Mark Coppock / Digital Trends The Surface Pro’s design has seen minor changes over the years, with its core remaining largely unchanged. Although its performance has improved, the device still has its shortcomings. However, the upcoming Surface Pro 10 is expected to be a game-changer. This 2-in-1 detachable has been a point of focus for Microsoft, and the new model aims to deliver on the device’s potential. A 2-in-1 evolution
Luke Larsen / Digital Trends The concept of a 2-in-1 detachable tablet is something that Microsoft has heavily promoted. Essentially, it serves as both a tablet and a laptop when a keyboard is attached. This versatility sounds great in theory. However, the Surface Pro has been plagued with issues from the start and lagged behind other tablets, such as the iPad. In recent years, it has been positioned as a laptop replacement, but it also faced challenges in that regard. It now runs a full version of Windows 11 on the smallest Intel chips found in clamshell laptops. While this ensures ample processing power, it has resulted in decreased battery life and usability as a tablet. Operating an OS without a mouse or touchpad is challenging, leading to attempts like the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid, which merges a Windows tablet with Android. The restrictions in functionality have made the Surface Pro the domain of Microsoft as the sole provider of the 2-in-1 experience.
The Surface Pro 4. Digital Trends In a 2012 interview with Time Magazine, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, expressed skepticism about the 2-in-1 concept, stating that it may lead to products that fail to satisfy users. However, since that statement, Apple has introduced the iPad Pro, a device that closely resembles a 2-in-1 laptop. Despite this, it faces challenges as a laptop replacement due to iPadOS limitations. The Surface Pro 10 has the potential to address many of these issues, provided that Microsoft executes the launch effectively. A promising outlook
Fionna Agomuoh / Digital Trends As the anniversay of the Surface Pro approaches, reports suggest that the upcoming Surface Pro 10 will exclusively feature Qualcomm’s new ARM chip, without an Intel alternative. This ARM-based chip, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, is touted as a strong competitor to Apple’s M-series chips and is expected to outperform the M3 chip by 21% in terms of performance. While Microsoft has struggled with previous ARM-based attempts, an ARM-based system could significantly improve the Surface’s performance, battery life, and responsiveness as a tablet, resembling a proper mobile device. This could allow Microsoft to develop thinner and lighter Surface devices without compromising performance, competing directly with the iPad Pro. Other companies such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung are also likely to adopt similar designs. However, innovation is not limited to hardware improvements alone. Software enhancements, especially for tablets, are equally crucial, and it is hoped that Microsoft invests in improving the tablet experience. Recent developments in the Windows 11 update, which was initially thought to be labeled as Windows 12, suggest a focus on AI, with potential improvements in special features. Despite Surface and Windows now being separate entities within Microsoft, their integration could lead to exciting possibilities.
Windows 10 tablet mode on Surface Pro 6. Digital Trends Currently, there is a wide array of software available for Windows ARM, and it is hoped that this will eventually lead to an increase in touch-centric applications. Furthermore, Windows 11 already supports some Android apps, suggesting the potential for increased access to multiple app stores in the future. It is conceivable that major laptop manufacturers will follow suit with ARM migration, creating a future where 2-in-1 laptops are widely embraced. While Windows may not offer the same tablet software ecosystem as the iPad, overcoming hardware challenges could pave the way for the Surface Pro to realize its full potential. Editor’s Note
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends The Surface Pro’s design has seen minor changes over the years, with its core remaining largely unchanged. Although its performance has improved, the device still has its shortcomings. However, the upcoming Surface Pro 10 is expected to be a game-changer. This 2-in-1 detachable has been a point of focus for Microsoft, and the new model aims to deliver on the device’s potential. A 2-in-1 evolution
Luke Larsen / Digital Trends The concept of a 2-in-1 detachable tablet is something that Microsoft has heavily promoted. Essentially, it serves as both a tablet and a laptop when a keyboard is attached. This versatility sounds great in theory. However, the Surface Pro has been plagued with issues from the start and lagged behind other tablets, such as the iPad. In recent years, it has been positioned as a laptop replacement, but it also faced challenges in that regard. It now runs a full version of Windows 11 on the smallest Intel chips found in clamshell laptops. While this ensures ample processing power, it has resulted in decreased battery life and usability as a tablet. Operating an OS without a mouse or touchpad is challenging, leading to attempts like the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid, which merges a Windows tablet with Android. The restrictions in functionality have made the Surface Pro the domain of Microsoft as the sole provider of the 2-in-1 experience.
Fionna Agomuoh / Digital Trends As the anniversay of the Surface Pro approaches, reports suggest that the upcoming Surface Pro 10 will exclusively feature Qualcomm’s new ARM chip, without an Intel alternative. This ARM-based chip, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, is touted as a strong competitor to Apple’s M-series chips and is expected to outperform the M3 chip by 21% in terms of performance. While Microsoft has struggled with previous ARM-based attempts, an ARM-based system could significantly improve the Surface’s performance, battery life, and responsiveness as a tablet, resembling a proper mobile device. This could allow Microsoft to develop thinner and lighter Surface devices without compromising performance, competing directly with the iPad Pro. Other companies such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung are also likely to adopt similar designs. However, innovation is not limited to hardware improvements alone. Software enhancements, especially for tablets, are equally crucial, and it is hoped that Microsoft invests in improving the tablet experience. Recent developments in the Windows 11 update, which was initially thought to be labeled as Windows 12, suggest a focus on AI, with potential improvements in special features. Despite Surface and Windows now being separate entities within Microsoft, their integration could lead to exciting possibilities.
