The New Surface Laptop and Surface Pro: Unlocking Their Full Potential at Last

Copilot+: A New Era for Windows Laptops and Surface Devices

Copilot+ signifies a transformative leap for Windows laptops, introducing a refreshed vision for Surface devices. Notably, the generational number in the model name has been removed, marking a new phase characterized by a revamped design, enhanced performance, and cutting-edge AI features.

Both the latest Surface Laptop and Surface Pro are powered exclusively by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, delivering significant improvements in performance, battery longevity, and advanced AI functionalities compared to earlier Surface models.

Microsoft has also refined the design of both devices. The Surface Laptop features a spacious haptic feedback touchpad, slimmer bezels, and four new color options, while supporting connectivity for up to three 4K external monitors. It includes two USB4 ports, a USB-A port, a magnetic Surface Connect charging port, and a headphone jack. The new Surface Laptop still boasts a 1080p webcam.

Available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch variants, the two models have few distinctions. The larger version comes equipped with the more powerful Snapdragon X Elite chip and includes a microSD card slot. The touchpads remain the same size across both models, resulting in additional unused space around the palm rests of the 15-inch version.

The Surface Pro now offers even more significant enhancements. Users can opt for an OLED display that reaches up to 800 nits of brightness in HDR, while the standard LED model shines at 600 nits in SDR. Additionally, it boasts an ultrawide quad-HD Surface Studio Camera and a 4K rear camera. Similar to the Surface Laptop, the Surface Pro supports up to three 4K external monitors using its two USB4 ports and Surface Connect port.

One of the standout features is the new Surface Pro Flex keyboard, which can function both in connection to the screen and as a detached unit. With a built-in battery and Bluetooth receiver, the keyboard can operate independently. This functionality opens up new interaction methods, such as using the keyboard and Surface Pen together or comfortably on your lap during travel.

There's also an innovative keyboard option featuring larger, brighter characters designed for improved accessibility, though these features are only available in Black and Blue. The detachable keyboard sports a 14% larger haptic feedback touchpad that is smoother and quieter than previous versions.

From a performance perspective, Microsoft claims this device is 90% faster than the Surface Pro 9, with an exceptional battery life of up to 22 hours of local video playback—outlasting even the MacBook Air and representing a substantial upgrade over previous generations.

Microsoft highlighted the introduction of AI capabilities made possible by the on-device 45 Tera Operations Per Second (TOPS) neural processing unit (NPU). One notable feature is Cocreator, which utilizes diffusion-based image generation to transform hand-drawn images into lifelike AI visuals. The upgraded video-editing application Capcut was also demonstrated, showcasing a quick masking feature that replaces backgrounds with ease, leveraging the NPU's power.

Both devices start at $999, featuring 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The 13.8-inch Surface Laptop and Surface Pro come equipped with the Snapdragon X Plus, with an option to upgrade to the X Elite. The 15-inch Surface Laptop comes standard with the Snapdragon X Elite. The detachable Surface Pro keyboard, available at an additional cost, is compatible with previous versions, dating back to the Surface Pro 8.

Like other Copilot+ devices, the new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro are available for preorder today and will start shipping on June 18.

Most people like

Find AI tools in YBX