In a bold move, Microsoft has embraced Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X-series chips for its latest lineup of Surface PCs. This includes the more affordable yet compromised 13-inch Surface Laptop and the 12-inch Surface Pro, both launched earlier this spring. However, the tech giant remains committed to serving businesses and individuals who prefer or require a traditional Intel or AMD-based x86 PC.
The latest addition to the Surface family is the Surface Laptop 5G, an upgraded version of the existing Intel-based 13.8-inch Surface Laptop. This new model comes equipped with built-in 5G cellular connectivity, setting it apart from its non-5G counterpart. Although the design remains largely unchanged, Microsoft has internally redesigned the device, featuring a dynamic antenna system and a custom multi-layered laminate to enhance signal strength.
The Surface Laptop 5G is powered by the same Core Ultra Series 2 chips, codenamed Lunar Lake, that were introduced in Microsoft’s January PC releases. These advanced chips not only include impressive Intel Arc integrated GPUs but also boast neural processing units (NPUs) that are capable of supporting Windows 11's enhanced Copilot+ features. This makes the Surface Laptop 5G particularly appealing for businesses that rely on software requiring a traditional x86 PC. While many x86 applications run smoothly under Prism, Windows 11’s x86-to-Arm app translation layer, certain device drivers and custom applications may present compatibility challenges for Arm PCs.
While Microsoft has yet to announce the official pricing for the Surface Laptop 5G, the non-5G version starts at a hefty $1,499. This base model includes a Core Ultra 5 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. In comparison, the Snapdragon version of the same laptop is priced $400 lower and includes a 512GB SSD. It is reasonable to expect that the 5G variant will add at least a couple of hundred dollars to its starting price.
Since the departure of Panos Panay in 2023, Microsoft has scaled back some of its Surface hardware initiatives. The company has discontinued the Surface Studio laptop and desktop models, shifting its focus primarily to the Surface Pro tablet and the Surface Laptop series. The Surface Laptop 5G is scheduled to begin shipping on August 26, and Microsoft is also making the 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro tablet available to its business customers starting today.
With the launch of the Surface Laptop 5G, Microsoft is reinforcing its commitment to provide high-performance devices that cater to both traditional and modern computing needs. As more users embrace the advantages of 5G connectivity, the Surface Laptop 5G stands out as a compelling choice for businesses and consumers alike.
