Microsoft Discontinues $999 Surface Pro 11 and Laptop 7, Launches New Affordable Surface PCs

Microsoft Unveils New Surface Computers with Strategic Pricing Changes

This week, Microsoft announced the launch of two innovative Surface devices: the Surface Pro with a 12-inch display and the Surface Laptop with a 13-inch display. Both laptops are equipped with the latest Copilot+ technology and utilize efficient ARM processors, promising impressive battery life and modern specifications suitable for today’s Windows computing needs.

Pricing Strategy Shift

Although the new models are priced lower than their predecessors, the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, which were initially available at $999, some users have expressed concerns. They argue the price reduction does not adequately justify the cuts in specifications, particularly for the Surface Laptop 13-inch. In response to this feedback, Microsoft has made a significant adjustment to its pricing strategy.

The company has ceased the sales of the entry-level models previously priced at $999. Now, both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop start at $1, 199. Additionally, Microsoft has discontinued the 256GB configuration for these devices, leaving lower-tier storage options starting at $799 for the Surface Pro 12-inch and $899 for the Surface Laptop 13-inch. This price adjustment has broadened the gap between the new budget-friendly variants and the premium models.

Market Implications for Consumers

Considering frequent sales of the earlier models, such as the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, which can often be found for as low as $799, the launch of the new Surface PCs may not be financially compelling for many consumers. The substantial price differences of $300-400 now connect the new devices to a more budget-conscious audience, particularly for those seeking more portable options.

Availability of Previous Models

Fortunately, consumers still have access to the original Surface Pro 11 for $799 and the Surface Laptop 7 for the same price. Many tech enthusiasts consider the previous Surface Laptop 7 a superior option compared to the new Surface Laptop 13-inch, which is $100 more expensive. However, it’s important to note that these previous configurations are no longer listed in the Microsoft Store configurator, despite indications that the Surface Pro 11 starts with a 256 GB SSD option.