Microsoft unveiled their latest Surface PCs, featuring an upgraded Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7. Both devices now run on Intel’s cutting-edge Lunar Lake processors. This latest launch marks Microsoft’s initial foray into Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, specifically aimed at business customers needing Surface hardware equipped with a traditional x86 processor.
Now, let’s talk about the Surface Laptop 7 with Intel. The specs are impressive: starting at $1,499.99, it runs on Windows 11 Pro and boasts either an Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 (Series 2) CPU. Under the hood, you’ll find an Intel Arc GPU, along with the Intel AI Boost NPU offering 40 or 48 TOPS. RAM options include 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X, and you can choose between 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD for storage. The display comes in two sizes, either a 13.8-inch with a resolution of 2304×1536 or a 15-inch at 2496×1664, featuring a crisp 120Hz anti-reflective screen. Battery life is supported by either a 54Whr in the 13-inch model or a 66Whr in the 15-inch. Connectivity is well covered with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 5G option on its way. When it comes to ports, expect two USB4 Type-C, one USB 3.2 Gen 1, a microSD slot, and a classic 3.5mm audio jack. The weight is kept reasonable with the 13-inch model starting at 1.35kg and the 15-inch at 1.66kg.
These Intel-powered versions of the Surface devices will sit alongside their Snapdragon counterparts but are available exclusively through Microsoft’s business and commercial sales channels. This means you won’t find them on shelves at Amazon or Best Buy as they target corporate customers.
Internally, there’s the option to configure the new Intel Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 with either an Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 processor from Series 2, with up to 32GB of RAM, and storage ranging from 256GB to 1TB. The devices have an NPU with the Ultra 5 delivering 40 TOPS and the Ultra 7 amping that up to 48 TOPS. Both models are capable of Copilot+ functionality.
While the exterior of the Intel and Snapdragon models is largely similar, the Intel ones come with a few extra features. These include an anti-reflective screen to cut down on glare, a new card-reader variant for the Surface Laptop 7, and built-in NFC for the Surface Pro 11.
Looking ahead, there’s exciting news: the Surface Laptop 7 will be available in a 5G version later this year—previously, only the Surface Pro had this feature. Expect more details about the 5G Surface Laptop in the coming months.
As for the Surface Pro 11 with Intel, its starting price matches that of the Surface Laptop 7 at $1,499.99. Running on Windows 11 Pro with the same processor and RAM options, it also boasts a choice between OLED or LCD displays, with a resolution of 2880×1920 (2.8K), and a 3:2 aspect ratio. Battery life covers around 10 hours of web browsing. Connectivity includes two USB4 ports, a Surface Connect, and a Nano-SIM slot. Weighing in at just under two pounds without accessories, it’s a lightweight powerhouse.
Colorwise, the Intel models stick to classic Platinum and Black, reserving the more vibrant hues for the Snapdragon versions. Pricing for the Snapdragon business models starts at $1,099, meaning there’s a $400 premium for Intel. However, those extra dollars get you anti-reflective screens and the mentioned x86 compatibility.
This batch of new Surface products marks Microsoft’s second launch of commercial-focused hardware, commenced with the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6. Those devices were also tailored for business users, featuring Intel Core Ultra series 1 chips.
The updated models bring new chassis designs from the Snapdragon range to business customers who prefer Intel processors. If you appreciated the look of the Surface Laptop 7 but weren’t keen on using a Snapdragon chip, these versions should pique your interest.
Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out a new Surface Dock called the “Surface USB4 Dock.” Smaller and sporting fewer ports than last year’s Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock, it’s priced at $199—an attractive $100 less than its predecessor.
For those eager to upgrade, both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 with Intel are available for pre-order now, each priced at $1,499, with shipping slated to begin on February 18.