Microsoft presents 3 new Surface models with surprising prices
Microsoft introduces three new Surface models with Intel designed for business. Learn about specs, prices and differences of the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12
Microsoft introduced three new Surface models with Intel processors designed specifically for business users. Prices start at $1,949.99, a clear sign that these machines are not designed for the average user, but for corporate fleets where performance and safety justify the investment.
The three Surface Intel models for business
Microsoft simultaneously launched the Surface Pro 12, the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 8 and the 15-inch Surface Laptop 8, all under the Business line. What they have in common is their commitment to Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, with variants ranging from Core Ultra 5 to Core Ultra 7 depending on the configuration chosen.
Here's a quick look at each one:
Why Microsoft is betting on Intel now
Until now, Microsoft has been pushing Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips hard in its Surface line. The turn to Intel is not a whim, but a response to corporate demand.
Companies still prefer full compatibility with the x86 software ecosystem, something that Qualcomm's ARM processors still do not guarantee 100%. What we see here is that Microsoft covers both fronts: consumer with Snapdragon, business with Intel.
Additionally, integration with management tools like Microsoft Intune and enterprise security certifications make these machines a serious option for IT departments.
Prices that make it clear who they are aimed at
The 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 8 in its maximum version — Core Ultra 7, 64 GB RAM and 1 TB of storage — reaches $4,299.99. The Pro 12 tops out at $4,399.99. We are talking about prices that practically double what the Surface Laptop 7 cost at its launch.
Microsoft openly acknowledges that prices are high. That's why it plans to launch a version of the 13-inch model (Surface Laptop Business 13″) with 8 GB of RAM starting at $1,299.99 later in the year, seeking to provide a more accessible entry-level option for smaller organizations.
The key here is to understand that these are not the Surfaces you'll see in a retail store: they are devices designed for tenders, enterprise contracts, and scale deployments.
How much does the Surface Laptop 8 with Intel cost? The Surface Laptop 8 starts at $1,949.99 in its 13.8-inch version with Intel Core Ultra 5, 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Maximum configurations with Core Ultra 7, 64 GB RAM and 1 TB can exceed $4,000.
How is the Surface Pro 12 different from the Surface Laptop 8? The Surface Pro 12 is a 2-in-1 tablet-type device with a detachable keyboard, also available with an OLED screen and 5G connectivity. The Surface Laptop 8 is a traditional laptop available in 13.8 and 15 inches, with no tablet option or 5G.
Are these Surfaces with Intel for personal or business use? They are exclusive to the Surface for Business line, aimed at companies. They are not available in conventional consumer sales channels, although their technical specifications make them competitive against premium laptops such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 or the HP EliteBook.