Introducing the New 12-inch Surface Pro: A Portable Powerhouse
Microsoft has expanded its Surface Pro range with an exciting new addition: the 12-inch Surface Pro, labeled as the company’s “thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC”to date. This latest model adheres closely to the well-established Surface Pro concept, seamlessly transforming from a tablet with an adjustable kickstand to a laptop when paired with a detachable keyboard. In tandem with the launch of this compact device, Microsoft also introduces the budget-friendly 13-inch Surface Laptop, affirming previous speculations about their focus on a more portable Surface Pro variant.
A More Accessible and Portable Device
The primary intention behind the 12-inch Surface Pro is to offer a more economical and lightweight alternative to the existing Surface Pro 11. Priced at $799 for its base model, this new tablet encompasses a fanless Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of UFS storage (not SSD).Additionally, an enhanced 512GB version is available for those needing extra space.
Screen and Display Features
Despite its appealing price point, some compromises have been made regarding the display. The 12-inch PixelSense LCD boasts a resolution of 2196 x 1464 pixels (220 PPI) and operates with a refresh rate of 90Hz, although it defaults to 60Hz for standard use.
AI and Connectivity Features
In line with the Copilot+ series, this 12-inch Surface Pro includes support for the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards. It features Qualcomm’s advanced 45 TOPS NPU, which empowers various AI-driven functionalities, including Recall, Click To Do, and image generation, all now publicly accessible.
Connectivity Options
The device is equipped with two USB 3.2 Type-C ports for charging, data transfer, and video output, allowing the tablet to support dual 4K monitors at 60Hz. Notably, Microsoft is fully transitioning to USB-C by eliminating the Surface Connect port, making it compatible with the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock and many other peripherals.
Battery Life and Charging
This model promises impressive battery performance, rated for up to 16 hours of local video playback or 12 hours of continuous web usage. Charging speeds are capped at 45W; however, it is worth noting that the charger is not included in the purchase. This move aligns with Microsoft’s recent decision to omit chargers from the Surface Pro 11 in the European market, now applied globally.
Accessories and Usability Enhancements
The Surface Pro is compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2 and other styluses using the Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP), allowing users to charge the Slim Pen 2 conveniently on the back of the tablet. Additionally, the redesigned Surface Pro keyboard has removed its charging dock but maintains backlighting, a welcome feature that was previously a point of contention in other budget models like the Surface Laptop Go. The keyboard also now folds completely flat, enhancing overall ergonomics for users.
Availability
The 12-inch Surface Pro is available for preorder at a starting price of $799, with shipments beginning on May 20. Furthermore, on July 22, a version tailored for business customers will launch, equipped with Windows 11 Pro, an anti-reflective display, and an NFC reader.
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