September Surface Event 2021: Pro 8, Go 3, Laptop Studio

 

Surface Pro 8 

Image Credit: The Verge

The Surface Pro 8 is getting 11th-gen i5's and i7's that both come with intel Xe graphics. 11th-gen is a huge leap in graphics is going to help the Surface Pro on its quest to become the portable device for creatives. We also have up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD that is user replaceable. It's the same weird "BG3" format that's often hard to find but at least you have the option. The next big point is the modern redesign of the Surface Pro 8. For 4 generations we've seen the same chunky-bezel and semi-thick chassis design on the Surface Pro.  

Surface Pro 8 introduces a design based off the Surface Pro X with a much thinner thermal envelope and thinner bezels on the screen. That screen has been extended to 13-inches, a resolution of 2880 x 1920, and a refresh rate by 120Hz. Surface Pro 8 is one the first high refresh-rate screen devices from Microsoft that takes advantage of Windows 11's variable refresh-rate feature. Let's hope that 120hz doesn't destroy the estimated 16 hours of battery life Microsoft quotes.  

Ports have also changed on the Surface Pro 8 with two thunderbolt-4 USB-C ports on the side. The Pro 8 is one of the first surface devices to have thunderbolt 4 and I'm glad Microsoft finally decided to embrace thunder bolt. What I don't appreciate is the removal of the USB-A port; USB-A ports are still essential ports that I use every day. Dongles aren't the answer and although 2 USB-C ports seem like a lot the ecosystem just isn't ready. The Surface Pro 8 also has new keyboard connectors that don't work with any older keyboards which force you to upgrade to a new one.  

Surface Pro 8 is upgrading the Surface pro to modern specs, screen, and ports. This modern design makes a compelling case by slimming the bezels and making this device thinner and lighter. Adding 120Hz is expanding the possibilities for creative use and media consumption. Thunderbolt 4 also allows for more powerful accessories such as docks and even e-GPUs. Surface Pro 8 is a meaningful upgrade for anyone using an older Surface and a guarantee of a modern foundation for future buyers. Surface Pro 8 will start at $1,099.99 and release on October 5th.  

Surface Go 3 

Query: How much is a core i3 worth to you? Your answer to that question will decide how much you care about the changes that were made to the Surface Go. In terms of design Surface go still has the same slimmer bezels from the Go 2 with support for the regular Surface pen not the slim pen. There's no changes to the RAM or SSD options with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 128GB SSD. The only changes made to the Go is another minute upgrade to the Pentium processor and the addition of a Core i3-10100Y processor. Microsoft claimed it speeds the Go up by 60% but judging by the M3 we had last year I don't question that stat.  

The truth is that not much changed with the Surface Go. Thus, keeping the Surface go a small, sleek, and portable device that gets a small power boost each year. Price starts at $400 and releases October 5th.

 

Surface Laptop Studio 

Surface Laptop studio was, in my opinion, the biggest bombshell of the event. Surface Laptop Studios replaces Surface Book with a clamshell design that still enables drawing and viewing postures via a hinge. The laptop itself also integrates a pedestal that allows for a much larger thermal envelope. Inside this pedestal is your choice of Core H35 i5-11300H processor or H35 i7-11370H. The i7 models include an Nvidia RTX 3050Ti or Nvidia A200(business models only) which is the most powerful GPU ever placed in Surface hardware. RAM starts at 16GB (astoundingly impressive) and goes up to 32GB while storage is up to 1TB but starts at 256GB. 

The Laptops Studio is serious. This is one of the first laptops Microsoft has ever released specifically aimed at developers and creatives. So far, my impressions are that Laptops Studios strikes the right balance between two-in-one and workstation. It's not limited by the form-factor like the Surface Book but instead embraces the multiple use cases and keeps everyone happy. Even with the pedestal Surface Laptop Studio doesn't cut corners and even adds functionality such as a lovely place for the Surface Pen to latch onto right under the trackpad. That trackpad is actually a haptic trackpad that doesn't physically move but instead clicks back at you via the haptics.  

The Screen that makes this design possible is a 14.4-inch touchscreen that, like the Surface Pro 8, can go up to 120Hz. Adding 120Hz to a pro device gives the Laptop Studio another Pro feature that allows it to stand out even more. The resolution of the screen is 2400 by 1600 with a pixel density of 201 PPI. This display also sports a slim bezel and a 1080p webcam that will be greatly appreciated by those who buy this device. What won't be appreciated is the fact that there are only 2 thunderbolt USB-C ports alongside 1 Surface Connect port. At least one USB-A port and an SD or microSD card slot would have made the Laptop Studio one of the best laptops for port connectivity. 

While I do love the idea of the Surface Laptop Studio there are a lot of concerns. First of which is weight, having the pedestal means more weight is inevitable and so is thickness. I suppose having the more powerful specs is the tradeoff, but I just wished Laptop Studio could have been a bit thinner and lighter. I also don't like how from the top view this looks just like a MacBook pro, but I guess that's because this is what a MacBook pro should be. 

Image Credit: The Verge

Even though the i7 processor is not the current gaming i7 (minimal difference between the two), the 3050Ti is not the best RTX, and even though you're not getting your best bang for the buck with the Surface Laptop Studio ($2,099.99 is the starting price for 3050Ti model) Microsoft doesn't care. Just like how intel MacBooks were a terrible value when compared to some Windows laptops Surface Laptop Studio is a Surface for actual creatives that are willing to shell out the cash for something as flexible as this. At least Microsoft finally is giving them a device that can handle their workflows and a bit more.