Microsoft Surface for Remote Work - Latest Business Devices

With the official start of CES today, I expect a significant number of new hardware releases geared towards facilitating remote work. Last year witnessed a notable increase in personal computer purchases, while smartphone sales experienced a decline. The widespread need to transition from traditional office environments to remote workspaces prompted considerable adjustments, and we are now observing the results of this demand from hardware manufacturers.

The newly released Surface Pro 7+ appears to be a direct response to this trend. While I remain cautious about endorsing a 2-in-1 device with a separate keyboard as a main tool for productivity, there's a growing acceptance among users of this type of configuration.

Key specifications include the availability of optional LTE connectivity and enhanced processing speed—Microsoft claims up to 2.1 times faster—thanks to an 11th Generation Intel Core processor. This is complemented by a maximum of 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage capacity. It also features a 1080p resolution front-facing camera for video calls and an array of four microphones.

Connectivity options encompass one standard USB-A port, the proprietary Surface Connect port, and, regrettably, just one USB-C port. Microsoft appears steadfast in maintaining this configuration, which may not be ideal. The device is projected to offer up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge—a respectable, though not groundbreaking, performance.

Pricing begins at $899 for the Wi-Fi model and $1,149 for the LTE version. Pre-orders are being accepted starting today, with shipments scheduled to commence next week. In related news, the previously announced Surface Hub 2S 85 interactive whiteboard is now slated to begin shipping next month in specific regions.