Microsoft is gearing up for a transformative era in AI computing with the introduction of two cutting-edge Surface devices designed exclusively for corporate use. The Surface Pro X for Enterprise and Surface Book X for Enterprise boast Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors, Microsoft’s innovative Copilot key, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to enhance both current and forthcoming AI-driven functionalities in Windows 11. These groundbreaking devices are hailed as “the forefront of AI integration in corporate computing.”
Externally, both these new Surface models retain their familiar design language. The Surface Pro X for Enterprise closely resembles the Intel variant of the Surface Pro 9, while the Surface Book X for Enterprise offers additional features such as a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port and an optional smart card reader. However, the overall aesthetics, including screen bezels, remain consistent with previous iterations. Commercial availability for both devices is slated to commence on April 9th.
Surface Pro X for Enterprise In a departure from tradition, Microsoft is among the first to adopt Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors for the Surface Pro X for Enterprise.
This device offers a choice between Core Ultra 5 135U and Core Ultra 7 165U options, with a base configuration of 8GB of memory, expandable up to 64GB of RAM. Starting at $1,199, the base model also includes a 256GB Gen4 SSD. Additionally, the Surface Pro X for Enterprise features two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and Microsoft’s Surface Connect port for charging, promising up to 19 hours of battery life with the new Intel chips.
Microsoft has enhanced the 13-inch display of the Surface Pro X for Enterprise with a new anti-reflective coating, along with a 33% increase in brightness. Contrary to rumors of an OLED display, Microsoft has confirmed that the Surface Pro X for Enterprise ships with an LCD display.
When questioned about the rumored OLED display, Nancie Gaskill, Surface Business General Manager, stated, “We’re not unveiling that product at this time.” However, speculation suggests a consumer-oriented version of the Surface Pro X with an OLED display might be announced at an upcoming hardware and AI event on May 20th.
Apart from display improvements, the Surface Pro X for Enterprise features a vastly improved front-facing camera, boasting a 114-degree field of view and 1440p resolution. Powered by the NPU chip, users also gain access to Windows Studio Effects, offering background blur and automatic framing during video calls.
Microsoft has also integrated an NFC reader into the Surface Pro X for Enterprise, facilitating seamless use of devices like YubiKey NFC security keys for authentication. Additionally, a 5G option is in the pipeline, marking a significant leap in connectivity options for the Surface Pro series.
Finally, Microsoft has revamped the Surface Pro X keyboard, introducing a new bold keyset with improved backlighting and the innovative Copilot key for easy access to AI-powered features in Windows 11.
Surface Book X for Enterprise The Surface Book X for Enterprise represents a comprehensive redesign, boasting Intel’s Core Ultra H-series chips for unparalleled performance.
Businesses can choose between the Core Ultra 5 135H and the Core Ultra 7 165H, with the base model starting at $1,199 and including 8GB of RAM, expandable up to 64GB, and storage options ranging from 256GB Gen4 SSD to 1TB.
In a first for the Surface Laptop series, the 15-inch model now includes two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, alongside a regular USB-A, a headphone jack, and Microsoft’s Surface Connect port for charging. The smaller 13.5-inch variant retains a single USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, along with the headphone jack and Surface Connect port.
While there are no major changes to the display, the Surface Book X for Enterprise boasts an anti-reflective coating for improved visibility. The front-facing camera has been upgraded to 1080p resolution, albeit without the wide-angle capabilities found in the Surface Pro X for Enterprise. Nonetheless, users can still enjoy Windows Studio Effects during video calls.
Microsoft asserts that the Surface Book X for Enterprise offers twice the performance of its predecessor, thanks to the Ultra H-series processors. Select markets will also have the option of a smart card reader, alongside the innovative Copilot key for seamless access to AI-driven functionalities in Windows.
These devices are exclusively available to businesses through Microsoft’s authorized channels and resellers, reaffirming Microsoft’s commitment to catering to commercial needs. While these products are geared towards the enterprise market, Microsoft remains dedicated to consumer-oriented innovations.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 23rd April 2024