Some have been given major upgrades to improve screens, performance and connectivity – whilst others only needed minor tweaks. One is completely new – and an eye-opener for professionals needing a juiced-up device for heavy workflows. In this blog, we review all the newcomers, so you can find the best fit for your different users.
To empower users’ productivity and creativity for the hybrid workplace, Microsoft released their latest operating system on 5th October. All the new Surface devices are compatible. Windows 11 includes a new design and several new features that make it easier to navigate. These include:
One important thing to note is that all devices discussed below have the option to be shipped with Windows 11, or you can upgrade from Windows 10 at a later date. To find more devices compatible with Windows 11 see here.
Replacing the need for multiple personal productivity devices including smartphones and tablets, the Surface Duo 2 doesn’t fit into any existing device category. Microsoft has dubbed the new form factor ‘foldables’. It is part phone (it takes calls and text messages) and part tablet (it runs apps, emails, meetings), and with 2 screens, you can work and collaborate seamlessly at the same time.
Standout Features
Duo 2 is best suited to:
The dual displays make it handy when users are mobile; while connecting to monitors, keyboards and a mouse make it handy in the office or for hybrid workers.
Ultra-thin compact mobile technology
The Duo 2 has introduced larger Dual PixelSense™ Fusion Displays with high-resolution 5.8” touchscreens that open up to 8.3 inches. Plus, it’s incredibly thin at just 5.5mm when open. The hinge also allows users to turn the Duo 2 from book, to compose, to tent mode, depending on their task.
Two screens that run together or independently
The two high-resolution touchscreens allow you to run apps side by side simultaneously – making it perfect for multi-tasking. Checking your email on one, in a Teams meeting on the other. Reply to an email in outlook and add a quick sketch of your idea from Microsoft Whiteboard. On your way home from work run Spotify on one screen, while you catch up on some Kindle reading on the other.
The Duo 2 makes it easy to compare documents or copy and paste content across screens – and some apps even automatically span across both screens for ultimate viewing.
Transform into a virtual desktop
The device itself is an incredible feat for compact mobile technology. Yes, it is skinny on processing and won’t be able to handle heavy apps on its own, but it does make a great virtual desktop client – enabling users to stream higher-spec constructs via Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop. And that’s huge! Duo 2 enables users to tap into true workstation-class performance while getting all the benefits of a highly mobile device for business on-the-go.
Standout Features
Go 3 is best suited to:
Its affordability, size, and ability to write and draw with a stylus makes it perfect for students. Plus, its ease of mobility makes it a great choice for remote or hybrid workers, or even more ideal for anyone expecting a lot of work trips once borders reopen.
Elevated speed for everyday tasks
Perhaps the biggest improvement is the choice between a faster Intel Pentium Gold or an Intel Core™ i3 processor – both with up to 8GB of RAM. It won’t be able to handle intensive multi-tasking or super demanding apps, but it will speed the average user through email, homework, browsing, shopping and more. And better still, the Intel Core™ i3 processor isn’t subject to the current chipset shortage, so stock is ready and available.
Portability and all-day power
Coming in at just over half a kilo, the Surface Go 3 is super lightweight, making it easy to transport. And with up to 11 hours of battery life, the Surface Go 3 is built to last the entire day – with fast charging if you forget to plug it in at night.
Ideal with Windows 11
Surface Go 3 showcases the best of Windows 11. It’s optimised for digital pen and touch, so it’s easy for users to navigate the new operating system layout. There is also the faster Intel Core processor, all-day battery, and tablet-to-laptop versatility that ensures users are never interrupted by lagging or low power. Ships with Windows 10 or Windows 11 out of the box – your choice – with the option to upgrade at any point.
Standout Features
Pro 8 is best suited to:
Mobile, remote or hybrid workers. Secondary or tertiary students and teachers.
Larger 13” touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate
The Surface Pro 8 combines the power of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet. It boasts a 13-inch edge-to-edge PixelSense™ Flow touch display (almost an inch bigger than its predecessor) and visibly smaller side bezels. Sporting an impressive 120Hz refresh rate – rarely seen outside a gaming computer – ensures no lag and a smoother experience when moving the cursor, stylus, and scrolling.
Supports hybrid workstyles
The Pro 8 is fantastic for collaboration from anywhere. Voices are easily picked up with 2 far-field studio mics, there’s a built-in 5.0MP 1080p front-facing camera as well as a 10MP 4K rear-facing camera.
Modern connectivity options
Featuring two USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a dedicated charging port for improved display connectivity, the Surface Pro 8 offers the ultimate productivity setup. Plus, users enjoy ultra-fast bandwidth with Wi-Fi 6 compatibility.
We’ve saved the best for last with the Laptop Studio. Its immense performance and versatility ensures professionals can seamlessly multi-task, switch modes to match their tasks – and do it all, confident that the high-speed processors can handle their heavy workflows.
Standout Features
Laptop Studio is best suited to:
Perfect fit for power users including anyone who runs intensive software – such as developers, architects and designers, engineers, and data analysts.
Flexible design
What happens when you combine the best of the Surface Book 3 and Surface Studio 2? You get the brand new concept of the Surface Laptop Studio. Whilst the Book 3 (which is still available) is a tablet that could detach from the keyboard, the Laptop Studio is a little different. Instead of detaching like a Surface Pro, the new Laptop Studio can be used like a traditional clam-shell laptop, or at various screen angles as a digital canvas, like the Surface Studio. Simply push the screen forward to create the perfect digital inking platform, or further forward to lie flat on a desk.
The high performance business laptop
It really is. Demanding software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, Autodesk AutoCAD and Dassault SOLIDWORKS is handled with ease by the Laptop Studio. The device has no problems rendering, processing complex data, or handling 3D visualisations.
A screen that brings everything to life
Enjoy true-to-life colour and contrast with the sharp 14.4” 120 Hz PixelSense™ Flow touchscreen, with smoother scrolling enabled by a 120Hz refresh rate. Paired with the Surface Slim Pen 2, it feels just like writing and drawing on paper, whether you’re taking notes, sketching, or getting creative.
A brilliant video conferencing experience
You’ll look better in video conference calls with the Laptop Studio. The 1080p HD video improves skin tone accuracy, and the dual Studio Mics dial you in with crystal clarity. Or step up to a studio quality camera and mic with the NVIDIA® RTX™ A2000 laptop GPU.
The Surface Duo 2 and Go 3 are available for order now. The Surface Pro 8 and Laptop Studio are expected to hit Australian shores in the new year.
As Microsoft’s largest Australian partner, Data#3 is your go-to expert for end-to-end support, maintenance and training for your entire Surface fleet and broader Microsoft ecosystem.
To learn more about the latest additions to the Surface family, request a demo device, or place an order, get in touch with a Data#3 Microsoft Specialist today.