Microsoft unveils updated Surface Laptop 5, Surface Pro 9 and Surface Studio 2+ all-in-one

Microsoft held an autumn presentation, which presented updated versions of three computers and a couple of accessories. Here's what you need to know about these updates.

Surface Laptop 5

The base laptop will be available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch variants. Outwardly, they are as similar as possible to their predecessors - with the exception of the new green color scheme, which replaced the blue one.

The filling of laptops does not depend on the size. Both use 12th generation Intel Evo processors with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. Depending on the modification of the RAM, it will be up to 32 GB, the maximum capacity of the SSD is 1 TB.

Both models received new PixelSense displays with support for Dolby Vision IQ (HDR auto-adjustment for ambient light due to sensors in the device). The resolution has not changed compared to the fourth generation: 2256 × 1504 or 2496 × 1664 pixels depending on the model, 3:2 aspect ratio.

The laptops received stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos surround sound and a pair of microphones. Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6 are also supported here. The declared autonomy is 18 hours for the 13-inch model and 17 hours for the 15-inch one.

The Surface Laptop 5 13" and 15" will go on sale October 25 for $1,000 and $1,200 respectively. This is approximately 63,700 and 76,500 rubles at the current exchange rate.

Surface Pro 9

Unlike a laptop, the Pro version of the convertible tablet, in addition to the version with Intel 12th generation, is also available in a version with an ARM chip - this is a custom SQ 3 with 5G support. Microsoft last experimented with SQ chips in the 2020 Surface Pro X, which received mixed reviews, mostly due to app optimizations.

In addition to the new processors, the device has not undergone major changes. The tablet retains the 13-inch 120Hz PixelSense screen, relatively thin bezels, but the built-in 1080p webcam is better, according to Microsoft.

Interestingly, the versions differ not only in processors. The Intel version comes in up to 32GB LPDDR5 memory and up to 1TB SSD, while the ARM version is limited to 16GB LPDDR4x and 512GB SSD in the top variant. Also in the ARM version, USB-C 3.2 is used instead of two USB-C 4.0 / Thunderbolt connectors. There is a plus: the tablet on Intel works up to 15.5 hours, and on ARM - up to 19 hours.

The Surface Pro 9 starts at $1,000 for an Intel Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. The 5G version starts at $1,300 for a model with the same amount of storage. The devices will go on sale simultaneously with the laptop on October 25th.

Surface Studio 2+

Four years have passed since the release of Surface Studio 2, but we still have not received the third generation: instead, the Studio 2+ version came out. The improvement turned out to be strange: the 11th generation Intel H35 processor is used here (although the laptop and transformer already have the 12th), but the NVIDIA RTX 3060 video card is on board.

The monoblock retained the 28-inch PixelSense screen and tilt-adjustable stand, and outwardly it is easy to confuse it with the second version. The arrival of Thunderbolt 4 and Dolby Vision HDR has been a welcome improvement.

Microsoft claims that the Core i7-11370H in the new model is 50% faster than the Studio 2 processor, as well as 5 times faster than the original 2017 model. The RTX 3060, in turn, is twice the size of the GTX 1060.

The Surface Studio 2+ will only ship with 32GB of DDR4 memory and a 1TB SSD. Such a computer will cost $4,500 (≈286,800 rubles), and for a set of stylus, keyboard, and Surface mouse, you will have to pay $300 (≈19,100 rubles). Sales start October 25th.

Audio Dock

This is a cross between a speaker and a laptop hub. Two speakers for 15 and 5 W are responsible for the sound, there are also two microphones. In terms of connectors, the device offers USB-C with support for laptop charging up to 60W, a couple of regular USB-C, HDMI 2.0 and a lone USB-A.

On the case, in addition to the volume control buttons, there are dedicated keys for turning on and off microphone, as well as connecting to a conference via Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or Zoom (on macOS, this is also works).

The device will go on sale on October 25 at a price of $250 (≈15,900 rubles).

Presenter+

This is a miniature remote for PowerPoint presentations, which, in addition to the slide switching buttons, offers a way to quickly connect to a call in Microsoft Teams. If you are using other service, the button can be reassigned - including under Zoom. There is also a microphone on/off button on the remote control.

The gadget costs $80 (≈5,100 rubles), the kit includes a charging stand.