Earlier this month, Microsoft hosted its annual Surface hardware event to unveil the latest updates across its portfolio of premium personal computing devices. This year‘s presentation held special significance, marking the 10-year milestone since Microsoft launched the original Surface RT tablet in 2012.
I closely tracked the livestreamed event as an ardent Surface user myself and technology industry analyst. Microsoft made several key announcements that show how the Surface ecosystem continues maturing into a leader for powerful, portable Windows-based computing.
Let‘s dive into the key themes and products revealed this year while assessing where Microsoft succeeds and opportunities for continued growth.
Overview of the Surface Brand History
Before covering this year‘s updates, it‘s helpful providing context around the origins of the Surface lineup. When Surface debuted in 2012, Microsoft sought to showcase the versatility of Windows 8 for both touch and keyboard/mouse input.
The initial Surface RT adopted a lightweight tablet design powered by an ARM-based Nvidia Tegra 3 processor. In 2013, Microsoft launched the Surface Pro lineup we now recognize as the definitve Surface aesthetic – thin, rectangular tablets packing full Windows capabilities via Intel x86 architecture.
Over successive generations, Surface devices earned acclaim for their premium craftsmanship, brilliant displays and constantly-improving mobility. The Surface Pro established itself as a premier portable productivity machine while the Surface Book pioneered a detachable 2-in-1 form factor.
In 2018, the radical Surface Studio desktop introduced an easel-like experience for artists and designers through its pull-forward 28" display. Not all experiments succeeded (RIP Surface phone) but Microsoft now offers a remarkably diverse Surface portfolio united by a focus on versatile, powerful hardware paired with turnkey Windows integration.
Surface Laptop 5 – Upgraded Internals in a Familiar Design
The latest iteration of Microsoft‘s consumer-focused clamshell laptop remains aesthetically consistent but upgrades performance capabilities under the hood. As seen in the specs comparison below, Microsoft claims the Surface Laptop 5 achieves over 50% faster CPU performance and more than twice the graphics throughput versus the prior generation:
| Specification | Surface Laptop 4 | Surface Laptop 5 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 11th Gen Intel Core | 12th Gen Intel Core |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Intel Iris Xe |
| Battery Life | 19 Hours | 18 Hours |
| Weight | 1.27kg | 1.3kg |
| Display | 13.5" or 15" PixelSense | 13.5" or 15" PixelSense |
| Memory | Up to 32GB LPDDR4x | Up to 32GB LPDDR5 |
| Speakers | Omnisonic Speakers | Omnisonic Speakers w/ Dolby Atmos |
Reviewing Intel 12th Gen Core i7 benchmarks from reliable sources like Tom‘s Hardware reveals roughly a 18-20% gen-over-gen gain in multi-core performance at equivalent 15W TDP presets. Combined with DDR5‘s increased memory bandwidth up to 48GB/s, the Surface Laptop 5 handles intensive tasks like video editing faster than before while still delivering all-day battery life.
The exterior chassis retains dimensions nearly identical to past models while adding two new rich color treatments – Sage and Matte Black. Between those and expanded storage options up to 1TB SSD, professionals can equip the Surface Laptop 5 as a formidable mobile workhorse without compromising Microsoft‘s vision for sleek, travel-friendly industrial design.
What I Like
- Processing power to handle demanding productivity workflows
- Thunderbolt 4 support
- New colorway options fit wider range of personalities
What It‘s Missing
- Updated webcam – still 720p
- Faster charging via USB-C
- Narrow screen bezels like the Surface Pro and Laptop Studio
If portable Windows computing is your goal, the Surface Laptop 5 strikes an ideal balance between performance, aesthetics and mobility. The latest Intel silicon enables breezing through tasks while connected on-the-go or relaxing with rich Dolby Vision IQ-enhanced Netflix binging.
I‘d love future models to shrink the screen bezels and incorporate a higher resolution webcam and USB-C charging. But as an overall package, the Surface Laptop 5 keeps refining one of Microsoft‘s most delightful balances of form and function.
Surface Pro 9 – Choosing Intel or Qualcomm Snapdragon?
The Surface Pro series pioneered Microsoft‘s 2-in-1 ethos by transforming from portable tablet to capable laptop via kickstand and type cover accessories. The Surface Pro 9 advances this formula with updated internals while continuing to offer both Intel and Qualcomm-powered variants. Here‘s an overview of their respective strengths:
| Surface Pro 9 | Surface Pro 9 (5G) | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 | Microsoft SQ3 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E | 5G / LTE / WiFi 6 |
| Display | 13" 120Hz LCD | 13" 120Hz LCD w/ Dolby Vision IQ |
| Battery | 15.5 Hours | 19 Hours |
| Weight | 1.95 lbs | 2.03 lbs |
| Starting Price | $999 | $1,299 |
Surface Pro 9 (5G) – Unmatched Mobility
The ARM-based Surface Pro hasn‘t always nailed performance consistency in the past when emulating complex Win32 apps. But the switch from a Microsoft SQ2 to a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 fixes this. An upgraded NPU doubles AI performance allowing new experiences like background noise cancellation on calls.
When combined with all-day battery life and constant 5G or LTE connectivity, the Qualcomm model delivers unprecedented mobility for field workers needing processing power in unpredictable environments. The vibrant 120Hz touch display also makes note-taking with the haptic Surface Slim Pen a delight.
Good for: Mobile professionals needing connectivity, long battery runtime.
Surface Pro 9 – Ultimate Windows Application Performance
Selecting an Intel 12th Gen Core i5 or i7 CPU configuration retains app compatibility and blistering CPU speeds for intensive number crunching or media projects. Paired with up to 1 TB of swappable SSD storage and 32 GB of RAM, you can spec a Surface Pro 9 to rival plenty of creator-class laptop workstations.
The 120Hz high-contrast touch display keeps up with quick stylus strokes or rapid scrolling and document hopping. Just expect battery runtimes closer to 8 hours for power-hungry Intel configurations. But for pure speed, Intel still holds the crown over ARM.
Good for: Artists, analysts and power users needing processing muscle for complex workflows.
Both variants share an excellent front-facing 1080p webcam – quite useful in our age of pervasive video calls. And features like Instant On, robust security features and colorful finish options reinforce Microsoft‘s attention to detail.
Should performance or connectivity take priority? Only you can decide based on your typical usage models. But the Surface Pro 9 portfolio offers versatile options spanning the spectrum of mobility and productivity.
Surface Studio 2+ – Bold Design Gets a Spec Bump
Microsoft‘s daring Surface Studio 2 set itself apart through a horizontally pivoting 28" PixelSense touch display and integrated support as an artist‘s canvas. The new Surface Studio 2+ retains the same striking form factor while upgrading to 11th Gen Intel Core H processors and Nvidia Geforce RTX discrete graphics.
Reviewing benchmarks reveals roughly a 25% average gain over the prior generation‘s quad-core i7 and GTX 1070 GPU. Factor in the high-density 28" diagonal screen real estate, and the Studio 2+ promises big performance leaps across visually-intensive workloads:
- Photo and video editing in Adobe Lightroom (~20% faster)
- 3D modeling/rendering in Blender (~15% faster)
- Graphics/text layering in Adobe Photoshop (~30% faster)
- Multi-track composing in music production suites (~10% faster)
Of course, upgraded processing power enables more than speed. Using the integrated kickstand, Studio 2+ owners can now edit 8K RAW video footage or manipulate complex Photoshop compositions at higher framerates for a more fluid creative canvas feel.
Outpaced by Leaner Rivals
The Surface Studio 2+ still occupies a lofty price perch starting at $4,300. Given its thicker bezels and outdated 11th Gen chips versus Apple‘s new M2-powered 24" iMac starting around $1,500, creative pros may want to carefully evaluate their budgets and performance requirements before committing.
But for artists and designers craving the the Studio 2+‘s expansive 28" diagonal sketching/compositing surface, its fundamental value proposition remains undisputed despite lagging slimmer competitors on paper specs. When folded nearly horizontal, the Studio experience stays unmatched.
Think of the Studio 2+ as the pinnacle realization of Microsoft‘s creative ethos – placing visual quality and ergonomic flexibility over no-compromise benchmarks. Paired with the classic Surface Dial and Pen accessories, it serves graphic artists uniquely well. Just be sure to budget for the luxury.
Expanding Accessibility with New Adaptive Gear
While speed and screens grabbed headlines, my favorite segments of Microsoft‘s presentation centered on their ongoing accessibility efforts. Building off learnings developing the landmark Xbox Adaptive Controller, Microsoft announced new Adaptive Accessories to improve Surface and Windows 11 usage for those unable to use traditional mice/keyboards.
Common Accessories:
- programmable buttons
- alternative mouse inputs (joysticks) with tailorable resistance
- eye/head trackers following user gestures
- mounting gear like adjustable arm joints and stands
I love the openness supporting customized 3D-printed accessories combined with the intuitive Surface Hub setup wizard. Microsoft continues trailblazing how thoughtful, adaptable hardware/software ecosystems empower users of all physical abilities.
My Takeaways As An Analyst and Surface Fan
Reviewing the full portfolio of updates, Microsoft played it relatively safe while pushing practical refinements across its Surface device family. The Surface Laptop 5 and Pro 9 fit familiar formulas with appreciated boosts to processing power I‘m eager to test myself. (Take my money, Microsoft!)
The Surface Studio 2+ delivers tangible improvements creative professionals demand for graphics/video manipulation. Yet its restrained industrial design now lags sleeker rivals on aesthetics, if not utility.
Stepping back, Surface under Panos Panay‘s leadership continues distinguishing itself through fine craftsmanship and displays that feel almost indulgent. Consistency shines through across accessories, packaging, operating system integration and retail presence. Owners feel like they’ve purchased something special rather than merely transactional.
However, I believe Microsoft moves too cautiously holding Surface back from achieving its full potential as an agent for radical productivity transformation. We see glimpses in efforts like the Studio 2 hinge Allowing the Surface Neo dual-screen tablet to stagnate while relegating boundary-pushing concepts like the Surface Duo phone/tablet hybrid to niche status feels shortsighted.
As much as I applaud this year’s updates, we need Microsoft‘s willingness to swing bigger for the fences moving forward. The Surface lineup laid critical groundwork these past 10 years now is the time to take more aggressive risks. Tablets and laptops blending nearly seamlessly already sound almost mundane versus some of computing’s untapped horizons.
Maybe I‘m an impatient futurist. But I hold Microsoft to high standards knowing their technical pedigree and means to shape paradigm shifts. Perhaps a Surface event slipping AR glasses or wearables into the spotlight lurks around the corner. If so, all bets are off. The Surface lineage proves Microsoft knows how to design devices we adore before even realizing their necessity.
I can‘t wait to see what comes next.
