Intel-Powered Surface Pro and Surface Laptop Officially Announced

Microsoft is rolling out fresh Surface PCs today, including the revamped Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, now boasting Intel Lunar Lake processors. These innovative devices are the company’s first Intel-powered Copilot+ products, specifically tailored for business users who desire the newest Surface technology with an x86 processor.

Let’s delve into the Surface Laptop 7, which comes equipped with Intel technology. Starting at $1,499.99, this device runs on Windows 11 Pro. You have options between Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 (Series 2) CPUs accompanied by Intel Arc GPU. Its AI capabilities are powered by Intel AI Boost, offering 40 or 48 TOPS depending on your choice. Memory ranges between 16GB and 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB via M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD. The display boasts a 13.8-inch 2304×1536 resolution or a 15-inch 2496×1664 IPS screen, both sporting a 120Hz refresh rate and anti-reflective properties. Battery life varies with a 54Whr on the smaller model and 66Whr on the larger one. Connectivity is modernized with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a promise of 5G compatibility in the future. It houses multiple ports including two USB4 Type-C, one USB 3.2 Gen 1, microSD, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The size is adaptable—measuring 301 x 220 x 17.5mm for the 13-inch version and 329 x 239 x 18.29mm for the 15-inch, with starting weights of 1.35kg and 1.66kg, respectively.

These Intel-driven Surface devices will accompany the existing Snapdragon models, but you’ll only find the Intel ones through Microsoft’s business storefront and commercial channels—not the usual retail giants like Amazon or Best Buy. They primarily target the commercial market, offering configurations with Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 series 2 processors, 16GB or 32GB RAM, and various storage capacities—256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. They also pack an NPU with the Ultra 5 yielding 40 TOPS and Ultra 7 producing 48 TOPS. Significantly, both models are Copilot+ enabled.

From the outside, the Intel and Snapdragon versions look similar, though the Intel editions have a few enhancements. For instance, both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 include anti-reflective screens to minimize glare. The Laptop 7 also presents a new card-reader variant, while the Pro 11 integrates NFC functionality.

Moreover, the Surface Laptop 7 is set to introduce a 5G variant later this year—the first of its kind since previously, only the Surface Pro had 5G support. Microsoft promises to reveal more about the 5G Surface Laptop soon.

For a deeper look at the Surface Pro 11 with Intel, you’ll be looking at a starting price of $1,499.99. It operates on Windows 11 Pro, powered by Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 (Series 2) processors alongside an Intel Arc GPU. Like its counterpart, it features Intel AI Boost capabilities with 40 or 48 TOPS, 16GB/32GB LPDDR5x RAM, and storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB via M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. This 13-inch device offers a 2880×1920 (2.8K), OLED or LCD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, and touch capabilities. Expect 10 hours of web browsing battery life and connectivity via Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and eventual 5G support. Ports include two USB4 connections, Surface Connect, and Nano-SIM. Its dimensions are 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches, weighing 1.97 pounds, or 2.75 pounds with the Flex Keyboard and Slim Pen.

However, bear in mind these Intel models are offered only in the Platinum and Black color schemes—the colorful options are exclusive to Snapdragon models. There’s also a noticeable price difference: while the Snapdragon business models start at $1,099, the Intel counterparts begin at $1,499. Essentially, the $400 price hike for Intel models brings you anti-reflective screens and native x86 compatibility.

This launch signifies the second instance Microsoft has crafted commercially-centered hardware for business clientele, the first being the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 with older Intel Core Ultra series 1 chips. With the latest models, business customers can enjoy the updated designs previously seen only on Snapdragon variants but now with Intel processors. If you were intrigued by the Surface Laptop 7’s aesthetics yet preferred an Intel chip over Snapdragon, these new business models cater to you.

Adding to the lineup, Microsoft introduces a new Surface Dock, dubbed the “Surface USB4 Dock,” which isn’t to be confused with last year’s Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock. The USB4 Dock is more compact and has fewer ports, yet it’s priced at $199, a whole $100 less than its Thunderbolt counterpart.

Pre-orders are open for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 with Intel, starting at $1,499. Shipments for both models are slated to commence on February 18.