This is in Microsoft’s new 2-in-1
Microsoft is renewing its popular 2-in-1 device: According to the manufacturer, the Surface Pro 8 is the biggest update since the Pro 3. Among other things, it has been given a larger and faster display.
The promotional poster for the Surface Pro 8 that was leaked a few days ago turns out to be real: The successor to the Surface Pro 7 presented in October 2019 does indeed come with the rumored features. According to Microsoft, the new model is more than twice as fast as its predecessor.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8. (Image: Microsoft)
The new Surface Pro model comes in a revised aluminum housing with rounded edges and a narrower frame around the screen. The latter has grown from 12.3 inches on the Pro 7 to 13 inches without noticeably increasing the dimensions of the 2-in-1. At 28.7 x 20.83 x 0.94 centimeters, it is even slightly shorter than its predecessor, which is 29.2 x 20.1 x 0.85 centimeters. In terms of weight, however, there is a plus: According to Microsoft, the new model weighs 891 grams – the Pro 7 weighs 790 grams (i7 version) 100 grams less.
As previously leaked, Microsoft has not only enlarged the 3: 2 screen (2,880 x 1,920 pixels and 267 ppi), but renewed it and equipped it with a refresh rate of 120 Hertz and Dolby Vision support. According to the manufacturer, however, the higher frame rate must be activated; the device runs on the usual 60 Hertz by default.
Under the hood, Microsoft has also improved: The Surface Pro 8 is said to be more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7. The permanent CPU performance is said to have increased over 40 percent, the permanent graphics performance by 74 percent. The Intel processors of the eleventh generation are likely to be responsible for the increase in performance.
The SSD of the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 can be exchanged. (Image: Microsoft)
In the devices for end customers, Microsoft installs Core i5 (1135G7) or Core i7 chips (1185G7), which are Intel Evo certified, depending on the version. The range of the commercial models is slightly larger: it ranges from the dual-core i3 (1115G4) to the quad-core i5 (1145G7 with WiFi or LTE) to the quad-core i7 chip (1185G7) with WiFi or LTE). The i5 and i7 models are also Evo certified.
The i3 model has integrated Intel’s UHD Graphics, the i5 and i7 versions are equipped with Intel’s Iris Xe Graphics. In terms of memory, the manufacturer offers its Pro-8 models with eight to 32 gigabytes of LPDDDR4x RAM. With SSD storage it goes from 128 to 256 gigabytes up to 512 gigabytes and one terabyte. The smaller versions are optionally available with an LTE modem, the two larger only with WLAN according to the ax standard (Wifi 6). The Pro 8 should last up to 16 hours on a single charge.
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 – the Type Cover costs extra. (Image: Microsoft)
Also on board are Bluetooth 5.1, two USB-C ports with USB 4.0 / Thunderbolt 4 and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack. In addition, a Surface Connect and a Surface Type Cover ports are built in. For biometric authentication, Microsoft has integrated a five-megapixel camera that supports video calls in 1080p quality. Two far-field microphones should ensure good intelligibility. There is also a ten-megapixel camera with autofocus on the back. The sound is output via two-watt speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
The Surface Pro 8 will be delivered with Windows 11 and will start in Germany on October 28th, as will the new Signature Keyboard. The price starts at 1,179 euros for the Surface Pro 8, the keyboard will be available from 179.99 euros.
The Microsoft Surface Pro X is now also available as a Wi-Fi model. (Image: Microsoft)
In addition, Microsoft has given its two other Surface models minor upgrades: The Surface Pro X with ARM chip is now also available as a WLAN version, which has made it possible to lower the entry-level price. The Pro X now starts at 899 US dollars, in Germany it is scheduled to start in early 2022.
The Microsoft Surface Go 3. (Image: Microsoft)
The new Surface Go 3 has been given a faster Core i3 chip that is said to deliver up to 60 percent more performance. The small 2-in-1 with LTE modem can be ordered as an option. According to Microsoft, it offers all-day battery life and pen support.
According to Microsoft, Surface Go 3 can be pre-ordered now and will be available from October 5, 2021. For private customers and customers from the education sector, the device is available in platinum from 439 euros. For business customers, it starts at 539 euros. The compatible type cover costs 99 euros. An LTE version should be available at a later date.
