Microsoft recently revealed its two latest additions to the Surface range – the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, both adorned with the Copilot+ PC accreditation. Launched in May 2024, this program identifies devices engineered for Microsoft’s AI platform, Copilot.
The company’s goal is to embed its AI functionality deeper into the Windows 11 user experience. The latest Surface models enter a growing market of Copilot+ PCs, joining brands like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. The unique inclusion of a neural processing unit (NPU) facilitates on-device features such as Live Translation, Super Res, Recall, and Studio Effects.
These two devices offer a choice of either the Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) or Snapdragon X processor, promising extended battery life and affordability with the Snapdragon option. Despite a slight dip in system performance, this compromise does not significantly impact the Copilot’s functionality, according to Surface’s corporate VP.
Both configurations emphasize the importance of Copilot. The Snapdragon variant includes an eight-core processor with a dedicated NPU designed for handling AI workloads. The Series 2 Intel Core chips reportedly provide a significant performance boost.
The Surface Laptop will soon feature a 5G option, combining local AI computations with cloud-based processing. This upgrade offers a solution to the limitations of consumer devices in handling extensive AI workloads, requiring offloading to remote servers.
The latest Surface Pro for Business presents a 13-inch display, an OLED option, and an in-built NFC reader for security keys. The Surface Laptop is available in 13.8- and 15-inch variations. The pricing of both models begins at $1,500 with the Intel Core, a $400 premium over the consumer-targeted Snapdragon devices.
A new USB4 Dock is also being introduced at $200, expected to launch on February 18 with the new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro.
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