microsoft Surface Pro 9, Laptop 5 and Studio 2+are three new computers that the company just unveiled at an event that we had the chance to watch live and where we had the chance to learn about Microsoft’s vision of how cutting-edge Windows PCs should be and work.11 that played a big role.

Microsoft Surface, the software giant’s own hardware line, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the company has used it to introduce refreshes of some of its most prominent models. The line marked a bold foray into the world of computer hardware for the Redmond company, and while it got off to a rocky start with the Surface RT, it eventually became world technological reference.

Since the beginning of Surface, Microsoft has strived to innovate, improve the user experience through precise integration of hardware and software, and open new market segments together with its OEM partners. As part of this strategy, the growth in quantity and quality of Surface has been constant, and it currently offers all kinds of equipment to meet the different needs of users. Let’s review the news introduced today.

Surface Pro 9

This is the flagship of Microsoft’s Surface line, and the company updates it whenever it gets the chance. He certainly managed to create the best-selling Surface new 2in1 format which have definitely ranked among the most attractive form factors in the global computing industry.

The new version continues to bet on the versatility of flagship, tablet and ultraportable use, but with the performance, lightness, mobility and premium magnesium chassis finishes typical of a premium device that can be used wherever the user requires it, for work or play. .

The Surface Pro 9 retains the significant improvements brought to the market by the Surface 8 Pro in terms of a larger and brighter display (13-inch multi-touch PixelSense Flow, 3:2 aspect ratio, 2880 x 1920 pixels resolution, 120 Hz and 5-layer Gorilla Glass protection. ) , improved low-light camera capabilities, and support for the Slim Pen 2 stylus, which stores and charges in the detachable keyboard.

The new Surface retains all the same features, but now the user can choose between two completely different versions based on the twelfth generation Intel Core processors (Core i5-1245U or Core i7-1265U built on the Intel Evo platform) or a version with an ARM Microsoft SQ 3 processor, probably derived from the Qualcomm 8cx Gen 3.

This second version is the latest because it is First time Microsoft uses an ARM SoC in its 2-in-1 and has as a great advantage 5G compatibility. In fact, it’s the first Surface to offer support for 5G networks.

Microsoft says that the user who opts for the Intel version will get 50% more performance than the previous version, while the choice of the ARM SoC (developed by Microsoft in collaboration with Qualcomm) will have the biggest advantage in autonomy, as the manufacturer promises a huge 19 hours.

As for storage options, Microsoft offers a (short) 128GB to start, although they can go up to 1TB. The SSD is removable, leaving room for expansion. The base model offers 8 GB of RAM, but the highest configuration with Intel can reach up to 32 GB of LPDDR5. The version with an ARM SQ3 processor has a maximum of 16 GB of LPDDR4X RAM.

The wireless connection is state-of-the-art and in addition to 5G (nanoSIM and eSIM) it includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1. There are two USB-C ports and Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connect port. There’s a 1080p webcam on the front, while the 10-megapixel rear camera can capture up to 4K video.

Surface Laptop 5

The second of the improved devices is a “pure” notebook from Microsoft. Like the Surface Pro 9, this model maintains a continuous design approach compared to the Laptop 4 we analyzed at the time, but retains the same elegance, premium quality design and finish with its aluminum chassis.

The biggest news comes from its internal hardware Microsoft has removed the option for AMD processors and all versions use twelfth generation ‘Alder Lake’ processors. The company points to improved autonomy as the reason and states that the laptop will be able to work for up to 17 hours without the need for recharging.

All Surface Laptop 5 devices use integrated Intel Iris XE graphics and have up to 32GB of RAM. Notebooks come with three storage options, with 128GB, 512GB and 1TB PCIe SSD.

Consumers will have a choice two screen sizes. The smallest is the 13-inch model with a 13.4-inch IPS LCD touch panel with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. Those looking for a larger display can opt for a 15-inch model with a resolution of 2496 x 1664 pixels.

In terms of connectivity, they have a USB-C port, a USB-A 3.1 port, a dedicated Surface Connect port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. They also have improved wireless connectivity options to Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. They include a 60W power supply.

Surface Studio 2+

Panos Panay himself is in charge of introducing the most advanced, innovative and most expensive device in the entire Surface line. As you know, it is a a spectacular compact AIO computer aimed at the professional field, especially creatives who need a high-end display with precision pen capability.

As its “Plus” moniker suggests, it’s an incremental update of the Studio 2, but it still has that great feeling of newness and freshness. a hinge that allows multiple working angles and the minimalist design of the top all-in-one.

With the flexible hinge enabled that allows the Surface to transform from a computer monitor format to a giant tablet that rests at a slight elevated angle on a desk or any horizontal surface, the screen remains the star of this computer, 28-inch Pixel Sense It offers a resolution of 4500 x 3000 pixels and supports touch interactivity with fingers and light pens.

The panel is factory-calibrated to cover the full DCI-P3 color gamut, supports Dolby Vision content and is protected by Gorilla Glass 3. The aspect ratio remains 3:2 and offers a higher profile compared to the usual 16:9 format panels.

Its interior contains news, although not the expected ones. And it’s that Microsoft updated its processor to the eleventh generation and not to the new Alder Lake (or the already announced Raptor Lake). The new Studio is offered in a unique CPU configuration Core i7-i11370H.

In any case, Microsoft says this CPU is more than enough for the team with a 50% increase in performance. The dedicated GPU has also improved quite a bit, from a GTX 106 to a NVIDIA RTX 3060. The RAM configuration is 32 Gbytes, while the internal storage is covered by a 1Tbyte SSD. Wireless connectivity has also been upgraded with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, along with three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a pair of USB-A ports (version 3.1), a headphone jack and a Gigabit Ethernet port.

Microsoft Surface 2022: availability and prices

All three computers come pre-installed with Windows 11. Microsoft’s latest operating system played a big role in the presentation, and the company says the new Surface has been optimized in terms of firmware and software to work with them.

• Surface Pro 9 It will be available from October 25 with a price that will start at 999 euros in its Wi-Fi version. The 5G version will cost $1,299, and all will be available in a variety of colors with matching Alcantara keyboards that use recycled materials.
• Surface Laptop 5 It will be available in four colors, grey, pink, black and green, from October 25. The 13.5-inch version starts at $999, while the base 15.6-inch model will cost $1,299.
• Surface Studio 2+ It will be available in select markets in the gray finish typical of the series from October 25. It will cost $4,299.

The entire series will be available at the Microsoft Store and through regular retail channels.