Microsoft’s Copilot-focused Surface Pro and Laptop PCs ship with Snapdragon and Intel options | TechCrunch
Jan 30, 2025 - techcrunch.com
At a New York City event, Microsoft introduced new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models, both featuring Copilot+ PC certification. This program, announced in May 2024, aims to integrate Microsoft's AI platform, Copilot, more deeply into the Windows 11 experience by identifying business-focused devices equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) for on-device AI features. The devices come with either an Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) or Snapdragon X processor, with the Snapdragon offering extended battery life and lower cost but reduced performance. The Intel chips promise significant boosts in CPU and graphics performance. A 5G option for the Surface Laptop will be available later in 2025, enhancing connectivity for AI processes that require cloud-based resources.
The Surface Pro for Business features a 13-inch display with an OLED option and NFC reader, while the Surface Laptop offers 13.8- and 15-inch models. Intel Core models start at $1,500, a $400 premium over Snapdragon versions. A new USB4 Dock, priced at $200, will be released on February 18, alongside the new Surface devices. The addition of 5G aims to ensure consistent connectivity for Copilot queries, aligning with trends toward on-device AI models, as seen with Apple's Intelligence platform and Chinese startup DeepSeek's lightweight AI models.
Key takeaways:
Microsoft unveiled new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models with Copilot+ PC certification, integrating AI capabilities into Windows 11.
The devices feature either Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) or Snapdragon X processors, with Snapdragon offering extended battery life but reduced performance.
The Surface Laptop will introduce a 5G option later in 2025, enhancing connectivity for AI processes that require cloud-based resources.
A new USB4 Dock priced at $200 will be available on February 18, featuring multiple ports for enhanced connectivity.
