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  • Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) Review: An Overpriced 2-in-1

    Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) Review: An Overpriced 2-in-1

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    Ah, Surface Pro, how I’d forgotten all about your epic journey to get to this point.

    Microsoft’s converti-tablet is back, again, and the excitement is palpable. Microsoft’s excitement, at least. This is the fastest, bestest, most AI-est Surface Pro computer ever, we’re told, all thanks to Copilot+—the company’s suite of artificial intelligence features baked into its Windows operating system—Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X CPU, and a collective memory that has forgotten some of the misguided Pros of yesteryear.

    This is my sixth round reviewing the Surface Pro, which includes editions from 2015, 2019, and 2020, to highlight a few. If you don’t want to slog down memory lane, I’ll give you the highlights: Everything was fine until Microsoft decided to abandon Intel and the x86 architecture for an ARM Qualcomm chip in 2019, and then abandoned Qualcomm in 2020 for its own ARM silicon (which was developed with Qualcomm as a partner).

    The TL;DR on the shift to Qualcomm in 2019 is pretty straightforward: Thanks to the ARM silicon, the computer couldn’t run anything, at least not very well. Windows has supported the x86 architecture for decades, but hardly any apps at the time were compatible with ARM-based Windows machines. None of the Adobe Creative Cloud apps would run on it. Users unwilling to work with the Edge browser had to use a dog-slow, emulated 32-bit version of Chrome. Oh, and it was twice the price of Microsoft’s other Surface product at the time. I predicted in my review that the Pro X would be discontinued, and after just two iterations it was, though ARM CPUs became a configuration option on the Pro line in the hardware that followed.

    With the 2024 Surface Pro (aka 11th edition), Microsoft has returned to Qualcomm’s arms in full, having bought into the promises of the Snapdragon X, the “It Chip” that will bring AI into the mainstream via Windows. Plenty of other PC manufacturers are on board too—I’ve already reviewed the Asus Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ PC and will be testing more of these Snapdragon-powered machines soon. Everyone wants their piece of that AI pie.

    Note, however, that even though we’re back to Qualcomm-first, an Intel option “for business” is out there, unpromoted. No one much cares, though, because you’ll need the Qualcomm version if you want to access Copilot+ PC features, since for the time being they aren’t supported on Intel. So score one for Qualcomm: This is the first time the company’s CPU can run something on Windows that Intel and AMD can’t.

    Top Tablet connected to detachable keyboard sitting on wooden floor. Bottom Side view of tablet connected to a keyboard.

    Photograph: Christopher Null

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  • Best Microsoft Surface: Which Models to Buy or Avoid (2024)

    Best Microsoft Surface: Which Models to Buy or Avoid (2024)

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    Surface Pro Type Cover for $130: This Type Cover is one of our favorite accessories. The cover is easy to attach, the clicky keys feel satisfying to type on, and it’s the least expensive option for the Surface Pro lineup. It’s compatible with the Surface Pro 8 and earlier. There’s a similar Type Cover for the Surface Go line that also costs $130.

    Surface Pro Signature Keyboard for $126: The Pro Signature Keyboard is expensive, but it’s the best option if you’re using the Surface Pro X or Surface Pro 8 with the Slim Pen 2. It comes with built-in storage for the stylus that doubles as a charger. That way, you don’t have to worry about losing it or running low on battery.

    Surface Pen for $100: The Surface Pen is compatible with myriad Surface devices, so it’s useful if you’re always switching between Microsoft’s laptop and tablet. It packs precision ink—with tilt for shading—along with thousands of pressure points and virtually zero lag. Unlike the Slim Pen, which supports wireless charging, the Surface Pen runs on batteries.

    Surface Slim Pen 2 for $130: With the second-generation Slim Pen, Microsoft added haptic feedback and lower latency (sketching and writing should feel more responsive). We liked using it with the Surface Pro 8, but it’s also compatible with a variety of other Surface devices. It’s an ideal accessory if you rely on your tablet for taking notes or drawing.

    Logitech K380 Wireless Keyboard for $40: If you want a cheap Bluetooth keyboard to use with your Surface device, we like Logitech’s K380 Wireless Keyboard. It’s inexpensive, offers a nice typing experience, and is compact. It also comes in a super cute pink color.

    Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports can be a bit scarce on Surface devices. This hub from Twelve South comes with a USB-A port, an HDMI, a headphone jack, and a USB-C port for pass-through charging. You can either plug it into the device or extend it with the included cord.

    Microsoft Adaptive Accessories ($15 to $45): Microsoft offers a range of PC hardware for people with limited mobility including a programmable button, adaptive mouse, and a hub to connect them to a PC wirelessly.

    Protect Your Surface With Microsoft Complete

    If you’re rough on your gadgets, get the Microsoft Complete extended warranty. Starting at $99, it gives you additional warranty coverage, plus two accidental damage claims with a $49 deductible. Microsoft will provide up to four years of coverage for Surface devices specifically and will cover things like cracked screens, drops, and spills.

    You can get Microsoft Complete in a few different ways. You can add it in real-time when buying a Surface device. But if you’re not sure whether you need it, you can either book an appointment with a Microsoft product expert, add it directly through the Surface App, or contact Microsoft Store Support. However, it’s worth noting you’ll have up to 45 days after purchase to add a protection plan.

    Should You Wait to Buy?

    No. Back in September, Microsoft launched a new Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Surface Laptop Go 3. There’s also a new Surface Go 4, but the refresh is strictly for enterprise consumers. More recently, Microsoft announced a new Surface Pro (11th edition) and Surface Laptop (7th Edition). These are successors to the Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5, but the company no longer follows a numerical naming structure—instead, it’s going by “editions.” Both devices are currently available for preorder with full availability starting June 18.

    We’re still waiting on the Surface Studio 3 (the all-in-one desktop). The last version was released in October 2022. Microsoft has yet to release any details on a next-gen model.

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  • Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) and Surface Laptop (7th Edition): Specs, Price, Features, Release Date

    Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) and Surface Laptop (7th Edition): Specs, Price, Features, Release Date

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    The Surface Pro (11th Edition) is available for preorder now and starts at $1,000. It goes on sale June 18.

    New Copilot and Windows Features

    Microsoft also announced several features exclusive to Windows 11, which will be available on June 18. Here are a few notable ones.

    Screenshot of Microsoft Windows

    Courtesy of Microsoft

    Recall

    There’s nothing more frustrating than when you can’t find a photo, email, or file from a few days ago on your device. Scrolling through tons of emails, clicking through all your open tabs, and opening files can be time-consuming. Recall wants to solve this.

    Microsoft says Recall lets you find anything you’ve seen or done on your PC with a simple search query, and it’s powered by state-of-the-art large language models, which can understand various content on your PC, like text, images, and videos. It works in any application so you can search across your computer. It’s not unlike the Ask Photos feature Google recently announced at its developer conference, except that is only available in Google Photos.

    For example, if you’re looking for a blue dress you saw online, you can search “blue dress” in Windows 11 and it will pull together all the choices you’ve viewed on your device. If you’re looking for a specific one sent to you via a messaging app, you can search “blue pantsuit with sequin lace from grandma,” and Recall will find it for you so you don’t have to scroll through hundreds of messages.

    Microsoft says the Recall index is stored locally on device and won’t be used to train any artificial intelligence models, so the data is private. It’s customizable too, so you can exclude certain websites or apps, allowing you to prevent it from accessing private content.

    Screenshot of Microsoft Windows

    Courtesy of Microsoft

    Live Captions

    With Live Captions, you’ll get instant real-time translation from 44 languages into English across any video or audio call. This can also be used for other scenarios like when watching a movie, allowing you to turn live captions into English subtitles in real-time.

    Screenshot of Microsoft Windows

    Courtesy of Microsoft

    Windows Studio Effects

    To help enhance video calls, the webcams in the new Surface computers come with AI-powered features called Windows Studio Effects. You’ll have access to creative filters in three styles (illustrated, animated, and watercolor); Portrait Light, which adjusts the lighting for a more natural appearance; Eye Contact, which adjusts your eyes so they appear to look at the camera even if you’re looking off to the side; Portrait Blur, to add a blurred background behind you; and Voice Focus to enhance your audio and reduce background noise.

    This is a developing story. Check back soon for more updates.

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