Updated
Updated · Windows Central · Jun 23
Microsoft Launches $849 Surface Pro, $949 Laptop With 8GB RAM to Push Prices Back Below $1,000
Updated
Updated · Windows Central · Jun 23

Microsoft Launches $849 Surface Pro, $949 Laptop With 8GB RAM to Push Prices Back Below $1,000

3 articles · Updated · Windows Central · Jun 23

Summary

  • $849 Surface Pro 12-inch and $949 Surface Laptop 13-inch models are now on sale with 8GB of RAM, giving Microsoft lower-cost Surface options after earlier price hikes pushed these lines above $1,000.
  • 8GB is the only major change: both devices still use Qualcomm's last-gen Snapdragon X Plus and 256GB of storage, while Microsoft has tuned Windows 11 for lower-memory PCs by trimming features such as Widgets.
  • Those lighter specs also mean the new models do not qualify for Copilot+ PC features, which require at least 16GB of RAM; Microsoft will keep selling 16GB versions for buyers who want more capability.
  • The cheaper configuration is limited to the midrange Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch, while flagship Surface Laptop 8th Generation and Surface Pro 12th Generation models still start at 16GB RAM and $1,499.

Insights

Is Microsoft's 8GB Surface a savvy response to 'RAMageddon' or a device that is already obsolete on arrival?
Why put a powerful AI chip in a new Surface that cannot run Microsoft's flagship AI features?