with a haptic trackpad that feels amazing, built-in wireless charging for the Slim Pen 2, and it even supports Bluetooth so that it can be used while disconnected from the tablet.

The basic Surface Pro keyboard that's part of this deal includes no such features. It has a traditional diveboard trackpad, no pen storage or charging, and is made out of slightly cheaper materials. It still feels great to use and type on, but it's definitely no Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.

For most people who just want a new Surface Pro but don't need the full Surface Pro Flex Keyboard experience, this limited time deal will be great as it means you get the full 2-in-1 experience without having to pay extra for the entry-level keyboard accessory. As a bonus, it also protects your screen when the tablet isn't in use!

This deal is available for all Surface Pro 12th-Gen orders made on the Microsoft Store in the United States between now and June 30. So get your order in before it's too late!

You can feel Windows 11 with the Surface Slim Pen 2 — no need for an overpriced Surface Pro 12 or Surface Laptop 8

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 27 May 2026 13:09:17 +0000

When Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 12 for Business and Surface Laptop 8 for Business, the company also snuck out an update to the Surface Slim Pen 2. That update adds support for Windows 11's new haptic feedback system.

That means you don't have to buy a laptop that starts at $1,949.99 to feel Windows 11 through haptics.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 has always had the hardware to provide haptic feedback, but the tactile signals have been limited to use in certain apps. A few Microsoft 365 apps support haptics, as do a few third-party inking apps.

Now, haptics is built directly into Windows 11. Back in April, Microsoft shipped a new feature that allows you to feel the operating system through subtle vibrations. The haptic feedback system, officially called "Haptic signals," integrates with the operating system and sends small vibrations when you perform certain tasks.

You can pick the intensity of haptic signals sent through Windows 11. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden spoke highly of Windows 11's haptics when testing the feature recently:

"If you do have a compatible device, prepare to be impressed with the implementation of this new system. It feels great, and makes using Windows 11 feel super satisfying. Haptic bumps are present across the OS; when dragging files in File Explorer, aligning objects in apps, and snapping app windows to the edges of your screen."

Haptic signals require specific hardware, and the list of supported devices is short. The Logitech MX Master 4 became the first mouse to support the feature with a recent update. The trackpad of the new Surface Laptop 8 for Business also works with Haptic signals.

That's the entire list at the moment, at least when it comes to trackpads. The Surface Flex Keyboard has not received the same treatment as the Surface Slim Pen 2 and lacks haptic support.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 integrating with Windows 11's new haptic feedback system means you can use the feature on older, and more affordable, Surface hardware.

Microsoft is shipping a software update to the Surface Slim Pen 2 that adds support for Windows 11 haptics.

If you don't have a Surface Slim Pen 2, you can pick one up through Best Buy at a discount. It's currently on sale for $106.99, down from $129.99.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 lets you ink on Windows 11. It's great for taking notes and drawing. It recently gained a new trick; support for Windows 11's new haptic feedback system. With that feature enabled, you'll feel subtle vibrations as you navigate Windows 11 and interact with supported apps.View Deal

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Is the new Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) worth an upgrade over the Pro 11? Here's what you need to know before you buy.

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:03:38 +0000

New Gen

Microsoft

Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition)

The new Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) is a spec bump that adds Intel "Panther Lake" Core Ultra Series 3 chips to the mix. The laptop is otherwise quite similar to the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Pro for Business 11th Edition.

Pros

Optional 5G available
Same great Surface design
New Intel chips are snappy and efficient

Cons

Starts at a higher price
Snapdragon models are appealing if you don't absolutely need x86

Last Gen

Microsoft

Surface Pro 11

With a more affordable price and a practically identical design, the Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X chips is the right choice for most PC users outside of an enterprise setting.

Pros

More affordable
Snapdragon chips are efficient and powerful
Available at more retailers
Available in more colors

Cons

New Snapdragon X2 models are expected soon
No anti-reflective display option

Microsoft has unveiled its new Surface for Business portfolio for 2026, with three new devices on the way. The 13-inch Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) joins the Surface Laptop for Business (8th Edition), as well as the smaller 13-inch Surface Laptop for Business (1st Edition).

I'm focusing here on the new Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) model to see how it compares to the Surface Pro 11 and the Surface Pro for Business (11th Edition). Is it worth an upgrade? Let's find out.

Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) vs. Surface Pro 11: Specifications

Here's a look at the raw specs of the new Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) and 2024's Surface Pro 11 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips. I've also included the Surface Pro for Business (11th Edition) with Intel chips for a more complete view.

	Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition)	Surface Pro for Business (11th Edition)	Surface Pro 11 (2024)
CPU	Intel Core Ultra 5 335, Core Ultra 7 366H	Intel Core Ultra 5 236V, Core Ultra 5 238V, Core Ultra 5 266V, Core Ultra 5 268V	Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100), Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64-100)
RAM	16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x	16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x	16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x
GPU	Intel Graphics (integrated)	Intel Arc Graphics (integrated)	Qualcomm Adreno (integrated)
NPU	Intel AI Boost (50 TOPS)	Intel AI Boost (40-48 TOPS)	Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS)
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (upgradeable)	256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (upgradeable)	256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (upgradeable)
Camera	Front-facing 1440p + IR, rear-facing 10MP	Front-facing 1440p + IR, rear-facing 10MP	Front-facing 1440p + IR, rear-facing 10MP
Speakers	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos
Display	13 inches, 2880x1920 (2.8K), 267 PPI, OLED or LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz, touch, 600 nits, Dolby Vision IQ, anti-reflective	13 inches, 2880x1920 (2.8K), 267 PPI, OLED or LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz, touch, 600 nits, Dolby Vision IQ, anti-reflective	13 inches, 2880x1920 (2.8K), 267 PPI, OLED or LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz, touch, 600 nits, Dolby Vision IQ
Ports	2x Thunderbolt 4, Surface Connect, Nano-SIM	2x Thunderbolt 4, Surface Connect	2x USB4, Surface Connect, Nano-SIM
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G (optional)	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G (optional)
Battery	Up to 17 hours local video playback, up to 11 hours active web usage	Up to 14 hours local video playback, up to 10 hours active web usage	Up to 14 hours local video playback, up to 10 hours active web usage
Dimensions	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches (287mm x 208.6mm x 9.3mm)	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches (287mm x 208.6mm x 9.3mm)	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches (287mm x 208.6mm x 9.3mm)
Weight	From 1.97 pounds (895g)	From 1.92 pounds (872g)	From 1.97 pounds (895g)
Colors	Platinum, Black	Platinum, Black	Platinum, Black, Sapphire, Dune
Price	From $1,949.99	From $1,699.99	From $1,499.99

Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) vs. Surface Pro 11: Price & availability

The Surface Pro 11 with Type Cover and Surface Slim Pen attached. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The new Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) makes its debut at $1,949.99 for a model with Intel Core Ultra 5 335 CPU, 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and LCD display. That price doesn't include a Type Cover or Surface Pen.

Prices climb all the way to $2,799.99 for a model with 5G, 32GB of RAM, and otherwise identical specs. This being a business Surface version, it's available directly from Microsoft.

It appears that the Core Ultra 7 models are not available directly from Microsoft's online store right now. Instead, Microsoft asks you to directly contact its sales team via phone.

The last-gen Surface Pro 11 is quite a bit cheaper, with prices at the time of writing starting at about $1,199 for a model with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and an LCD display.

That price is thanks to a $300 discount, and models usually start at $1,499. If you want to go with the more powerful Snapdragon X Elite chip, OLED display, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, you're looking at $1,799.99.

The last-gen Surface Pro 11 is quite a bit cheaper.

There's also the Surface Pro for Business (11th Edition) with Intel chips starting at $1,699.99. This price gets you a Core Ultra 5 chip, 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and an LCD display.

If you upgrade to a Core Ultra 7 chip, a model with OLED display, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD starts at $1,999.99. Prices climb to 2,899.99 for 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) vs. Surface Pro 11: Design & features

The Surface Pro 11's iconic stand holding the display upright. (Image credit: Windows Central)

The new Surface Pro for Business (2026) doesn't have any major changes to its design compared to the previous generation. It weighs the same 1.97 pounds (895g) as the Pro 11, which is just slightly heavier than the Pro 11 for Business.

Its dimensions are identical, and it still has the same Surface stand on the back and Surface Connect port for a Type Cover.

Ports haven't changed either, with dual Thunderbolt 4 handling practically everything else. A Nano-SIM slot is available in 5G models; these are restricted to the Surface Pro 11 and the Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition).

An upgradeable SSD is available in the Surface Pro 11 and new Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition). (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Dual 2W speakers continue to offer Dolby Atmos tuning, all models have a 1440p front-facing camera with IR for Windows Hello, as well as a 10MP rear-facing camera.

Wi-Fi 7 handles wireless internet, Bluetooth 5.4 handles wireless accessories, and, as mentioned, some models have optional 5G connectivity. That's a nice pickup considering the Surface Pro for Business (11th Edition) lacked any 5G.

Surface Pro for Business 12th Edition vs. Surface Pro 11: Display

An angled look at the Surface Pro 11's 13-inch touch display. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Microsoft added an anti-reflective finish to its Surface Pro for Business (11th Edition), and it's here again for the 12th Edition model. This sets it apart from the standard Surface Pro 11's glossier finish.

Otherwise, you're still getting a 13-inch touch display in either LCD or OLED, with a 2880x1920 resolution (267 PPI), 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, and brightness up to 600 nits.

Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) vs. Surface Pro 11: Performance and battery

For something so thin, the Surface Pro line offers some excellent power and efficiency. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Here's where the new Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) begins to separate itself from its predecessors.

It arrives with Intel's "Panther Lake" Core Ultra Series 3 chips, including the Core Ultra 5 335 and Core Ultra 7 366H. These are the next generation of chips compared to the Intel Series 2 CPUs found in the Surface Pro for Business (11th Edition).

Although we haven't yet had a chance to directly test the Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition)'s performance, I can make some assumptions based on our Surface Laptop 8 review.

Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino discovered that the Core Ultra X7 368H chip, which is more powerful than the Surface Pro's Ultra 7 366H, fell behind the Snapdragon X Elite in the Surface Pro 11 Cinebench test.

In Geekbench, the Core Ultra X7 368H came out ahead of the Snapdragon X Elite chip, but keep in mind the new Pro for Business only has the Core Ultra 7 366H, which isn't quite as powerful.

What about efficiency and battery life?

The Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X chip offers superb battery life. (Image credit: Windows Central (Daniel Rubino) | Microsoft)

Considering Qualcomm's Snapdragon X/X2 platform continues to offer superior battery life in laptops we test, I don't expect the Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) to be the more efficient laptop.

I'll update this comparison once we test it first-hand, but for now, I wouldn't recommend buying the new Surface Pro for Business (2026) with the assumption that it will run longer between charges.

Which should you buy?

The new Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition) doesn't reinvent the device, but it does update the performance hardware to the latest Intel "Panther Lake" Core Ultra Series 3 chips.

The hardware update, alongside the usual enterprise security features, makes the new Surface Pro (2026) ideal for professionals who prefer an x86 system.

Microsoft has stated that it plans to release a new Surface Pro with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 chips in the coming months, and I expect that it will offer superior performance and efficiency.

As it stands now, the best option for regular Windows users remains the Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X Systems-on-Chip (SoC). It's the most affordable, it has excellent performance and efficiency, and it's readily available from more retailers.

New Gen

Microsoft

Surface Pro for Business (12th Edition)

Last Gen

Microsoft

Surface Pro 11

With a more affordable price and a practically identical design, the Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X chips is the right choice for most PC users outside of an enterprise setting.

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Microsoft forced to bring back Surface Laptop with 8GB RAM as it scrambles to keep prices down amidst RAM crisis: New device fails to meet Copilot+ PC requirements

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Microsoft has confirmed that its new midrange Surface Laptop for 2026 will be made available with 8GB RAM later this year in a desperate bid to bring its starting price down. This will be the first Surface PC to ship with less than 16GB RAM since the launch of Copilot+ PCs in 2024, meaning it'll not support any Copilot+ PC features.

The Surface Laptop 13-inch is supposed to be Microsoft's more affordable Surface Laptop offering, featuring midrange specs, but the ongoing RAM crisis has pushed the company into a tough spot. The original business model launched for $1,099 in 2025, but the new model with Intel's latest Core Ultra 3 chips, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage now starts at an eye-watering $1,499.

That's obviously a problem, and so the company's solution is to introduce a model with less RAM to bring that entry-level price down. The 8GB RAM model will start at $1,299, which is somewhat more reasonable, but it's still a laptop with only 8GB RAM in 2026. The recent MacBook Neo also launched with 8GB RAM, but that device costs just $599.

"Available starting today in select markets in 16GB and 24GB configurations starting at $1,499 (MSRP), with an 8GB configuration coming later this year starting at $1,299.99 (MSRP)," Microsoft says.

Of course, for many people, 8GB RAM is still more than enough, but that lack of headroom is going to limit the longevity of this device. Plus, buying a PC that isn't Copilot+ PC capable makes little sense these days, as you miss out on features like semantic search, Click To Do, and even Windows Recall.

The 8GB RAM model will include an NPU that is capable of outputting 50 TOPS of power, meaning it has the silicon to support Copilot+ PC features, but it won't have enough memory. That's a shame, as it means the NPU on that device will essentially be useless, as most Copilot+ features need at least 16GB RAM to even qualify to use the NPU.

Alongside the new midrange Surface Laptop 13-inch, Microsoft also announced new flagship Surface Pro and Surface Laptop hardware for business customers today. These devices start at an earth-shattering $1,949, but feature display upgrades and a new haptic trackpad, along with Intel's more powerful Series 3 chips.

The Surface Laptop 13-inch with 16GB RAM is available to order today from Microsoft's commercial storefront. The company hasn't confirmed when the 8GB RAM model will be made available.

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Microsoft confirms that it will bring Snapdragon X2 chips to new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop this year

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Microsoft just unveiled its next-gen wave of Surface PCs for 2026, launching first for business customers and featuring upgraded displays, haptics, and new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips. Luckily, the company has already confirmed that Snapdragon X2 models are also on the way, but they won't be available for a handful of more months yet.

I exclusively revealed earlier this year that Microsoft was planning a two-stage launch for its next wave of Surface hardware this year, and the company has now finally confirmed those plans. Today, its new Surface Pro 12, Surface Laptop 8, and Surface Laptop 13-inch are available for business customers, with Snapdragon X2 models for consumers, along with a refreshed Surface Pro 12-inch and Intel and Snapdragon, expected to arrive over the summer.

"Later this year, we will extend the Surface for Business portfolio with models featuring the Snapdragon® X2 processors. Whether your teams are in the boardroom, at a customer site, or working from anywhere, these AI PCs are built to perform at the speed of business," says Microsoft.

Many will find it disappointing that Microsoft isn't launching the Snapdragon X2 models alongside the Intel variants, but sources tell us this is due to component availability. Snapdragon X2 chips are in high demand, and manufacturing on these models is a few months behind the Intel variants. That, and Microsoft isn't ready to ship the consumer models just yet.

The good news is they are coming, and Microsoft has confirmed that you'll be seeing them on store shelves later this year, and sources say they are likely to feature OLED displays on the Laptop 8 for the first time, and the same haptic touchpad improvements that are now shipping on the new Intel models. Of course, if you can't wait, you don't have to be a business to buy these new Intel models today.

If you are interested in buying a new Surface, you can grab a new Surface Pro 12, Surface Laptop 8, or Surface Laptop 13-inch with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips directly from Microsoft's commercial storefront, with prices starting at $1,499 for the midrange Surface Laptop and $1,949 for the flagship devices.

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Microsoft unveils Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 for 2026 with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips, display upgrades, and new haptics: Launching first for business customers today

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year again! Microsoft has just unveiled new versions of its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices, now powered by Intel's new Core Ultra Series 3 chipset that are shipping now, and Snapdragon X2 models that are coming later in the year.

Today, the company is launching four refreshed Surface PCs, all of which are targeting its business customers. The devices being updated today are the Surface Pro 13-inch, Surface Laptop 13-inch, Surface Laptop 13.8-inch, and Surface Laptop 15-inch. All of these products are priced very high, with the flagships starting at almost $2,000.

The flagship Surface Laptop 13.8- and 15-inch are the stars of the show, featuring the most notable upgrades with new display options. Certain new Surface Laptop configurations now include a hardware privacy screen filter that can be enabled on the device, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The new Surface Laptop 8 with its anti-glare screen. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The 15-inch model now also ships with a much higher resolution display, bumping its PPI up from 201 to 262. That means Windows renders text much sharper, and icons should look clearer compared to the smaller model and the last-gen 15-inch model. The displays are still LCD backlit, but OLED options are rumored to be coming later this year, likely alongside the consumer variants of the Laptop 8.

The other big upgrade on the new flagship Surface Laptops are with the touchpad. These devices now ship with an upgraded trackpad that features support for Windows 11's new haptic signals feature, which will provide subtle feedback when interacting with certain elements of the Windows 11 UI, such as snapping app windows and aligning objects.

You can read more about the new Surface Laptop 8 in our review, which is live now!

The Surface Laptop 13-inch, which is supposed to be Microsoft's midrange Surface Laptop offering, is shipping with Intel chips and an anti-reflective display for the first time. This device is otherwise exactly the same as the last-gen model, but now starts at a much higher price of $1,499.

Microsoft has confirmed that later this year, it will introduce a version of the Surface Laptop 13-inch with 8GB RAM to bring that starting price down to $1,299. This cheaper model will not be Copilot+ PC compatible as a result.

Specification	Surface Pro 12	Surface Laptop 8	Surface Laptop 13-inch
Processor	Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 Series 3 or Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Series 3	13.8-inch: Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 Series 3 or Intel® Core™ Ultra X7 Series 3 or Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Series 3 15-inch: Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 Series 3 or Intel® Core™ Ultra X7 Series 3 or	Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 Series 3
NPU	Intel® AI Boost NPU with 50 TOPS	Intel® AI Boost NPU with 50 TOPS	Intel® AI Boost NPU with 50 TOPS
Display	Anti-reflective PixelSense™ Flow touchscreen with adaptive color, HDR¹³, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and optional OLED³	Anti-reflective PixelSense™ Flow touchscreen⁸ with adaptive color, adaptive contrast, HDR¹³, and up to 120Hz refresh rate Anti-glare integrated privacy screen on select 13.8-inch models¹²	Anti-reflective PixelSense™ touchscreen⁸ with adaptive color, adaptive contrast, and up to 60Hz refresh rate
Ports	2 x USB-C® with Thunderbolt™ 4 ports Surface Connect Supports up to three 4K monitors²¹	2 x USB-C® with USB4® ports MicroSDXC Express card reader (15-inch) Surface Connect Supports up to three 4K monitors²¹	2 x USB-C® / USB 3.2 ports Supports up to two 4K monitors²²
Security	Microsoft Pluton supporting TPM 2.0	Microsoft Pluton supporting TPM 2.0	Microsoft Pluton supporting TPM 2.0
Battery life	Up to 17 hours of battery life with local video playback¹⁶	Up to 21 hours of battery life with local video playback¹⁶ (15-inch)	Up to 22 hours of battery life with local video playback¹⁶
Fast charging	Minimum 60W charger via Surface Connect or USB-C® ²³	Minimum 60W power supply via Surface Connect of USB-C® ²³ (Listed under Ports)	Minimum 60W power supply via USB-C® ²⁴ (Listed under Ports)
Cameras	1440p Quad HD front-facing camera with ultrawide field of view 10 MP Ultra HD rear-facing camera	Full HD 1080p studio webcam	Full HD 1080p studio webcam
Connectivity	Optional 5G²⁹ Wi-Fi 7²⁶ & Bluetooth® Core 5.4	Wi-Fi 7²⁶ & Bluetooth® Core 5.4	Wi-Fi 7²⁶ & Bluetooth® Core 5.4
Storage / RAM	Up to 64GB of RAM and up to 1TB additional storage¹	Up to 64GB of RAM and up to 1TB additional storage¹	Up to 24GB of RAM and up to 1TB additional storage¹

The flagship Surface Pro 13-inch is mainly getting a spec bump with the new Intel Core Ultra chips. The overall design remains the same as the last-gen Surface Pro 13-inch, though the Surface Slim Pen is being updated to support Windows 11's new haptic feedback system. Unfortunately, the Flex Keyboard is not getting the same haptic trackpad as what's found on the new Surface Laptop flagships.

Both the flagship Surface Pro and Surface Laptops now start at an eye-watering $1,949 for an Intel Core Ultra 5 and 16GB RAM. These prices are tough to swallow, but Microsoft says this is due to the ongoing component shortage.

For those wondering about consumer models or a new Surface Pro 12-inch, I'm told these are coming in the next handful of months, likely over the summer if plans don't change. I revealed earlier this year that Microsoft's wave of new Surface PCs this year would ship in two waves, and that's exactly what we're seeing happening today. OLED variants of the Surface Laptop are also expected to launch over the summer.

Both the flagship Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, alongside the midrange Surface Laptop 13-inch, are available to order directly via Microsoft's commercial storefront today.

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Surface fans are now 3D‑printing the hardware Microsoft won’t build

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:13:06 +0000

3-D printing may be the key to fixing one of the Surface Pro's biggest flaws. And the solution also gives Surface users the treat of using Lenovo's ThinkPad TrackPoint keyboard.

Even if Microsoft makes the perfect 2-in-1, it still won’t be my dream Surface Pro. Earlier this month, I argued that a flawless PC from Microsoft would fall short of my expectations because I could not pair the device with a Brydge keyboard.

Microsoft has new Surface hardware on the way, though the tech giant has remained tight-lipped on what PCs are on the way. But thanks to our Senior Editor Zac Bowden, we know a Surface Pro 12 will be in the mix.

Since Brydge has not announced any Surface keyboards this year, we may have to turn to a different solution. A savvy Surface user called "idiogenic" has created a 3-D printable design for a Surface Pro Keyboard Dock.

The design is hosted on Printables and available for anyone to use.

Whether you want to get the most out of your current Surface Pro or prep for a future PC from Microsoft, the unique dock could make it easier to work on your lap.

The Surface Pro Keyboard Dock for the ThinkPad Trackpoint II Bluetooth Keyboard makes the PC sit better on your lap and has a spot to hold your Surface Pen. (Image credit: idiogenic)

The maker of the design outlined the problem with Surface Pro devices and other 2-in-1s.

"The problem with the Surface Pro and other tablet based 2 in 1 PCs is that they aren't very nice to use in your lap. The rear kickstand/wobbly keyboard attachment etc make it unstable except on large hard surfaces."

They also used some colorful language when telling Microsoft what to do with the high pricing of the Surface Keyboard and Pen combos.

Their points are valid. While the Surface Pro 11 and other Surface devices are lovely, they are difficult to use on a lap. They've improved in this area over the years, but they're still more awkward than a traditional clamshell laptop.

The 3-D printed dock has a slot to dock the Surface Pro as well as a place to rest the Surface Pen. There are magnets inside to keep the PC and pen in place, though they are more for keeping things aligned than locking things in.

The dock should fit most modern Surface Pro devices, though the ThinkPad keyboard is too wide to allow for a flush design.

The accessory has its flaws, however. The most obvious of which is that it requires you to have a ThinkPad Trackpoint II Bluetooth Keyboard. Lenovo does not list the keyboard on its website, but you can find the keyboard at Best Buy for $130.74.

You won't have a trackpad when using this setup either. Instead, you'll have to use the famous TrackPoint nib built into the keyboard.

The dock is also less versatile than the kickstand of the Surface Pro, which can adjust to a wide range of angles. You're essentially trading the flexibility of that kickstand for lapability.

If you do need the kickstand, you could just remove the dock, though you'd then have an extra accessory to carry around.

The Surface Pro Keyboard Dock for the ThinkPad Trackpoint II Bluetooth Keyboard is not a perfect solution. It's a niche accessory that fills a gap only a subset of users care about.

But given the gap in the market, I appreciate the ingenuity of idiogenic and hope they inspire others to create ways to improve the Surface Pro.

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"It still won’t be my dream Surface Pro": The missing piece Microsoft never built vanished — and it’s not coming back

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Microsoft is gearing up to unveil new Surface hardware this spring, and odds are good we’ll finally see a refreshed flagship Surface Pro. But even if Microsoft nails the design and makes the perfect 2-in-1, it still won’t be my dream Surface Pro.

That's because it was not Microsoft that inspired my dream machine, it was a little company called Brydge. It made some of the most interesting accessories in the Surface ecosystem. The keyboards went further than simply attaching to the Surface Pro; they transformed it into something Microsoft had never fully committed to: a real laptop.

Brydge has a long and complicated history that’s worth diving into if you enjoy studying the rise and fall of companies. 9to5Mac has a thorough run-through of what went wrong with Brydge.

Brydge created keyboards that converted the Surface Pro X and other Surface Pro devices into laptops. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

The Brydge that elevated the Surface Pro experience no longer exists. Yes, a website with the name “Brydge” still sells products, but it’s not the same company.

But in its heyday, Brydge made a range of Surface keyboards that turned the Surface Pro into a true laptop, not a 2-in-1 that awkwardly rests on your lap.

"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," said our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino in our Brydge SPX+ review.

Brydge’s Surface keyboards weren’t perfect, though. The clamp connections of the earlier Brydge keyboards could crack the screen of an attached device.

Because the Surface Pro carries all its components in the tablet half, it ends up far heavier than the lid of a traditional laptop. That top‑heavy design works fine for a 2‑in‑1, but it’s exactly why no accessory has ever made the Surface Pro feel like a true clamshell.

Even Microsoft has tried different approaches to having a standalone or floating display that can attach to a keyboard. The Surface Book used a hinged design, while the Surface Laptop Studio kept everything attached but let the display float.

The Brydge SP Max+ took a different approach to converting the Surface Pro into a true laptop. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Brydge eventually switched to a different style of keyboard that was not prone to cracking screens. The Brydge SP Max+ was basically a case for your Surface Pro that could attach with a keyboard base through POGO pins.

When you’re designing a keyboard solution for a thin‑and‑light 2‑in‑1, adding bulk and a second set of pins wastes space.

But those pins were not the built-in pins of the Surface Pro. Using an SP Max+ added bulk to the Surface Pro and created redundancy. When you’re designing a keyboard solution for a thin‑and‑light 2‑in‑1, adding bulk and a second set of pins wastes space you don’t have and adds weight you don’t want.

The Surface Pro X’s thin, lightweight body was ideal for attaching to a keyboard base. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

The perfect Surface Pro accessory would require Microsoft to fully embrace the concept. The Surface Pro would need to be thinner and lighter, like a Surface Pro X, to reduce balance issues and top heaviness. The keyboard would need to support wired and wireless connections like the Surface Flex Keyboard.

I’d prefer a traditional clamshell laptop when everything is attached and a thin-and-light tablet when detached. But in 2026, the most elegant solution may be for Microsoft to create a keyboard similar to Apple’s Magic Keyboard.

That accessory mostly replicates the laptop experience while not having to combat the physics of clamps supporting an entire device. It also helps with balance, since some of the weight of the tablet rests over the keyboard.

I basically want a Surface Laptop Studio where you can just take the top off and have a separate Surface Pro. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Dexnor makes a Surface Pro keyboard that’s similar to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. It has backlit keys, a spot for the Surface Pen, and plays nicely with the built-in kickstand of the Surface Pro. It’s probably the closest thing there is to my dream Surface Pro accessory, but it’s a bulkier solution than I’d like and relies on Bluetooth.

Dexnor did a great job designing that keyboard. I just think the company ran into the limits of being a third-party accessory maker. Overcoming the last few gaps and issues would require a close partnership with Microsoft.

Maybe asking for a tablet that can convert to a laptop is too much because of physics and weight distribution. Perhaps it's possible, but just a niche product that's not worth the investment from Microsoft. But I miss the quirky days of Surface devices feeling different and filling niches.

I'd love to see an ultrathin Surface Pro that can attach to a proper laptop keyboard. To me, it's the natural evolution of the 2-in-1 form factor — a device that can adapt to different workflows without requiring people to get another PC.

But without the Brydge of the past or Microsoft willing to bridge the gap, it's a dream I'll probably never get.

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Surface Pro update fixes key cellular bugs — just as Microsoft leans into 5G

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:59:12 +0000

Microsoft recently shipped a firmware update for the Surface Pro (11th Gen) that fixes some annoying issues. We don't always cover firmware updates, since they are often only minor changes, but the February firmware update is a bit different.

The update addresses an issue that can prevent cellular connectivity from working when using a VPN. It also fixes a bug that can change cellular settings to SIM, overriding a previous selection of eSIM.

The Surface Pro (11th Gen) is one of the best 5G Windows laptops. The 2-in-1 form factor pairs perfectly with being able to connect to the web without tethering to a device or hopping between Wi-Fi networks.

Microsoft outlines the fixes and improvements in a support document.

Surface Pro (11th Gen): February Firmware Update

Security:
- Strengthen your device’s security. We’ve addressed potential security vulnerabilities that may lead to unexpected shutdowns and privilege escalation.
Reliability:
- Be productive when using a virtual private network (VPN). We've resolved an issue where devices have no cellular network connectivity when using a VPN.
- Ensure you have the correct connectivity settings. We’ve fixed an issue where your cellular setting changes to SIM card, overriding your previous eSIM selection.
- Lead seamless video conference calls. We’ve resolved an issue that causes unexpected shutdowns during Microsoft Teams calls.
- Get full functionality when your device is docked. We’ve addressed compatibility issues with Surface Dock 2.
- Enjoy your favorite videos without disruptions. We’ve fixed an issue where Dolby Vision videos show a black screen with an error message that says playback isn’t authorized.

The recent firmware update does not appear to be connected to the Microsoft and Ericsson partnership announced recently, but the timing lines up well. Thanks to that new partnership, more Surface Pro owners will connect over 5G. The firmware fix makes sure that users can connect through a VPN without losing cellular connectivity.

Microsoft partnered with Ericsson to streamline the process of setting up and managing devices with 5G connectivity. Automatic eSIM switching and remote policy management also come as part of the partnership.

"Through Microsoft Intune and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect, IT teams can automatically enforce secure connectivity profiles and enterprise policies across every 5G-connected device, minimizing manual setup while ensuring consistent, compliant user experiences everywhere employees work," said Ericsson in a press release.

Microsoft and Ericsson plan to release 5G bundles that include Microsoft 365, Intune, and Ericsson Enterprise 5G Connect. The bundles will come with Surface Copilot+ PCs such as the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro (11th Gen).

How do you keep your PC connected when you’re away from Wi‑Fi? Let me know in the comments section!

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Surface Pro 12th Gen: Everything we know so far about Microsoft's next flagship Windows 11 tablet 2-in-1

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:56:28 +0000

It's been well over a year since the Surface Pro 11 was first announced, which means it's time to start thinking about what's next for Microsoft's flagship 2-in-1 tablet line. Earlier this year, the company launched a new mid-range 12-inch Surface Pro variant, featuring a new design and accessories, and shipping alongside the flagship 13-inch Surface Pro 11.

While we don't yet have any concrete information about the next flagship Surface Pro, we can attempt to read the tea leaves and speculate as to what Microsoft has in store for the Surface Pro 12. Plus, our wish list for what we want to see in the next flagship Surface Pro.

So, here's everything we think we know so far. Check back for more information as it becomes available!

Price and release date

Microsoft usually ships new Surface hardware in the fall, often in October. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro 12 is likely going to start at a higher price tag compared to the Surface Pro 11, which originally debuted at $999. This is because the new 12-inch Surface Pro starts at $799, and the company will likely want a larger price gap between the midrange and flagship models for the lineup to make sense.

While we don't know for sure what the price will be, we can assume it'll likely match the Surface Pro 11's current pricing, which now starts at $1,199. for the tablet only. The Surface Pro keyboard and pen will continue to be optional accessories that cost more money on top of the tablet.

In regard to a release window, Microsoft historically releases new Surface PCs in the fall. The Surface Pro 11 launched in June 2024, and so we're well overdue a refresh at this point. Given history, we could potentially see a new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop announced in the October timeframe.

With that said, this depends entirely on whether Qualcomm is ready to ship its next gen chips. If there's a delay, then the Surface Pro 12 will likely get pushed back. If a delay does happen, don't expect to see the Surface Pro 12 until spring next year.

Processor and specs

We know Microsoft will continue to ship the Surface Pro with a Snapdragon processor. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Surface Pro 12 is likely going to be powered by Qualcomm's new and upcoming Snapdragon X2 SoC, the successor to its first-generation Snapdragon X line of chips that power the Surface Pro 11. We don't yet know much about the Snapdragon X2 range of chips just yet, but we do know it's expected to focus better GPU performance, as well as better multi- and single-core performance to compete with Apple's latest silicon.

I wouldn't be surprised if we also eventually see an Intel variant of the Surface Pro 12, as we did with the Surface Pro 11. Microsoft seems to reserve Intel variants of its Surface PCs for business customers, which will likely remain the case with the Surface Pro 12.

Microsoft will only ship new Surface hardware powered by Copilot+ capable processors going forward, so if Intel has nothing new to offer in the next 12 months, we likely won't see a Surface Pro 12 with an Intel processor.

Design and features

While not confirmed, we hope the Surface Pro 12 adopts the same design as the Surface Pro 12-inch. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro 11 launched with the same design that the product line has been using since 2019, so the device is well overdue a design refresh at this point. Given the 12-inch Surface Pro features an all-new design with uniform bezels and built-in pen charging, it's possible we'll see the flagship Surface Pro 12 adopt this same new design, though this is yet to be confirmed.

A flagship Surface Pro with the same uniform bezels and thinner chassis would position the Surface Pro 12 as a viable iPad Pro 13-inch competitor. Complete with an updated Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, this would be the ultimate Surface Pro that trades blows with Apple's best tablet offering.

Of course, we expect the Surface Pro 12 to feature both LCD and OLED display options with a 120Hz refresh rate, just like the Surface Pro 11. It's also expected to continue to feature things like Windows Hello face unlock, an upgradable SSD, and built-in kickstand as a staple of the Surface Pro product line.

Some have asked for a larger Surface Pro variant, though we don't expect that to happen with the Surface Pro 12. The device will likely continue to ship with a screen size of around 13-inches.

Microsoft brings Copilot+ PCs to NFL sidelines — but AI’s not calling the plays (yet)

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:42:01 +0000

Microsoft just announced an extended partnership with the NFL that will bring AI and more advanced data analytics to football. Microsoft's flagship Surface devices have been a mainstay on NFL sidelines for years. They're recognizable thanks to the blue cases they wear — which aren't available for purchase.

Now, the Surface devices that are part of the Sideline Viewing System (SVS) will feature a Copilot logo along the back. The system will use Copilot to identify details such as what formation a team was in when a turnover occurred.

The SVS has been upgraded with over 2,500 Surface devices, all of which are Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft did not specify which type of Surface device is used by NFL teams on the sidelines, but it is likely a customized Surface Pro 11. The hardware will be available to all 32 teams, giving real-time information to players, coaches, and staff members.

Data analytics are getting a boost, too, thanks to an upgraded dashboard created with Excel. That dashboard is available on Surface Laptop 7 PCs that are available to NFL teams. That dashboard can only be used on game days, and only certain staff members have access.

I've charted plays before during games and broken down data for American football teams. It can be a tiresome process, but it pays dividends on the field. Having Copilot streamline the process is a welcome boost, I'm sure.

In addition to providing help during games, Microsoft's AI technology will assist teams throughout the week.

“If we can really be able to say that the amount of information we want to give to a player can be provided in a digestible manner in 30 minutes as opposed to an hour, well now, that’s 30 minutes he can spend maybe resting and recovering,” said LA Rams Head Coach Sean McVay.

“That’s something we’re always hunting up, because time is one of our most valuable resources. If we’re able to get a lot more done in less time, I think that allows us to be at our best.”

NFL teams also used Microsoft Azure AI Foundry to get insights on over 300 prospects during the 2025 NFL Combine. During that event, teams gather data on players, such as how fast someone can run or how quickly someone can complete a specific drill.

The combine is one of the more data-driven NFL events because it is designed to place players on an even playing field. That way, data can be gathered with minimal external factors, such as weather and the opponent's ability.

Football and Microsoft

I use several types of Microsoft technology to improve my amateur football team, the Nottingham Caesars. (Image credit: Nottingham Caesars U19)

While I obviously coach at a much lower level than the NFL, I know firsthand how much of a difference technology can make when coaching football. I've shared several ways that I use Microsoft software to improve the youth team I coach in Nottingham, England.

Because I coach as a volunteer, I don't have the time or budget to do high-level analysis and gather real-time data. But even a properly formatted Excel spreadsheet can go a long way. Our coaching staff uses radar charts in Excel to provide feedback to players. One of the metrics in that chart is attendance, which I also track using Excel.

I use Microsoft Forms to gather feedback, OneDrive to back up photos and game film, and Clipchamp to edit highlight reels.

Another coach I know in the UK uses Power BI to analyze data. I'm sure he's buzzing to see the upgraded SVS and other improvements to data analysis in the NFL.

It's amazing how much we can get done with a few Microsoft 365 subscriptions and some knowledge of the software suite. I'm always intrigued by how coaches and organizations use data and technology to improve on-field performance.

How to watch NFL football for free

If you're more interested in watching NFL games, Verizon has a pair of bundles that are worth a look. For a limited time, you can get a year of NFL Sunday Ticket for free when you sign up for Verizon 5G Ultimate, Verizon Fios 1Gig, or Verizon Fios 2Gig.

Verizon 5G Home Ultimate
Now: from $60 / month
Bundled with free: NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube OR $400 off select Samsung devices. This bundle also comes with a $200 Amazon gift card.

✅Perfect for: Those who want high-speed internet from a well-known provider plus perks.

❌Avoid if: Verizon does not have 5G Home Plus in your area.

Download speed: Up to 1,000 Mbps. Upload speed: Up to 75 Mbps. Data caps: No.

👉See at: VerizonView Deal

Verizon Fios Home Internet (1Gig)
Now: from $74.99 / month
Bundled with free: NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube OR $400 off select Samsung devices.

✅Perfect for: Those who want a high-speed internet connection built on a fiber-optic network and want a large discount on a Samsung device or free access to NFL Sunday Ticket.

❌Avoid if: You prefer Verizon 5G Home Internet or a different internet provider.

Download speed: Up to 940 Mbps. Upload speed: Up to 880 Mbps. Data caps: No.

👉See at: VerizonView Deal

If you just bought a Surface Pro 12-inch, don't forget to grab these 7 accessories — They're ALL discounted for Prime Day!

rebecca.spear@futurenet.com (Rebecca Spear) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Many people are taking advantage of the new Surface Pro 12-inch (2025) deal going on at Best Buy as part of an anti-Amazon Prime Day discount.

If you happen to be the proud new owner of Microsoft's device or have owned one for a while, it's worth making sure you have all of the best accessories needed to fully enjoy it.

I went looking around, and these are the 7 best Prime Day Surface Pro 12-inch accessory deals for those with an Amazon Prime membership.

7 best Surface Pro 12-inch accessory Prime Day deals

Tempered Glass Screen Protectors: ~~was $21.99~~ now $17.37 at Amazon
Anker Docking Station: ~~was $199.99~~ now $139.99 at Amazon
Foldable Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard: ~~was $149.99~~ now $99.99 at Amazon
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse: ~~was $119.99~~ now $99.99 at Best Buy
Baseus Laptop Power Bank: ~~was $129.99~~ now $53.98 at Amazon
TiMOVO Laptop Sleeve Carrying Case: ~~was $26.99~~ now $20.79 at Amazon
Tomtoc 360 Protective Carrying Case: ~~was $34.99~~ now $28.79 at Amazon

First things first, you'll want to protect that Surface Pro 12-inch screen with a tempered glass screen protector. Since this pack comes with two, you'll have an extra in case you need it.

Amazon customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

✅ Perfect for: Anyone who wants to protect their screen with a glass sheet.

❌ Avoid if: You have a different size Surface device.

See at: Amazon.comView Deal

A hub or docking station like this one provides you with plenty of ports to attach additional accessories or monitors to your Surface Pro 12-inch. Anker is a trusted brand and one I rely on frequently for this kind of tech.

Amazon customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅ Perfect for: People who want to connect various accessories and devices to their Surface Pro 12-inch.

❌ Avoid if: You specifically want a Thunderbolt 4 dock.

See at: Amazon.comView Deal

The official Surface Pro 12-inch keyboard sells for an expensive $149.99 at Best Buy, so if you want to save a lot of money, you can get this foldable Bluetooth 5.1 keyboard with a touchpad instead. I personally own this device and love using it. It's easy to carry around and travel with, too.

Amazon customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

✅ Perfect for: Anyone looking for an inexpensive keyboard and mouse combo.

❌ Avoid if: You'd rather have a keyboard that connects to the Surface Pro 12-inch.

See at: Amazon.comView Deal

"The 3S is an incredible productivity-focused wireless mouse. Logitech has been refining this design for years to great effect, and its latest iteration is comfortable, packed with features, and works across multiple devices and platforms. It's not perfect, but it's awfully close." — Zachary Boddy

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

✅ Perfect for: Anyone looking for a comfortable mouse that's responsive and offers plenty of helpful buttons.

❌ Avoid if: You want a left-handed mouse.

See at: BestBuy.comView Deal

I've regularly had to rely on power banks like this one to keep my laptop charged up while I'm at work events or traveling. This one offers 100W fast charging with a 20,000mAH capacity.

Amazon customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

✅ Perfect for: Anyone looking for a comfortable mouse that's responsive and offers plenty of helpful buttons.

❌ Avoid if: You want a left-handed mouse.

See at: Amazon.comView Deal

Whenever I go to big work events, I always bring my favorite laptop shoulder bag, which is pretty similar to this one. It's compact, allows me to be hands-free, and has room for my most important accessories.

Amazon customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

✅ Perfect for: Toting your Surface Pro 12-inch around with your favorite accessories.

❌ Avoid if: You'd prefer a backpack or traditional laptop bag.

See at: Amazon.comView Deal

If you want a slightly more formal-looking laptop bag, then Tomtoc has you covered. There's a convenient handle on the top and a pocket in the front for storing pens, notepads, and other accessories.

Amazon customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

✅ Perfect for: Work trips where you need to keep your Surface Pro 12-inch protected.

❌ Avoid if: You'd prefer something with a shoulder strap.

See at: Amazon.comView Deal

Bonus accessories

The Surface Slim Pen 2 isn't on sale anywhere, but it is sold at a lower price at Amazon than it is anywhere else. So if you want to pick it up, buy it from there to save money.

Amazon customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

✅ Perfect for: Drawing in compatible apps or navigating around the screen without leaving finger smudges.

❌ Avoid if: You don't need a stylus.

See at: Amazon.comView Deal

This protective case technically isn't on sale, but if you're regularly on the move and want a safe way to interact with your Surface Pro 12-inch, this is a safer way of doing it.

Amazon customer reviews: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅ Perfect for: People who want to use their Surface Pro 12-inch on the go.

❌ Avoid if: You'd rather have a less rugged-looking case.

See at: Amazon.comView Deal

Making the most out of your Surface Pro 12-inch

The Surface Pro 12-inch is a versatile computer that can be improved upon with the right accessories. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Shop all Prime Day deals at Amazon

Our own Daniel Rubino wrote a glowing Surface Pro 12-inch review, highlighting Microsoft's thin design and excellent performance. Even so, having the right accessories can make this device even better.

As someone who regularly travels with tech, my usual accessory staples include a protective carrying case or bag, a compatible power bank, a quality screen protector (when applicable), a reliable mouse and keyboard, and often a docking station.

I sometimes even end up using a stylus to help me navigate around my screen so I don't leave appalling fingerprint smudges all over the glass for other people to see.

With my own preferences in mind, I went looking for the best Prime Day deals on Surface Pro 12-inch accessories and found trusted devices with excellent discounts in each category.

You've already seen the seven that I've highlighted, so I'll just talk about my top three picks from that list.

My number one recommendation, as someone who finds the official Surface Pro 12-inch keyboard's $150 price point a bit too expensive, is to grab the Artciety Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard while it's discounted to just $34.43 at Amazon.

It can sync up to three different devices and features a touchpad, so you don't need to travel around with a mouse. I personally use this keyboard when traveling with various tablet and PC handheld devices, and I love it.

Of course, it's also in your best interest to grab a tempered glass screen protector to prevent any scratches from marring the Surface Pro 12-inch's expensive screen. You'll get two when purchasing the Sparin's pack for $17.37 at Amazon.

Finally, I highly recommend the Baseus Laptop Power Bank, which is discounted by a wopping 58%, bringing the price to just $53.98 at Amazon. Power banks have regularly come to my rescue when I'm traveling with my devices, and this one's large 20,000mAh capacity with 100W fast charging makes it a perfect choice.

Microsoft Surface PCs are up to $500 off at Best Buy — but only until June 30

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Best Buy is kicking off the summer months with a bunch of deep discounts on Surface PCs, including up to $500 savings on new hardware like the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7.

Beyond that, there are also a bunch of significant discounts on Surface hardware that has undergone the Geek Squad certified refurbishment process, giving you the opportunity to save $1,000+ on used Surface PCs.

The Surface sale at Best Buy is only expected to run until June 30, 2025, so there's still about a week to take advantage. I've collected the best deals available so far right here, but you can check out the full list with 7 pages of deals at BestBuy.com.

🔥Hottest Surface PC deal of the day 🔥

"Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 is the clamshell form factor perfected. With a gorgeous new design, incredible keyboard and trackpad, smooth 120Hz display, good all-day battery life, and excellent Snapdragon X Elite processor under the hood, this is the laptop to beat in 2024."

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Display: 13.8 inches, 2304x1536, touch, 120Hz, 600 nits. CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80). GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (integrated). NPU: Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS). RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x. Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. AI PC: ✅ Copilot+ PC: ✅

👉 See at: BestBuy.com

Best Surface PC deals at Best Buy

XX
Was:
Now:

Windows Central review ⭐

Display: XX. CPU: XX. GPU: XX. NPU: XX. RAM: XX. Storage: XX. AI PC: ✅. Copilot+ PC: ✅.

👉 See at: BestBuy.com

"The short version of this review is that the new Surface Pro 11 and Flex Keyboard are an outstanding combination that dramatically improves the Surface Pro line—only the original Surface Pro and Surface Pro 4 rival it in terms of impact."

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Display: 13 inches, 2880x1920, LCD, touch. CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64). GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (integrated). NPU: Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS). RAM: 16GB LPDDR5x. Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. AI PC: ✅ Copilot+ PC: ✅

👉 See at: BestBuy.com

"Powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X processor and now with a stunning 120Hz OLED display and flexible Flex Keyboard, Microsoft's new Surface Pro 11 is the most exciting version since the original Surface Pro. Excellent performance and battery life make this Copilot+ PC a must-recommend."

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Display: 13 inches, 2880x1920, OLED, touch. CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80). GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (integrated). NPU: Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS). RAM: 16GB LPDDR5x. Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. AI PC: ✅ Copilot+ PC: ✅

👉 See at: BestBuy.com

👀 Alternate deal: Same model with 1TB SSD is $1,399.99 ($300 discount) at Best Buy

"We need to answer only one question: Is Surface Pro 11 significantly faster than previous versions, and does it have significantly longer battery life? The answer to both of those questions is a resounding yes."

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

👉 See at: BestBuy.com

"So, the Surface Laptop 7. It's basically perfect. It's peak clamshell form factor. Of course, some minor areas could still be improved, but those are more subjective changes rather than objective ones. Things like adding an OLED screen is something that sounds like an upgrade on paper, but the IPS panel in here is already excellent and doesn't run the risk of any burn-in."

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Display: 15 inches, 2496x1664, 120Hz, 600 nits, LCD, touch. CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite (X1E-80). GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (integrated). NPU: Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS). RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x. Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. AI PC: ✅ Copilot+ PC: ✅

👉 See at: BestBuy.com

👀 Alternate deal: Same PC with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD is $1,299.99 ($200 discount) at Best Buy

Best refurbished Surface PC deals at Best Buy

"Surface Laptop 4 gets a massive boost in performance, making it a much better upgrade than last year's model. AMD Ryzen 4000 lives up to its promises, but so does Intel 11th Gen. Only a few things hold this laptop from being the best despite its fantastic design."

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Display: 15 inches, 2496x1664, touch. CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 4980U. GPU: AMD Radeon (integrated). NPU: None. RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x. Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. AI PC: ❌ Copilot+ PC: ❌

👉 See at: BestBuy.com

"Surface Book 3 (15-inch) doesn't change much from the previous version ... except all the internal hardware. That results in a very powerful 2-in-1 15-inch convertible that still has few peers. Luckily, Surface Book 3 is an excellent laptop, even if the design and some features feel a bit dated."

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Display: 15 inches, 3240x2160, touch, 3:2 aspect ratio. CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7. GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q. NPU: None. RAM: 32GB LPDDR4x. Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. AI PC: ❌ Copilot+ PC: ❌

👉 See at: BestBuy.com

Why buy a Surface PC?

The Surface Pro 11 is nearly flawless in its versatility and performance. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Microsoft Surface PCs are some of our favorite devices for several reasons.

The newest models, including the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, are all Copilot+ PCs with access to the latest AI tools in Windows 11.

Features like local image and text creation, live translations and captioning, and advanced Windows Studio Effects for your webcam are all readily available anytime you need them.

That's thanks to the use of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips, which come with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of up to 45 TOPS of AI power. That makes the 40 TOPS cut Microsoft has set for Copilot+.

👉 Windows 10 is dead: Here's why it makes sense to buy a Snapdragon X PC for an upgrade to Windows 11

Snapdragon X chips do far more than add AI smarts. They're some of the most efficient and powerful processors going into modern laptops, offering true all-day battery life and snappy performance on or off the charger.

On the outside, Surface PCs are built to a high standard and have a recognizable aesthetic that can fit well into professional and casual settings.

In the case of the Surface Pro, the 2-in-1 design is the most versatile way to enjoy Windows 11, and you won't find a better all-around convertible package.

As some of the best Windows laptops out there, Surface PCs hold onto their value. That's evident just by looking at the refurbished market, from which many models are also discounted at Best Buy in this sale.

The biggest detractor from Surface PCs is their premium pricing, but that's handled with frequent sales like I'm seeing at Best Buy this week.

Why shop Surface PCs at Best Buy?

So, why buy a Surface PC from Best Buy rather than directly from Microsoft? It's all about pricing.

Best Buy often has major discounts on Surface PCs that Microsoft won't match, giving you the best prices for the latest hardware. And if shopping at Best Buy was a hassle, we wouldn't recommend it.

My Best Buy Memberships

(Image credit: Windows Central)

My Best Buy — Free

My Best Buy Plus — $49.99/year

My Best Buy Total — $179.99/year

Thankfully, Best Buy has been ramping up its customer experience and membership program to better compete with competition from Amazon, Walmart, and other big retailers.

While you don't have to be a My Best Buy member to nab these Surface PC deals and get free shipping, signing up does come with some significant benefits.

The My Best Buy Plus tier adds free two-day shipping, exclusive access to deals, and an extended return window. My Best Buy Total is the ultimate membership, adding extra protection plans, 24/7 tech support, cheaper device repairs, and more.

Microsoft's new Surface Pro 12-inch takes aim at the iPad Air — and I think it wins

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 27 May 2025 16:08:47 +0000

The new Surface Pro 12-inch is a fascinating device that improves upon the flagship Surface Pro 11 in several ways. It has a sleeker, thinner, and lighter design that's more akin to an iPad Air than a Surface Pro, and I don't think that was an accident.

I recently had the opportunity to go hands-on with the new Surface Pro 12-inch, and I was immediately impressed by how familiar it feels. After a few minutes of holding it in my hands, it was clear to me that Microsoft is directly targeting the iPad Air 13-inch with the new Surface Pro 12-inch.

Externally, both of these devices are eerily similar in design, right down to the boxier chassis with rounded display corners and uniform bezels.

Every Surface Pro since the Surface Pro 4 has had non-uniform bezels, with the top and bottom bezels thicker than the side bezels. This isn't an issue on its own, but when held side by side with an iPad, it often looks dated by comparison.

The uniform bezels with rounded display corners on the new Surface Pro 12-inch finally address this issue, and I think it looks excellent. This also extends to the device's frame, which is now thinner and fully enclosed with no fan, just like the iPad Air.

If you tried to perfect the iPad Air, you'd get the Surface Pro 12-inch

The Surface Pro still has the iPad Air beat when it comes to versatility of the form factor. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The iPad Air still has it beat in terms of weight and thickness; however, it comes in at 6.1mm and 618g, compared to the Surface Pro 12-inch at 7.8mm and 686g. Still, the difference is negligible, and it represents a considerable improvement over the Surface Pro 11's 9.3mm thickness and 895g weight.

Additionally, when you factor in the inclusion of the built-in kickstand on the iPad Air, the additional thickness and weight are instantly justified. The kickstand has been a staple of the Surface Pro since its inception, and is a no-brainer for a tablet form factor.

Both devices also support the storage and charging of a pen accessory on the tablet's chassis. The iPad Air charges the Apple Pencil on one edge of the device, and the Surface Pro 12-inch charges the Surface Slim Pen on the back.

Based on the position of where the pen is stored and charged, the Surface Pro 12-inch does a much better job of hanging onto the pen with magnets. It's ON there, requiring a significant amount of force to remove. It won't accidentally fall off when taking the tablet in and out of your bag.

Compare that to the iPad Air, which has an Apple Pencil that will fall off if you blow on it hard enough. It's a known issue on the iPad Air, where the pencil almost always falls out of your bag, forcing you to hunt for it every time you want to use it.

If you didn't already know it was a Surface, you'd be hard pressed not to think it's the latest iPad Air. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

This isn't the only area that the Surface Pro 12-inch has the iPad Air beat, either. For example, the Surface Pro 12-inch still features the flagship's Windows Hello face unlock, unlike the iPad Air, which uses Face ID instead of a fingerprint reader.

Not only that, but the Surface Pro 12-inch also includes a higher 90Hz refresh rate display, compared to the iPad Air's 60Hz. While 90Hz isn't as good as 120Hz on the flagship Surface Pro and iPad Pro, it's still a significant and noticeable step up over 60Hz on the iPad Air.

The iPad Air's screen has a higher resolution, but the Surface Pro 12-inch display isn't a slouch. It's 220ppi (pixels per inch), which is comfortably in "Retina" quality territory. You can't see pixels at regular viewing distances, just like you can't on the iPad Air.

The one area where the iPad Air certainly has the Surface Pro 12-inch beat is in the silicon department. We all know Apple Silicon is amazing, and the Apple M3 SoC in the iPad Air trounces the Snapdragon X Plus in the Surface Pro 12-inch.

But in real-world use, this barely matters. The Apple M3 in the iPad Air is constrained because of iPadOS, so in the day-to-day tasks you'd typically use an iPad Air or Surface Pro 12-inch for, both devices feel equally capable.

The iPad Air puts up a good fight

I just think the Surface Pro looks so much nicer than an iPad. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

It's only in battery life that the iPad Air takes the lead. The efficiency of the M3 chip enables it to run longer, and the Surface Pro 12-inch struggles to keep up. While the battery life on the Surface Pro 12-inch is satisfactory, it falls short of the iPad Air's longevity.

The optional keyboard accessories that transform these tablets into laptops are also worth a comparison. They're very different in their execution, but the iPad Air is significantly more expensive and is missing backlit keys—the 13-inch model costs $319, compared to the Surface Pro's 12-inch keyboard, which is $150.

How these keyboards attach to these tablets differs. The Magic Keyboard is more of a case that protects both the back and front, with a sturdier (and heavier) keyboard deck. The Surface Pro's Keyboard protects the screen and relies on the kickstand to prop the device up, similar to a laptop.

Which one you prefer is subjective, but the Magic Keyboard does make the iPad Air easier to use on a lap, compared to the Surface Pro's method, which is significantly more top-heavy. On a desk, both feel the same, and in that scenario, I prefer the Surface Pro Keyboard due to its backlit keys.

It all comes down to price

That brings me to the price.

I think it's no coincidence that the new Surface Pro 12-inch undercuts the iPad Air 13-inch when specced with the same storage.

For $799, you get a Surface Pro 12-inch with 256GB storage, whereas that same configuration on the iPad Air costs $849.

The device's chassis is enclosed and super thin, just like the iPad Air. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

And when you factor in all the accessories, the winner becomes even clearer. With the Surface Slim Pen and Keyboard, you can expect to pay around $1,049. If you include the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard with your iPad Air, you'll be paying $1,267.

Even if we drop down to the base model 13-inch iPad Air with just 128GB of storage, you'll still be paying $168 more for the iPad Air with its accessories compared to the Surface Pro 12-inch and its accessories.

The one significant drawback of the Surface Pro is Windows 11. As a tablet OS, Windows isn't perfect. iPadOS has the world beat when it comes to touch-first experiences, and while Windows 11 has improved on touchscreens, it still falls short of an iPad's capabilities.

On the other hand, iPadOS is not well-suited as an OS for a laptop. If you intend to use these devices as a laptop most of the time, the Surface Pro is the one to go for. And when you factor in just how much better the form factor is on the Surface Pro compared to the iPad Air, it's a no-brainer.

What are your thoughts on the new Surface Pro 12-inch? Do you think it's better than the iPad Air as a laptop or tablet?

Let us know in the comments!

Microsoft's Surface Pro 12-inch is a massive upgrade over the Surface Go 4 — Here's how this performance leap breaks down

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

New 12" 2-in-1

Surface Pro 12-inch

The new Surface Pro 12-inch easily bests the Go 4 when it comes to performance and design. Considering the close price difference between the two devices, I can easily recommend the new Pro 12-inch over the Go 4 for the vast majority of users.

Pros

Much, much more powerful and efficient
Full access to Copilot+ tools
Larger display with superior inking capabilities
Slimmer design, improved keyboard

Cons

Fewer ports
Same display pixel density
UFS storage is slower than an SSD

10.5" 2-in-1

Microsoft Surface Go

The Surface Go 4 has aged poorly due to its wimpy Intel N200 CPU. The Surface Pro 12-inch will run laps around the Go 4 without breaking a sweat. Unless you can find an incredible deal, I recommend against this 2-in-1 in 2025.

Pros

Might find it for a bit less money
microSD card reader and 3.5mm audio
Solid camera and audio
Runs standard Windows 11

Cons

Intel N200 CPU isn't useful for more than very light tasks
Only 8GB of RAM
Thicker display bezels
No NPU for Copilot+

Microsoft unveiled its new Surface Pro 12-inch on May 6, 2025, and it's expected to launch on May 20. The Surface Go 4, which launched in 2023, is another compact 2-in-1 that launched in 2023.

While Microsoft has stated that its new Pro 12-inch isn't replacing the Surface Go line — it's instead meant to add a more affordable option to its Copilot+ PC lineup — the newer 2-in-1 almost completely removes any enthusiasm and appeal for the Surface Go 4.

Short story? Buy the Surface Pro 12-inch. Long story? Read on for a detailed breakdown of the differences and similarities between the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Go 4.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Go 4: Specifications

Before I dive into a more detailed breakdown, here's a look at the raw specs that make up these 2-in-1 Surface devices.

	Surface Pro 12-inch	Surface Go 4
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42 (8 core)	Intel N200
RAM	16GB LPDDR5x	8GB LPDDR5
GPU	Qualcomm Adreno (integrated)	Intel UHD (integrated)
NPU	Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS)	None
Storage	256GB, 512GB UFS	64GB, 128GB, 256GB UFS
Camera	Front-facing 1080p + IR, rear-facing 10MP	Front-facing 1080p + IR, rear-facing 8MP
Speakers	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos
Display	12 inches, 2196x1464 (2.1K), 220 PPI, LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 90Hz, touch, 400 nits	10.5 inches, 1920x1280, 220 PPI, LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 60Hz, touch, 350 nits
Ports	Two USB-C 3.2	USB-C 3.1, microSD card reader, Surface Connect, 3.5mm audio
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
Battery	Up to 16 hours video playback	Up to 12.5 hours of typical device usage
Dimensions	10.8 x 7.47 x 0.30 inches (274mm x 190mm x 7.8mm)	9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches (245mm x 175mm x 8.3mm)
Weight	1.5 pounds (686g)	1.15 pounds (521g)
Colors	Platinum, Ocean, Violet	Platinum
Price	From $799	From $689.99

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Go 4: Price and availability

Microsoft's new Surface Pro 12-inch is now available for preorder at Microsoft and third-party retailers, with the official launch slated for May 20, 2025.

The Surface Pro 12-inch with a Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42) System-on-Chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage starts at $799.99 at Best Buy. It comes in a Platinum finish.

Doubling storage to 512GB, the price climbs to $899.99. Violet, Ocean, and Platinum colors are available for this pricier SKU.

The Surface Pro 12's optional keyboard is sold separately for $149.99. It comes in Slate, Violet, and Ocean colors.

The optional Surface Slim Pen 2 adds another $129.99 to the total. You can save some money by bundling the Pro 12-inch Keyboard and the Slim Pen for $249.99 at Best Buy.

With keyboard, pen, and PC, you're looking at spending about $1,050 for even the baseline package with 256GB of storage.

Surface Pro 12-inch, Platinum, 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage: $799.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Platinum, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Violet, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Ocean, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12 Keyboard: $149.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12 Keyboard with Slim Pen: $249.99 at Best Buy

The Surface Go 4 launched in October 2023 and remains available to buy today via Microsoft's commercial storefront and some third-party retailers like Amazon.

Shopping at Microsoft, the Surface Go 4 "for Business" starts at $689.99. The baseline model gets you an Intel N200 processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and 64GB of storage.

There's also a $799.99 model still on sale at Microsoft. It doubles the storage to 128GB, but specs are otherwise the same.

Amazon seems to be one of the only other retailers selling the Surface Go 4 in an unused state.

I found a model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage for $819.99 at Amazon. I also found a model with 256GB of storage (sold out at Microsoft) for $964.99 at Amazon.

Microsoft sells its Surface Go Type Cover keyboard and Surface Pen separately. The best prices I found for the former are at Amazon. The Poppy Red option starts at $63, and prices climb from there for Platinum, Ice Blue, and Black colors.

The Surface Go 4 is made for use with the Surface Pen, which starts at about $60 at Amazon.

Taking the best prices I could find, you're still adding about $123 to the cost of the PC for its accessories. That pushes the $690 model up to $813 for the full package with Surface Go 4, keyboard, and pen.

Because the device supports Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP), you shouldn't have issues using Microsoft's newer Surface Slim Pen or Slim Pen 2, albeit without all the extra features like haptic feedback.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Go 4: Design and features

A look at the back of the Surface Pro 12-inch. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The new Surface Pro 12-inch and the Surface Go 4 are both fanless 2-in-1 PCs. Because there aren't any fans inside, there's no necessary venting around the edges, making for a cleaner tablet aesthetic.

The Surface Go 4, despite its smaller display, is the chunkier device. Microsoft made a point of thinning down its Surface Pro 12-inch to match modern tablet slabs, and it's thinner than the Go 4 at 0.30 inches (compared to 0.33 inches).

The Go 4 has a smaller footprint, but not by a whole lot. The Surface Pro 12-inch measures about 1.15 inches wider and 0.57 inches taller.

The Go 4 also weighs less at 1.15 pounds compared to 1.5 pounds. Considering you get an additional 1.5 inches of screen space on the newer device, Microsoft did some fine work designing the Pro 12-inch.

Both Surface PCs feature a built-in stand on the back of the tablet. It extends out to stabilize and prop up the tablet, and it's especially important when a keyboard is attached.

The Surface Go 4 hides a microSD card reader under its stand, which can be used to expand its meager storage options.

The Go 4 otherwise offers one USB-C 3.1 port for data and video, Surface Connect for charging or Surface docks, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The Surface Pro 12-inch has two USB-C 3.2 ports (10Gbps) only. It no longer includes Surface Connect, and it lacks a 3.5mm audio jack.

The Pro 12-inch can run dual 4K external monitors each at a 60Hz refresh rate with this setup.

The Go 4 can run one 4K display at 60Hz natively; for additional displays, a dock or extender with DisplayLink is required. Dan S. Charlton's Surface blog has an outstanding explanation of Surface USB-C capabilities if you want more info.

The Surface Go 4 is immediately recognizable as a Surface device. (Image credit: Future)

Both Surface PCs have a similar audio setup with dual 2W stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos tuning.

Camera hardware is also similar. Both PCs have a front-facing 1080p camera with an IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition. The Pro 12-inch bumps its rear-facing camera to 10MP, while the Go 4 hits 8MP.

The Pro 12-inch has much newer wireless hardware, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offering the best possible experience. The Go 4 offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1; still good, but not as good.

Both devices use a detachable keyboard to complete the notebook setup. The Go 4's keyboard is smaller (I find it edging on too small, but my hands are probably larger than average), but it comes with a backlight.

The Pro 12-inch keyboard is slightly different. It still attaches magnetically, but the hinge is slimmer and no longer flips up to stick to the bottom bezel.

This allows it to rotate backwards to sit flat on the back of the tablet, but it also makes for a more streamlined look. The Pro 12-inch keyboard also features a backlight.

Microsoft added an indented cradle on the back of the tablet to house the Slim Pen when it's not in use. The pen charges automatically when cradled.

The new pen cradle on the Surface Pro 12-inch. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Platinum, Ocean, and Violet colors are available for the Surface Pro 12-inch. The Surface Go 4 is only available in Platinum, although its keyboards (linked in the section above) can add some flair.

Overall, the Surface Pro 12-inch is immediately recognizable as the newer, more modern device.

It's slightly thinner, the keyboard has less bulk (and more typing space), and the new Slim Pen charging cradle is a nice feature.

Both 2-in-1 laptops are ultimately great for traveling, but don't make a final decision before I discuss the display and, especially, the performance.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Go 4: Display

A look at the Surface Pro 12-inch with keyboard attached. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Go 4's display measures 10.5 inches with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 1920x1280 resolution. That works out to 220 pixels per inch (PPI).

The Surface Pro has a larger 12-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, but its 2196x1464 resolution works out to the same 220 PPI.

That goes to show how good the Go 4's display still is today. Microsoft lists a 1500:1 contrast ratio on the Go 4, besting the Pro 12-inch's 1200:1 ratio.

However, the Pro 12-inch pulls ahead of the Go 4's 60Hz refresh rate, boosting it to 90Hz for a smoother view that's easier on the eyes. The Pro 12-inch should also get brighter.

Both devices have 10-point touch displays with pen compatibility, but the Pro 12-inch is the right choice if you want the best inking experience with haptic feedback.

The Go 4's display has relatively thick bezels, and its smaller size will impact some workflows. The Pro 12-inch has thinner bezels for a more modern look, and the larger screen will benefit many users.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Go 4: Performance and battery

Display bezels are much thicker on the Surface Go. (Image credit: Future)

The Surface Go 4 is equipped with a 4-core Intel N200 CPU with a 1GHz clock. Even in 2023, when the Go 4 launched, this chip wasn't very impressive.

Realistically, it has enough power for very light computing; multitasking will pull it to a standstill in most cases.

On the other hand, the Surface Pro 12-inch has an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42) SoC with a 3.2GHz multi-core frequency, integrated GPU with 1.7 TFLOPs of power, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for full access to Copilot+ tools.

Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino went hands-on with the Surface Pro 12-inch and did some preliminary benchmarking. Looking at Geekbench 6 scores puts the performance difference into perspective.

	Geekbench 6 (Single-core)	Geekbench 6 (Multi-core)
Intel N200	790	2,132
Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42)	2,422	11,080

Geekbench, of course, doesn't provide a full picture of real-world performance. But a 3x increase on single-core and a 5x increase on multi-core power is no joke.

If you want a PC that can do more than just email and light web browsing, the Surface Pro 12-inch is the easy choice.

That's before getting into Copilot+ AI tools available for the Pro 12-inch. Because its NPU hits 45 TOPS of power for local AI work, it'll handle Copilot+ features (like Recall, Click to Do, Cocreator, etc.) just as well as the Surface Pro 11.

The Surface Go 4's RAM and storage options also aren't as impressive. It's locked into 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM (more wouldn't make much of a difference to the N200 CPU), and it tops out at 256GB of storage.

The Surface Pro 12-inch has 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM as standard, and it's available with 256GB or 512GB of storage.

Both PCs use UFS instead of real SSDs. They're more efficient but generally slower. The Surface Pro 12-inch's storage can technically be upgraded after purchase if you don't mind opening the case, while the Go 4 only offers microSD expansion.

As for battery life, I won't make any concrete claims until we've had more time with the Surface Pro 12-inch. The Go 4, however, generally runs for about five or six hours if you're pushing it.

With Qualcomm's efficiency, I expect to see the Pro 12-inch offer better battery life.

The Pro 12 runs Windows 11 on Snapdragon due to its chip's ARM64 architecture, whereas the Go 4 runs standard Windows 11.

The major difference between the two OS versions boils down to app compatibility. Windows on ARM64 is better than ever these days, and I wouldn't let some occasional emulation requirements stand in your way of picking up the Pro 12-inch.

You can check app and game compatibility at the WorksOnWoA website, and I urge you to check out the best native Windows on Snapdragon apps.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Go 4: Which should you buy?

I kind of felt like I was beating up on the Surface Go 4 in this comparison, but that's only testament to how much better the new Surface Pro 12-inch really is.

The Snapdragon X Plus chip inside is somewhere around five times as powerful as the Intel N200 in the Go 4, and considering how small a price difference there is between the two PCs, that should be enough to help you make a final decision.

Everything about the Surface Pro 12-inch feels more refined, from the slimmer display bezels to the thinner chassis to the new keyboard.

Unless you find an incredible deal on a Surface Go 4, the regular price difference is just too small, and it's far easier to recommend the Surface Pro 12-inch.

New 12" 2-in-1

Surface Pro 12-inch

10.5" 2-in-1

Surface Go 4

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. iPad Air M3: Which should you choose?

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Mon, 12 May 2025 10:30:00 +0000

New 12" model

Surface Pro 12-inch

The Surface Pro 12-inch delivers a superior notebook experience thanks to its built-in stand, sleek keyboard, and full Windows 11 on Snapdragon. You get a lot more computer (more RAM, more storage, better functionality) for your money here, although it does cost more to start.

Pros

More affordable keyboard includes a backlight
Snapdragon X Plus with 45 TOPS NPU gets full access to Copilot+
16GB of RAM is standard
Dual external display support

Cons

UFS storage not as quick as a true SSD
More expensive to start
Lower display pixel density
SSD upgrade requires opening the case
Cameras aren't as impressive

New iPad Air

Apple iPad Air M3

The iPad Air M3 delivers a superior tablet experience in 11- and 13-inch sizes, and it starts at a cheaper price. However, it quickly becomes the pricier option, especially when accessories like a keyboard and pen are added. Pick it up if you prefer the iPadOS experience or require 5G connectivity.

Pros

Optional 5G connectivity
Two sizes available (11" and 13")
Starts at a cheaper price
More color options available
The superior "tablet" experience

Cons

Only 8GB of RAM
Keyboard costs more, no backlight
No built-in stand
SSD is permanent
Fewer ports, only supports one external display

Microsoft just unveiled a new, smaller Surface Pro 12-inch with Snapdragon inside, and it leans more into the modern slab tablet design that Apple shares.

Apple also recently updated its iPad Air lineup with a new M3 series, available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes.

Considering how close these devices are in price and design, you might be wondering which one is better suited to your needs.

I can help with this detailed comparison between the Surface Pro 12-inch and the iPad Air M3.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. iPad Air M3: Specifications

I've laid out the raw specifications that make up the new Surface Pro 12-inch and the iPad Air M3 before I get into a detailed comparison.

	Surface Pro 12-inch	iPad Air M3 11"	iPad Air M3 13"
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 (8-core)	Apple M3 (8-core)	Apple M3 (8-core)
RAM	16GB LPDDR5x	8GB	8GB
GPU	Qualcomm Adreno (integrated)	Apple (9-core)	Apple (9-core)
NPU	Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS)	18 TOPS	18 TOPS
Storage	256GB, 512GB UFS	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD (soldered)	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD (soldered)
Camera	Front-facing 1080p + IR, rear-facing 10MP	Front-facing 12MP, rear-facing 12MP	Front-facing 12MP, rear-facing 12MP
Speakers	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos	Stereo speakers	Stereo speakers
Display	12 inches, 2196x1464 (2.1K), 220 PPI, LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 90Hz, touch, 400 nits	11 inches, IPS, 2360x1640, 264 PPI, 60Hz, 500 nits	13 inches, IPS, 2732x2048, 264 PPI, 60Hz, 600 nits
Ports	Two USB-C 3.2 (10Gbps)	One USB-C (10Gbps)	One USB-C (10Gbps)
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G LTE (optional)	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G LTE (optional)
Battery	Up to 16 hours video playback	29Wh, up to 10 hours active web usage	36.5Wh, up to 10 hours active web usage
Dimensions	10.8 x 7.47 x 0.30 inches (274mm x 190mm x 7.8mm)	9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 inches (247.6mm x 178.5mm x 6.1mm)	11.04 x 8.46 x 0.24 inches (280.6mm x 214.9mm x 6.1mm)
Weight	1.5 pounds (686g)	1.01 pounds (460g)	1.36 pounds (616g)
Colors	Platinum, Ocean, Violet	Blue, Purple, Starlight, Space Gray	Blue, Purple, Starlight, Space Gray
OS	Windows on Snapdragon	iPadOS 18	iPadOS 18
Price	From $799	From $599	From $799

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. iPad Air M3: Price and availability

The Surface Pro 12-inch was revealed on May 6, and preorders are now live with shipping expected on May 20, 2025.

Prices start at $799.99 for a model with an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. It's available in a Platinum finish.

There's also an $899 model with the same Snapdragon System-on-Chip (SoC), 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It's available in Platinum, Violet, and Ocean colors.

Here's a breakdown of pricing, including the Slim Pen 2 and new Surface Pro 12 Keyboard; Best Buy has everything in stock and ready to go.

Surface Pro 12-inch, Platinum, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD: $799.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Platinum, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Violet, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Ocean, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Slim Pen 2: $129.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12 Keyboard: $149.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12 Keyboard with Slim Pen: $249.99 at Best Buy

The 11-inch iPad Air M3 starts at a more affordable $599, but it has half as much RAM and storage as the introductory Surface Pro 12-inch model.

Unfortunately, 8GB is the maximum amount of memory in all models, and there's no way to upgrade after purchase. The same goes for the soldered storage.

For an 11-inch iPad Air M3 with 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM, you're looking at about $699, or $100 less than the new Surface Pro.

The 13-inch iPad Air M3 models start at $799 and have 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. Prices quickly climb from there.

Apple offers more colors and configuration options for its iPad Air M3, mostly due to there being both 11- and 13-inch sizes.

Also noteworthy is the ability to add 5G connectivity to the usual Wi-Fi, something that the Surface Pro 12-inch lacks.

Here's a breakdown of the prices you can expect to pay for the iPad Air M3.

Apple iPad Air M3, 11", 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD: $599 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 11", 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD: $699 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 13", 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD: $799 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 11", 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 5G: $849 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 11", 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 13", 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD: $899 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 13", 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 5G: $1,049 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 11", 8GB RAM, 1TB SSD: $1,099 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 13", 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $1,099 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 13", 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 5G: $1,249 at Best Buy
Apple iPad Air M3, 13", 8GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 5G: $1,449 at Best Buy
Apple Pencil Pro: $129 at Best Buy
Apple Magic Keyboard (11"): $269 at Best Buy
Apple Magic Keyboard (13"): $319 at Best Buy

Apple's Magic Keyboard is more expensive than the Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard, though the Apple Pencil Pro is about the same cost as the Surface Slim Pen 2.

Overall, you can spend less on the iPad Air M3's basic configurations, but you'll have to make peace with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.

Apple's pricing quickly catches up to and far surpasses that of the Surface Pro 12-inch.

The table below shows how Apple's pricing compares even before adding more than 128GB or 256GB of storage (and with half as much RAM).

Spec	Surface Pro 12-inch	iPad Air M3 11"	iPad Air M3 13"
Device alone	$799.99 (16GB / 256GB)	$599 (8GB / 128GB)	$799 (8GB / 128GB)
Device alone	$799.99 (16GB / 256GB)	$699 (8GB / 256GB)	$899 (8GB / 256GB)
Device + Keyboard	$949.98 (16GB / 256GB)	$868 (8GB / 128GB)	$1,118 (8GB / 128GB)
Device + Keyboard	$949.98 (16GB / 256GB)	$968 (8GB / 256GB)	$1,218 (8GB / 256GB)
Device + Keyboard + Pen	$1,049.98 (16GB / 256GB)	$997 (8GB / 128GB)	$1,247 (8GB / 128GB)
Device + Keyboard + Pen	$1,049.98 (16GB / 256GB)	$1,097 (8GB / 256GB)	$1,347 (8GB / 256GB)

While the iPad Air M3 starts at a lower price, a full setup with keyboard and pen quickly makes the Surface Pro 12-inch a better buy, especially when RAM and storage amounts are considered.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. iPad Air M3: Design and features

The Surface Pro 12-inch with its stand out. Notice the Surface Slim Pen cradle along the top. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The new Surface Pro 12-inch is the most modern, slab-like tablet Microsoft has created, and it's made for users who are usually on the move.

It retains the built-in stand on the back to prop it up like a notebook — a crucial part of the full keyboard and tablet setup — but it's been slimmed down significantly compared to the Surface Pro 11.

The new look is mostly thanks to a lack of venting around the edges. The Pro 12-inch doesn't have a fan inside, so, like the iPad Air M3, it's an uninterrupted slab of hardware with clean lines.

The Surface Pro 12-inch has, unsurprisingly, a smaller footprint than the 13-inch iPad Air M3. The 11-inch iPad Air M3 is the smallest of the three tablets, coming in at roughly an inch less in length and 0.40 inches less in width.

Both of Apple's iPad Air models are thinner at 0.24 inches compared to 0.30 inches. They're both lighter than the Surface Pro 12-inch, which weighs 1.5 pounds; the 11-inch iPad Air M3 weighs 1.01 pounds, the 13-inch model 1.36 pounds.

The iPad Air M3 has a flat back with no built-in stand. (Image credit: Future | Tom's Guide)

It's worth noting that the iPad Air M3 does not have a built-in stand on the back. Instead, the Magic Keyboard covers the entire back of the iPad Air, and it has a thicker, heavier hinge/stand mechanism that gives way to the keyboard and touchpad.

The Surface Pro 12-inch's new keyboard is the sleekest yet, with a thin hinge portion and no backing on the tablet. It rotates all the way around to lie flat on the back of the PC, allowing you to use it as a tablet without removing the keyboard.

Apple's Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air M3 lacks a backlight for the keys, which could be a dealbreaker for some, especially since it costs so much more than the Surface keyboard ($269 or $319 compared to $150).

The Surface Pro 12-inch has two USB-C ports. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The iPad Air M3 has just one USB-C port with 10Gbps bandwidth and support for DisplayPort and charging (with passthrough USB-C on the keyboard, since it uses the port to connect).

It supports one external display at a time, but it can handle up to a 6K resolution.

The Surface Pro 12-inch has done away with the traditional Surface Connect port, but it retains dual USB-C ports with 10Gbps bandwidth each.

Both support charging, data, and DisplayPort 1.4, supporting up to dual 4K monitors at 60Hz each. The Surface Pro keyboard connects to a separate set of pins along the bottom edge.

If you often use your device on a desktop with external displays, the Surface Pro should be the better choice.

The 11-inch iPad Air M3 is pleasantly thin. (Image credit: Future | Tom's Guide)

Wireless connectivity falls in the Surface Pro's favor, but only if you don't desire 5G connectivity.

The Pro 12-inch uses the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard (with Bluetooth 5.4) for the fastest and most reliable wireless internet possible. The iPad Air M3 falls back on Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

The iPad Air M3 also offers optional 5G LTE connectivity, allowing you to access data practically anywhere. If your phone has data, so will your iPad Air. The privilege adds about $150 to the total cost, and you'll also have to consider data plan costs from major providers.

I'll wait until we test the Surface Pro 12-inch to comment on the audio quality. I do know that the Surface and iPad Air M3 models all have a dual-speaker setup and Dolby Atmos support.

The same goes for the camera quality; I'll wait to comment until we test the new device.

Going off of raw specs, the iPad Air M3 should come out ahead with its front- and rear-facing 12MP cameras.

The Surface Pro 12-inch falls to 1080 for the front-facing camera, and it hits a lower 10MP for the rear-facing camera.

The Surface device does have an IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition, while the iPad Air M3 relies instead on a fingerprint reader for biometrics.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. iPad Air M3: Display

No OLED for the Pro 12-inch's display, but it has a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro 12-inch — you guessed it — has a 12-inch LCD touchscreen with uniform bezels, a 2196x1464 resolution, and a 3:2 aspect ratio.

That works out to 220 pixels per inch (PPI), which isn't bad in terms of clarity.

However, the iPad Air M3 pushes its pixel density past the Surface Pro with its 11-inch 2360x1640 resolution (264 PPI) and 13-inch 2732x2048 resolution (264 PPI).

While the iPad Air bests the Surface Pro 12-inch in pixel density, Microsoft's device has a higher maximum 90Hz refresh rate.

The iPad Air tops out at 60Hz, which makes a difference when it comes to eye comfort and smoothness.

Screen brightness goes to Apple. The 11-inch model hits up to 500 nits brightness, the 13-inch up to 600 nits. The Surface Pro 12-inch tops out at about 400 nits.

If you often use your tablet outdoors, Apple's larger iPad Air should be the right choice.

In terms of inking, the Surface Pro relies on the Surface Slim Pen 2 with support for haptic feedback. The pen can be stored on the back of the tablet; the cradle there holds it in place magnetically, with wireless charging to boot.

The iPad Air relies on the Apple Pencil Pro for inking. It attaches magnetically to the top edge of the tablet, and it too charges wirelessly when docked.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. iPad Air M3: Performance and battery

The iPad Air M3's keyboard costs significantly more, lacks backlit keys, and isn't nearly as elegant. (Image credit: Future | Tom's Guide)

The 8-core Snapdragon X Plus SoC that's inside the Surface Pro 12-inch is a relative newcomer to the product lineup.

Microsoft claims that the new chip "outpaces the MacBook Air M3" when used in the new Surface Laptop 13-inch, and considering it's the same M3 chip in the iPad Air, it will be interesting to see how performance plays out.

Early Geekbench 6 results from Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino's Surface Pro 12-inch hands-on review hit 2,422 single-core and 11,080 multi-core.

Looking at Tom's Guide's iPad Air M3 review, it hit 3,042 single-core and 11,804 multi-core. The iPad Air M2 hit 2,600 and 10,066 scores in the same test.

That puts the iPad Air M3 ahead in one benchmark, and I'll update this guide when we have more results that provide a more accurate picture.

The Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42) has 8 cores, a 3.2GHz multi-core boost clock, and a 3.4GHz single-core boost clock. Its integrated Adreno GPU is capable of 1.7 TFLOPS.

The Apple M3 also has 8 cores, split equally between performance and efficiency. The performance cores reach up to a 4.06GHz clock while the efficiency cores hit 2.75GHz.

Qualcomm's Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is what's used for local AI tasks, including those under the Copilot+ umbrella. It manages 45 TOPS of performance, pushing it beyond the 40 TOPS required for Copilot+.

A close-up look at the Surface Pro 12-inch keyboard. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Apple's M3 chip manages just 18 TOPS, seemingly putting it at a disadvantage when it comes to local AI via Apple Intelligence.

Memory and storage amounts also play a big role here. The iPad Air is limited to 8GB of soldered RAM in all models. The Surface Pro 12-inch also only has one option, but it's 16GB (also soldered).

Microsoft skipped the 128GB storage configs this time around, offering 256GB and 512GB options. It is UFS storage, so expect it to be more efficient but slower than a true SSD.

Storage in the Surface Pro 12-inch is upgradeable after purchase, although it will require you to open the case (which could prove difficult). Storage in the iPad Air M3 is soldered and permanent.

Apple offers 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB SSDs in its iPad Air to at least partly make up for the soldered solution.

Battery life is another area where I won't make any bold claims until we've tested the Surface Pro 12-inch.

Microsoft claims up to 16 hours of local video playback or up to 12 hours of active web usage. Apple's claims aren't as impressive, with 10 hours of active web usage (or 9 hours with 5G enabled).

There are countless factors that play into these estimates, and I'll have more to share soon.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. iPad Air M3: OS and AI

The full Windows 11 on Snapdragon experience is available with the Surface Pro 12-inch. (Image credit: Future)

It's difficult to compare two operating systems directly without writing an essay. I'll try to sum it up.

The iPad Air M3 runs on iPadOS 18. It's an OS that's a lot closer to Apple's iPhone system than its MacBook setup, which for some people makes sense.

It definitely has its limitations for more advanced users, but I'd say the iPad Air can deliver a superior touch tablet experience.

Windows 11 on Snapdragon, on the other hand, is the full Windows experience, for better or for worse.

It's no secret to Windows 11 users that the tablet mode isn't particularly impressive or exciting. But because you get a no-compromise version of Windows, the Pro 12-inch particularly excels at being a notebook (especially with the built-in stand and detachable keyboard).

Windows 11 on Snapdragon has some limitations surrounding app compatibility due to its ARM64 architecture, but the vast majority of popular apps have been recoded for ARM64 or have emulation layers in place.

You can check out which apps are compatible at the WorksOnWoA website; our roundup of the best native Windows on Snapdragon apps also has some great suggestions.

Apple's M3 chip also uses the ARM64 architecture, and some of the same limitations apply. And because the MacBook and the iPad don't run the same OS, many apps you can find on the MacBook aren't available on iPad.

The Pro 12-inch is a Copilot+ PC with access to the latest and greatest AI features. (Image credit: Windows Central)

The iPad Air M3 is compatible with Apple Intelligence. Its 18 TOPS NPU handles AI tools for writing, image creation, audio transcription, highlighting, and more.

It's all handled locally thanks to the NPU, meaning your data doesn't get sent to Apple.

The Surface Pro 12-inch is compatible with Copilot+ thanks to its 45 TOPS NPU.

Alongside launch features like Cocreator image creation, Click to Do, Live Captions, live text edits and suggestions, advanced Windows Studio Effects, Windows Recall, and more, Microsoft added some new Copilot+ features expected to roll out within the month.

Both Apple Intelligence and Copilot+ are in their infancy, and their usefulness for the average user isn't exactly a selling point.

I'd focus on other aspects of this comparison before looking at AI capabilities, but know that Microsoft's PC at least has the potential for a lot more due to its more powerful NPU.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. iPad Air M3: Which should you buy?

The Surface Pro 12-inch from the back, with the stand retracted and the pen charging. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

I'll have more information to share regarding performance once we've put the Surface Pro 12-inch to the test, but for now, it looks like the M3 chip has a slight edge in terms of raw power.

The best laptops

• Our favorite Windows laptops
• Intel Core i9 laptops
• Laptops with number pads
• 5G laptops with LTE support
• Laptops with bright screens
• Copilot+ PC laptops
• Laptops for video meetings
• Gaming laptops

That's far from the whole picture, and ultimately, the Surface Pro 12-inch is what I recommend to most users who aren't afraid of Windows 11.

It's the more versatile option by far; it has a superior keyboard with a built-in stand, and it has dual external display support, to name a couple perks.

On the other hand, I recommend the iPad Air M3 for anyone who desires a better tablet experience.

iPadOS is made specifically for the form factor (for better or worse), there are two tablet sizes available, and it starts at a cheaper price.

Once you add a keyboard, pen, and more storage, however, the iPad Air M3 quickly becomes more expensive than the Surface Pro.

Bottom line? Stick with the iPad Air M3 if you prefer a superior tablet experience. For just about anything else, I recommend the Surface Pro 12-inch.

New 12" model

Surface Pro 12-inch

New iPad Air

Apple iPad Air M3

You can now wrap your Xbox, Switch, or Steam Deck in glow-in-the-dark dbrand skins — is Surface Pro 12-inch next?

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Fri, 09 May 2025 14:27:27 +0000

A new twist on an iconic dbrand pattern is here. The company just announced a set of glow-in-the-dark skins inspired by dbrand's envelope artwork.

It's been six years since that artwork first launched, and dbrand says that it has "learned a lot about manufacturing custom-printed vinyl since 2019." As a result, the new Glowbot skins use vector artwork and have higher resolution than their predecessors.

The marketing team at dbrand playfully calls Glowbot the "HD remaster" of its Robot skins. (For context, when The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered came out, the game sparked discussion on the difference between a remake and a remaster.)

The new Glowbot skins from dbrand are available for several devices, including the Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck. You can also skin many smartphones, tablets, and laptops with Glowbot designs.

You only have a couple of weeks to order a Glowbot skin, as they are only available until May 23, 2025.

These skins feature dbrand's well-known envelope artwork but with the added twist of glowing in the dark. You can order Glowbot skins for a variety of devices, including popular hardware from Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, and Valve.

Skins start at around $26 but vary in price depending on the device you'd like to decorate.

👉 See at dbrand

At the moment, dbrand's Glowbot skins are not available for the newly announced Surface Pro 12-inch or Surface Laptop 13-inch. Those PCs were unveiled this week and won't ship until May 20, 2025, so there's a good chance dbrand will add more Glowbot skins in the future.

dbrand has released skins for every Surface device to date, including the ill-fated Surface Duo.

While the latest Surface devices aren't on the list, you can order Glowbot skins for quite a few phones and tablets. The following companies have devices that you can skin with Glowbot designs from dbrand:

Apple
Samsung
Google
ASUS
Dell
Framework
Lenovo
Microsoft
OnePlus
Razer
Sony
Valve
dbrand

When you order a Glowbot skin, you'll also receive a UV flashlight that "charges" the glow-in-the-dark parts of the pattern, though dbrand notes the flashlights are only available while supplies last.

An Xbox Series X Glowbot skins normally costs $52.95 but is currently on sale for $47.10. Skins for smaller devices cost less. For example, a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Glowbot skin retails at $29.99 and is discounted to $26.65 at the moment.

Based on the normal price of a Glowbot skin for Surface Pro 11 ($35.95), I'd guess that you can expect to pay around $30 for a Surface Pro 12-inch Glowbot skin if one comes out.

Build the ultimate Surface Pro 12-inch with these new accessories

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Fri, 09 May 2025 12:13:52 +0000

Microsoft's newest Surface Pro has a set of accessories on the way from Kensington. The BlackBelt EQ Rugged Case, MagPro Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen, and Elevated Stand for Surface were built in collaboration with Microsoft and will launch in North America.

Surface Pro 12-inch preorders will start shipping on May 20, 2025. Kensington says that its new accessories for Surface Pro 12-inch will be available soon through the Kensington website and through partners. Kensington has not shared pricing for the accessories at this time.

The newly announced Surface Pro 12-inch could soon rank among the best 2-in-1 laptops. First impressions of the Surface Pro 12-inch are promising, and the compact design has turned heads.

This case adds protection and a handle to the Surface Pro 12-inch without blocking any ports. It will be available soon through Kensington's website, though the company has not shared pricing at this time.

👉 See at Kensington

The Surface Pro 12-inch's smaller size, rounded corners, and overall design should make it a great companion for traveling or those who need to move around an office. Inside, it's powered by a Snapdragon X Plus, which is snappier than many people think.

Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino has a Surface Pro 12-inch in-hand and has shared some early impressions. When compared to the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H series processor in an HONOR 14-inch laptop, the Snapdragon X Plus in the Surface Pro 12-inch is faster on single-core (2,344) and only a bit slower on multi-core (11,427).

Even with comparable performance to an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H series processor, the Surface Pro 12-inch has a fanless design without any vents. It also has better battery life than competing Intel PCs.

The new accessories from Kensington should enhance the Surface Pro 12-inch experience, especially if you use the PC in a professional environment.

The BlackBelt EQ Rugged Case has a textured body that wraps around the Surface Pro 12-inch without blocking any ports. The back of the case has a self-adjusting hand strap that allows the device to lie flat when not in use.

Kensington highlights the drop standards met by the BlackBelt EQ Rugged Case in its announcement post. Specifically, the case meets MIL-STD-810H Method 516.8 Shock and wipe down MIL-STD-810H Method 504.3 Contamination by Fluids.

Kensington's BlackBelt EQ Rugged Case adds protection and grip to the Surface Pro 12-inch.Kensington

Viewing angles of the Surface Pro 12-inch are reduced to +/- 30 degrees when the MagPro Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen is attached.Kensington

The Elevated Stand for Surface raises any attached device, allowing you to use your Surface like a desktop or as a side screen.Kensington

Since the MagPro Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen attaches with magnets, it does not require any adhesive that could damage the screen of the Surface Pro 12-inch or leave residue. When attached, the accessory limits viewing angles of the Surface Pro 12-inch to +/- 30 degrees.

In addition to improving privacy, the MagPro Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen filters out blue light by up to 30%, which can reduce eye strain. The screen reduces glare as well, which is a nice bonus.

The Elevated Stand for Surface is not exclusively for the Surface Pro 12-inch, but it is compatible with the new PC. The stand raises any attached device closer to eye level and can be tilted.

Cable management around the back of the stand should reduce clutter. The stand can be folded flat when not in use.

Surface Pro 12-inch review: Qualcomm makes all the difference for Microsoft's smaller tablet PC

daniel@windowscentral.com (Daniel Rubino) — Wed, 07 May 2025 22:05:04 +0000

The Surface Pro 12-inch, announced in May, is a unique and perhaps odd addition to the shrinking Surface line: It’s only one inch smaller than the Surface Pro 13-inch (11^th Edition), only $200 cheaper, and it doesn’t replace the even smaller 10.5-inch Surface Go.

Quick menu

• Cheat sheet
• Pricing & specs
• Design & build quality
• Display
• Performance
• Battery
• Copilot and AI
• Keyboard
• Final thoughts

And yet, it’s pretty awesome, especially for those who want a thin, light "laptop" and arguably the best note-taking PC available with advanced AI features. Additionally, it's worth noting that Apple already has overlapping iPad categories (iPad mini, iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, with six different models).

But did Microsoft miss any opportunities, and who should consider buying the Surface Pro 12-inch (1^st Edition), with its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (ARM64) processor?

And what about the price?

I’ve spent the last three weeks putting it through its paces, and here’s what I learned.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Microsoft. Microsoft had no input or saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Surface Pro 12-inch review: Cheat sheet

The Surface Pro 12-inch is a new affordable tablet PC by Microsoft, designed for users seeking a lightweight and premium experience. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, offering significant performance improvements over previous models, making it suitable for students and professionals alike.

What is it? It is a premium 12-inch tablet PC with an optional keyboard and pen, which is slightly smaller and more affordable than the traditional 13-inch Surface Pro.
Who is it for? Students, people in meetings all day, writers, and anyone yearning for the thinnest full-fledged Copilot+ PC on the market.
How much does it cost? It starts at $799, but that’s without a $149 keyboard or a $249 keyboard and pen combo.
What did I like? Excellent audio and display, top-tier build quality, all the new AI features in Windows, and superb performance that is 300% faster than the Surface Go 4.
What did I not like? Fast Charging seemed slow. The display could have punchier colors. Initial pricing is hard to justify with the on-sale Surface Pro 13-inch 11^th Edition. Battery life is good, but not mind-blowing. Windows Hello would occasionally stop working, requiring a reboot.

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Surface Pro 12-inch review: Pricing and specifications

Side profile: The Surface Pro 12-inch retains its two Type-C ports on the right side, which differs from the Surface Pro 13-inch. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Microsoft keeps things simple for hardware configurations for the Surface Pro 12-inch. There are three colors (platinum, purple, and ocean blue). Platinum, the most popular color, is available in 256GB or 512GB storage sizes, while the blue and purple options are only available in 512 GB.

RAM is only available at 16GB, and it cannot be directly upgraded.

The 2565GB model in platinum costs $799, and the 512GB versions are $899.

Please note, however, that those prices do not include the Surface Keyboard ($149), Slim Pen ($129), or the slightly discounted Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard with Slim Pen bundle ($249, saves $29). The keyboards come in all three colors for matching, although the Slim Pen is always black.

Considering all that, if you include the Surface Pro, keyboard, and pen, pricing ranges from $1,049 to $1,149 plus tax.

Microsoft.com offers a 10% discount to students, educators, and the military.

Spec	Surface Pro 12-inch
Processor	Snapdragon X Plus 8-Core (XIP-42-100)
Graphics	Qualcomm Adreno (integrated)
RAM	16GB LPDDR5X
Storage	256/512GB UFS
Display	3:2 12-inch IPS 90hz (2196 x 1464), 220 PPI
NPU	Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS)
Ports	Two USB-C 3.2
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Battery	Up to 16 hours video playback
Audio	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos
Camera	Front-facing 1080p + IR, rear-facing 10MP
Dimensions	10.8 x 7.47 x 0.30 inches (274mm x 190mm x 7.8mm)
Weight	1.5 pounds (686g)
Colors	Platinum, Ocean, Violet
Price	From $799

We compared the Surface Pro 12-inch and the new iPad Air M3 (in both sizes), including pricing and hardware specifications. Contrasting similar models (256GB), including devices, pen, and keyboards, makes the iPad Air between $48 and $298 more expensive, and it only has 8GB of RAM instead of 16GB found in the Surface Pro.

The model Microsoft sent for this review is the 512GB Ocean Surface Pro 12-inch, accompanied by a matching Ocean keyboard and pen bundle. Microsoft also included an updated Surface Arc Mouse ($89), available in the same matching colors—purple, blue, and platinum —which folds flat for travel.

Additionally, Microsoft provided its Surface 45-watt wall charger (with an extra Type-C cable), priced at $69, since a wall charger is not included.

The total cost of my review sample is $1,310 plus tax.

Surface Pro 12-inch review: Design and build quality

Surface Pro 12-inch is thin and light, making it an ideal travel companion. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Overall, the Surface Pro 12-inch ranks highly for its premium design.

It features a slimmer chassis due to the absence of open venting (or a fan), similar to the Surface Pro X and Surface Go, but not the Surface Pro 13-inch 11th edition. As a result, it has a more iPad-like appearance. It is sturdy, without flex, featuring smooth, rounded edges, and a visually appealing, minimalist design.

The tablet weighs 1.5 lbs (686g), positioning it between the smaller Surface Go 4, which weighs 1.15 lbs, and the larger Surface Pro 13-inch, which weighs 1.97 lbs. However, Apple offers lighter options across sizes, with the 11-inch iPad Air M3 weighing 1.01 lbs and the 13-inch model weighing 1.36 lbs.

The Surface Pro X (2020) is also heavier, weighing 1.7 lbs, despite its slightly larger 13-inch display.

Adding the keyboard and pen, the Surface Pro 12-inch weighs 2.29 lbs (1.04kg)

On the rear: The Surface pen's magnetic charging slot firmly holds the Slim Pen in place, even when it's in your bag. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The built-in kickstand is slightly thinner this time, but it still offers full articulation at any angle you prefer, rather than preset positions.

On the rear is also a Slim Pen charging slot that is slightly recessed and non-metal (but heavily magnetic). Some have complained that without the pen, it may look odd, but since it is perfectly centered with a long oval shape, it could pass for a design aesthetic rather than a functional solution, meaning I think it looks just fine without the pen.

The magnets used by Microsoft for the Slim Pen are very strong. Since the pen is flat and slightly recessed, I find it difficult to believe that many will lose it in their bags or when grabbing it—it must be pried off with some force.

I love the design, and it makes grabbing the pen easier than the Surface Pro 13-inch keyboard slot. Indeed, I really hope Microsoft uses the same design for the Surface Pro 13-inch 12th Edition, expected later this year.

Cameras and sensors on the Surface Pro 12-inch are hiddden well by Microsoft so that you only notice them when heavily lit. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Turning to the front, we receive a rare treat from Microsoft: symmetrical and balanced bezels (previous Surfaces have struggled with this). They’re thin enough that you’re less likely to touch the screen edges in tablet mode while also looking appealing.

The camera, Windows Hello sensors, and speakers are cleverly concealed from sight. Microsoft deserves credit for these little design flourishes that enhance its minimalist appeal.

That does bring to the one bug I've experienced: Windows Hello would occasionally stop working, requiring a reboot.

(Left) Surface Pro 12-inch webcam vs Surface Pro 11's higher res one (Right). (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Speaking of which, the front-facing 1080p camera is above average. While it doesn't quite match the one in the Surface Pro 11th Edition (13-inch), when combined with AI-driven effects, it makes for an excellent device for web meetings and presentations.

The speakers—they’re excellent and are some of the best I've heard in this price range for a Windows PC. The speakers also feature Dolby Atmos, but by default, Microsoft doesn't ship the Dolby Access app in the Microsoft Store, which lets you configure it. But if your PC supports Atmos, a licensing thing, the app enables you to adjust a few presets, like balanced, detailed, and more.)

Microsoft omitted its proprietary magnetic Surface Connect port, which I’m fine with; however, it placed two Type-C ports on the right-hand side for data and charging, compatible with a 45-watt wall charger (not included). Excellent design suggests a port on each side for ease of access and charging preference, but having both on the right makes things a bit odd if your charger is coming from the left.

That's undoubtedly a nitpick, however.

Connectivity is surprisingly advanced, featuring the latest with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 on board, which are typically not found on PCs under $1,000. I have a TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 router and was pleasantly surprised to find that I could take advantage of it.

(Indeed, Apple's iPads, even its expensive Pro models, only have Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3).

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Surface Pro 12-inch review: Display quality

The 12-inch Surface LCD with rounded, ventless chassis is slightly thinner than Surface Pro 11 (13-inch). (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro 12-inch display is very good but nothing extraordinary, partially reflecting its lower price tier. The resolution of 2196x1464 results in a satisfying 220 pixels per inch (PPI), ensuring that text and images appear sharp.

The 90Hz refresh rate (set to 60Hz by default) enhances the experience, albeit at a slightly higher battery draw. By comparison, Apple's new iPad Air peaks at 60Hz.

Color accuracy is also only average at 97% sRGB, 72% Adobe RGB, and 72% DCI-P3, with brightness ranging from a very minimal 2 nits (ideal for working in the dark) to 386 nits, just shy of Microsoft's claimed 400 nits. It's bright enough for all indoor work, but it will struggle a bit outside in sunlight.

The display's colors are more muted than I’d like, even on the ‘enhanced’ color profile, which typically offers more punch, but seems dull here.

Calibrating the display did not improve the accuracy numbers but made the colors slightly more vibrant.

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Surface Pro 12-inch review: As a tablet

The Kensington BlackBelt EQ Rugged Case for Surface Pro 1st Edition 12-inch really enhance using the tablet as a notepad as you don't have to grip it. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

One of the most frequent questions I'm asked is How is Surface Pro 12-inch as a tablet?

The short answer is it's much better than the larger version, which is thicker, bigger, and heavier. Indeed, the Surface Pro 12-inch is a bit similar to an industry-standard B5 notepad (which is common for journals and planners).

The Surface Pro 12-inch display measures 10.8 inches (274 mm) in length and 7.47 inches (190 mm) in width, while a B5 is 10.1 inches (257 mm) in length and 7.1 inches (180 mm) in width.

If I have one suggestion for those who plan to use the Surface Pro 12-inch regularly as a notepad, consider picking up a Kensington BlackBelt EQ Rugged Case. It features a handle on the back, allowing you to hold the tablet comfortably for extended periods without needing to grip it tightly. I've used one for this purpose, and it's easy to remove when not required; it also works with the keyboard attached.

Controversial? Nah, the pen on the back was executed well, and it was the right move by Microsoft. I hope it will be available on the larger Surface Pro later this year. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Food for thought: One reason why Microsoft likely put the Surface Pen on the back of this device is that if you leave the keyboard behind (which used to store the pen on other models), you'll always have the pen with you. In other words, this "pen on the back" is a more thoughtful approach if you plan to use Surface Pro 12-inch regularly as a notetaking tablet.

As for Windows 11 itself, it's been fine as a tablet and e-reader for my purposes. Apple (and even Android) are still better in this regard, but it's coming from different angles. Windows 11 is the superior "real" PC OS, which can be used well for tablet use. In contrast, iPad and Android are superior for tablet use, but just okay for a "real" OS.

You have to pick what your preference is, and for me, it's PC > tablet.

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Surface Pro 12-inch review: Performance

Surface Pro 12-inch and its smooth, roudned edges. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

If one factor contributes to the success of the Surface Pro 12-inch, it’s the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, which makes this device stand out from previous Intel-based Surface PCs (much like the Surface Pro 13-inch).

In summary, this processor matches Intel’s top-tier processor for non-gaming laptops from early 2024. Yet, it accomplishes this with less heat and battery usage, all within a thin, lightweight tablet design that is ventless and fanless.

As I noted in my original hands-on review:

"The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus SoC crushes 2020's Surface Pro X and Surface Go. Indeed, Geekbench 6 scored the Surface Pro 12-inch at 2,422 on single-core and 11,080 on multicore."

How does that compare? On my 2024 HONOR 14-inch laptop with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H series processor, the Surface Pro 12-inch is slightly faster on single-core (2,344) and a bit slower on multi-core (11,427).

I had no complaints about everyday use and thoroughly enjoyed using the Surface Pro 12-inch. I find the performance to be excellent in this form factor, as it breaks the hitherto trend of slow, underperforming "lighter" Surfaces, dating back to 2015's Surface 3 with an Intel Atom processor (although it at least started at $499, instead of $799).

No fan or vents means smooth, rounded edges and a thin design for Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition). (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

However, there is one caveat: Microsoft ships this PC's processor with its power profile optimized for ‘best efficiency’, both when on battery and when plugged in.

That’s weird.

Every laptop I’ve ever tested is set to ‘balanced’ by default, which allows for power when needed but remains low when not. Some even ship with ‘best performance’ selected by default when plugged in, for obvious reasons.

It's clear that Microsoft is maximizing battery life by stacking the cards in its favor (it's also set at 60Hz out of the box for the display, instead of 90Hz).

If you think the performance here is lacking for a 12-inch fanless Windows tablet PC, I'm going to assume you're an idiot.

That said, I have used it for ‘best efficiency’ for a while, and it’s fine for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, Slack, Telegram, Word, and Office, among others. It wasn't something I noticed until I started looking at the settings, so ‘best efficiency’ is probably OK for most people.

Changing the power profile is also easy (Settings > System > Power & Battery), and leaving it on "Best Efficiency" might be ideal for you. For others, consider setting it to ‘balanced’ for a middle-of-the-road setting and ‘best performance’ when plugged in, if battery longevity is less of a concern or you experience performance that falls below your expectations.

It's also worth mentioning that the Surface Pro 12-inch won't perform differently on battery compared to being plugged in, which some Intel and AMD laptops have been accused of doing (by Qualcomm).

Surface Pro 12" Geekbench 6
Power profile	Single-core	Multi-core
Best efficency	2,157	7,373
Balanced	2,320	9,848
Best perform	2,422	11,080

And while I didn't notice that a significant shift in performance when on best efficiency (meaning I never had a frustrating experience) the data is clear (see above) that you're taking a big hit of about 8% for single core and a massive 25% for multi-core when comparing best efficiency to balanced, which bumps to 33% on best performance.

Other statistics include Cinebench 2024 (ARM64), with scores of 455 for the multi-core test and 107 for the single-core test. Neither are impressive scores, but for me, it was the overall experience, which I found more than satisfying for the work expected of a 12-inch tablet.

For storage, speeds are decent, but a step down from premium SSDs as Microsoft is using UFS (non-replaceable) with 3,860 MB/s for read and a slower 1,490 MB/s for write (Surface Go 4, by comparison, gets 2,320 MB/s for read). Again, this choice was likely to keep costs down as well as power savings, but it's also not something I "felt" negatively when using the device.

As for heat, there’s not much to report. It can become warm on the back, especially during a Windows OS update, but is otherwise completely unnoticeable.

Surface Pro 12-inch review: Battery experience

Battery life is "OK" on Surface Pro 12-inch, but not amazing. Microsoft also skimps on an estimate of remaining time. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

That brings us to battery life, which, for me, lasts most days, but is also a weak spot and nothing to brag about.

On a one-hour Procyon battery test (looping productivity tasks, e.g., browser, Office, video conferencing), the relatively small 37.4WHr battery of the Surface Pro 12-inch achieves nearly 7 hours of battery life when operating at best efficiency (default setting).

On balanced, things drop to just 5 hours. This was when connected to Wi-Fi with the screen brightness set to around 70%, which is solidly bright.

According to my Windows-generated battery report, which is my real-world usage, I averaged 5.5 hours in balanced mode, and this number increases to just under 7 hours in best efficiency mode.

The tl;dr is that while performance feels great, it's clear efficiency still needs some work.

The Surface 45-watt USB-C Wall Charger, while extra at $69, is extremely small. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

It should also be noted that Microsoft does not include an actual wall charger in the box, but rather a long Type-C cable, which is the current trend. Microsoft does sell a 45-watt one ($69), which, while not cheap, is extremely tiny with folding prongs making it easy to toss in your bag should you need it. It also comes with its own Type-C cable.

Microsoft claims some fast-charging capabilities, but the charging speed seemed slower than on some higher-end laptops.

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Surface Pro 12-inch review: Copilot and AI

Windows Recall is one of the latest NPU-driven AI-experiences found on Copilot+ PCs like Surface Pro 12-inch. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Color me weird, but I’m a big fan of Microsoft’s new AI features, some of which are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs like this one. I especially like Click To Do and Recall, which run beautifully here thanks to Qualcomm’s powerful 45 TOPS NPU.

The same applies to Microsoft’s Studio Effects, which adds background blur, gaze correction, auto-framing, and more to the video webcam. Thanks to the NPU, these functions run smoothly and won’t drain your battery, unlike PCs that rely on the GPU for such functions.

The point is that these features (and recently announced ones coming soon) require this NPU to work, and while some may find Copilot itself okay, these other AI functions can significantly enhance productivity. Indeed, I set Click To Do as my single-press button on the pen, as I use it frequently (you can assign any app you want to the three options for clicks, which is excellent).

Don’t sleep on these new AI abilities; have an NPU. This is the future of computing, and this modest tablet PC has the same AI hardware as a $3,000 decked-out premium laptop.

Surface Pro 12-inch review: Keyboard

The new Surface keyboard for Surface Pro 12-inch is a strong point. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

Overall: Awesome typing experience.

New with this new tablet PC is the keyboard, and I don’t mean that it’s smaller. This is an all-new design and seemingly a step down in one way: It no longer snaps to the display bezel to create an angled typing experience.

I loved this feature on Surface Pros in the past, but it turns out that due to the size of the 12-inch model, it was fine on my lap and a table, and dare I say it didn’t bother me.

Backlit keys enable the Surface keyboard to function well in any lighting situation, delivering an excellent typing experience. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

The return benefit is that Microsoft could have thinner, more symmetrical bezels if you care about that (I don't).

The keyboard is backlit with a non-haptic touchpad (a shame, but mechanical touchpads are still cheaper), and I enjoyed typing, especially when it was on my lap. The keyboard is rigid, and the backlit, multi-stage keys look excellent for low-light work.

My advice: Go for the Surface keyboard and Slim Pen combo ($249), as you'll appreciate it in the long run.

Surface Pro 12-inch: Score card

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Attribute	Rating & notes
Value	⭐⭐⭐½ — Like all Surface PCs, it's priced higher than most would like. Maybe wait until it goes on sale if it bothers you.
Design	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — Also like all Surface PCs, this looks and feels premium with mostly nitpicks preventing it from being perfect.
Display	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — Colors could have more contrast/be more vibrant, but 90Hz and the resolution are excellent at this size.
Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — For this size and price the performance is great, thanks to Qualcomm's chip.
Software	⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐— Microsoft keeps it bare with no bloatware and it has full Copilot+ AI abilities.
Battery	⭐⭐⭐⭐ — While good and it should last the day for most people, it's not off-the-charts great, either.
Keyboard	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Excellent typing experience and while the touchpad is a bit small, it worked very well.
Other hardware	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — Surface Pen and keyboard, and now wall charger, are extra, but they're all well designed. Excellent speakers and webcam round things out nicely.
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — If you want a tablet for notetaking, watching movies, email, Office, and web, it's hard not to like the Surface Pro 12-inch.

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Surface Pro 12-inch review: My final thoughts

Surface Pro 12-inch, while simpler, is still a stunning, premium design. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

✅You should buy this if ...

You want a small, portable, but zippy Windows tablet.
You prioritize notetaking or using the Surface pen.
You don't want an iPad.

❌You should not buy this if ...

You don't need to do "Windows PC" things or want a tablet/laptop experience.
You want top-tier performance, more battery, and a higher-resolution OLED display (get the Surface Pro 13-inch instead).
You need LTE/5G connectivity built-in.

Microsoft has attempted to create a fanless, fully enclosed, and compact Surface Pro over the years, as seen in the Surface 3 (2015), Surface Go (2018), and Surface Pro X (2019).

However, they all shared one drawback: performance was comparatively terrible.

Now, in 2025, Microsoft has released the Surface Pro 12-inch, and performance is arguably its strength.

I keep coming back to the comparison: Surface Pro 12-inch is as performative as an Intel Core Ultra 7 H-series (Gen 1) processor, but with no fans, less heat, and better efficiency. If you think the performance here is lacking for a 12-inch fanless Windows tablet PC, I'm going to assume you're an idiot.

Compared to Apple's new iPad Air (with keyboard and pen), this tablet is more affordable, offers more RAM, functions as a full-fledged PC, features better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and boasts a 90Hz display. And if you don't like the price, wait until it goes on sale, as Surfaces always do.

That's a massive achievement for Windows laptops.

It's a fun device to use that didn't make me cringe at any glaring oversights. My nitpicks, like contrast, port placement, and a dull blue color, are just that, nitpicks.

Sure, Microsoft sets performance on the low end with just a 60Hz refresh rate to pad those battery numbers, but it also had to be confident that in doing so, it wouldn't frustrate users, as no one wants a laggy PC out of the box. That's not the case here, but I do wish we could add another 2 hours of battery life.

Slim, fanless, and surprisingly performative, Surface Pro 12-inch has been fun to use. (Image credit: Future | Daniel Rubino)

And that brings us back to price, which is what everyone criticizes Microsoft for, but this is such a boring critique. Compared to Apple's new iPad Air (with keyboard and pen), this tablet is more affordable, offers more RAM, functions as a full-fledged PC, features better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and boasts a 90Hz display. And if you don't like the price, wait until it goes on sale, as Surfaces always do.

What about the Surface Pro 13-inch (11th Edition) with the Snapdragon X Elite and its 120Hz OLED display? It's a significant upgrade, but "only" a few hundred dollars more. I won't be switching away from it to use the Surface Pro 12-inch, but I still find myself reaching for it occasionally due to its slimmer size (yes, it's very noticeable).

Surface Pro 12-inch (1st Edition) vs. Surface Pro 13-inch (11th Edition).Future | Daniel Rubino

To wrap things up, the Surface Pro 12-inch really does a great job balancing relative affordability with performance, making it a fantastic option for anyone who values portability, inking, and innovative AI features. While it might miss out on some of the premium touches found in its larger sibling, its solid build quality, fantastic audio, and display, along with the impressive performance of its Snapdragon X Plus processor, make it a true standout in its category.

Just keep in mind that potential buyers should take into account the costs of accessories and the slightly limited configuration options before finalizing their choice. My advice is to maybe wait until later this summer, when back-to-school sales occur, as I'm sure its price will come down.

All in all, this first-generation device is an excellent choice for students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts seeking a lightweight and powerful Windows tablet experience. I genuinely had fun using it (though I would have preferred a purple one!).

New 12" model

Surface Pro 12-inch

Microsoft's new Surface Pro 12-inch is made to be a more portable alternative to the Surface Pro 11. It sacrifices some power, ports, and pixels to achieve its goal, but it's the right 2-in-1 choice for anyone who's on the go or who prefers a more streamlined tablet experience.

Microsoft stops selling flagship Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 for $999 — they're now more expensive, but tariffs aren't to blame

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Wed, 07 May 2025 18:41:51 +0000

Microsoft has quietly stopped selling its $999 entry-level configuration of the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 as it ushers in a new wave of smaller and cheaper Surface PCs.

The new Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch that were announced yesterday start at $799 and $899, with the flagship Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 now starting at $1,199 on the Microsoft Store.

This new starting price for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 came into effect this week, conveniently timed with the launch of the company's cheaper Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch.

So what has Microsoft done? Has it raised prices due to tariffs? It doesn't appear so, at least not yet. Instead, it looks like Microsoft has outright removed the original $999 configuration from its store, with all other SKUs remaining intact at their original prices.

At launch, the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 could be configured with a Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD storage for $999. But now, the base configuration comes with 512GB SSD storage for $1,199.

If you compare the Surface lineup, you'll notice the Laptop 7 and Pro 11 now start at $200 more than they did last week. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Microsoft has always sold this configuration for $1,199, and with the removal of the 256GB SSD model, the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 now start with double the storage at $200 more than they did before.

Given the timing, this appears like an attempt to make Microsoft's new smaller Surface PCs seem like better deals.

Had Microsoft continued to sell the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 at $999, the price delta between the new smaller devices would only be a $100-200 difference, depending on the model you get.

With the new $1,199 starting price, the price delta is now much larger, with a $400 difference between the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Pro 11, and a $300 difference between the Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Laptop 7.

It's a sneaky tactic to make the new smaller devices seem more reasonably priced, as the $999 flagship Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 have always been incredible deals, especially during sales where they'd often be discounted for as low as $799.

For the new Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch to make sense, the flagship Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 can't exist on sale for $799, and so it seems Microsoft is quietly removing the SKU that allowed those flagship devices to be sold at that low of a price.

The good news is that third-party retailers still stock the original $999 configuration, at least for now. So you should still be able to find the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 for $999 (and less on sale) in places like Best Buy and Amazon if you're in the market for one.

Microsoft shadow launched this mouse that pairs with the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop perfectly

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 07 May 2025 12:12:17 +0000

Microsoft just announced the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch. Those new devices feature compact designs that should make them easy to use on the go.

But Microsoft also made another hardware announcement yesterday, and I bet you missed it. A single sentence in a Microsoft blog post details new color options for the Surface Arc Mouse.

"To complete the look, you can pair your device with the Surface Arc Mouse, our most beloved and best-selling mouse, which is now available in matching Ocean and Violet," said Microsoft.

The Surface Arc Mouse is now available for preorder in either ocean (blue) or violet. According to the listings on Best Buy and Microsoft's websites for the new color options, the Surface Arc Mouse will start shipping on May 20, 2025. If you want the mouse in black or light gray, you can get one today.

This travel mouse lays flat so it can fit in your bag or pocket. When you need to use it, it snaps into an arc that fills the palm of your hand. A touchpad on the mouse enables both vertical and horizontal scrolling.

The new color options complement the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch but also work with any Bluetooth device.

👉 See at Best Buy

🔍 Price check: $89.99 at Microsoft

Surface Arc Mouse

Considering the compact designs of the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, I imagine many people will toss the PCs into bags or carry them around. The Surface Arc Mouse would be an excellent addition to a portable setup.

I had an earlier version of the Surface Arc Mouse for years. It fit into an extremely small pocket of my Surface sleeve. Back then, Surface devices had smaller trackpads, so a portable mouse was a big help.

The newer Surface Arc Mouse has a touchpad that supports vertical and horizontal scrolling, much like the trackpad on a laptop or Surface keyboard.

The Surface Arc Mouse turns on or off automatically when you snap it between flat and arced modes. It connects through Bluetooth, so it can be used with PCs, tablets, or even a smartphone if you're feeling adventurous.

I'd like to see a version of the Surface Arc Mouse that charges through USB-C, but the current model uses AAA batteries.

How to preorder the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 06 May 2025 18:13:36 +0000

Microsoft just unveiled two new Surface devices. The Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch start at $799.99 and $899.99, respectively, and you can preorder them now.

Shipping for the new Surface hardware is expected to begin on May 20, 2025, so you'll have to wait a few weeks to get your new PC.

The Surface Pro 12-inch has a 90Hz display surrounded by uniform bezels. The device weighs just 686 grams and is 7.8mm thin, making it one of the thinnest and lightest Surface devices we've seen.

This model runs on a Snapdragon X Plus and has 512GB of storage. Microsoft sells a Surface Pro 12-inch with 256GB of storage for a bit cheaper if you want to save a few dollars or don't need a lot of storage.

The Surface Pro Keyboard and Surface Slim Pen that are compatible with this device are sold separately.

👉 See at: BestBuy.com

❓Why Best Buy? Our favorite tech retailer. Return period: 15 days. Price match? ☑️ (Also applies within return period). Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: My Best Buy w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, 60-day return period, & expanded support.

🔍 Price check: from $799.99 at Microsoft (256GB model)

This PC is the lightest Surface Laptop ever and boasts the longest battery benchmark of any Surface device. It's also the spiritual successor to the Surface Laptop Go. The PC features a compact design and specs that help make it more affordable. While you have some tradeoffs, like a 60Hz display and a non-haptic trackpad, the starting price of the Surface Laptop 13-inch is lower.

👉 See at: Microsoft

New Surface Pro and Surface Laptop

Both new Surface devices are smaller siblings of preexisting hardware. They also both run on a Snapdragon X Plus processor and are Copilot+ PCs.

The Surface Pro 12-inch is more compact and exceptionally thin thanks to its fanless design.

The uniform bezels of the Surface Pro 12-inch and other design elements make the tablet portion of the device look modern. I'd also say at first glance the Surface Pro 12-inch looks more like an iPad competitor due to the resemblance.

The Surface Pro keyboard for the Surface Pro 12-inch is quite different from what we've seen from the Surface Pro family lately. The smaller keyboard does not raise and attach to the lower bezel of the Surface Pro, which I imagine was done to ensure uniform bezels.

Windows Hello face unlock support means the Surface Pro 12-inch means you can use biometrics whether handling the device as a standalone tablet or with a keyboard attached.

The Surface Laptop 13-inch is more compact than the Surface Laptop 7. It also has some noticeable specs that allow the starting price to be lower.

The rounded design of the smaller Surface Laptop is more akin to a MacBook Air and should feel good in the hand. Unlike the Surface Pro 12-inch, the Surface Laptop 13-inch has a fan for active cooling.

Microsoft also states the Surface Laptop 13-inch gets up to 23 hours of video playback, which makes it the longest lasting Surface ever. Of course, real-world battery usage will depend on workload.

I'll be curious to see if the design choices seen in the two new Surfaces make their way to the rest of the lineup. For example, neither of the latest PCs have a Surface Connect port.

Are you buying the new Surface Pro 12-inch or Surface Laptop 13-inch? — Discussion 💬

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:04:04 +0000

It's a great day to be a fan of Microsoft's Surface PCs.

Microsoft just introduced two new devices — Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch — to its Surface portfolio, and they're aimed at being more affordable and portable than their full-size flagship counterparts.

These new PCs are equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus 8-core chips, capable of up to 45 TOPS of AI power for immediate entry into the Copilot+ PC lineup.

Both of Microsoft's new Surface PCs are available now for preorder, and I have one big question to ask our readers.

Have you ordered (or do you plan to order) a new Surface Pro 12-inch or Surface Laptop 13-inch?

Our comments section below is open and ready to hear your take on the new Surface PCs.

Beyond your buying decision, I'm curious to know what attracted you to the new Surface PCs. On the other hand, if you're avoiding these PCs, be sure to let me know why.

I've laid out below some of the major differences between the new, smaller Surface devices and their flagship counterparts to help get the creative juices flowing.

The Surface Pro 12-inch starts at $799

A look at the new Surface Pro 12-inch in Violet finish. (Image credit: Microsoft)

The new Surface Pro 12-inch is now available for preorder, and I found a bunch of listings available at Best Buy.

All of the colors — Platinum, Violet, and Ocean — are available, and you can also pick up the new Surface Pro 12 keyboard for typing and a Slim Pen for inking.

Surface Pro 12-inch, Platinum, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD: $799.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Platinum, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Violet, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Ocean, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12 Keyboard: $149.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12 Keyboard with Slim Pen: $249.99 at Best Buy

So what's different compared to the Surface Pro 11?

I wrote an in-depth comparison between the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Pro 11 with a deep dive on the differences, but I'll summarize the major points here.

The Surface Pro 12-inch is, of course, smaller and lighter than the 13-inch Pro 11. It's a fanless PC without venting, making for a clean, slab-like appearance more akin to a modern tablet.

Its smaller size translates to a smaller display with a lower resolution, lower pixel density, and lower refresh rate.

There's now a magnetic pen cradle on the back of the tablet rather than in the keyboard, and the front-facing camera was downgraded to 1080p.

The Surface Pro 12-inch and its 8-core Snapdragon X SoC won't outperform the Surface Pro 11, but it retains a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) powerful enough to run Copilot+ tools in Windows 11.

The storage in the Surface Pro 12-inch is UFS, which, in general, means it's slower but more efficient than an SSD. It is upgradeable after purchase.

The Surface Pro 12-inch has dropped the Surface Connect port, instead relying on two USB-C 3.2 ports for charging, data, and video.

The Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at $899

The new Surface Laptop 13-inch looks a lot like the full-size Surface Laptop 7. (Image credit: Microsoft)

The new Surface Laptop 13-inch is also now available for preorder, and links are live at Best Buy.

The Platinum model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs $899. For Violet or Ocean colors, you'll have to go with the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage configs that cost $999.

Surface Laptop 13-inch, Platinum, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Laptop 13-inch, Violet/Ocean/Platinum, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $999.99 at Best Buy

What's different compared to the Surface Laptop 7?

I put together an in-depth comparison of the Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Laptop 7, but I'll summarize the differences here.

As with the Surface Pro 12-inch, the new Surface Laptop is smaller and lighter than its flagship counterparts.

It's the right choice if you want to travel unburdened, but you won't get as much power from the 8-core Snapdragon X Plus SoC inside as compared to the Surface Laptop 7's hardware.

Nevertheless, it has an NPU with 45 TOPS of power for Copilot+ AI tools in Windows 11.

The screen is smaller and has a lower pixel density, plus it only hits a 60Hz refresh rate (compared to up to 120Hz in the Surface Laptop 7).

The smaller Surface lacks a haptic touchpad; there are no Surface Connect or USB4 ports, and its UFS storage is slower.

What do you have to say?

The new Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch have some notable downgrades compared to their full-size siblings, but a lower price opens them up to many more users.

Do you plan on picking one up? Why or why not? Which model? What color? Let me know in the comments section below!

Microsoft announces new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with smaller screens, lower starting prices, and surprising design changes

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 06 May 2025 13:00:40 +0000

Microsoft has announced that it's launching two new Surface PCs this month, designed to be more portable and affordable in the Copilot+ PC space. The company is expanding the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines with new 12- and 13-inch models, respectively, featuring tweaked designs and lower starting prices.

Microsoft launched its first Copilot+ PCs last May with the 13-inch Surface Pro 11 and 13.8- and 15-inch Surface Laptop 7, powered by Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite SoCs. These devices started at $999 and were positioned as the company's flagship Surface PCs. Now, these devices are gaining two new, smaller siblings.

The new Surface Pro 12-inch

The new Surface Pro has uniform bezels and an updated keyboard accessory. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Surface Pro 12-Inch Specs

Price: $799
Processor: Snapdragon X Plus 8-Core (XIP-42-100)
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 256/512GB UFS
Display: 3:2 12-inch IPS 90hz (2196 x 1464)
Camera: 1080p front-facing / 10MP rear
Network: Wi-Fi 7 / Bluetooth 5.4
Biometrics: Windows Hello Face
Size: 274 x 190 x 7.8 mm
Weight: 1.5lbs (686g)
Ports: 2x USB-C 3.2
Battery: 16 Hours

The new Surface Pro 12-inch starts at $799 and is the more interesting product being announced today. It's a complete redesign of the Surface Pro, featuring a new 90Hz display that's flanked by uniform bezels and a redesigned chassis with built-in magnetic pen charging on the back.

That means you no longer need the Surface Pro Keyboard accessory to store and charge the Surface Slim Pen, as it now attaches to the back of the tablet itself. The 12-inch Surface Pro has its own keyboard accessory for $149, which features a new "smooth matte" palm rest, and connects to the tablet via pogopins.

This new keyboard doesn't raise and attach to the lower bezel like the 13-inch Surface Pro keyboard can. It's also not wireless and doesn't have a haptic trackpad like the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard does. However, it does feature a backlight and a new hinge that lets the keyboard rotate 360 degrees and lie flat on the back of the tablet.

Just like its larger sibling, the Surface Pro 12-inch doesn't skimp out on biometric authentication. It features the fully-fledged Windows Hello face unlock, which is fast and secure and is much preferred over fingerprint login. It also features two USB-C ports, just like the flagship, but omits Surface Connect.

The Surface Slim Pen attaches to the back of the device for charging. (Image credit: Microsoft)

The magnetic Surface Connect charging port has been a staple of the Surface Pro since its inception, and this 12-inch model is the first to remove it. The device can be charged via USB-C, and a USB-C cable is included in the box.

The new Surface Pro 12-inch is thinner and lighter than the flagship 13-inch Surface Pro. In fact, it's very similar in weight and thickness to the Surface Pro X, thanks in part to the fact that the Surface Pro 12-inch doesn't have a fan or vents.

It's a fully enclosed chassis, which means the device can be thinner as it doesn't need to make room for airflow. The device is passively cooled, made possible by the Snapdragon X Plus that powers the device.

The device weighs just 686g and is 7.8mm thin, that's down from 895 grams and 9.3mm on the 13-inch Surface Pro 11. It's also just 7.8mm thin, down from 9.3mm. It's very comparable to the Surface Pro X, which was 774g and 7.3mm.

The new 13-inch Surface Laptop

The new 13-inch Surface Laptop comes in three colors. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Surface Laptop 13-inch Specs

Price: $899
Processor: Snapdragon X Plus 8-Core
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 256/512GB UFS
Display: 3:2 13-inch IPS 60hz (1920 x 1280)
Camera: 1080p front facing
Network: Wi-Fi 7 / Bluetooth 5.4
Biometrics: Windows Hello Fingerprint
Size: 285.65 x 214.14 x 15.6 mm
Weight: 2.7lbs (1.22kg)
Ports: 2x USB-C 3.2, USB-A 3.1, 3.5mm audio
Battery: 23 hours

The new Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at $899 and is an upgraded Surface Laptop Go in everything but name. Compared to the Surface Laptop Go 3, it features a larger and higher resolution 1080p screen, a backlit keyboard, and an all-aluminum chassis.

It also includes Windows Hello fingerprint unlock built into the power button, a non-haptic trackpad, and a 60Hz touchscreen panel. Those are a downgrade over the Surface Laptop 7 13.8-inch, which has Windows Hello face unlock, a haptic trackpad, and a 120Hz touchscreen panel.

It does also include a slightly tweaked design over both the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop 7. It has a rounder chassis more similar to the MacBook Air, and a rejigged port layout. It has one USB-A port and 3.5mm audio jack on the left, and two USB-C ports on the right.

It has a rounded chassis similar to the MacBook Air. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Just like the Surface Pro 12-inch, the Surface Laptop 13-inch omits the magnetic Surface Connect charge port, meaning the device can only be charged via a USB-C cable, which is included in the box.

The new Surface Laptop 13-inch is $100 more expensive than the outgoing Surface Laptop Go 3, but $100 cheaper than the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 7, meaning it slots in nicely between the two offerings.

Unlike the Surface Pro 12-inch, the Surface Laptop 13-inch is still actively cooled with a fan, which should mean better sustained performance under load. All Surface Laptop's on sale by Microsoft have a fan.

Microsoft also touts the Surface Laptop 13-inch as its longest-lasting Surface, with 23 hours of video playback. That beats the Surface Laptop 7 15-inch, which is rated for 20 hours of video playback.

Pre-orders live now

The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are available for pre-order now. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Pre-orders for both the Surface Pro 12-inch ($799) and Surface Laptop 13-inch ($899) are now live, with shipments expected to begin on May 20. As always, Microsoft also offers these devices to students at a discount, making these devices even cheaper than $799 and $899.

Alongside the new Surface PCs, Microsoft has also announced a handful of new Windows experiences coming soon to Windows 11, including more Copilot+ AI features such as an AI agent in Windows Settings.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Pro 11: Which 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC is better for you?

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Tue, 06 May 2025 13:00:40 +0000

New 12" model

Surface Pro 12-inch

Pros

Fanless design and no vents makes for a clean "slab" look
New colors look great
Compact and light design, including charging cradle for Surface Slim Pen.
Full access to Copilot+ thank to 45 TOPS NPU.

Cons

No OLED display options, LCD tops out at 90Hz
Less powerful performance hardware
Front camera not as impressive
Only two USB-C ports

Standard 13" model

Surface Pro 11

The Surface Pro 11 remains the correct 2-in-1 laptop for power users or anyone who values performance over maximum portability. It's available with an optional 13-inch OLED display and 5G connectivity, it has more ports, and its X Elite SoC offers the most power.

Pros

Dual USB4, Surface Connect ports
Optional 5G connectivity
Superior front camera
More powerful hardware options
Optional OLED touch display is superior

Cons

Costs more
Not as portable
Vented design not as sleek

Microsoft officially announced the new 12-inch Surface Pro on May 6, 2025, roughly a year after the first Copilot+ AI PCs — including the Surface Pro 11 — were unveiled.

The new Surface Pro 12-inch is essentially a standard Surface Pro PC with built-in stand and magnetic keyboard cover, all shrunk down to be more portable.

I'm taking a close look at the new Surface Pro 12-inch to see how it compares to the Surface Pro 11, with aims to help you pick the perfect 2-in-1 laptop.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Pro 11: Specifications

Before getting into my analysis, here's a quick look at the specs you'll find in both 2-in-1 Surface PCs.

	Surface Pro 12-inch	Surface Pro 11
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8 core)	Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100), Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64-100)
RAM	16GB LPDDR5x	16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x
GPU	Qualcomm Adreno (integrated)	Qualcomm Adreno (integrated)
NPU	Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS)	Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS)
Storage	256GB, 512GB UFS	256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (upgradeable)
Camera	Front-facing 1080p + IR, rear-facing 10MP	Front-facing 12.2MP + IR, rear-facing 10MP
Speakers	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos
Display	12 inches, 2196x1464 (2.1K), 220 PPI, LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 90Hz, touch, 400 nits	13 inches, 2880x1920 (2.8K), 267 PPI, OLED or LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz, touch
Ports	Two USB-C 3.2	Two USB4, Surface Connect, Nano-SIM
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G (optional)
Battery	Up to 16 hours video playback	OLED: 53Wh, LCD: 48Wh
Dimensions	10.8 x 7.47 x 0.30 inches (274mm x 190mm x 7.8mm)	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches (287mm x 208.6mm x 9.3mm)
Weight	1.5 pounds (686g)	From 1.97 pounds (0.89kg)
Colors	Platinum, Ocean, Violet	Platinum, Black, Sapphire, Dune
Price	From $799	From $1,000

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Pro 11: Price and availability

The new Surface Pro 12-inch is now available to preorder starting at $799. It's expected to ship on May 20.

Microsoft's official store and Best Buy appear to be the best places to shop; the former has options for Student Discounts.

The $799 model includes an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. It comes in a Platinum finish.

The $899 model has 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and it's available in Platinum, Violet, and Ocean colors.

Surface Pro 12-inch, Platinum, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD: $799.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Platinum, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Violet, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12-inch, Ocean, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: $899.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12 Keyboard: $149.99 at Best Buy
Surface Pro 12 Keyboard with Slim Pen: $249.99 at Best Buy

The Surface Pro 12-inch keyboard also launched alongside the new 2-in-1 PC, and it comes in Slate, Ocean, and Violet colors. It costs $149 on top of the cost of the PC.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 is another perfect companion (but totally optional), and it adds another $130 to the total cost.

For example, if you opt for the $899 model, you'll spend $1,149 (plus taxes) for the full Surface Pro 12-inch experience, which includes the keyboard and pen.

By comparison, Surface Pro 11 (10-core, LCD, 512GB/16) with the keyboard and pen will set you back $1,509, or $360 more than a similar Surface Pro 12-inch configuration.

The Surface Pro 11 with attached keyboard and Slim Pen 2. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro 11 generally starts at $999 for the PC alone, but it's often discounted.

At the time of writing, for example, a model with a 12-core Snapdragon X System-on-Chip (SoC), 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD costs about $800 at Best Buy.

Surface Pro 11 models range in price up to about $2,100 for a model with a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite SoC, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.

The PCs come in Platinum, Sapphire, Dune, and Black colors. You can find the same colors for the Surface Pro Keyboards, which run at about $180. The Surface Slim Pen 2 works the same across Surface Pro 11 and Surface Pro 12-inch.

Also now available are Surface Pro 11 PCs with 5G connectivity to keep you connected everywhere you go.

The additional wireless connectivity can be configured at Microsoft's official site; models start at about $1,300.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Pro 11: Design and features

Microsoft wanted to build a Surface Copilot+ PC that's better suited for those always on the go, and the Surface Pro 12-inch is the result.

Microsoft was able to shave off about half a pound from the tablet's weight (1.5 pounds compared to 1.97 pounds), meanwhile cutting down on all dimensions elsewhere.

The Surface Pro 12-inch measures 10.8 x 7.47 x 0.30 inches, which seems a lot more "tablet-y" than the Surface Pro 11 and its 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches.

There's no fan required to keep the Surface Pro 12-inch cool, and Microsoft also removed any venting around the outside edges. It makes for a cleaner look compared to the Surface Pro 11, once again playing more into the modern "slab" aesthetic.

The new Surface Pro 12-inch is a sleek tablet available in three colors. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Both laptops use a built-in rear stand for positioning, which folds away cleanly when not in use. And just like the Surface Pro 11, the Surface Pro 12-inch has detachable magnetic keyboards that snap on and off with ease.

Whereas the premium $349 Surface Pro Flex keyboard for the Surface Pro 11 features a haptic touchpad, Microsoft has stayed with a standard Precision touchpad on the Surface Pro 12-inch keyboards.

The Precision touchpad includes an adaptive touch mode, made to recognize other limbs and appendages when fingers aren't an option.

The new keyboards use Alcantara fabric along the hinge line, with the rest appearing to be a smooth matte finish. Keys are backlit, and the board can rotate fully around to lie flat against the back of the tablet.

Rather than lift and attach to the bottom bezel of the tablet (like on the Pro 11), Microsoft designed the new keyboards to snap on and leave the bottom edge of the tablet clear for better touch functionality.

The new keyboard has a fingerprint reader under the power button, adding to the tablet's built-in IR sensor for Windows Hello on the front camera.

You're going to get a premium typing experience from either option, although the Surface Pro 11's larger 13-inch size remains the best option for those with large hands. A 12-inch keyboard can feel cramped during marathon typing sessions.

Some of the Pro 11's attachable keyboards include a dedicated charging cradle for the Surface Slim Pen 2, whereas Microsoft moved the slot to the back of the Surface Pro 12-inch.

The pen connects magnetically, and it charges wirelessly while in place. This won't likely be as secure as the Pro 11's solution, but there simply isn't enough room on the keyboard to add an internal cradle.

The Surface Pro 11 (pictured here) and Surface Pro 12-inch both have a built-in stand on the back. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro 11's 12.2MP front camera should easily best the Pro 12-inch's 1080p front camera. However, rear cameras appear to be the same with 10MP each.

The audio setup is also similar, with both laptops offering dual 2W speakers and Dolby Atmos support.

Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino called the larger PC's audio "rich and punchy" in his Surface Pro 11 review, so I hope that continues in the Pro 12-inch despite its smaller size.

Port selection has been thinned out on the Surface Pro 12-inch. Microsoft removed the Surface Connect port, so you'll have to use one of the two USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) ports for charging some of the time.

Microsoft says one USB-C port can support up to two 4K monitors at 60Hz each, leaving the other free for charging.

The Surface Pro 11's port selection easily bests that of the Surface Pro 12-inch. Dual USB4 ports are equivalent to Thunderbolt 4 in terms of high-speed data transfers and video support; there's a separate Surface Connect hookup for charging, and a Nano-SIM slot is available on 5G models.

The Surface Pro 12-inch lacks 5G support, but connectivity is otherwise similar to the Pro 11 with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Pro 11: Display

The Surface Pro 11's optional OLED display is a feature not available in the new Surface Pro 12-inch. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The new Surface Pro 12-inch unsurprisingly has a 12-inch LCD touch display. The smaller screen has a 2196x1464 resolution for its 3:2 aspect ratio, and that equates to 220 pixels-per-inch (PPI).

It has a 1200:1 contrast ratio, a refresh rate up to 90Hz, and it should top out at around 400 nits brightness. It's only available in LCD, so if you want OLED, you'll have to stick with the larger Pro 11.

There's also no mention of Dolby Vision on the Surface Pro 12-inch, so the Pro 11 is your best option if it's a necessity.

The Surface Pro 11's touch display at 13 inches hits a 2880x1920 resolution, coming out at a higher 267 PPI.

It's available with an LCD or an OLED panel, with the latter hitting an outstanding 1M:1 contrast ratio. Both have a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz, making for an overall smoother picture.

The Pro 11's displays have Dolby Vision IQ support, and in our testing, the OLED model hit 550 nits brightness. If you often work outside, having the ability to pump brightness higher with OLED (up to about 900 nits) should be a big deal.

Both PCs support inking with the Surface Slim Pen and Surface Slim Pen 2, with the latter offering haptic feedback when drawing or writing.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Pro 11: Performance and battery

The new Surface Pro 12-inch comes in a new Violet color. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft didn't create the Surface Pro 12-inch to outperform its flagship Surface Pro 11. Instead, it designed the new PC with "flexibility and mobility in mind."

Part of that initiative, as I mentioned, is the removal of any internal fans and perimeter venting.

While it makes the tablet look a lot cleaner, it also means there isn't as much thermal capacity for Snapdragon's top chips. That's exactly why Microsoft is using an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus SoC inside.

Qualcomm currently offers two 8-core chips — X1P-46-100 and X1P-42-100 — and we're working to find out exactly which options are available in the Surface Pro 12-inch.

The good news is that both come with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of up to 45 TOPS of power for AI. That gives the Surface Pro 12-inch immediate access to Copilot+ AI tools in Windows 11.

Microsoft hasn't yet revealed the battery capacity of the Surface Pro 12-inch, but it's claiming up to 16 hours of local video playback and up to 12 hours of active web use.

On Crossmark we can see how Surface Pro 11 handles x86 app emulation compared to other x86 Windows 11 laptops.Future

While not the fastest PC the Surface Pro 11 does well on Geekbench v6.2.Future

For a more sustained and prolonged benchmark Cinebench 2024 (ARM64, x86) shows that Surface Pro 11 is quite competitive.Future

That leaves the Surface Pro 11 as the top performer. It's available with a 10-core Snapdragon X Plus processor or a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, the latter being the most powerful.

These chips both have an NPU with 45 TOPS of power for Copilot+, and the ability to get up to 64GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage from the factory is key for power users.

For the Surface Pro 11, Microsoft claims up to 14 hours of local video playback, which is two hours less than the claims for the Surface Pro 12-inch.

In reality, Surface Pro 11 reviewer Daniel Rubino saw an average of about 10 hours on a charge, and the new Surface Pro 12-inch should best that result due to its less powerful SoC inside.

While RAM is soldered in both of these 2-in-1 tablets, storage is accessible for upgrades. The Surface Pro 11 has a quick-access hatch behind the stand; the Surface Pro 12-inch requires you to get inside the case the normal way.

Microsoft lists the Surface Pro 12-inch as using Universal Flash Storage (UFS), which is generally slower but more efficient than an SSD. It will be interesting to see how well it performs compared to the true SSD in the Surface Pro 11.

I'll update this section as soon as I'm able to test the Surface Pro 12-inch performance.

Surface Pro 12-inch vs. Surface Pro 11: Which should you buy?

The Surface Pro 11 remains the better option for anyone who values performance over portability. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Microsoft's new Surface Pro 12-inch is a more affordable, more portable 2-in-1 PC that leans into the "slab" tablet design.

The fanless, ventless design looks super clean, the new colors are a nice addition for longtime Surface Pro users, and the built-in stand with attachable keyboard is immediately familiar.

The best laptops

There are some noticeable hardware downgrades in the more affordable 2-in-1 PC, including a lack of OLED display, a maximum 90Hz refresh rate for the LCD display, fewer ports, and a 1080p front camera.

The Surface Pro 12-inch also isn't going to perform at the same level as the Surface Pro 11. However, with prices starting at $799 before any discounts, you can save some serious money.

The Surface Pro 11's flagship status isn't really threatened. It remains more powerful, it's available with an optional OLED touch display, and its Flex Pro keyboard with haptics is more impressive. You can even add 5G connectivity to some models.

It is, however, more expensive. Prices usually start at $999, and that doesn't include an OLED panel or Snapdragon X Elite chip.

Once you add the more powerful SoC, OLED display, and scale up RAM and storage, prices quickly rise to beyond $2,000.

Bottom line? Stick with the Surface Pro 11 if you value power and display quality. Stick with the Surface Pro 12-inch if you value portability and don't mind losing out on some of the top-end performance.

New 12" model

Surface Pro 12-inch

Standard 13" model

Surface Pro 11

5 things the Surface Pro 12 needs to finally beat the Apple iPad Pro in 2025

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 14:38:27 +0000

The Surface Pro 11 is an almost perfect 2-in-1, so we called it a "stunning achievement" in our Surface Pro 11 review last year.

While the Surface Pro's design is tried and tested, that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement in some areas. Microsoft is expected to debut the next-generation Surface Pro 12 later this year, likely powered by Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon X2 SoC, which we hear is a significant leap in performance akin to Apple's M4 chip.

So, with that in mind, here's what I hope Microsoft addresses with the Surface Pro 12, which should be out this holiday season, assuming those tariffs don't mess up the launch.

Uniform bezels

The Surface Pro has never had truly uniform bezels. It's time. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

The iPad Pro is the gold standard in tablet design, and when compared directly, the Surface Pro in its current design feels a little dated. The thin uniform bezels surrounding the incredible mini LED display on the iPad Pro blow the Surface Pro 11 out of the water.

So, with the Surface Pro 12, I'm hoping Microsoft can finally deliver a more uniform design for the bezels around the front of the display. Currently, the Surface Pro 11's bezels are thicker along the top and bottom to make room for the high-resolution webcam, face unlock sensors, and magnets for the optional keyboard.

Microsoft still needs to leave room for these components, but that doesn't mean the bezels can't be slightly thinner along the top and bottom, while also pushing to make all four bezels uniform.

With rounded display corners, a Surface Pro 12 with thinner, uniform bezels would make the device feel even more modern.

Thinner and lighter

The Surface Pro X is the thinnest the product line has ever been. Let's get back there! (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Along that same line of thinking, I hope to see a reduction in weight and thickness on the Surface Pro 12. The current Surface Pro 11 is quite thick and heavy compared to the competition, even compared to the older Surface Pro X. I want a thin and light device comparable to the iPad Pro's incredible 5.1mm thinness.

While I'm not expecting the Surface Pro 12 to reach thinness levels that crazy, I hope it's at least a touch thinner than the current model. I understand that the device will probably continue to need a fan, which limits just how thin you can make a device like the Surface Pro, but any reduction will be a win in my book.

It's the same story for weight. I feel the Surface Pro 11 is too heavy to use as a tablet and much heavier than the Surface Pro X and iPad Pro. If Microsoft wants me to use the Surface Pro like a 2-in-1, which is to say as a tablet sometimes, it needs to be lighter.

5G at launch

5G antennas on the Surface Pro are ugly, but necessary for many. (Image credit: Future)

I am always beyond frustrated when Microsoft announces a new device but delays the 5G models until significantly later after launch. This happens almost all the time with Surface, and the Surface Pro 11 was no exception. When it was launched in June 2024, the 5G models didn't become available until September of the same year.

That's a three-month wait, and I don't know why Microsoft can't make the necessary preparations ahead of time to ensure the 5G models are available to buy immediately at launch. Apple can do it with the iPad Pro, so I don't see why Microsoft can't do it with the Surface Pro 12.

Intel and Snapdragon for everyone

I'm tired of the feature disparity between Snapdragon and Intel. They should be the same. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

This is unlikely, but I hope Microsoft offers consumers both Snapdragon and Intel variants. In the last year, Microsoft has relegated Intel to "business only" models of the Surface line. This means they're much more expensive and unavailable from your usual retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

(See our Intel vs Snapdragon: Which Surface is best for you? for a more direct comparison.)

Additionally, there's an odd feature delta between the Intel and Snapdragon models that I wish would disappear. Why do the Intel models get an anti-reflective coating on the display, and the Snapdragon models don't? What if I want a Snapdragon-powered device with an anti-reflective coating?

Another great example is with 5G (see our best 5G laptops for some ideas). You can only get the Surface Pro 11 with 5G powered by Snapdragon, but you can't get it with Intel.

Also, the Intel Surface Pro 11 has additional software options that let you turn on an 80% battery limiter in the Surface app, which is missing on the Snapdragon models.

Simply put, I want all models of the Surface Pro 12 to be available to everyone, with all the same features. There shouldn't be a feature disparity because of the processor you choose.

Make a red one

I love the color red, and I wish Microsoft would bring it back. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Last but not least, let's bring back red! I love red devices, and it seems tech companies have forgotten that color exists over the past few years. My all-time favorite Surface was the Surface Laptop 2 in Burgundy, which was beautiful. That same red should return for the Surface Pro 12.

Surface Pro Flex Keyboard and Slim Pen bundle drops to its lowest price ever

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:37:37 +0000

Surface Pro 11 owners or anyone looking to pick up the 2-in-1 can grab a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with a Slim Pen at a discount. Right now, you can get those accessories in a bundle that's $100 off.

That discount drops the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with Slim Pen bundle to its lowest price ever.

While the Surface Pro 11 and its predecessors can function as standalone tablets, a keyboard and pen unlock the full experience. The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard and the Slim Pen are the most premium accessories in their respective categories.

"The short version of this review is that the new Surface Pro 11 and Flex Keyboard are an outstanding combination that dramatically improves the Surface Pro line — only the original Surface Pro and Surface Pro 4 rival it in terms of impact." — Daniel Rubino, Editor-in-chief

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅Perfect for: People who want the best Surface Pro experience, including having the option to use a keyboard when attached or detached.

❌Avoid if: You already have a Surface Pro keyboard you are happy with or if you are on a budget.

Battery: Up to 41 hours. Trackpad: Surface precision haptic touchpad. Backlit keys: ✅ Compatibility: Surface Pro 11, Surface Pro 10, Surface Pro 9, Surface Pro 8. Launch date: 2024

👉See at: Amazon

💰Price check: $449.99 at Best Buy

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard normally costs $349.99 on its own, so you could view this deal as getting a Surface Slim Pen for free. Though it's worth noting the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard occasionally goes on sale as a lone item.

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard features a haptic touchpad. During his testing for our Surface Pro 11 review, our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino found that touchpad to be "fast, accurate, consistent, and nicely adjustable."

The "Flex" part of the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard's name comes from its versatility. The keyboard can be used wirelessly and has a built-in battery to make that possible.

Somewhat ironically, the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is more rigid than its predecessors. But that's a good thing. The keyboard is reinforced with carbon-fiber and provides a better typing experience.

Swapping between wired and wireless connections works seamlessly. There's no noticeable delay when you detach the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard from your PC and then continue to use the accessory wirelessly.

Microsoft says that you should be able to use the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard wirelessly for up to 41 hours.

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard has a dedicated charging slot for the Slim Pen. Other Surface Pro keyboards with a slot for a pen require you to pull the keyboard away to remove or store the stylus. That's no longer the case with the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.

The Surface Slim Pen has haptics for physical feedback as well. It's an "outstanding" accessory, according to Rubino, and has received positive reviews for years.

If you need a stylus and a keyboard, the $100 discount on the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with Slim Pen bundle is an excellent deal.

Windows 11 setup bypass blocked, smaller Surface Pro confirmed, and Amazon raises concerns over Xbox & Surface returns

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Microsoft and Windows news ended March with a bang. This past week, more details emerged about a smaller Surface Pro and Microsoft blocked a popular bypass that allowed people to set up a Windows 11 PC without a Microsoft account.

Meanwhile, Amazon flagged the Surface Laptop 7 and Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 as frequently returned items and Bill Gates outlined which jobs are safe from AI automation.

Mix in our hands-on reviews and the deals of the week and you have a lot to catch up on! Luckily, the biggest stories in Microsoft, Windows, and tech are all right here.

Smaller Surface Pro

A smaller Surface Pro is expected to be announced soon, carrying similar design elements to the larger Surface Pro 11 (seen above). (Image credit: Windows Central)

Rumors of a 12-in Surface Pro have swirled for a while. The device is now all but confirmed, since it has appeared in certification databases.

The new device is expected to run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform. Reports indicate that this is a more premium device, meaning it has a metal chassis and high-quality display.

The new smaller Surface Pro is said to be more of an iPad Pro competitor rather than a budget-friendly 2-in-1 with lower specs.

We expect the new Surface Pro to be priced competitively, likely starting in the $800-$900 price range.

When Microsoft unveils the smaller Surface Pro, the tech giant is also expected to announce a smaller Surface Laptop.

Windows 11 without Microsoft account

Microsoft has blocked a bypass that let you set up a Windows 11 PC without a Microsoft account. (Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Microsoft really wants you to use a Microsoft account on Windows 11. To make that happen, the tech giant removed a popular bypass that allowed people to set up PCs without a Microsoft account.

The workaround relied on the "bypassnro" command, which was entered through command prompt during the Windows setup experience. But now, that bypass has been blocked.

Many were disappointed to hear Microsoft blocked the bypass that allowed people to set up a new PC without a Microsoft account. Luckily for those folks, another bypass has already been discovered.

In fact, the new bypass is arguably better. The new bypass requires you to use command prompt during the Windows 11 setup experience, which can be done by pressing Shift + F10.

Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden explains the newly discovered bypass in detail.

Surface Laptop 7 & Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 returns

Certain configurations of the Surface Laptop 7 have been flagged as frequently returned items by Amazon. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 7 earned positive reviews, but the PC has come under scrutiny recently. Amazon now marks some Surface Laptop 7 configurations as frequently returned items.

The warning appears along the bottom of the Amazon listing for the laptop. Amazon explains that the warning appears on items "with the highest return rates for their product category."

Unfortunately, Amazon does not specify a reason for the returns. While it is possible the returns are all for mundane reasons, it's still at least a smudge on the Surface Laptop 7's reputation.

The Surface Laptop 7 was not alone in receiving the warning. The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 has also been marked a frequently returned item.

That news is less surprising, since the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 breaks more than it should. Our Senior Editor Jez Corden is on his third Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 unit.

Bill Gates on AI replacing humans

AI could be coming for your job. Several experts have warned that generative AI could make certain jobs redundant, paving the way for automation to replace human workers.

54% of banking jobs can be automated using AI, according to a recent study. In fact, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates believes AI will replace humans "for most things."

But Gates also believes three jobs will be safe from AI automation: coders, energy specialists, and biologists.

Gates' prediction about coding jobs being safe is in stark contrast to NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang's suggestion that people interested in coding should consider other sectors, such as farming, biology, manufacturing, and education.

AI tools have gotten better at coding in recent years. If they continue to improve, I think at least some coding work will be automated by AI.

The question is will AI automation reduce the number of humans needed for any given project?

Windows Central Podcast

Each week our Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk tech and cover the biggest stories of the week. In the most recent episode, they discuss the high return rate of the Surface Laptop 7, the state of Windows on Arm, and Microsoft's upcoming Surface PCs.

Listen on Spotify
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Reviews

The Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor has excellent image quality and performance. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

Our experts go hands-on with the latest devices. From flagship items from tech giants to niche accessories from startups, our team is on the hunt for the best tech.

This week, we took a closer look at the Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor, which brings a 240Hz screen to a smaller screen size. We also re-reviewed the Xbox Series X to see how the console holds up in 2025.

Deals of the Week

Razer Viper V2 Pro
Was: ~~$149.99~~
Now: $85 at Amazon

✅Perfect for: Gamers looking for a lightweight, high-quality, and easy-to-use wireless gaming mouse with a long battery life and responsive sensors.

❌Avoid if: You just want a normal, cheap mouse for general PC use or a dedicated MMO gaming mouse as this product doesn't feature a built-in side numpad.

👉See at: Amazon

Return period: 30 days (Most items). Price match? No. Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: Amazon Prime w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, music, video, ebook, & audiobook access, & more.

💰Price check: $85.99 at Best Buy | $85.99 at Walmart

This is the best deal on Microsoft 365. Right now, you can get 12 months of Microsoft 365 for $69.99. That includes access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with 1TB of OneDrive storage.

Notably, this subscription does not include AI credits, which are included in newer Microsoft 365 subscriptions.

✅Perfect for: Anyone who wants the best experience for Microsoft 365 or its Office applications. This subscription grants access to a large library of applications across several devices.

❌Avoid if: You need Microsoft 365 for more than one person or need AI credits for Copilot.

This gaming desktop pairs an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080. When Alienware revived the Area-51 brand, it made the gaming desktop easier to repair and upgrade.

ASUS ROG G22CH
Was: ~~$1,499.99~~
Now: $1,039.99 at Newegg

"ASUS ROG provides the accessible gaming excellence it promises with this compact tower that can easily fit on your desk or media center. It's packed with a powerful RTX-4070 GPU and an Intel Core i9-13900KF to provide smooth gaming experiences. The fans tend to be loud, but they keep the system cool and working efficiently. Plus, you can customize this rig's RGB lighting for a fun vibe."

Windows Central review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅Perfect for: Anyone who wants a pre-built gaming PC that doesn't take up a lot of space despite having desktop-class hardware inside.

❌Avoid if: If you hate fan noise (the PC's fans run a lot due to the compact size), you want a desktop that's easy to upgrade, or you want something more powerful than a 4060 Ti.

CPU: Intel Core i7-14700F. GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti (8GB). RAM: 16GB DDR5. SSD: 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe. Ports: 1x Ethernet, 1x HDMI 2.0a, 1x HDMI 2.1, 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 3x audio jack, 2x USB-A 2.0, 4x USB-A 3.2, 1x USB-C 3.2. Size: 4.5 (W) x 12.7 (H) x 11.3 (D) inches (11.50 x 32.30 x 28.69 cm). Release date: 2024.

👉 See at: Newegg.com

👀 Price check: $1,675.97 at Amazon (Core i7/RTX 4070)

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Controller
Was: ~~$149.99~~
Now: $84.99 at Walmart.com

"An excellent controller with arguably superior sticks and buttons than the official Xbox controller itself. The extra features sweeten the deal, with a sensitivity clutch aspect that feels almost too good to be true." — Jez Corden, Managing Editor

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅Perfect for: Xbox and PC gamers searching for a wired controller with pinpoint accurate controls, comfy ergonomics for long hours of gaming, and customization options to remap the controllers to a user's preferences.

❌Avoid if: You want a wireless controller. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is wired-only and needs to be plugged in order to function.

👉See at: Walmart.com

Return period: 90 days (Walmart) / 30-days (Marketplace). Price match? Yes (Only in-store, only for Walmart online pricing). Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: Walmart Plus w/ free shipping & deliveries, exclusive deals & deal early access, & more.

🤩Alternative deal: $86.00 at Amazon.com

Verizon 5G Home Plus
Now: from $55 / month
Bundled with free: 43-inch 4K Samsung TV OR Meta Quest 3S

✅Perfect for: Those who want high-speed internet from a well-known provider and a free 4K Samsung TV or Meta Quest 3S.

❌Avoid if: Verizon does not have 5G Home Plus in your area.

Download speed: Up to 1,000 Mbps. Upload speed: Up to 75 Mbps. Data caps: No.

👉See at: Verizon

Price lock: 3-year price guarantee. Guarantee: 30-day money back guarantee. Discount for Verizon Mobile customers: Yes. Offer valid through: April 30, 2025.

Verizon Fios Home Internet
Now: from $74.99 / month
Bundled with free: 43-inch 4K Samsung TV OR Meta Quest 3S

✅Perfect for: Those who want a high-speed internet connection built on a fiber-optic network and want a free 4K Samsung TV or Meta Quest 3S.

❌Avoid if: You prefer Verizon 5G Home Internet or a different internet provider.

Download speed: Up to 940 Mbps. Upload speed: Up to 880 Mbps. Data caps: No.

👉See at: Verizon

Price lock: 4-year price guarantee. Guarantee: 30-day money back guarantee. Discount for Verizon Mobile customers: Yes. Offer valid through: April 30, 2025.

"The short version of this review is that the new Surface Pro 11 and Flex Keyboard are an outstanding combination that dramatically improves the Surface Pro line—only the original Surface Pro and Surface Pro 4 rival it in terms of impact." — Daniel Rubino, Editor-in-chief

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅Perfect for: People who want the best Surface Pro experience, including having the option to use a keyboard when attached or detached.

❌Avoid if: You already have a Surface Pro keyboard you are happy with or if you are on a budget.

Battery: Up to 41 hours. Trackpad: Surface precision haptic touchpad. Backlit keys: ✅ Compatibility: Surface Pro 11, Surface Pro 10, Surface Pro 9, Surface Pro 8. Launch date: 2024

👉See at: Best Buy

Return period: 15 days. Price match? Yes (Also applies within return period). Free shipping: $35 minimum. Membership: My Best Buy w/ free shipping, exclusive deals, 60-day return period, & expanded support.

💰Price check: $286.18 at Newegg

Microsoft’s smaller Surface Pro appears in certification database ahead of rumored launch this spring

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:10:10 +0000

Earlier this year, I reported that Microsoft was gearing up to ship a wave of smaller Surface PCs. Both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are expected to gain smaller siblings this spring, with screen sizes of somewhere around 12-inches, I’m told.

Now, it looks like the smaller Surface Pro has appeared in a Chinese certification database ahead of its official unveiling, which I’m told will likely take place sometime in the next month or two. This new smaller Surface Pro has the model number 2109 and 2110.

All devices need to be certified by regional certification bodies before they can be sold, which is what we're seeing here with the smaller Surface Pro, which appeared for certification on March 19 at the China Certification Center.

The small Surface Pro's model numbers have appeared in this database. (Image credit: Windows Central)

While the database doesn’t give us any real information about the device, it does confirm that it is progressing closer to launch. Getting certified for sale in markets is usually one of the last steps before a product is announced.

The device will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform, and is expected to be sold as a premium device with a metal chassis and high-quality display, just like its larger sibling. It will also have its own keyboard accessory, and a tweaked design.

I believe the smaller Surface Pro might feature more uniform bezels, kind of like the Surface Go but with rounded display corners. This should make the device look a little more modern, comparable to the iPad.

The smaller Surface Laptop is also expected to debut alongside the smaller Surface Pro and will feature a similar design to the larger 13.8-inch Surface Laptop. This device will replace the Surface Laptop Go, with a higher-resolution display and backlit keyboard.

What are your thoughts on these smaller Surface PCs? Are they something you are interested in? Let us know in the comments below.

This Surface Pro Flex Keyboard discount is key to getting the ultimate Surface Pro 11 setup for under $1,000 (Update)

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 14:01:47 +0000

The best Surface Pro accessory is now $100 off. Right now, you can pick up a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard for $249.99. That deal saves you quite a bit on the carbon-fiber-reinforced keyboard that can be used wirelessly or when attached to Microsoft's flagship 2-in-1. The current discount on the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard can also be combined with a Surface Pro 11 deal to get you the ultimate Surface Pro experience for under $1,000.

Surface Pro Flex Keyboard
Was: ~~$349.99~~
Now: $249.99 at Best Buy

"The short version of this review is that the new Surface Pro 11 and Flex Keyboard are an outstanding combination that dramatically improves the Surface Pro line—only the original Surface Pro and Surface Pro 4 rival it in terms of impact." — Daniel Rubino, Editor-in-chief

Windows Central review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅Perfect for: People who want the best Surface Pro experience, including having the option to use a keyboard when attached or detached.

❌Avoid if: You already have a Surface Pro keyboard you are happy with or if you are on a budget.

Battery: Up to 41 hours. Trackpad: Surface precision haptic touchpad. Backlit keys: ✅ Compatibility: Surface Pro 11, Surface Pro 10, Surface Pro 9, Surface Pro 8. Launch date: 2024

👉See at: Best Buy

💰Price check: $286.18 at Newegg

Is the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard worth it?

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard can be used wirelessly or when attached to a supported device. (Image credit: Windows Central)

In short, yes, the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is worth it. That's especially the case given the current discount on the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. The fact that the Surface Pro 11 is at its best price ever right now also helps. With both discounts live, you can get the Surface Pro 11 and a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard for under $1,000.

When Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 11, the company also unveiled the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. That accessory meets many of the demands set by Surface Pro owners over the years, including support for wireless connectivity. The keyboard also has a haptic touchpad, which is excellent. But are those additions worth the cost?

If you want the best Surface Pro 11 experience, you should grab a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. The option to detach the keyboard alone improves the 2-in-1 PC. For example, you can use the keyboard at an optimal angle while your Surface Pro 11 is off to the side or docked. You can also have the Surface Pro 11 elevated with a stand or arm while keeping the keyboard on your lap (though even the best Surface Pro keyboard is best used on a hard surface like a desk).

The haptic trackpad within the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard means the touchpad does not have moving parts, which helps with durability. The trackpad is also customizable, allowing you to customize settings such as how large the right-click area is or how much the trackpad "clicks."

Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino called the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard a "game changer" in our Surface Pro 11 review.

"The short version of this review is that the new Surface Pro 11 and Flex Keyboard are an outstanding combination that dramatically improves the Surface Pro line—only the original Surface Pro and Surface Pro 4 rival it in terms of impact," said Rubino.

I understand complaints that the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is too expensive. Similar criticism is pointed at the Surface Pro 11. But the current discounts on both drop the total price of the best Surface Pro experience considerably.

Surface Pro 11 | was ~~$999.99~~ now $749.99 at Best Buy

The Surface Pro 11 delivers exceptional performance and battery life, has a fantastic camera, and can be paired with the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.

Microsoft launches its first Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs with new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, and they're shockingly expensive

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 15:02:00 +0000

Microsoft is launching new Surface PCs today in the form of an updated Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, now powered by Intel Lunar Lake processors. These devices are the company's first Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, designed for business customers looking for the latest Surface hardware but with an x86 processor.

Surface Laptop 7 with Intel

Price: From $1,499.99
OS: Windows 11 Pro
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 / 7 (Series 2)
GPU: Intel Arc
NPU: Intel AI Boost 40 / 48 TOPS
RAM: 16GB/32GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
Display: 13.8-inch 2304x1536 or 15-inch 2496x1664 IPS 120Hz display (anti-reflective)
Battery: 54Whr (13.8) 66Whr (15)
Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G (coming later)
Ports: 2x USB4 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, microSD, 3.5mm audio jack
Size: 13: 301 x 220 x 17.5mm | 15: 329 x 239 x 18.29mm
Starting Weight: 13: 1.35kg (2.97 lbs) | 15: 1.66kg (3.65 lbs)

The new Intel-powered Surface PCs will exist alongside the current Snapdragon powered ones, but the Intel models will only be available via Microsoft's business storefront and commercial channels. These devices are aimed at commercial customers, which means you won't find them at retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.

Under the hood, the Intel Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 can be configured with Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 series 2 processors, along with 16GB or 32GB RAM, and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. These devices also include an NPU, with the Ultra 5 outputting 40 TOPS and the Ultra 7 outputting 48 TOPS. Both of these models are Copilot+ capable.

Externally, the Intel and Snapdragon devices are mostly the same, but there are some minor additions added to the Intel models. Both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 with Intel include an anti-reflective screen, which reduces glare and reflections. There's also a new card-reader variant of the Surface Laptop 7, and NFC built-into the Surface Pro 11.

Microsoft

Additionally, the Surface Laptop 7 is getting a 5G variant for the first time later this year. Up until now, it's only the Surface Pro that has ever been offered in a 5G configuration. Microsoft says it will share more about the 5G Surface Laptop in the coming months.

Surface Pro 11 with Intel

Price: From $1,499.99
OS: Windows 11 Pro
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 / 7 (Series 2)
GPU: Intel Arc
NPU: Intel AI Boost 40 / 48 TOPS
RAM: 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: 13 inches, 2880x1920 (2.8K), OLED or LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz, touch
Battery: 10 hours web browsing
Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G
Ports: Two USB4, Surface Connect, Nano-SIM
Size: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches (287mm x 208.6mm x 9.3mm)
Weight: 1.97 pounds (0.89kg); 2.75 pounds (1.24kg) with Flex Keyboard and Slim Pen

The Intel models are only available in Platinum and Black colorways, which means the fun color options are reserved for the Snapdragon variants. Prices also differ quite significantly between the Snapdragon and Intel models, with the business Snapdragon variants starting at just $1,099, and the Intel models starting at a much higher $1,499.

That means there's a $400 price gap between the entry-level Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Snapdragon, and the entry-level Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Intel. For that additional $400, you're getting anti-reflective screens, and native x86 compatibility.

This wave of new Surface hardware marks the second time that Microsoft has released commercial-focused hardware specifically for its business customers. The first devices were the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, which featured Intel Core Ultra series 1 chips in the older chassis design.

These updated for business models bring the newer chassis designs from the Snapdragon models to business customers who want Intel processors instead. If you liked the look of the Surface Laptop 7, but didn't want it with a Snapdragon processor, these new "for business" models are for you.

Microsoft is also launching a new Surface Dock, dubbed the "Surface USB4 Dock," not to be confused with the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock that launched last year. The new USB4 Dock is smaller with less ports, but costs just $199, which is $100 less than the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock.

Both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 with Intel are available for pre-order now with a starting price of $1,499. Both models are expected to begin shipping on February 18.

Microsoft is working on a smaller Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with Snapdragon X

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 17:01:38 +0000

Microsoft is gearing up to ship two new versions of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro that have smaller displays, designed to be lighter and more portable for people looking for a more travel-friendly PC. Both devices will be premium products, and feature display sizes roughly around 11- or 12-inches, my sources say.

I first reported on Microsoft’s smaller Surface Pro way back in December 2023, and last month I was able to confirm that the company was also working on a smaller Surface Laptop as well. I hear both devices are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

I understand that Microsoft intends to begin shipping these smaller Surface PCs in the April/May timeframe. The company is already expected to unveil new Surface for Business hardware on January 30, but I'm unsure if that's when the smaller devices will be announced, or if they'll be saved for a more consumer-facing event.

These smaller Surface devices are said to feature similar premium designs to their larger siblings. My sources say the smaller Surface Pro has been built as a direct competitor to the 11-inch iPad Pro, meaning it should have a high refresh rate display, support for pen input, and its own detachable keyboard accessory.

I believe the smaller Surface Laptop is likely to replace the Surface Laptop Go, and will include a backlit keyboard, higher resolution touchscreen, and an all-metal chassis like its larger Surface Laptop sibling. I’m unsure if the smaller Surface Pro is supposed to replace the cheaper Surface Go.

The Surface Laptop Go was small, but cut out too many features. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

I'm told that the new smaller variants will be powered by Snapdragon X/Plus SoCs, which should allow Microsoft to price these devices competitively in the $800-$900 price range while still delivering good performance and battery life. Both devices will be sold alongside the current Snapdragon-powered Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 lineup.

Microsoft is also planning to launch Intel Lunar Lake variants of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 next month, but these are expected to be for business customers only and just available in the larger existing screen size configurations. The Intel-powered Surface Laptop 7 will be configurable with 5G for the first time.

The company's current focus appears to be almost entirely on the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, its two most popular product lines. Microsoft will have refreshed both models three times within the span of 12 months this March, which is a crazy number of updates in such a short period of time.

My sources say the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 are also currently in development and will be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon X2 SoC, which is expected to debut later this year.

Microsoft officials declined to comment on these plans.

Microsoft confirms Surface announcement for later this month — teases 'major' news for business portfolio

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 22:44:52 +0000

Microsoft has confirmed in a LinkedIn post via the official Surface account that the company will share a major announcement from Surface for Business on January 30, during the company’s AI Tour event in New York City.

"Get Ready! Join us at the Microsoft AI Tour in NYC for a major announcement from Surface for Business. Mark your calendars and don't miss out" reads the LinkedIn post. A link to the Microsoft AI Tour website is also provided, but there's no mention of any Surface news coming on that page just yet.

I understand that Microsoft is planning to launch new Intel-powered variants of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 for business in the next couple of months, so perhaps that's what the company is planning to unveil here. Said devices will be powered by Intel Lunar Lake chips, making them the first Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs in the Surface portfolio.

Leaked photos of the Surface Laptop 7 with Intel appeared online last year, confirming the external design will remain identical to the existing Surface Laptop 7 with Snapdragon. I have heard that Microsoft will offer a 5G variant of the Surface Laptop 7 with Intel for the first time, but this likely won’t begin shipping until much later in the year.

The Surface Laptop with Intel Lunar Lake already leaked. (Image credit: Goofish)

Both the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 with Intel will be aimed at Microsoft’s commercial customers, just like the Surface Laptop 6 and Surface Pro 10. That means you won’t find them at retailers like Amazon or Best Buy, but you can still buy them directly from the Microsoft Store if you want one.

Since the departure of Panos Panay, Microsoft has openly separated commercial-focused hardware from its consumer offerings. In 2024, Microsoft held two Surface events in the span of just a few months, one for commercial hardware and the other for consumer hardware.

This may be the new normal for Surface. That said, the next big Surface Pro and Surface Laptop refresh for consumers likely won’t arrive until later this year or early 2026, when the next generation Snapdragon X2 processors are expected to be ready.

Exclusive report: What's next for Surface in 2025, including a possible mini Pro and Laptop

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:04:47 +0000

It’s been a very busy year for Surface, the first under new leadership with Pavan Davuluri at the helm. In March, Microsoft launched its first ever specialized commercial Surface PCs with the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors and anti-reflective screens.

Just a few short months later, the company unveiled its first ever Copilot+ PCs with the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, both headlining Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X SoCs along with updated designs and accessories. It's the first time we’ve seen Microsoft ship multiple generations of hardware in such a short time span.

This year was all about AI PCs, specifically Copilot+ AI PCs. The focus was on Microsoft’s hero devices to kickstart this new category of AI-powered Windows computers. I fully expect this trend to continue as we head into 2025 as Microsoft aligns more of the Surface portfolio under the Copilot+ umbrella.

The Surface Pro will get an Intel Lunar Lake processor. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

According to my sources, Microsoft is planning to ship new versions of the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, Surface Laptop Studio, and maybe even a new 11-inch Surface of some kind.

Up first are new versions of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, this time with Intel Lunar Lake chips powering things under the hood, joining the Snapdragon X versions already on the market. These devices are expected to ship as Microsoft’s first Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, something many Surface customers will have been waiting for.

The Surface Laptop with Intel Lunar Lake has already leaked, confirming that its design will remain identical to the existing Surface Laptop 7 with Snapdragon X. This is unsurprising given the Surface Laptop was only just refreshed with a new design, so I don’t expect to see another design update for at least a few years yet. The Surface Pro with Intel Lunar Lake will be a similar affair.

I think Microsoft will bring the anti-reflective coating from the Pro 10 and Laptop 6 to the new Intel Lunar Lake models, which was confusingly missing from the Laptop 7 and Pro 11. I also hear the Surface Laptop with Intel Lunar Lake will be configurable with a card reader, just like the Laptop 6. And for the first time, Microsoft may even offer a variant of Surface Laptop with 5G.

The Laptop Studio is also scheduled for a refresh. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

I’m also expecting Microsoft to bring Copilot+ capabilities to other members of the Surface portfolio, such as the Surface Laptop Studio. I'm unsure which chips will power this, it could be Intel or AMD, but for it to be classed as Copilot+ compatible it needs an NPU of 40+ TOPS. I don't expect too much to change in regard to design, but I did hear whispers that a 16-inch model was being considered.

I’ve also heard that Microsoft is working on a new Surface device with a display size of around 11 inches. ~~I'm not fully sure what form factor this will take—my sources have described it as a Surface Go-sized Laptop Go hybrid that uses premium materials and components.~~ UPDATED December 9: I believe this smaller device is a Surface Laptop, likely replacing the Surface Laptop Go. Sources say it will feature premium materials and components, and be powered by an Arm processor.

Lastly, I hear a new Surface Dock is on the way, but I have no idea what’s actually new with it at this time. Microsoft’s last Surface Dock dropped Surface Connect in favor of USB-C, so it will be interesting to see if that change sticks with the new one.

The timing for when all of these products will arrive is uncertain for now. I believe the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop will likely land in the first quarter of 2025, but the rest of the lineup could arrive from spring to fall.

As always, there may also be some surprises that we're yet to know about. We'll be sure to keep you updated if things change.

Before you drop $450 on the new Surface Pro Flex, check out the best deal I've ever seen on this keyboard and stylus bundle

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 19:38:17 +0000

Microsoft's most recent Surface Pro 11 is a Copilot+ PC that Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino calls "a stunning achievement by Microsoft and Qualcomm." The tablet PC, like its predecessors, is sold as a standalone product. In order to get the full experience — which allows you to use the Surface Pro like a notebook laptop — you'll no doubt want to pick up an attachable keyboard.

While there are some great third-party options, Microsoft's official Pro Signature Keyboard offers the best feel. It's the next best thing to the new Surface Pro Flex keyboard that was released alongside the Pro 11 (I get into that below), but it doesn't usually come cheap.

The Pro Signature Keyboard with a bundled Surface Slim Pen 2 was originally released at about $280, but it's now often available for around $200. The lowest price ever spotted at Amazon is $188, but the current clearance sale at Best Buy has far surpassed those discounts.

Black, Sapphire, Forest, and Platinum keyboard colors are on sale for $113 at Best Buy, which is $167 off the original price. Yes, that includes the Slim Pen 2, which usually sells for about $130 on its own.

Surface Pro Signature Keyboard & Slim Pen 2 | was ~~$280~~ now $113 at Best Buy

All four colors of the Pro Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 bundle are available for a clearance price at Best Buy. They have a glass touchpad, Alcantara fabric finish, and a pen cradle for safekeeping and charging. It works with the Surface Pro 8 and newer models, including the Surface Pro 11 Copilot+ PC.

✅Perfect for: Surface Pro 8, 9, X, 10, and 11 users who want to use their PC like a notebook laptop. It includes the latest Surface Slim Pen 2 for the best inking experience possible.

❌Avoid if: You'd rather have the Surface Pro Flex keyboard with wireless capabilities via Bluetooth, or you have an older Surface Pro model.

💰Price check: $198 at Amazon

❓Why Best Buy? Best Buy is one of the most trusted retailers for electronic products, with excellent customer support, a standard 15-day return window, and a price match guarantee. My Best Buy members (with a free tier available) get added perks including free 2-day shipping, extended 60-day return windows, exclusive discounts and promotions, superior customer support and discounted repairs, and more.

Seagate Xbox Series X|S Expansion Card (2TB) | was ~~$359.99~~ now $229.99 at Best Buy
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months) | was ~~$49.99~~ now $29.89 at CDKeys
ASUS ROG Ally (Z1) | was ~~$499.99~~ now $399.99 at Best Buy
HP Victus 15.6 Gaming Laptop (Ryzen 5, RTX 4050) | was ~~$979~~ now $599 at Walmart
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max + Xbox Wireless Controller + Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (1-month) | was ~~$119.98~~ now $82.85 at Amazon
Samsung Class QE1C QLED TV (85-inch) | was ~~$2,799.99~~ now $1,229.99 at Samsung
Razer DeathAdder V3 Wired Gaming Mouse | was ~~$69.99~~ now $50.99 at Best Buy
Razer Basilisk V3 Wired Gaming Mouse | was ~~$69.99~~ now $49.99 at Best Buy
Geekom A8 Mini PC (Ryzen 9) | was ~~$1,099.99~~ now $699.99 at Geekom w/ code WINDA8OFF
No Man's Sky | was ~~$59.99~~ now $18.19 at CDKeys (PC, Steam)

Why the Pro Signature keyboard makes more sense than the Pro Flex

The Surface Pro Signature keyboard with charging cradle for the Slim Pen 2. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Microsoft's new Pro Flex keyboard received a notable upgrade alongside the Surface Pro 11 announcement. It now has optional wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and a haptic touchpad, but the downside is that it costs about $450 when bundled with the Slim Pen 2. It works with Pro models back to the Surface Pro 8, but it's only available in Black and Sapphire colors.

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If you don't mind missing out on wireless connectivity and haptic pointing, you can now save a ton of money on the Pro Signature keyboard and Slim Pen 2 bundle. It's compatible with Surface Pro 8 through Surface Pro 11 models, and it's available in four colors to better suit your style.

It's the accessory that's easy to recommend to any modern Surface Pro owner even when it's not on sale. The keyboard's magnets offer quick and easy attachment to the Pro tablet, and there's a built-in cradle that holds the Slim Pen 2 in place while also charging wirelessly. The keyboard lacks a Copilot button, but you can remap the menu button to launch Copilot.

The keyboard is covered with Alcantara fabric that's both durable and comfortable, and you still get a Precision touchpad for easy pointing even though it's not haptic. The Surface Slim Pen 2 is an inking marvel, with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and an overall natural feel. It's ideal for creative types, but I still get a ton of use out of my active pen for browsing and taking notes.

Considering the Slim Pen 2 usually costs about $130 on its own, landing the Slim Pen 2 AND the Pro Signature keyboard for $113 at Best Buy's clearance sale is too good not to share. You don't want to miss this deal if you're looking to complete (or upgrade!) your Surface Pro setup.

Why should I buy from Best Buy?

Best Buy is one of our favorite retailers to recommend for any product because of the company's iron-clad reputation for trustworthy pricing, reliable customer support, and valuable perks for customers like standard 15-day return windows. Our in-depth My Best Buy membership FAQ also goes into why it's worth joining Best Buy's customer program, with tiers starting for free at Best Buy.

The first wave of Copilot+ PCs launches next week. Here's how to get a free 50-inch 4K TV with the new Snapdragon X laptops. (Update)

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 17:14:47 +0000

The Copilot+ PC preorder deal that gets you a free 50-inch TV appears to be over. You can still purchase a wide range of Copilot+ PCs through Best Buy, you just won't get a 50-inch TV for free.

Copilot+ PCs are about to ship, launching the PC world into the next generation of computing. Those PCs promise true all-day battery life, slim designs, and exclusive AI features you won't get on other Windows 11 PCs.

You can preorder Copilot+ PCs through a few select retailers, but Best Buy has the best bundles on the Snapdragon-powered laptops. My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members get a free 50-inch TV when purchasing select Copilot+ PCs. Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Samsung systems are part of the deal, so you have quite a few options to choose from.

All of the Copilot+ PCs listed below come with a 50-inch TV right now if you pay for a My Best Buy membership, but the exact model you get will depend on the laptop you buy. Samsung Copilot+ PCs come with a Samsung 50" Class DU7200 Series 4K ($379.99 value). Surface, HP, Lenovo, and Dell Copilot+ PCs come with an Insignia 50" Class F30 Series 4K UHD TV ($299.99 retail value, currently on sale for $229.99).

Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition | from $999.99 at Best Buy

Microsoft's new flagship 2-in-1 is here, ushering in a wave of Copilot+ PCs. The new Surface Pro has an OLED panel and Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X processors. Best Buy Plus members can get a free 50-inch TV when preordering a Surface Pro 11, plus the usual perks with a membership.View Deal

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13-inch) | from $999.99 at Best Buy

As the latest flagship laptop from Microsoft, the Surface Laptop 7 has a sleek design and is powered by a Snapdragon X processor. It promises long battery life and AI features exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.View Deal

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (15-inch) | From $999.99 at Best Buy

The larger sibling of the Surface Laptop 7 lineup has a 15-inch screen. It also runs on a Snapdragon X processor, meaning it can power AI features and general productivity.View Deal

HP OmniBook X | from $1,199.99 at Best Buy

HP changed its branding for its laptop lineup recently. The OmniBook X is tied for the title of "world's thinnest next-gen AI PCs with 26 hours battery life." That's a rather specific promise, but a good one for anyone who values a light PC that can last all day.View Deal

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x | from $1,199.99 at Best Buy

Marketed toward creators, the Lenovo Slim 7x features a 3K OLED display that reaches up to 1,000 nits of brightness. It also has a 70Whr battery, which should help the PC last a long time, especially when paired with the laptop's Snapdragon X Elite processor.View Deal

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge | from $1,449.99 at Best Buy

Available in either a 14-inch or 16-inch model, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is a thin-and-light laptop. Samsung says it built the PC from the ground up with AI in mind, meaning it should get the most of its Snapdragon X Elite chip. Both sizes of the laptop have AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and 120% DCI-P3 color reproduction.View Deal

Dell XPS 13 | from $1,499.99 at Best Buy

Dell refreshed its XPS 13 earlier this year with a design featuring a zero-lattice keyboard, large haptic trackpad, and edge-to-edge display. Now, the XPS 13 also has an option with a Snapdragon X processor inside.

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus | from $1,099.99 at Best Buy

This 14-inch laptop has a Snapdragon X processor, a 16:10 screen, and supports Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. For physical connectivity, it has two USB-C 4.0 Gen 3 ports (with DP/PowerDelivery), a USB-A port 3.2 Gen 1 port, and a microSD card reader.View Deal

Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 is part of the first wave of Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X processors inside. (Image credit: Future)

Microsoft kicked off the Copilot+ PC era by announcing the platform and its Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 recently. Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Samsung followed suit quickly. Copilot+ PCs feature Neural Processing Units (NPUs) that specialize in AI tasks such as live captions, Auto Super Resolution, and Advanced Windows Studio Effects.

The first wave of Copilot+ PCs all run on Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors. Both the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus have more than 40 TOPS (Tera Operations per Second) of power, which is key for using AI locally. Even if you don't plan to use AI features, the Snapdragon X chips are a big deal. The Arm chips promise true all-day battery life and better efficiency than competing processors.

Copilot+ PCs are part of what our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino dubbed the "Great Reset" in the Windows PC industry. That reset occurred when several factors converged, including the new chips from Qualcomm, Microsoft optimizing Windows 11 for Arm, and the spike in demand for generative AI.

The Copilot+ PC lineup will eventually include devices other than laptops, but laptops are the first type of Copilot+ PC to launch. The new Copilot+ PC laptops start shipping on June 18, 2024.

Best Buy Plus membership

(Image credit: Windows Central)

If you grab a My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total membership, you'll get a free TV when you purchase a Copilot+ PC (for a limited time). But there are other benefits of paying for a My Best Buy membership.

READ: My Best Buy memberships explained

My Best Buy Plus members get free two-day shipping, exclusive member prices, early access to certain deals and products, and an extended 60-day return window. My Best Buy Total members get all of those perks plus protection plans, 24/7 tech support, VIP member support, and 20% off repairs. A My Best Buy Total membership costs $179.99 per year, while a My Best Buy Plus membership costs $49.99 per year.

Even if you don't pay for a membership, it's worth signing up as a My Best Buy member by creating an account. Doing so will get you free standard shipping.

You don't need to spend $350 to get a Surface Pro 11 keyboard

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 29 May 2024 11:48:31 +0000

When Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro 11, the tech giant showed off a flagship 2-in-1 with a Snapdragon X processor and an OLED display. But it wasn't just the tablet portion of the Surface Pro 11 that got an upgrade, Microsoft announced the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard alongside the convertible. While that accessory is impressive, it also costs $349.99 on its own (449.98 with a Slim Pen).

Luckily, it is not the only option for a Surface Pro 11 keyboard. The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard is a more budget friendly option any day of the week, and it's also on sale right now for $30 off if you opt for the Forest Green or Poppy Red colors. Even if you go for a color that's not on sale, it will cost much less than a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.

Surface Pro Signature Keyboard | was ~~$179.99~~ now $149.99 at Best Buy

This keyboard is a must-have accessory for the Surface Pro. It's compatible with devices as old as the Surface Pro 8, but it is perhaps most notable for working with the newer Surface Pro 11. It serves as a more budget friendly option while still having a slot for a Slim Pen (sold separately).

Right now, the Forest Green and Poppy Red versions of the keyboard are on sale.View Deal

First introduced with the Surface Pro 8, the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard has been the premium keyboard accessory for the Surface Pro lineup for years. It provides an excellent typing experience, is available in several colors, and has an Alcantara finish. That finish is a bit of what people in the UK would call a "marmite situation," meaning you love it or hate it. Alcantara certainly feels different than the rubbery texture of cheaper Surface keyboards or the metal keyboard base of many laptops.

Assuming you like the Alcantara finish of the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, the accessory is an excellent add-on to the Surface Pro 11 or older supported models. It lets you convert your Surface Pro into a laptop and even has a slot for the Surface Slim Pen (sold separately).

Honestly, I can't imagine having a Surface Pro without a keyboard. Many complain that the keyboard is not included in the box. But since the keyboard is not included when you buy a Surface Pro, you can choose a keyboard that fits your budget or preference.

Surface Pro Signature Keyboard vs Surface Pro Flex Keyboard

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard can be used wirelessly and is more durable than more affordable options. (Image credit: Windows Central)

So, you may be asking "what makes the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard worth $349.99?" The keyboard is expensive, but the additional cost brings several improvements and more functionality. The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard can connect to the Surface Pro 11 wirelessly or when connected physically. That makes it a much more versatile accessory than a keyboard that needs to be attached.

Microsoft also reinforced the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with extra layers of carbon fiber for durability. The trackpad of the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is a haptic trackpad powered by Sensel tech.

While it doesn't relate to cost directly, the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard comes in colors that align with the Surface Pro 11. If you've preordered a Surface Pro 11 in blue or dune, you may want to get a keyboard that color matches. I wouldn't recommend spending an extra $200 just to match your PC and keyboard colors, but it's a factor to consider.

If the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard performs as expected when put through real-world testing, it will be a solid option for Surface Pro owners. But even if the keyboard is as nice as it looks, a $349.99 price tag will be a non-starter for many. That makes the discount on the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard an even better option.

Surface Pro 11 could have emptied my wallet to be my new Copilot+ PC if Microsoft hadn't missed one crucial launch option

ben.wilson@windowscentral.com (Ben Wilson) — Mon, 27 May 2024 12:00:01 +0000

I've been using Windows for as long as I can remember, at least since my parents bought a Windows 3.1 PC when I'd fumble around in Minesweeper and Solitaire. Decades later, I still love the operating system, despite rarely using most of its features. I format my internal storage at least once every six months to enjoy that 'fresh install' feeling without a cluttered downloads folder, keeping my most precious files backed up to the cloud via OneDrive. It's not that Windows 11 is missing anything for me, but I don't invest more time into my virtual environment any more than I have to.

My mostly shallow use of modern Windows goes beyond software habits, too. Every time I've migrated to a new PC, they've always been custom-built desktops with all parts bought on an aggressive budget. Windows is a vessel that gets me to Microsoft Edge to browse the web or to Steam to play PC games. Anything that happens outside of that is just consequential, and I haven't felt like I often "experienced" modern Windows in years. That was the case until I picked up a previously loved Surface Pro X to see what Windows on Arm is all about, and now my perspective on what Windows PCs can be has changed.

What matters most to me in a new PC?

5G connectivity with a physical SIM or eSIM is the most secure way to work on the go. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)

So, now I have a personal investment in portable Windows, which specs are most important to me? The first is an OLED screen, which might seem obvious to those familiar with the technology or excessive to those who aren't. It was time spent during my ASUS Zenbook Duo (2024) UX8406 laptop review that finally sold me on OLED as a necessity as the range of brightness (especially apparent at the low end during dark evenings) and ultra-deep contrast completely crushes traditional LCDs.

Next up is size. I'd often dismissed anything outside of a 15.6-inch laptop chassis as too big and clunky or too small and underpowered to get the job done. A relatively recent uptick in 14-inch ultrabooks changed my mind, with ultra-competent gaming laptops like Razer's Blade 14 Mercury Edition and Lenovo's ever-excellent Slim 7i still evolving with Snapdragon X Elite chips sealing the deal. Touchscreens have grown on me, too. Not as a replacement for trackpads but as sheer convenience once I've overcome the fear of covering a gorgeous OLED panel with fingerprints.

Finally, it's 5G. Yes, it's the ignored stepchild of modern computing. Most consumers won't care about mobile connectivity unless they're frequent travelers, and even then, they might assume it's okay to connect to whatever Wi-Fi networks you can find (it's not) or that tethering to a 5G-compatible smartphone is equally convenient (it's not.) The advantages of 5G computing, whether via eSIMs or physical SIM cards, are self-explanatory the moment you try it. If you leave the house with a laptop, the experience is far better with self-sufficient mobile data.

The cash-saving shortcuts to my next laptop

Upgrading the SSD inside a Surface Pro has never been particularly difficult. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)

An exciting wave of new Copilot+ AI PCs powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors already had me opening my wallet and frantically checking my savings to see how much cash I was willing to part with. To check all of the boxes in my list of preferences, the obvious choice for a portable Windows device no larger than 14 inches, boasting an OLED screen and 5G compatibility, would be the brand-new Microsoft Surface 11th Edition. It's not cheap, starting at $1,499.99 for an X Elite variant with an OLED panel, but I had a tricky scheme up my sleeve.

Inspired by the "Steam Deck" method (self-titled) of buying the cheapest model with the smallest amount of storage and manually upgrading the internal solid-state drive (SSD.) Microsoft charges a $200 premium to upgrade from 512GB to 1TB, but a $79.99 Corsair-branded 1TB M.2-2230 drive is fine and far cheaper. However, Microsoft stamps out my dreams by delaying options with 5G to "later in 2024." So close, you almost had my money before my conscience kicked in.

And that's it. None of the other Copilot+ AI PCs that I would otherwise consider, like a Dell XPS or Lenovo Yoga/Slim, offer 5G connectivity (yet). Intel's Lunar Lake chips are just around the corner, too, promising the same 45 TOPS NPU performance as Snapdragon X alongside an earnest effort to match or beat battery life in an expanded range of Copilot+ devices. So, as it stands, my "dream" Windows PC doesn't quite exist yet, but it's close. Extremely close.

Microsoft Surface shifted my perspective

A second-hand Surface Pro X was a bargain entry-point into Windows on Arm. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)

Working as Channel Editor for Windows Central allows me more fantastic opportunities with cutting-edge technology than I could count, and it's helped me refine what matters most to me and other budget-conscious buyers (see: cheapskates). Dipping my toes into the dizzying heights of NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4090 graphics and AMD Ryzen X3D desktop processors had the opposite effect of what I expected: I didn't crave any of this stuff. Not really. Once the novelty wears off, it feels like excessive spending. So, what do I care about in a PC if not the absolute top-end of what's available?

Previously, I'd never desired laptops outside of necessity. If I'm at home most of the time, why would I want a portable device when I could have a fully-fledged tower loaded with RGB fans and other extravagant nonsense? Indeed, the idea of a professional tech head using a laptop as their driver who only leaves the house to buy coffee or to take an expenses-paid business trip with free coffee seems farfetched and perhaps pointless. Then again, I've primarily been ignorant of the benefits of a Windows portable PC because I didn't know about them until I tried.

It started with my retrospective journey into the somewhat shaky origins of Windows on Arm, which led to untapped excitement for the future of first-party Microsoft hardware. Now, I'm learning why many people crave ultrabooks with lofty promises of all-day battery life and featherweight construction. Lazing on the sofa with an egregiously long YouTube documentary explaining the lore of a video game nobody cares about and still being able to switch to a comprehensive suite of Windows apps with more than enough power to stay away from my desk for the rest of the day, I get the appeal. Surface Pro is awesome. I just need 5G in the 11th Edition.

Hands-on with Windows 11's new AI Recall, Cocreator, and Studio Effects for Copilot+ PCs!

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Thu, 23 May 2024 15:28:30 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft introduced Copilot+ PCs to the world this week.
Copilot+ PCs support several AI features, such as Recall, Auto Super Resolution, and Advanced Windows Studio Effects.
Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden went hands on with the new AI features and shared a video of the features in action on a Surface Laptop 7.

A new era of Windows computing is here, at least if you ask Microsoft. The tech giant announced its Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 this week. In addition to being the latest flagship pieces of hardware from Microsoft, those devices serve as examples to customers and manufacturers of what a Copilot+ PC can be.

Microsoft introduced the Copilot+ PC term this week as well. Copilot+ PCs support several AI features, run on processors optimized for AI, and meet certain minimum requirements, such as having 16GB of RAM. Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, and Samsung have all announced Copilot+ PCs. Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden got to go hands on with the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7. He also spent some extra time with the Surface Laptop 7 using the new AI features exclusive to Copilot+ PCs.

Recall is arguably the biggest feature exclusive to Copilot+ PCs. The feature takes snapshots of everything you do on your PC. You can then scroll back to or search for something you were working on in the past. While the feature has drawn questions about privacy (Recall runs locally and can be disabled), it is extremely powerful.

Cocreator is a feature in Paint that creates images with AI based on what you create within the app. Bowden showcases the feature by making an image of a house "with" Cocreator.

Windows Studio Effects may be a fan-favorite feature for Copilot+ PCs. The effects integrate directly with the camera, so you can use the AI filters and features in any app that uses a camera.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition | From $999.99 at Best Buy

Microsoft's new flagship 2-in-1 is here, and it ushers in a wave of Copilot+ PCs. The new Surface Pro is available with an OLED panel and Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X processors.View Deal

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition | From 999.99 at Best Buy

The new Surface Laptop is a more traditional PC with a clamshell design. It is also one of the first Copilot+ PCs featuring a Snapdragon X processor and the latest AI features in Windows. The Surface Laptop 7th Edition is available in two sizes: 13.8-inch or 15-inch.View Deal

When will Copilot+ PC features ship to Windows 11?

- I want a Windows 11 on Arm version of a Mac Mini
- What is a Copilot+ PC?
- Can Snapdragon X Elite PCs run games?
- Hands-on with Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7
- Check out every Copilot+ PC

Windows 11 version 24H2 is a unique release of Windows in that it has OS features specific to certain types of PCs. The update will be rather large for all computers that upgrade to it, but Copilot+ PCs will get all the benefits of Windows 11 24H2, including support for Recall, Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, and Cocreator.

Windows 11 version 24H2 isn't expected to ship until this fall, but many Copilot+ PCs will start shipping with Windows 11 version 24H2 in June.

You can already upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 as a Windows Insider, since the update recently began rolling out to the Release Preview Channel. Of course, you won't be able to use the features exclusive to Copilot+ PCs yet since the first Copilot+ PC ships on June 18, 2024.

Want to get your hands on a Surface Pro 11 or Surface Laptop 7 as soon as possible? We have the preorder page for you.

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Wed, 22 May 2024 18:28:27 +0000

Microsoft unveiled its latest Surface Pro and Surface Laptop this week. Both devices are among the first wave of Copilot+ PCs that will hit the market, promising long battery life and AI integration and features like we've never seen before on Windows 11. The Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 don't launch until June18, 2024, but you can preorder them now.

Few retailers have preorders available for the new Surface devices, and Antonline is one of them. You can order the Surface Pro 11 starting at $999.99 or the Surface Laptop 7, which also starts at $999.99.

Before you order: There appears to be a mistake on the listings for the Surface Pro. The Surface Pro with a Snapdragon X Plus processor has an LCD screen, not an LED screen as listed. To get the OLED panel on the Surface Pro 11 you need to get one with a Snapdragon X Elite processor.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition | From $999.99 at Antonline

Microsoft's new flagship 2-in-1 is here, and it ushers in a wave of Copilot+ PCs. The new Surface Pro is available with an OLED panel and Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X processors.View Deal

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition | From 999.99 at Antonline

- I really want a Windows Mac Mini running on Arm
- Get a Surface Pro 11 or Surface Laptop 7 and a Free TV
- Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 10 for Business
- Hands-on with new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop
- Every Copilot+ PC announced this week

The Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 are available with either a Snapdragon X Elite or a Snapdragon X Plus processor. Those newly announced chips promise long battery life, impressive performance, and are optimized for AI.

The Surface Pro 11 is Microsoft's latest flagship convertible PC. It has an option for an OLED display, which shows deeper blacks and better color contrast than an LCD panel, which is a first among Surface PCs. The screen looks stunning in person but if you prefer a more affordable option, there are models with an LCD screen. The Surface Pro 11 has a new keyboard option as well, but you have to buy the impressive (and expensive) Surface Pro Flex Keyboard separately.

The Surface Laptop 7 has a refined design compared to its predecessor. The bezels of the Surface Laptop 7 are much thinner than those seen on previous models. Like its convertible sibling, the Surface Laptop 7 is a Copilot+ PC that supports AI features.

Two sizes of the Surface Laptop 7 are available. You can order a 13.8-inch version of the PC or opt for the larger 15-inch model.

What is a Copilot+ PC?

When Microsoft announced its new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, the company also shared the term "Copilot+ PC" for the first time. That term refers to a specific type of AI PC that has exclusive features you won't see on systems without the designation.

Because of the Snapdragon X processors that they run on, Copilot+ PCs are optimized for AI. These PCs support the new Recall feature that lets you scroll back or search for past moments on your device. They also allow you to use Live Caption translations, Auto Super Resolution, and Advanced Windows Studio Effects.

Microsoft uses the term "Copilot" in several products and services, so it's easy to mix up the various Copilots available. Copilot+ is not the same as Copilot Pro or any specific Copilot in an app. Instead, it's a broader PC classification that lets buyers know that the computer they purchase supports specific AI features.

Copilot+ PCs launch on June 18, 2024. The Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 are among those first Copilot+ PCs, but there are other devices from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung.

I've got 18 laptops in my office, and I'm still tempted by the Surface Pro 11 with OLED and Snapdragon X

zachary.boddy@futurenet.com (Zachary Boddy) — Wed, 22 May 2024 14:00:01 +0000

Microsoft hasn't convinced me to consider a Surface PC since the beginning of 2020, when I purchased the first-generation Surface Pro X and used it to establish my career as a journalist. I absolutely loved the design and form factor of the Surface Pro X, but I ultimately resigned it to its box because it simply didn't have enough power, and Microsoft at the time seemed content to let Windows on ARM languish in the background.

That all changed this week. Finally, Windows on ARM doesn't feel like an afterthought, and Surface PCs actually feel exciting again. During a dedicated Surface and AI event, Microsoft kicked off a new generation of Windows PC, one that puts ARM chips and AI at the forefront. The Surface Pro 11 is among the first wave of these new "Copilot+ Windows PCs," and it's everything I've wanted from a Surface Pro for years.

Now, I find myself configuring my own Surface Pro 11 and hovering over the "Add to cart" button, wondering if I can justify purchasing a premium laptop when I literally have 18 (yes, I counted) individual laptops in my office right now. The nature of my job means I always have laptops around to review and test, so why am I tempted?

The Pro X, and the fall of Surface

Years later, and the Surface Pro X is still the best-looking Surface ever made. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)

When the Surface Pro X was revealed in Oct. 2019, I was blown away by it. At the time, I was using a Surface Pro 4, a device that was rapidly showing its age thanks to its underpowered Intel Core m3 processor. The Pro X was exactly what I wanted from a new PC — a gorgeous and slick design, a larger and better display, cellular connectivity, an upgraded and stowable pen, and actually okay battery life.

It was Microsoft's first major attempt to make a Windows on ARM that was functionally identical to the Windows everyone wanted to use, and it was powered by a special version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen1. Microsoft made a lot of promises about how the Surface Pro X could run almost any app or program through emulation while Microsoft worked to bring developers over to ARM, but that didn't really pan out.

What matters is that I bought a Surface Pro X the moment I could afford one, and that PC built the career I'm so proud to have today. I trusted that tablet with all of my work, and it delivered... Mostly. Unfortunately, Qualcomm's earlier ARM chipsets for Windows were woefully underpowered, even after several generations, and they failed to meaningfully shift developers away from traditional Intel and AMD x86 systems. It also felt like Microsoft let Windows on ARM languish, with Windows 10 having a myriad of compatibility issues that were never really fixed.

The Surface Pro 8 adopted the Pro X's design, but less sleek, with more heat and less battery life. (Image credit: Future)

Eventually, I had no choice but to let my Surface Pro X go, and at that point I had zero interest in purchasing a new Surface. Microsoft's premium hardware division was once known for innovating in form factors and features, but the Surface Pro X felt like one of the company's last attempts at making anything unique. After the Surface Pro X line was killed in favor of the thicker, heavier, and shorter lasting Surface Pro, it seemed like Surface became nothing more than a never-ending series of iterative updates.

Then, Qualcomm revealed its Snapdragon X series, a new generation of ARM chips designed for Windows devices that scarcely held any resemblance to the prior generation. The Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite were properly powerful, built from the ground up for large form factor devices with performance, efficiency, and advanced AI capabilities in mind. Suddenly, the energy surrounding Windows on ARM shifted in a big way.

Microsoft went from almost total silence on the platform to building brand-new flagship Surface devices to showcase the new chips. The manufacturers that had previously barely experimented with ARM devices like Dell, Lenovo, and HP came fully on board with an entire lineup of brand-new hardware. Microsoft even rebuilt Windows 11 with AI in mind, baking features into the operating system that can only work (for now) on these Qualcomm chips. Suddenly, Windows on ARM was everything.

And, finally, the Surface Pro got the last few upgrades I've long wished for.

The privilege of having too many choices

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) continues to be one of my favorite laptops ever. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

When I finally retired my Surface Pro X, it was because I began doing hardware reviews for Windows Central. From that point on, I had a constant line of new laptops show up at my door, a rotating catalog of devices I could review and test while also working. Some manufacturers also don't immediately ask for the laptops back after a review, so I can continue testing and comparing that laptop to competitors for a while.

Right now, I have 18 separate laptops in my office, and almost all of them are capable enough for me to do my job (except for PC gaming, a lot of the time). It is 100% one of the privileges of my job that I have so many choices, and it also means that I didn't have need to buy a new laptop in addition to the Surface lineup becoming predictable and boring. However, when the Surface Pro 11 was exclusively leaked by Windows Central, my feelings began to shift.

The Sapphire Blue Surface Pro 11 looks so nice, and I love the new keyboard. (Image credit: Microsoft)

A flagship Surface tablet with a powerful, efficient, and modern ARM chip? A vibrant and responsive OLED display? The possibility of a haptic touchpad (that part wasn't confirmed in our exclusive, but it's real)? These were the last few upgrades that I believed would perfect the Surface Pro form factor, and they were arriving alongside a massive wave of support behind Windows on ARM and Windows 11 AI features like Copilot.

Then the Surface Pro 11 was unveiled, and it was even better than I had hoped. The display looks magnificent, the Snapdragon X series chips continue to impress in every test and demo, the gorgeous sapphire blue colorway is returning, and even the Type Cover got a major upgrade through the wireless, haptic Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. 5G connectivity is also coming down the line, and the pricing for the new Surface Pro is honestly lower than I expected.

All of the Windows PCs in my office suddenly feel boring.

Considering a Surface as my primary PC again

Buy it or not, I fully plan to demo the new Surface Pro 11 at my local Best Buy as soon as I can. (Image credit: Future)

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The Surface Pro X was nearly perfect, and even years later, it can still serve as an effective showcase of the potential of Windows on ARM. Unfortunately, both Qualcomm and Microsoft failed to continue that momentum, and I began to lose hope we'd ever see significant progression in the space. I am glad to be proven wrong, because a few years later, and it's obvious Microsoft and Qualcomm weren't giving up — they were working diligently behind the scenes to make Windows on ARM not just viable, but actively better than the Windows PCs you can buy right now.

Now, despite having so many laptops in my office, I'm considering the Surface Pro 11. It doesn't help that Best Buy is making the Surface Pro 11 extra tempting with an exclusive promotion. Only two things have made me hesitate: the fact that 32GB of RAM is exclusive to the platinum colorway (I desperately need that blue), and that 5G options aren't coming until later this year. If those obstacles were removed, I don't think I'd be able to resist pulling the trigger and shooting my wallet where it hurts.

When reviews for the Surface Pro 11 drop, the findings in them may sway me one way or the other. Right now, I'm barely managing to hold off because I'm cursed with the ability to spend money I don't have (credit cards are a bane), and I keep reminding myself that I genuinely don't need a new laptop. Of course, you don't have to wait. You can preorder the Surface Pro 11 now from $999.99 at Best Buy.

Surface Pro 11 — From $999.99 at Best Buy

The Surface Pro 11 seems to perfect the form factor with new powerful and efficient ARM chips, an upgraded AI-powered Windows 11, and a gorgeous OLED display. It's hard to resist pulling the trigger when I genuinely don't need a new laptop.

Also see: Surface Pro Flex Keyboard for $349.99 at Best BuyView Deal

Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 10 for Business: ARM or Intel for your next 2-in-1?

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Wed, 22 May 2024 11:08:51 +0000

Microsoft Surface Pro 11

The Surface Pro 11 is a Copilot+ PC capable of handling the new Windows AI features, and it starts at a more affordable price compared to the Pro 10 for Business. It runs on efficient and powerful Snapdragon X chips, it has an optional OLED touch display, and it comes in a couple of new colors beyond Black and Platinum. It's the right choice for most people, and you can preorder it now.

Pros

Qualcomm X series chips are powerful and efficient
Optional OLED display is gorgeous
Same great 2-in-1 design with new colors
Starts at a cheaper price

Cons

No Thunderbolt 4 (USB4 instead)
Some apps still require emulation for ARM64

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 for Business

The Surface Pro 10 for Business has the same stellar design as the Pro 11, and it runs on Intel's Core Ultra CPUs. It lacks an OLED display option and doesn't have an NPU powerful enough to hit the Copilot+ benchmark, but it remains a solid option for professionals who want Windows 11 Pro installed from the factory.

Pros

Comes with Windows 11 Pro for business users
Same outstanding design
Intel Core Ultra chips are still good

Cons

No OLED display option
Starts at a higher price
Fewer color options

Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 11 as the world's first Copilot+ PC on May 20. It's a 2-in-1 Windows on ARM laptop built around Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series chips, featuring an OLED touch display, impressive battery life, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) powerful enough to get access to Windows 11's advanced AI features.

The Surface Pro 10 for Business has been on the market for a few months, and it remains a great 2-in-1 for those who prefer Intel Core Ultra processors (CPU). The NPU inside isn't powerful enough to get access to Copilot+ features, but that won't matter for users who aren't particularly interested in local AI.

The Surface Pro 11 represents a massive shift in the Windows PC world, with Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino calling the combination of ARM64 and AI a "Great Reset" unlike anything else in the last 30 years.

Let's take a look at the similarities and differences between the ARM-based Surface Pro 11 and the Intel-based Surface Pro 10 for Business to ensure you make the right decision with your next laptop purchase.

How do the Pro 11 and Pro 10 for Business specs compare?

Before we get too far into the detailed comparison between these premium 2-in-1 PCs, it's worth taking a look at the raw specs.

	Surface Pro 11	Surface Pro 10 for Business
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100), Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64-100)	Intel Core Ultra 5 135U, Core Ultra 7 165U, vPro
RAM	16GB, 32GB LPDDR5x	8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB LPDDR5x
GPU	Qualcomm Adreno (integrated)	Intel Graphics (integrated)
NPU	Qualcomm Hexagon (45 TOPS)	Intel AI Boost (10 TOPS)
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (upgradeable)	256GB, 512GB, 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (upgradeable)
Camera	Front-facing 1440p + IR, rear-facing 10MP	Front-facing 1440p + IR, rear-facing 10.5MP
Speakers	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos	Dual 2W speakers, Dolby Atmos
Display	13 inches, 2880x1920 (2.8K), OLED or LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz, touch	13 inches, 2880x1920 (2.8K), LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz, touch
Ports	Two USB4, Surface Connect, Nano-SIM	Two Thunderbolt 4, Surface Connect
Wireless	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G (optional)	Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 5G (optional)
Battery	OLED: 53Wh, LCD: 48Wh	48Wh
Dimensions	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches (287mm x 208.6mm x 9.3mm)	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches (287mm x 208.6mm x 9.3mm)
Weight	1.97 pounds (0.89kg)	1.94 pounds (0.88kg)
Price	From $1,000	From $1,200

What's the price difference: Pro 11 vs Pro 10 for Business?

The Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus Systems-on-Chip (SoC) is now available to buy. Models with an X Plus chip, LCD display, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of solid-state drive (SSD) storage start at about $1,000.

Bumping up to an OLED display and Snapdragon X Elite chip with 16GB of RAM and 512GB costs about $1,500, and a model with twice as much RAM and storage again jumps up to about $2,100.

These prices do not include the new wireless Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, which costs $350 on its own or about $450 when you add a Slim Pen 2. Of course, you don't need to buy the latest wireless version of the Surface keyboard for use with your Pro 11. Options start as low as about $140 for the standard Surface Pro keyboard.

The Surface Pro 10 for Business is available on the business side of Microsoft's store; prices start at about $1,200 for a model with an LCD display, Intel Core Ultra 5 135U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.

To compare with the highest config of the Pro 11, a Surface Pro 10 with LCD display, Core Ultra 7 165U CPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD costs about $2,400. That's $300 more than the Pro 11, and that's without an OLED display.

The Surface Pro 10 for Business does not come with a keyboard, either, so you're looking at adding at least about $140 to the cost of the PC.

How do the design, keyboard, and features compare?

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Microsoft didn't really make any changes to the design of the Surface Pro 11 compared to the Pro 10 for Business and Pro 9. It's still a compact, premium 2-in-1 PC with venting around the edges, a folding stand built into the back, and dual cameras.

If you're approaching these two laptops from a physical design standpoint, there's really not much to discuss. They have the same dimensions, and the Pro 11 weighs 1.97 pounds (0.89kg) compared to the Pro 10's 1.94 pounds (0.88kg).

Both the Pro 11 and Pro 10 for Business have dual 2W speakers with Dolby Atmos, front- and rear-facing cameras with similar resolutions — Microsoft lists the Pro 11 with a 10MP rear camera and the Pro 10 at 10.5MP — and a similar selection of ports. When set to a 4:3 aspect ratio, the Pro 11's front camera hits 12.2MP (falling back to 8.3MP at 16:9).

While both PCs feature dual USB-C, the Pro 11 sticks with USB4 instead of Thunderbolt due to it being an Intel technology. The Pro 10 for Business, which runs on Intel, has Thunderbolt 4. It's worth pointing out that both 2-in-1s should work well with some of the best Thunderbolt docks and hubs on the market. You also get a proprietary Surface Connect hookup on both PCs.

Both the Pro 11 and Pro 10 are expected to receive optional 5G connectivity later in 2024. For the time being, you get Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 in the Pro 11, with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 in the Pro 10.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

One of the most notable changes announced alongside the Pro 11 is the new Surface Pro Flex keyboard. It takes the detachable Pro keyboard we love and adds Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in battery to allow use when disconnected physically from the PC.

Microsoft has reinforced the new keyboard with carbon fiber to provide extra stability, and it has leaned into Sensel's haptic technology for an overhauled pointing experience. There's also a slot for the Surface Slim Pen 2 above the keys.

The new Pro Flex keyboard is available in Sapphire and Black colors; the Pro 11 PC is also available in those two colors but also adds Dune and Platinum. The Pro 10 for Business comes in just Platinum and Black.

Is the Surface Pro 11's OLED display better than the Pro 10's?

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro 11's OLED display is undoubtedly a huge attraction for many users. It's a feature that a lot of us have been hoping for, and it's now an option in the ARM-based models. Microsoft still offers the more budget-friendly LCD display in the Pro 11 and Pro 10 for Business.

The new OLED display option shares a lot of similarities with its LCD counterpart. It measures 13 inches, it has a 2880x1920 (2.8K) resolution with 267 pixels per inch, a boxy 3:2 aspect ratio, and a dynamic refresh rate of up to 120Hz. However, thanks to the OLED technology, contrast is miles beyond what LCD can offer. If you want the best-looking display for your 2-in-1, the Pro 11 is the easy choice.

In Daniel Rubino's Surface Pro 11 review, testing revealed 100% sRGB, 88% AdobeRGB, and 96% DCI-P3 color, with brightness at about 550 nits with SDR. With HDR, however, it climbs to about 900 nits. This "makes movies and compatible video games pop with extreme brightness," according to Rubino.

A lot of people are no doubt wondering if the $500 bump in price for the OLED display is worth it. Considering the OLED display configurations also swap the SoC to the more powerful Snapdragon X Elite and double the storage up to 512GB, the price difference isn't nearly as drastic as it first seems.

Both 2-in-1 PCs offer a high-end inking experience, but you will have to buy a pen separately for both models.

Which has better performance and battery life: the ARM Pro 11 or Intel Pro 10?

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 has an accessible SSD for upgrades. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro 11 is one of the first Surface devices to include Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips. Revealed alongside the Surface Laptop 7, the Pro 11 is a Copilot+ PC that promises to deliver strong performance and long battery life.

The Surface Pro 11 uses the Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100) SoC. That's the mid-range X Elite chip with 12 cores, a 3.4GHz frequency, a 4.0GHz dual-core boost, an Adreno GPU with 3.8 TFLOPs, and a Hexagon NPU with 45 TOPS of power.

Microsoft also offers a Snapdragon X Plus chip for the more affordable configs. The X Plus has 10 cores, a 3.4GHz frequency, no dual-core boost, an Adreno GPU with 3.8 TFLOPs, and an NPU with 45 TOPS. The Surface Pro 11 comes with either 16GB (the minimum for Copilot+ PCs) or 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage.

We tested the X Elite chip in our review, and the results were unsurprising. It leaves Intel's Core Ultra hardware in the rearview when it comes to raw power, and its efficiency is also impressive. There's hardly a difference in performance when running on DC power, which can't be said for Intel systems. Check out the results from our review below.

For a more sustained and prolonged benchmark Cinebench 2024 (ARM64, x86) shows that Surface Pro 11 is quite competitive.Future

While not the fastest PC the Surface Pro 11 does well on Geekbench v6.2.Future

Looking at just ARM64 Windows PCs we can see where Surface Pro 11 compares to previous and current laptops.Future

Surface Pro 11 AC (plugged in) vs DC (battery) when set on max performance results in barely any differences.Daniel Rubino

On the Pro 10 for Business side, Microsoft uses Intel's Core Ultra 5 135U and Core Ultra 7 165U CPUs. These chips also have an NPU for AI acceleration, though they're capped at about 10 TOPS and don't make the cut for Copilot+. You can get anywhere between 8GB and 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM in the Pro 10, as well as up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. Storage in both PCs is upgradeable after purchase.

Rubino saw an average of about 11 hours and 7 minutes of runtime from the Pro 11, and that's in real-world use. This is an all-day machine with excellent standby, using less than 2% battery overnight. We weren't able to test the Pro 10 for Business and its similar battery capacity, but don't expect the same runtime.

Microsoft's Copilot+ event on May 20, 2024. (Image credit: Windows Central)

ARM64 Windows PCs like the Surface Pro 11 require an emulation layer to run apps built for the x86-64 architecture used by Intel and AMD. While many apps are now compiled to run natively on Windows on ARM — now including Adobe Premier Pro — others still require that extra layer to run.

The good news is that your apps are still going to work on ARM. Microsoft also says that its new Prism emulation process coming with Windows 11 24H2 will perform up to 20% better, which is great news for the overall performance in new Copilot+ PCs.

How do the Copilot+ and AI features differ on the Pro 11 and Pro 10?

The Copilot+ logo. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Copilot+ was unveiled during the Microsoft Event 2024 keynote as a new term for advanced AI features coming to Windows, as well as the PCs that can run them. The Surface Pro 11 was one of the first Copilot+ PCs revealed to the world, followed up by plenty more from major laptop manufacturers.

The new AI features coming to Windows 11 are only available on Copilot+ PCs, which require an NPU with at least 40 TOPS of power to run locally. That leaves the Pro 10 for Business, with Intel Core Ultra's NPU behind. If you want a Copilot+ PC, you'll have to stick with the Pro 11.

Copilot+ AI features include improved Windows Studio Effects, local AI image and text generation, Live Caption translations in real-time, Auto Super Resolution, and a Recall tool that lets you search through anything you've seen or done on your PC on any app.

Should you buy the Surface Pro 11 or the Pro 10 for Business?

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Pro series has long been considered some of the best Windows laptops on the market, and Microsoft has taken things to the next level with the Surface Pro 11 running Windows on ARM.

While we don't yet have in-house benchmarks for the new Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips, we are expecting some potent power and long battery life. I'm very excited to try out these new Copilot+ PCs even before getting into the new AI features, and the Pro 11 is much easier to recommend to most people compared to the Pro 10 for Business. The Surface Pro 11 is available to preorder at Microsoft, with prices starting at $1,000. You can also preorder at Best Buy starting at the same price.

Considering the Pro 11 starts at a cheaper price, is available with an OLED touch display, and has what it takes to be a Copilot+ PC, it's no doubt going to prove a lot more popular than the Pro 10 for Business. However, if you prefer Intel CPUs or want Windows 11 Pro preinstalled, the Pro 10 is still readily available on the business side of Microsoft's store.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11

The Surface Pro 11 powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus ARM chips is leading the way in the new range of Copilot+ PCs. It's available with an OLED display and starts at a cheaper price than the Pro 10 for Business, making it an easy recommendation for anyone shopping for a premium 2-in-1 PC.

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 for Business

The Surface Pro 10 for Business is already looking a bit dated compared to the new Pro 11, but it remains a solid option for anyone who doesn't need advanced Copilot+ AI features or the new Snapdragon X chips. It's available now to buy from the business side of Microsoft's store.

Hands-on with Microsoft's new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, the company's first Copilot+ PCs

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 21 May 2024 17:47:47 +0000

Microsoft kicked off this week with two major hardware announcements. The tech giant unveiled its new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop (officially known as the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition, respectively). Both PCs run on Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X processors, which are Arm chips. Those processors come with a plethora of benefits, including longer battery life. They also power AI features that differentiate PCs powered by Snapdragon X processors from competing systems.

Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden is at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, and he went hands-on with the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition.

Bowden starts his video with a run through of the Surface Laptop's hardware, which has several improvements when compared to its predecessor. The display has thinner bezels than what we've seen in previous Surface Laptops and the laptop's screen has rounded corners. We then get a close look at the new color options for the Surface PCs and which ports are on board.

The video shows the hardware of the new Surface Pro as well and its new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard that can be used wirelessly or attached.

But the new Surface PCs aren't just any PCs. They're Copilot+ PCs. That means they have AI features like Recall, Live Captions, Auto Super Resolution, and Advanced Windows Studio Effects. Bowden breaks these down and shows some of them off. Cocreator in Paint is also demonstrated. That feature lets you draw in Paint and have AI create an image alongside you.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition | From $999.99 at Best Buy

Microsoft's new flagship 2-in-1 is here, and it ushers in a wave of Copilot+ PCs. The new Surface Pro is available with an OLED panel and Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X processors.View Deal

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition | From 999.99 at Best Buy

Surface Pro Flex Keyboard | $349.99 at Best Buy

This keyboard can be used while attached to a Surface Pro or connected to one wirelessly. It features a large haptic trackpad that can be customized and is reinforced with extra carbon fiber layers for durability. While Microsoft announced the new keyboard alongside the Surface Pro 11th Edition, the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard works with the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro 9 as well.View Deal

Copilot+ PCs

If you're working your way through coverage of this week's Microsoft events, you've likely heard the term Copilot+ PC quite a few times. New AI PCs that meet certain requirements get to be dubbed Copilot+ PCs, and Microsoft is leading the charge with its new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro. Copilot+ PCs are built around AI and have exclusive features that are not available on other types of computers.

Arm-based computing and AI are at the heart of what our Editor-in-Chief named a "great reset" in the Windows PC industry. The evolution of Qualcomm's processors and new features for Windows 11 dovetailed together to create the largest shift in personal computing since Windows 95.

Microsoft is not the only company that's part of the Copilot+ PC push. Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, ASUS, and Samsung all announced new Copilot+ PCs this week. But Microsoft's new Surface PCs stand as an example of what a Copilot+ PC can be.

Microsoft announced "a new era" of the Windows PC, and the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are the flagbearers of the lineup of Copilot+ PCs on the way. Copilot+ PCs, including the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, start shipping in June. Many are already available for preorder.

Wake up. New Surface Pro and Surface Laptop sizzlers just dropped.

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 20 May 2024 23:58:26 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft just announced its new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop.
The devices are the first in a wave of Copilot+ PCs that include exclusive AI features such as Recall and Windows Studio Effects.
Microsoft did not stream its announcement event live, but it has since shared sizzler videos for the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition.

After months of anticipation, Microsoft pulled back the curtains and unveiled its new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop. Officially dubbed the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition, the flagship PCs are here to showcase what a Copilot+ PC can be. They run on the Snapdragon X Elite or Snapdragon X Plus, support AI features like Recall, and have some splashy new color options.

Our Senior Editor Zac Bowden already covered the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition in detail. He was also on the ground at Microsoft's event to see things up close. I'm just here to show you the fancy new sizzler videos from Microsoft that show off the new PCs.

Microsoft's marketing team has earned a reputation for captivating videos. Heck, even some videos about Microsoft Office features are exciting. I'm not sure the latest sizzlers live up to previous promotional videos, but the hardware they're highlighting is exciting, which is more important.

Surface Pro 11th Edition

The Surface Pro sizzler reel shows the traditional Windows 11 Bloom wallpaper getting infused with new colors. The wallpaper used as a backdrop for the recent Surface event is a variant of that Bloom wallpaper. The video then introduces "the fastest, most intelligent" Surface Pro ever.

A closeup of the Copilot key followed by a graphic of the NPU inside the Surface Pro emphasizes the importance of AI in the new 2-in-1. We then see the new Recall feature in Windows in action plus some generative AI features in Adobe Photoshop, the latter of which was part of a bigger announcement about Adobe optimizing its apps for Arm PCs.

We then get a closeup of the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, a new accessory for the Surface Pro that comes at a premium price. That keyboard can be used while detached from the Surface Pro, which is highlighted toward the end of the video.

Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Edition | From $999.99 at Best Buy

Microsoft's new flagship 2-in-1 is here, and it ushers in a wave of Copilot+ PCs. The new Surface Pro is available with an OLED panel and Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X processors.View Deal

Surface Laptop 7th Edition

Microsoft's sizzler for the Surface Laptop 7th Edition echoes many of the points made in the video for the Surface Pro 11th Edition. The Surface Laptop's reel starts with claims of the PC being "the fastest, most intelligent" Surface Laptop to date. Copilot, the laptop's NPU, and a colorful new wallpaper marking the start of the next wave of AI computing all make an appearance.

Unlike its convertible sibling, the Surface Laptop 7th Edition saw more of a design changed when compared to its respective predecessor. The new Surface Laptop has thinner bezels and a display with rounded corners, all of which are highlighted in the sizzler.

Several AI features are shown briefly, including Windows Studio Effects changing the background of a video call in real time. The video closes with a quick pan around of the new color options for the Surface Laptop and several facts about the PC's performance.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition | From 999.99 at Best Buy

The new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard costs $349.99, but is there a method to Microsoft's madness?

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 20 May 2024 22:39:33 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft just announced the Surface Pro 11th Edition, its latest flagship 2-in-1 PC.
Alongside that convertible, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.
The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard can be used while attached physically or connected wirelessly through Bluetooth.
The keyboard is reinforced with extra layers of carbon fiber, has a customizable haptic trackpad, and includes a slot for the Surface Slim Pen.
The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard costs $349.99 on its own or $449.98 with a Slim Pen.

Microsoft unveiled its new Surface Pro 11th Edition today. The PC is the first in a wave of Copilot+ PCs, which Microsoft hopes will usher in next-gen AI computing. Powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Plus and Elite chips, the Surface Pro 11th Edition promises true all-day battery life, AI-powered features like Windows Studio Effects, and the new Recall feature that Microsoft showed off at its event. The 2-in-1 also promises a new keyboard experience, as long as you're willing to shell out at least $349.99.

If you look carefully at the photo above, you'll see that one of the Surface Type Covers is detached from the Surface Pro 11th Edition. That's not just to show off that the keyboard can be detached, which is a feature that's been around since the first generation of Surface Pro. It's to showcase the new wireless connectivity option for the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. The keyboard has a built-in battery and can connect to the Surface Pro 11th Edition through Bluetooth.

The concept of a wireless Type Cover isn't exactly new. Microsoft actually had a Surface Bluetooth Adapter about a decade ago. After ten years of waiting, that Bluetooth connectivity is finally built into the Surface Pro Type Cover. Specifically, the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard can connect wirelessly.

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is also reinforced with extra carbon fiber layers for stability and has a customizable haptic trackpad. The keyboard has a slot for the Surface Slim Pen as well.

Surface Pro Flex Keyboard | $349.99 at Microsoft

Wireless connectivity

At first glance, detaching a keyboard and using it separately from a PC may seem more like a gimmick, but I promise you there are people clamoring for this keyboard. Many use their Surface Pro docked next to a monitor or connected to a screen at a hot desk. Being able to put the Surface Pro to the side and have the keyboard rest wherever you need it is a game changer.

I'm dubious of the lapability of a keyboard by itself, but the design of the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is versatile. You can detach the keyboard and use it on a desk, table, or even your lap if you can sit perfectly still. People have asked for wireless connectivity in a Surface keyboard for years, and Microsoft has finally delivered.

Haptic trackpad

Wireless connectivity is not the only trick the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard has up its sleeve. The keyboard has a customizable haptic trackpad. That trackpad uses Sensel tech to deliver haptic feedback without requiring moving buttons. We've covered Sensel haptics, and haptics in general, in the past, though there are some differences between Microsoft's implementation and what we've seen from Lenovo.

Most notably, Microsoft licenses Sensel's haptic technology and integrates it into their own designs. In contrast, Lenovo and Dell PCs have an entire touchpad module from Sensel in them. But the end result is the same: users of the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard can receive haptic feedback that feels like they're pushing a button even though they're not. Haptic trackpads are also more durable when compared to trackpads with moving parts, do not have any dead zones, and are customizable.

Haptics are an exciting technology that's becoming more common in laptops. They are difficult to portray in text and images. If you live near a store that puts a Surface Pro 11th Edition with a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard on display, go try it out. I bet you'll see why our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino has talked about haptics for years.

Not the only option

Several Surface Type Covers are compatible with the Surface Pro 11th Edition. (Image credit: Microsoft)

I understand those who scoff at the price of the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. It's a ludicrously expensive accessory that many argue should come with the Surface Pro 11th Edition in the box. The Surface Pro 11th Edition starts at $999.99, but it can quickly get pricey. Upgrading to an OLED display costs an additional $500. Adding an additional $349.99 on top of that is no small add-on. That's even more true if you want a Slim Pen (the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with Slim Pen costs $449.98).

But there's a method to Microsoft's madness. The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is not the only option when it comes to keyboards for the Surface Pro 11th Edition. If you click through Microsoft's website and build a Surface Pro 11th Edition, you'll eventually make it to the accessories section. There, you'll see a range of Type Covers starting at $139.99 and ranging up to the $449.98 Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with Slim Pen. I assume Microsoft's thinking is "why include a keyboard in the box when people can choose from a range of keyboards?"

The fact that Type Covers from previous generations of Surface Pro work with the Surface Pro 11th Edition is another important factor. The new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard works with the new Surface Pro, the Surface Pro 9, and the Surface Pro 8. A range of Type Covers from the past work with the Surface Pro 11th Edition. That means those who already have a Surface Pro with a Type Cover can upgrade their PC and hold off on getting a new Type Cover for now. There are also more budget-friendly options for those who need a full Surface Pro setup.

Surface Pro Keyboard | $139.99 at Best Buy

This keyboard is a more budget-friendly option for those who have a Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro 9, Surface Pro X, or the new Surface Pro. It doesn't have the fancier features of its pricier siblings, such as wireless connectivity, but it is a fine keyboard for productivity.View Deal

Exclusive: Microsoft is working on an ARM-powered Surface Go 4 and new 11-inch Surface Pro

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:58:48 +0000

What you need to know

Microsoft is planning to ship the Surface Go 4 with ARM for the first time.
The Surface Go 4 with ARM will be powered by a Snapdragon 7c-based SoC.
Microsoft is also working on a smaller Surface Pro with an 11-inch display.

Microsoft is readying a new Surface Go for release this year that will feature an ARM processor for the first time. According to my sources, the Surface Go 4 is codenamed Tanta and will ship with a Snapdragon 7c-based SoC in the entry-level model and offer similar performance to the current Surface Go but with better power efficiency for longer-lasting battery life.

I hear there may be some minor design changes on the cards for Surface Go 4 along with the new SoC, but it will still maintain a similar-sized footprint to previous models. The new SoC may also allow Microsoft to ship a Surface Go with 5G for the first time, though that SKU isn't yet confirmed to ship. An Intel variant is also expected to stick around for customers who want or prefer it.

In addition to a Surface Go 4 with ARM, I’m starting to hear whispers that Microsoft is also planning to ship a new Surface Pro in two sizes, similar to what Apple is doing with the iPad Pro. Alongside the typical 13-inch Surface Pro that we’re all familiar with, Microsoft is building a new 11-inch Surface Pro as well.

The 11-inch Surface Pro is codenamed Luxor and will be similar in shape and size to that of the Surface Go, albeit with slimmer bezels like its larger sibling. Of course, the 11-inch Surface Pro will also be more powerful, with a better 120Hz display compared to the budget-conscious Surface Go line, which will still maintain a low-entry price point.

Windows 11 was recently updated with a new tablet mode that works better on devices with smaller screens. The taskbar now minimizes out-of-view when an app is open. On devices with 11-inch screens or less, apps automatically open full screen to mimic better the tablet experience found on an iPad or Android tablet.

I’m told that this trend will continue throughout this year and into the next version of Windows, which is currently expected to ship at the end of 2024. More tablet optimizations are coming, including a more touch-friendly File Explorer, lock/login screen, and desktop environment. This might explain Microsoft’s sudden interest in shipping a new entry-level and flagship 11-inch tablet.

Regarding timing for the new Surface Go and Surface Pro, things are still in flux, but my sources say it’s unlikely you’ll see them ship before this fall (and even then, things might get pushed back further). Microsoft had initially planned to ship the new Surface Go this spring, but I hear that plan has now changed. Microsoft will also need to wait for Qualcomm to begin shipping its new Nuvia chips before it can ship the next Surface Pro too.