Less than a year before the launch, Microsoft is back with the second generation of ARM-powered Surface Pro X.
Known simply as the “new Surface Pro X” the device adds a new processor and a platinum color option in an effort to become an always-on, always-on PC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QobdWOa02o
With Pro 8 and Laptop 4 expected to be delayed until 2021, it could be the culmination of a recent draw. hardware from Microsoft. Here’s what you need to know.
Microsoft Surface Pro X Release Date (2020)
Instead of a personal event, Microsoft announced the new Surface Pro X next to the new Surface Laptop Go on October 1.
The machine is already available in the Microsoft store, and went on sale on October 27.
The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop 4, which were expected earlier in the day, are now expected to be delayed until 2021.
“Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop 4, and Surface Studio 3 will not arrive this fall. I am told they have been delayed until 2021. This crash of Surface Pro X, Surface ‘Sparti’, and their services.”
– Zac Bowden (@zacbowden) September 16, 2020
Price for Microsoft Surface Pro X (2020)
While some improvements are being made, the new Surface Pro X starts at the same price as its predecessor:
SQ1 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD – $1.069
SQ1 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD – $1.149
SQ1 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD – $1,319,20
SQ1 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD – $1,699
SQ2 processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD – $1.599,20
SQ2 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD – $2.049
It is also important to note that these prices apply to the tablet itself, and do not include the cost of services such as cover type, Surface Pen or Surface Mouse.
Details and features of Microsoft Surface Pro X (2020)
While the new Surface Pro X looks almost identical to its predecessor in aesthetics, there are major changes under the hood.
Key to Microsoft new SQ2 processor, a custom chipset developed in partnership with Qualcomm. It is very similar to the recently announced Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2, although it does not have 5G support, which they claim Microsoft will provide high-quality graphics performance.
Performance is one of the things that has slowed down the Surface Pro X slightly, so it remains to be seen how far Microsoft has come. ARM-based technology often helps with battery life, with Microsoft claiming that the new Pro X could be up to 15 hours with a single charge. As usual, he did not mention a certain skill.
The new Pro X comes with the same 13-inch 2880 × 1920 display as its predecessor, with bezels already unchanged. The device has two USB-C ports, but Microsoft is attached to its Surface Connect port for charging. Although it does not support 5G, the nano-SIM tray supports gigabit LTE connectivity.
While design changes are kept to a minimum, there is a new color option: Platinum. It offers an alternative to the existing Matte Black, though it is only available on high-end 16GB / 256GB models.
This paves the way for new keyboards, with original black color now paired with silver, blue and red. Includes the Surface Pen area, but both are additional accessories.
Some of the compatibility issues surrounding Surface Pro X can be solved with app simulation enhancements, which Windows Central says can go into the preview “later this year.”
Once fully implemented, it could mean that Pro X could emulate 64-bit programs in the same way that it does 32-bit legacy software.
Announced next to the Pro X, Surface Laptop Go is Microsoft’s first attempt at a more expensive portable computer. To see what they will be up against, check out our guide to Surface PCs.
