Wesley Hilliard
On Wednesday, Microsoft showed off its new lineup of Surface computers — the Surface Laptop Studio starting at $1,599, the updated Surface Pro 8 starting at $1,099, and the Surface Duo 2 starting at $1,499.
These tablet computers have been redesigned with thinner bezels, new connectivity, and improved display technology. In addition, the Surface Laptop Studio is a new hybrid foldable, the Surface Pro 8 has a 120Hz display, and the Surface Duo 2 has a redesigned hinge.
The Microsoft Surface line lies somewhere between Apple's iPad Pro and MacBook Pro lineup.
Surface Pro 8
The Surface Pro 8 is a 13-inch tablet-laptop hybrid with slightly narrower bezels and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. It can be configured with an 11th-generation Intel processor and has a user-upgradable SSD.
Microsoft calls the Surface Pro 8 the most powerful 2-in-1 on the market. It features 16-hours of battery life, Dolby-Atmos, Dolby-Vision, 120Hz refresh, and up to 32GB of RAM.
The new Surface Slim Pen 2 can be stored within a slot in the keyboard, which acts as a charging system. It has a vibration motor that simulates the feel of writing with a real pencil when drawing.
Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099.99 and is available for pre-order in platinum and graphite colors. Surface Slim Pen 2 is also available for pre-order at $129.99.
Configurations include the Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD at $1,099, up to the Intel Core i7 processor with 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD at $2,599. The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard must be purchased separately at $279.99.
The Surface Pro 8 releases on October 5, 2021.
Surface Go 3
The Surface Go 3 has a 10.5-inch display, Dolby audio, and a 60% faster processor than the previous model. Microsoft positions this device as the perfect tablet for a family.
Customers can configure the Surface Go 3 with 10th-generation Intel processors. It comes with Windows 11 already installed, with built-in family safety limits and more.
The Surface Go 3 starts at $399.99 and is available for pre-order. The Type Cover is sold separately at $99.
Configurations include an Intel Pentium 6500Y with 4GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD for $399, up to an Intel Core i3 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB SSD at $629.
The Surface Go 3 releases October 5, 2021.
Surface Duo 2
The Surface Duo 2 is a refinement of Microsoft's first attempt at a dual-screen foldable. It has 5G antennas, NFC, and Wi-Fi 6.
The hinge has been redesigned, and the display is slightly exposed when closed which shows notifications at a glance. The two 5.8-inch AMOLED screens combine into a single 8.3-inch display with a variable 90Hz refresh rate.
Alongside a redesigned hinge, the Surface Duo 2 has a triple-lens rear camera system with an ultra-wide 16MP camera, a wide 12MP camera with OIS, and a telephoto 12MP camera with OIS. In addition, new algorithms ensure great photos are taken with natural color and light.
Available in Glacier or a new Obsidian, the Surface Duo 2 can be pre-ordered starting at $1,499.99.
The Surface Duo 2 releases October 21, 2021.
Surface Laptop Studio
The Surface Laptop Studio has a hinge that pulls the 14.4-inch display forward into a "stage mode" that looks similar to the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard hinge. Keep pulling the display forward, and it will lay completely flat over the keyboard in "studio mode."
This laptop has 11th-generation Intel Core H35 processors, Nvidia GeForce RTX GPUs, and can be configured for more performance when ordered.
The Surface Book 3 struggled with performance due to its removable display, but now, Microsoft has moved to an all-in-one design with no removable parts. The Surface Laptop Studio can transform between a laptop and tablet with this new hinge.
The Surface Laptop Studio starts at $1,599.99 and is also available for pre-order.
Configurations include an Intel Core i5 processor with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD for $1,599, up to an Intel Core i7 processor with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD for $3,099.
The Surface Laptop Studio releases October 5, 2021.
AppleInsider Staff
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
28 Comments
Attractive devices for Windows users, with obviously amazing access to software.
These look nice. I'm a little concerned about the weird extra vent shelf under the Surface Laptop Studio. The design is nice where you convert from a laptop to a tablet, but that results in a VERY thick tablet. C'mon, Intel or Qualcomm, one of you can come up with a fast, cool processor.
Interesting form factors. So sad to see being absent in this arena
Microsoft previously said that the reason the Surface didn't have Thunderbolt ports was for security reasons. I wonder why they changed their tune.