In the absence of the iconic Panos Panay, Microsoft faced a defining moment at its Surface event in New York City. The long-time head of the division had recently departed, leaving a void that was filled by none other than CEO Satya Nadella himself. However, the spotlight remained firmly on the hardware, with the Surface Laptop Go 3 and Surface Laptop Studio 2 stealing the show.
Fifteen months after the introduction of the Laptop Go 2, which featured a new fingerprint reader, its successor emerged with impressive upgrades under the hood. Powered by the 12th-generation Intel Core i5 CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics, Microsoft proudly claims an 88% boost in performance when compared to the original Surface Laptop Go, released in late 2020.
True to its name, portability takes center stage in the Surface Laptop Go 3. Weighing in at just under 2.5 pounds, this 12.4-inch marvel is exceptionally lightweight. Naturally, it boasts a touchscreen display, a hallmark of the Surface lineup. Equipped with a pair of Studio microphones and Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers, it delivers an immersive audiovisual experience. Additionally, Microsoft promises an impressive 15 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Stepping up in size, the new Laptop Studio measures 14.4 inches and boasts significant power under the hood, courtesy of 13th-gen Intel Core H-class processors. Graphics enthusiasts can opt for Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 4060, or RTX 2000 graphics configurations. The device offers a modern array of ports, including two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, a traditional USB-A port, and a microSD card reader, catering to the creative professional’s needs. It’s clear that Microsoft has crafted a well-rounded system with the Laptop Studio 2.
Both of these cutting-edge systems are available for preorder, with shipping scheduled to commence on October 3. The Surface Laptop Go 3 starts at a competitive $799, while the Laptop Studio 2 is positioned as a premium offering, with a starting price of $1,999.
These launches come at a time when reports circulate about Panos Panay’s departure from the division, which allegedly stemmed from budget constraints and the cancellation of some experimental Surface devices.
