Microsoft Surface 2021 event: everything is underway

The past few months have been filled with news related to Microsoft’s most popular product: Windows 11. While we’re all very happy to give it a go when it arrives in October, we need some great hardware to showcase it. This is where the Microsoft Surface 2021 event comes in.

Related: Here are the best Microsoft Surface laptops and tablets

The event hosted by the company on September 22 saw the launch of several new products. While laptops and other Windows devices made up the bulk of the show, we also saw the company’s latest Android device. Check out the rundown of everything Microsoft has announced below!

The Surface Duo 2 was probably the most anticipated product at Microsoft’s Surface 2021 event. Landing as Microsoft’s second Android-based product, it’s under a ton of pressure to be successful. Indeed, last year’s original Surface Duo was in all respects both a critical and a commercial failure. Can the sequel repair the wrongs of its predecessor?

See also: Our original Microsoft Surface Duo review

Judging by what the Surface Duo 2 has to offer, it could happen. First, Microsoft got smart and put a triple-lens camera on the back (the Surface Duo didn’t have a rear camera). It also upgraded the processor to the flagship Snapdragon 888 and introduced 5G connectivity.

Another new hardware feature is the Glance Bar, which runs along the outer edge of the phone. It has a screen that will show you basic information without needing to open the device including the time, battery life, notifications, etc.

The real issue with the original Surface Duo, however, was its price. Microsoft has unfortunately not been smart in this category. The initial price of $ 1,399 for the Surface Duo has increased from $ 100 to $ 1,499 for the Surface Duo 2. You will be able to pick up the Surface Duo 2 starting October 5, but pre-orders are open now.

Time will tell if Microsoft has fixed the myriad of software issues that the original Duo faced (not a good sign that the Duo 2 ships with Android 11 and Microsoft is not disclosing when it will get Android 12). We’ll also have to put these cameras to the test. Stay tuned for our full review where we can answer all of these questions!

Surface Pro 8

It’s been about two years since we last saw a flagship Surface laptop / tablet in the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. With that in mind, Surface fans have probably been eagerly awaiting the follow-up, finally released this year as the name of Surface Pro 8.

As expected, the Surface Pro 8 brings a bigger screen with smaller bezels. It also upgrades the display to a smooth 120Hz panel. On the outside, the tablet has Thunderbolt ports for the first time, which power users will no doubt be welcome. Of course, casual users might be disappointed to find that it doesn’t have USB-A ports. Better to buy dongles!

See also: Your guide to the best tablets from all the big brands

Additionally, the new Surface Slim Pen 2 lands with the Surface Pro 8 and even has a small charging / storage slot in the detachable keyboard. Microsoft is touting the new, more precise use of the Slim Pen 2.

At the Microsoft Surface event, the company announced an introductory price of $ 1,099 for the Surface Pro 8. You can get one on October 5, but pre-orders are open now.

Surface Laptop Studio

We’ve got some good news and maybe some bad news for those of you who love the Surface Book line of laptops. The good news is that Microsoft today announced its latest flagship laptop at the Microsoft Surface event, which looks a lot like a Surface Book 4. Perhaps the bad news is that the company has completely revamped one of the full functionality of the laptop and gave it a new name: Surface Laptop Studio.

With the previous three generations of Surface Books, you were able to detach the screen to use it as a tablet. With the Surface Laptop Studio, however, the screen is only partially detachable. Instead of popping out of the keyboard chassis, it pulls forward so you can use it from different angles, even in a flat configuration. However, it doesn’t really come all the way.

See also: The best laptops you can buy

Assuming that hasn’t put you off, Microsoft has implemented all of the upgrades you expect. That includes a 120Hz display, which should make all kinds of tasks (and whatever games you want to do) even more enjoyable. It also has a magnetic storage area for the Surface Pen. It is now the most powerful laptop hardware from Microsoft you can get.

The Microsoft Surface Book 4 will set you back $ 1,600 in its most basic configuration. Orders open on October 5th but pre-orders are open now.

Surface Go 3

If a high-end device like the Surface Pro 8 is too rich for your blood, Microsoft has got you covered. The Surface Go 3 is the latest budget model in the Surface series. As usual, it features low-end specs while borrowing the same hybrid laptop / tablet design as the Surface Pro 8.

Not much has changed for the latest Surface Go, but Microsoft has introduced new Intel processors for a huge speed bump. It starts at a very reasonable price of $ 400 and you can pick one up on October 5th, but preorders are open now.

Microsoft Surface 2021 event: other information

• Surface Pro X: Starting at $ 900, a slightly updated version of the original Pro X is available. It supports 64-bit emulation and comes with Windows 11 out of the box. It is also available in a Wi-Fi only model. However, there is no new material inside.
• Surface Slim 2 Pen: This recently updated slim stylus works well with the Surface Pro 8’s new display. The Pro 8 keyboard even has a slot that charges / stores the accessory. The stylus costs $ 130.
• Ocean plastic mouse: An ecological mouse made from 20% recycled ocean plastic. It costs $ 25.
• Surface adaptation kit: A set of stickers and personalization systems that you can apply to Surface laptops to help the visually impaired as well as the physically disabled.