During its AI and Surface event, Microsoft revealed AI improvements for Windows 11, including Windows Copilot, as well as updates to its three Surface devices: the premium Surface Laptop Studio, the budget-friendly Surface Laptop Go, and the Surface Go two-in-one releases. These new devices feature internal upgrades that make them more powerful than their predecessors, and they also come with updates for Windows 11, which introduces Copilot, Microsoft’s “daily AI companion.” Read on to learn more about the three new Surface products.
Surface Laptop Studio 2: The Ultimate Laptop Experience
The second iteration of the Surface Laptop Studio features internal updates while maintaining its external design from two years ago. The most noticeable external change is the addition of a haptic touchpad, which provides better precision and accessibility for users with disabilities.
Internally, the device is powered by the latest processors from Intel and Nvidia, and it offers expandable RAM and storage options. The base model is equipped with a Core i7-13700H CPU and a 6GB RTX 4050 GPU, while the upgraded version features a Core i7-13800H CPU and an 8GB RTX 4060 GPU. Users also have the option to choose an RTX 2000 GPU. One notable feature of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is the inclusion of an Intel Neural Processing Unit (NPU), making it the first Windows PC to have this feature. Additionally, the new model supports up to 64GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD, which were also available on the previous model. Intel’s 13th-gen chips introduce updates to Wi-Fi 6E and a new version of Bluetooth.
The device sports a 14.4-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 2,400×1,600-pixel resolution, which is the same as its predecessor. However, it now comes with HDR400 certification and a maximum brightness of 650 nits in HDR mode, making it ideal for users who require detailed work.
Although the Surface Laptop Studio 2 may resemble its predecessor, it offers two additional external options: a microSD card slot and a USB-A port. Professionals will appreciate the microSD card slot, while users can conveniently use the USB-A port without the need for an adapter. The device still retains two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, just like the previous model.
The starting price for the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is $1,999.
Surface Laptop Go 3: A Budget-Friendly Option
The Surface Laptop Go 3 received a slight upgrade with a Core i5-1235U CPU. While it may not be revolutionary, it is an improvement over the Surface Laptop Go 2, which was powered by the Core i5-113G7 chip. The starting price of $799 remains the same, as does the 12.4-inch, 3:2 touch display with a 1,536×1,024-pixel resolution.
Why did Microsoft opt for the previous 12th-gen Intel Core chip in products released in 2023? The Surface Laptop Go is primarily targeted at the K-12 education market, where devices need to be consistently updated to keep up with changing requirements, reducing replacement and upgrade costs.
Surface Go 4 for Business: Reliable and Easy to Maintain
The smallest member of the Surface family, the Surface Go 4, has also received internal updates. It retains the same 10.5-inch external design as the Surface Go 3, but now features a quad-core Intel N200 processor, replacing the dual-core Core i3-10100Y chip. The base model now offers 8GB of RAM instead of the limited 4GB available in the entry-level Go 3. The storage options start from 64GB, but the Surface Go 4 now allows users to upgrade to 256GB, doubling the maximum storage capacity of its predecessor.
Although the Surface Go 4 for Business may not look different externally, it has been internally redesigned to facilitate maintenance. This is crucial for businesses or schools that require devices capable of withstanding daily wear and tear from field workers or students. The new model features replaceable parts, including the display, back cover, battery, kickstand, hinge, cameras, and motherboard.
The new devices will be available for shipping starting on October 3.
