Microsoft Surface: the new laptops in a ten-minute video and another thing at the bottom right
Although Microsoft’s video looks slightly anaemic, the new range of laptops from the Surface series does appear to stand on its own. And there’s also the small, roughly book-sized object at the bottom right of the video.
There’s no big song and dance, no applause. Just a 10-minute video to present the new Surface devices.
Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer, and his crew at Microsoft seem strangely depressed when they talk about the new devices. But that’s probably just because the thing was scripted. And Panos, especially, seems to really blossom in front of an audience.
So it’s probably good that no one is here to watch Panos Panay talk. We only watch the video to see the new laptops. So, let's do this.
Microsoft Surface Pro X: pen, platinum and SQ 2
The Surface Pro X is hoping to be the partner you can always count on, thanks to 15 hours of battery life and Instant On. Being light and, above all, thin, the 13-inch device is supposed to fit into any bag, according to Microsoft. Two USB-C ports provide power and connectivity. In addition, there are the «Studio Mics», which promise studio-level microphone performance. Yeah, that deserves large amounts of doubt from the get-go. Aside from that, you’ll find a little niche built into the keyboard which stores and wirelessly charges the stylus.
There’s also the Microsoft SQ 2. According to the video, this processor promises «best in class» graphics performance. The hard drive is 512 gigabytes by default, but can be removed. This means that, at least in theory, you should be able to upgrade it.
Ah yes, and the entire thing is, of course, «perfect for Teams and Microsoft 365». I can accept the latter part, but is Microsoft really trying to use Teams optimisation as a USP? The prospect of even more work meetings? Is that really what you want to go with, Panos and Co.?
But hey, the Surface Pro X comes in four colours, including platinum.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go: the universal laptop
The new Microsoft Surface Laptop Go sounds as if it could be the device of choice for employers. Good price, reasonable specs and, should one break, it’s not the end of the world. But to prevent the non-end-of-the-world from happening, the Surface Laptop Go features metal casing. It comes in three colours: pink, blue and grey.
The keyboard features a power button with integrated fingerprint scanner. Underneath it lies an Intel i5 Quad-Core 10th gen processor, which can last up to 13 hours on battery or be kept alive with Microsoft’s proprietary Fast Charger. Also: «Studio Microphone». And 16 GB RAM with a 256 GB SSD.
Eye Contact: the front-facing camera gets freaky
In the age of never-ending Teams meetings, Microsoft wants to shine a spotlight on a feature they call «Eye Contact». It’s supposed to allow you to maintain eye contact with everyone – even when you’re busy rolling your eyes while your boss drones on about «optimising synergies in a best-case scenario», or something.
To achieve this effect, your eyes get replaced by the machine, similar to an Instagram filter. That’s not creepy. Not at all. I mean, why would it be?
Last but not least: check the bottom right
While Panos and his team continue to go on about the newest new things, observant observers observed something else in the video.
The Surface Duo. It exists. It works.
The laptops will be available from 27 October. When the fabled Surface Duo will make its debut remains unknown to this day.
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