
A new device without some variety of embedded AI barely qualifies as a product launch these days. At least the team behind Microsoft Surface thinks so because the latest Surface Copilot+ devices to hit the shelves come packed with AI-driven capabilities. But before we look at the devices themselves, we need to talk a little about the new processors.
First integrated into Surface devices with the release of Windows 11 in 2023, Copilot was part of Microsoft’s broader push to embed AI-powered tools directly into their ecosystem, starting with the Office suite and expanding into Windows.
But in the AI era, that’s old news. This latest round of Surface devices has AI capabilities right down to the core, or rather, in their new ARM-based processors and Neural Processing Units (NPUs). It’s what Microsoft calls “high-octane AI acceleration”.
The ARM chips powering these devices (Qualcomm Snapdragon®️ X Elite and Plus processors) represent a significant change from traditional Intel-based chips. Thanks to their Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) design, ARM chips are faster and more energy-efficient than x86 processors from Intel and AMD.
This has led to around 99% of the premium smartphone market being powered by ARM*. However, compatibility issues with legacy software and hardware have prevented ARM from gaining widespread adoption in the desktop and laptop market. This gap is narrowing, though, as ARM-native applications and app-emulation tools advance. Microsoft is undoubtedly betting on ARM’s success, buoyed by Qualcomm’s benchmarks, which have surpassed the performance of both Apple’s M2 and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 chips, which leads us back to the launch of these two new devices.
A powerful combination of AI and processing power makes the Surface Laptop 7th Edition (available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch versions) an excellent choice for enterprises looking to boost productivity and enhance collaboration.
Processing power | Features robust on-device AI capabilities, thanks to the Snapdragon®️ X Elite and Plus processors (86% faster than Surface Laptop 5!) and integrated NPU.
Battery life and portability | The mind-boggling 22 hours of battery life on the 15-inch and 20 hours on the 13.8-inch (based on local video playback use) ensure uninterrupted performance, while fast charging ensures quick re-fuelling, so users stay in flow.
Connectivity | Featuring Wi-Fi 7 along with dual USB-C /USB 4 ports, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals or external displays.
Display | Near-edgeless 15-inch and 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreens feature adaptive colour, contrast, and HDR for a bright and responsive display under dim or bright lights.
Keyboard and touchpad | The laptop includes an improved silent keyboard experience with a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to AI-powered Copilot features. It also has a large haptic precision touchpad.
Camera | The HD 1080p Surface Studio Camera, combined with Windows Studio Effects driven by AI, gives virtual meetings a professional look and feel, while AI-driven features like background blur and voice clarity make communications clear.
Sustainability | Made from a minimum of 67.2% recycled materials, this device will appeal to environmentally conscious businesses.
A versatile tablet-to-laptop ARM-based device with unbeatable upgrades in processing power, AI capabilities, and enterprise-ready features, including security and repairability.
Processing power | Features robust on-device AI capabilities, thanks to the Snapdragon®️ X Elite and Plus processors (86% faster than Surface Laptop 5!) and integrated NPU.
Battery life and portability | ARM processors consume less power, so it’s no surprise users can expect up to 14 hours of battery life for Wi-Fi-only models. This is fantastic news for employees who work remotely, in the field, or have travel-heavy roles. And if power runs low, there’s fast charging to get those bars up quickly.
Connectivity | With Wi-Fi 7 and 5G support, users get faster, more reliable connectivity along with NFC for secure authentication, which is essential for remote work, video conferencing, and accessing cloud apps. The dual USB-C / USB 4 allows multiple peripherals or external displays to be connected, allowing you to configure your workspace to best suit your needs.
Display: Optional 13″ OLED display with HDR technology, adaptive colour, and high contrast and brightness for a clear viewing experience in any light conditions.
Keyboard and Pen | Users will enjoy a satisfyingly silent typing experience with the Surface Pro Flex detachable keyboard with Precision Haptic touchpad and Surface Slim Pen – which handily charges right on the keyboard.
Camera | Video conferencing is a breeze with an ultrawide camera paired with AI-driven enhancements through Windows Studio Effects.
Sustainability | Align with your organisation’s environmental responsibility. Pro 11th Edition uses at least 72% recycled materials in the enclosure.
On-device AI features | Beyond the handy Copilot key, both devices share a few notable on-device AI capabilities driven by the NPU.
Repairability | Like other Surface devices, both editions have Microsoft’s simplified repair process with replaceable components so they can be quickly repaired and returned to service.
Security | Advanced security measures like Windows Hello plus Microsoft Pluton technology which provides chip-to-cloud protection. The ability to manage risks directly from the device adds an extra layer of trust.
It’s important to note that these devices are not generational replacements for the respective Surface 6th and 10th editions; they are available in parallel. This is because they’re fundamentally consumer-focused devices, but their specs and affordability still make them suitable for specific roles in the enterprise. While features like the ability to transform simple sketches into refined designs add appeal, it is creative and AI-driven environments that will realise the device’s actual value, making them more suited for companies looking to develop specialised applications tailored to their needs rather than for general enterprise use.
To fully unlock the AI-powered capabilities of these devices, it’s important to understand the difference between the free, public version of Copilot and the licensed enterprise version. The free version offers basic functionalities, like web searches, while the licensed enterprise version provides advanced features, such as internal resource searching within company documents and databases. You will need the licensed version to access these deeper, business-critical AI features and get the most out of these devices. Data#3’s Copilot for M365 Readiness Assessment helps you prepare for deployment so that you’re ready to leverage its full potential.
Another essential consideration is remembering that these are ARM-based devices, not Intel. This may have incompatibility repercussions for businesses that rely on specific networking, management and security software, device drivers and legacy applications built for intel-based devices.
If you’re considering adding either of these devices to your fleet, you must assess your current infrastructure for compatibility. Our ARM readiness assessment evaluates your hardware, software and peripherals to determine whether your current systems can support ARM-based devices. For example, you will need Windows 11 as part of your SOE. Our assessment will give you a clear picture of the potential adjustments or upgrades required to integrate these ARM devices into your workflow fully.
Learn more about Data#3’s ARM readiness assessment >
In this new Surface lineup, Microsoft is betting on the future of AI-accelerated computing with ARM, positioning these devices as forward-thinking choices for businesses that are going all-in on AI technologies.
But take note: these devices are primarily aimed at organisations that have already—or plan to—adopt AI-powered solutions and tools within their operations.
This makes these devices an ideal fit if:
Your users value the ability to perform on-device AI tasks without relying on the internet
You want to introduce and test devices that are able to support emerging AI trends
Your company wants to explore custom-built AI models tailored to specific tasks
However, businesses must assess their environment for compatibility, especially regarding device drivers and app readiness. You can also test drive these devices by requesting a trial unit, and experience their AI-powered features first hand.
With over 15 years’ experience improving device fulfilment and implementation for our clients Data#3 will help you end the frustrations associated with device sourcing, deployment and warranties. We even offer training and adoption services to upskill your people on their new devices, to ensure the greatest return from your investment.
We were also recently named Microsoft Surface PC Reseller Worldwide Partner of the Year, Microsoft Surface Reseller of the Year for Asia, and the Microsoft Surface+ Worldwide Partner of the Year.