Microsoft has updated its Surface hardware range ahead of the launch of Windows 11 next month. Along with new laptops and 2-in-1 tablets, the company upgraded its foldable smartphone and introduced a new mouse made in part from plastic recovered from oceans.
An update of the Surface Duo launched last year, the Surface Duo 2 features the same design of a large phone that opens outwards like a book for a tablet-like experience. The device is designed to optimise use of Microsoft 365 and Teams, as well as entertainment apps like TikTok, Kindle and gaming. With larger 8.3-inch displays than its predecessor, the device runs the high-end Snapdragon 888 processor with 5G and features a triple-lens camera, stereo audio, NFC and optional stylus.
Available in the colours Glacier or Obsidian, the Surface Duo 2 starts at USD 1,500, slightly more than the previous model. It is available for pre-order in select markets and is expected to ship 21 October.
Surface Go, Pro, X, Studio
Microsoft also updated the Surface Go, its 10.5-inch tablet with detachable keypad and stylus. Aimed at consumers, the Surface Go 3 starts at USD 400 with Wi-Fi 6, with LTE Advanced available on the more expensive version. The device features a dual-core Intel Pentium or quad-core i3 processor, up to 265 GB storage and 1080p front and rear cameras for video calls. The Wi-Fi version launches first, with the cellular model available in the coming months.
The Surface Pro X, first released in 2019 as Microsoft's first device running Arm silicon, is getting a new Wi-Fi-only version. Priced from USD 900, it's been upgraded with Windows 11, 64-bit emulation and Microsoft apps optimised for the mobile chip platform.
For advanced professional users, Microsoft presented the new Surface Laptop Studio, with a 14.4-inch display able to tilt for laptop, design and tablet modes, as well as the new Surface Slim Pen 2 for drawing. Running the latest 11th generation Intel Core H35 processors and Nvidia GeForce RTx GPUs, the Studio model starts at USD 1,600.
The more compact Surface Pro 8 is a 2-in-1 with 13-inch display and 120 Hz refresh rate. It comes with a big upgrade in power compared to its predecessor, with 11th Gen Intel Core processors, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and the Intel Evo platform for high-end laptops. The Surface pro 8 features a 5MP front-facing camera, a 10MP, 4K rear-facing camera and dual far-field Studio Mics for optimum video calls. Pricing starts at USD 1,100.
As part of the company's efforts to develop more sustainable products, Microsoft presented the Ocean Plastic Mouse, made of a resin containing 20 percent recycled plastic washed ashore from oceans and waterways. Priced at USD 25, it's designed to offer a comfortable accessory that takes small steps to reduce waste.
