New Microsoft Surface Laptop Now Available - Starting at $999

Microsoft Updates Surface Line with Productivity in Mind

Microsoft is strategically presenting its newest Surface devices as tools designed to enhance productivity. The demand for laptops has notably increased since the start of the pandemic, driven by the widespread shift to remote work environments. Consequently, the latest iteration of the Surface Laptop stands out as the primary highlight within this new collection of products.

Surface Laptop 4: Evolutionary Improvements

The Surface Laptop 4 doesn't represent a radical overhaul of the series, launching approximately eighteen months following its predecessor. However, this product has consistently been well-received among Microsoft’s own hardware offerings. It prioritizes a streamlined, traditional laptop experience over the more versatile, creator-focused 2-in-1 designs.

Sometimes, established designs maintain their popularity for valid reasons.

Configurations and Performance

The new Laptop is offered with either a 13.5-inch or 15-inch touchscreen display, and is powered by either an 11th Gen Intel Core processor or an AMD Ryzen processor. The base model begins at a price of $999, though Microsoft has not yet detailed the complete pricing structure for all configurations.

The company promises enhancements in both performance and battery life, exceeding the 11.5 hours achieved by the Laptop 3. A promotional video suggests a potential battery life of “up to 19 hours,” a significant claim that would be particularly beneficial as travel resumes.

Enhanced Features for Modern Communication

Building upon the HD webcam of the previous generation, the new system incorporates improved performance in low-light conditions. This is complemented by a studio mic array. While not revolutionary, these improvements demonstrate a welcome focus on webcam quality, crucial in an era where a substantial portion of communication occurs through video conferencing.

Design and Connectivity

The design remains consistent with earlier models, but a new Ice Blue color option has been introduced. Microsoft continues to utilize its proprietary charging port, supporting fast charging to 80% capacity within an hour. Standard USB-A and USB-C ports are also included.

The device features a pair of Dolby Atmos speakers and is compatible with the Surface Pen via its touchscreen.

Availability and Pricing Details

Preorders for the Laptop begin today in the United States, Canada, and Japan, with shipping commencing on April 15th. The 13.5-inch AMD Ryzen model, equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, is priced at $999.

The highest-end configuration, a 15-inch Intel Core i7 model with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, costs $2,399, with an additional $100 required to upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro. Early preorders will include a complimentary pair of Surface Earbuds.