Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 to Launch with Intel Processors

Microsoft is set to expand its Surface lineup with the upcoming release of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, which will now feature Intel processors alongside their existing ARM options. Initially, these devices were exclusively available with ARM processors from Qualcomm, but the new Intel Core Ultra 200V CPUs (codenamed Lunar Lake) will offer additional performance capabilities.

Since their launch in mid-2024, the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 have only been available with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processors. Customers seeking Intel-based models had to opt for the previous generation, the Surface Laptop 6 and Surface Pro 10, which utilized Intel's Meteor Lake processors. The introduction of Intel options brings these devices up to date with current technology trends.

Microsoft markets these devices as 'Copilot Plus PCs' for business users, emphasizing the integrated AI capabilities provided by the Intel processors. Both the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 will continue to be available with Qualcomm processors, giving customers a choice between the two architectures.

Visually, there are no design differences between the Intel and ARM versions; however, a notable price distinction exists. The Surface Pro starts at EUR1,179, while the Surface Laptop begins at EUR1,199. In contrast, the entry-level prices for the Intel variants are set significantly higher, starting at EUR1,759 for the Surface Pro and EUR1,849 for the Surface Laptop. These new models are expected to be available for purchase starting February 18, 2025.

The 'Surface Laptop for Business' will offer two display sizes--13.8 inches and 15 inches. Customers can select from four different CPU models, ranging from the Core Ultra 5 processor 236V to the Core Ultra 7 processor 268V. All these CPUs feature a dual-core design with four efficiency and four performance cores, while the performance of the integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and Intel Arc graphics will vary across models.

These Microsoft notebooks can be configured with either 16 or 32 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and SSD storage options ranging from 256 GB to 1 TB. The manufacturer claims that the 15-inch model can achieve up to 22 hours of battery life during video playback and 12 hours during active internet use, while the 13-inch version offers slightly lower figures--20 hours of video playback and 10 hours of web use. Interestingly, the Intel models are only one hour less efficient than their ARM counterparts, according to manufacturer specifications.

The display technology remains consistent across both the Intel and ARM versions. The Surface Pro 11 will continue to feature a 13-inch touchscreen, available in both OLED and LCD options. The specifications for RAM and SSD configurations will also remain unchanged between the two architectures. Battery performance for the Pro 11 is rated at 14 hours for video playback and 10 hours for web activities, similar to the Snapdragon model.

In conjunction with the launch of the new Intel versions, Microsoft will also introduce a USB4 docking station designed for Surface devices. Priced at EUR269, this dock can support two 4K displays at 60 Hz, charge the Surface device with up to 65 watts, and connect to a local network via Ethernet. The dock includes multiple ports: three USB-C, one USB-A, one HDMI, and one Ethernet.

Business customers will be able to place orders for the new Surface devices and the USB4 dock in about two and a half weeks, with deliveries commencing on February 18, 2025.