Get out of Intel and AMD. On the occasion of its “Copilot+ PC” conference, Microsoft officially launched its Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, two computers labeled “Copilot+ PC” and which will only be offered in a version with a Qualcomm ARM processor.
Less than two months ago, Microsoft launched the new Surface Pro 10 and the new Surface Laptop 6, both branded “Business” and billed as “AI PCs.” Business PCs easier to maintain with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated NPU.
Machines that did not cause any enthusiasm due to the lack of significant innovations.
This week, Microsoft finally blew the expected wind of new features to give new dynamism to its Surface lineup, which has been pretty shabby for a few months now. And somewhere the manufacturer reconnected with the original philosophy of the Surface initiative and the reason for these devices: to start new trends and show the way to new concepts.
An initial philosophy that led to very original devices such as Surface Pro, Surface Book, Surface Studio, without necessarily achieving commercial success, but at least breaking new ground and new uses. But a philosophy that has been somewhat forgotten in recent years.
But the “Surface Pro” and “Surface Laptop” presented this week connect again with this desire to direct the market… And direct it in this case towards ARM processors, towards new uses of artificial intelligence, in other words towards “Copilot+ PC”.
As already explained, “Copilot+ PC” starts a new era of PC and a new era for Windows by incorporating local models, hybrid artificial intelligence and unique features such as Windows Effect, Live Caption Translation and especially Windows Recall.
The new “Surface Pro 11” and “Surface Laptop 7” are presented by Microsoft as the ultimate Copilot+ PCs and can be considered as the “Copilot+ PC” reference computers with which others will be able to compare.
The great novelty of these machines lies in the adoption of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X processor. They provide these computers with a radically transformative level of performance and autonomy. They provide more than 12 hours of battery life (22 hours on the 15-inch Surface Laptop) without having to throttle the machines performance to zero to preserve the battery.
Surface Pro 11: Performance, autonomy, flexibility
Forget the Surface Pro 10 Business launched two months ago. Microsoft has much better to offer. This time for both companies and individuals.
” The all-new Surface Pro introduces a new way to design a laptop. Built with the new Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, it delivers incredible performance, 90% faster than the Surface Pro 9 » explains Microsoft.
Surface Pro 11 is a Copilot+ PC based on an ARM processor, but that’s not its only innovation. Battery life has been increased to 14 hours. In addition, the most powerful models offer an OLED display that offers much greater visibility when using the machine outdoors.
But the main innovation is in the peripherals, especially the keyboard. The new “Flex Keyboard” can be used without connecting to a machine. Therefore, it has a Bluetooth connection and an internal battery. And the hinges fold in a very clever way to tilt the keyboard slightly.
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The machine is equipped with a 13-inch QHD screen, a 10-megapixel Ultra HD rear camera and four USB 4 ports. It can also be connected to three external 4K displays.
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Prices start at $999 for the Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon Plus.
Surface Laptop 7: finesse, power and autonomy
” Surface Laptop has been completely redesigned to help teams be even more productive with stunning new, brighter displays with ultra-thin bezels, more ports than ever, Wi-Fi connectivity, up to 22 hours of battery life and more » explains Microsoft.
The machine is available in a 13.8-inch version (with Snapdragon Plus dynamic color adjustment. There are 2 USB4 ports and a Surface connector on the machine, and only in the 15-inch version are added a USB-A port and a microSD reader.
THE Surface Laptop 7 is 86% faster than the Surface Laptop 5 and boasts up to 22 hours of battery life.
Microsoft points out that its NPU is 20% faster than Apple’s M4s and that its Surface Laptop 7 is faster than the Macbook Air M3 in all areas.
The Surface Laptop 7 starts at $999.
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Note that Microsoft refrained from making any comparisons with the Pro 10 and Laptop 6 models to avoid making fun of these newer models. Especially since the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 machines in Intel Core Ultra will continue to be sold alongside the new “Pro 11” and “Laptop 7” machines that are only available in the ARM version, Microsoft wants to “officially” offer more choices to its customers .