Almost a year ago to the day, Microsoft launched with fanfare new Surface computer models, inaugurating the Copilot+PC family: machines with Snapdragon chips integrating the new generative AI functions developed by the publisher. Some of these required a much longer gestation period than expected - we are obviously talking about "Retrouver," aka Recall, which experienced its share of delays while numerous security and confidentiality bolts were tightened.
While these AI functions started on Qualcomm chips, therefore with ARM architecture, they ended up also appearing on Copilot+PCs equipped with x86 chips (Intel/AMD). It will probably take more to convince users of their value, while Copilot seems to be hitting a glass ceiling. In any case, Microsoft is putting a coin back in the machine today by unveiling two new Surface models.
The first is a 13-inch Surface Laptop (1920 x 1280, 178dpi), which runs on a Snapdragon X Plus chip. This is the 8-core variant, launched in August 2024, which is 2 cores less than the least powerful Snapdragon X Plus until then. It has the advantage of being cheaper... but it is also, logically, less powerful.
The laptop has 16GB of RAM, 256 to 512GB of storage, a battery life of up to 16 hours of web use (23 hours of video playback), two USB-C ports (USB 3.2), one USB-A 3.1, a jack port, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The chassis is more compact: 15.6 mm thick and 1.22 kg. The previous generation weighed 1.34 kg and was 17.5 mm thick.
The Snapdragon chip gives this Surface Laptop a specialized 45 TOPS NPU processor, which allows it to claim the title of Copilot+PC (phew!) and run Windows 11's AI functions. Microsoft announces a 50% performance gain compared to the 2022 Surface Laptop 5, it is even capable of showing off the MacBook Air M3. Except that Apple's entire laptop range has now switched to the M4...
Prices start at $899, $100 more than the previous model. In France, the Surface Laptop starts at €1,099, whereas it was previously available from €1,000. A price increase for a PC that's less powerful than its predecessor is a message that might be difficult to get across.
Microsoft is also offering a new hybrid tablet, the Surface Pro. It features the same engine as the Laptop, an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus, while the 2024 model had a similar chip, but with 10 cores. Obviously, the NPU provides 45 TOPS of AI power, 16GB of RAM, and 256 to 512GB of storage. The chassis hides two USB-C (USB 3.2) ports and a connector for the detachable keyboard.
Battery life is lower than the Laptop: 12 hours of web use, 16 hours of video playback. What's most surprising is that the screen is smaller than the previous generation: 12 inches (2196x 1464, 220 ppi) versus 13 inches (2880 x 1920, 267 ppi). Furthermore, Microsoft apparently no longer offers the option to order an OLED screen as an option, instead of the LCD. You'll have to make do with the LCD here. Consolation prize: the thickness is 7.8 mm (686 grams), compared to 9.3 mm and 895 grams on the previous model: the inch less is felt.
The price of this new Surface Pro is $799 in the United States, identical to the United States. In France, the price of the Surface Pro is €979, slightly cheaper than the previous generation sold for €1000.
0 Comments