Microsoft has launched new iterations of its Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 devices powered by Intel chips, targeting industry users with a premium price tag to match.
The laptops will feature Intel Core Ultra processors from the chipmaker’s latest generation Lunar Lake architecture that boasts improved AI performance and efficiency over Meteor Lake.
The Surface Laptop 7 will be available in the usual 13.8in and 15in models with the option of either Core 5 or 7 Ultra chips.
The base unit, starting at $1,499.99 ($500 above the Qualcomm version) will come with 16GB of RAM (configurable up to 32GB) and a 256GB SSD, with increased storage options available up to 1TB.
Like its Qualcomm predecessor, the Intel version features two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Surface Connect charging port, and a headphone jack, but does offer an improved USB A 3.2 port instead of the Qualcomm version’s USB A 3.1 option.
The business-focused Surface Laptop 7 will also feature an optional smart card reader in specific markets, useful for identity verification.
The Surface Pro 11, also starting $500 above its ARM-based predecessor at $1,499.99 , will also allow for a range of configurations using either the Core Ultra 5 or 7 chips, and up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
The 13in screen will be available as an LCD or OLED panel, both options identical to those offered on the Qualcomm version.
Connectivity is exactly the same on the new Surface Pro 11, with two USB C Thunderbolt 4 ports and a Surface Connect charger, as well as a NFC reader to support security keys, but as with the previous version there is no 3.5mm headphone jack unfortunately.
Both the Surface Laptop 7 and Pro 11 will be available on 18 February 2025.
New Microsoft Surface range comes at a price
Microsoft is explicitly targeting enterprise users with its new Intel-powered Surface range, with both the Surface Laptop 7 and Pro 11 labeled ‘for business’ on Microsoft’s website.
This is reflected in the device’s hefty price tag, both priced $500 above than their Qualcomm-based counterparts, as well as business-focused the optional extras including a smart card reader on the Surface Laptop and a new USB 4 dock that will also be available on 18 February.
The Lunar Lake devices are aimed at providing businesses with efficient AI-oriented performance driven by their onboard NPUs, and are ready for what Microsoft is betting will be a new era of Copilot Plus devices used in the enterprise.
Microsoft says the Intel-powered Surface Laptop 7 will offer competitive battery life of up to 14 hours on its 15in model and 12 on its 13in variant, which is not far off the benchmark set by the Qualcomm version.
RELATED WHITEPAPER
As Copilot+ PCs they will have access to Microsoft’s latest range of AI-enhanced features such as AI-powered universal search and the much maligned Recall feature.
These two new ‘Surface Copilot Plus PCs for Business’ will arrive just ahead of the end of support deadline for Windows 10, set for October 14th.With this in mind, Microsoft looks to be positioning the new range as the ideal upgrade for enterprises looking to make the switch to Windows 11.
-
Why are many men in tech blind to the gender divide?In-depth From bias to better recognition, male allies in tech must challenge the status quo to advance gender equality
-
BenQ PD3226G monitor reviewReviews This 32-inch monitor aims to provide the best of all possible worlds – 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate and pro-class color accuracy – and it mostly succeeds
-
AI PCs are becoming a no-brainer for IT decision makersNews IT decision makers are bullish about AI PCs, according to analysis from IDC, with more than eight-in-ten saying they will positively impact employees.
-
“The Grace Blackwell Superchip comes to millions of developers”: Nvidia's new 'Project Digits' mini PC is an AI developer's dream – but it'll set you back $3,000 a piece to get your hands on oneNews Nvidia unveiled the launch of a new mini PC, dubbed 'Project Digits', aimed specifically at AI developers during CES 2025.
-
Microsoft refuses to back down on Windows 11 hardware requirementsNews The tech giant says it'll keep hardware specifications for Windows 11
-
Why the world is about to be swamped with AI PCsNews With adoption rates set to surge, AI PCs will become far more mainstream in years to come
-
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 review: The definitive Snapdragon business laptopReviews With its bright 3:2 display, easy-access interior, and superb battery life, the Surface Laptop 7 is a stellar productivity tool
-
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review: Microsoft's cool convertible has found its momentReviews The Surface Pro has long had its design and usability in shape, but now it has the internal hardware to match – the result is a fantastic ultraportable PC
-
Want to stop workforce attrition? Invest in better hardware, says MicrosoftResearch from Microsoft shows younger workers in particular are unhappy about poorly-functioning hardware
-
Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC brand heralds a “new era” in personal computing — here’s why we’re excitedAnalysis The launch of Copilot+ devices represents a "new era for the PC" with Snapdragon NPU-powered laptops that can recall everything you’ve seen on your machine
