Microsoft Surface device refresh seems ideal for WFH and play

(Image credit: Microsoft)

published 22 September 2023

Microsoft has launched three new Surface devices designed primarily for work, but versatile enough to be used for entertainment too.

They aren't a huge leap over their predecessors in design terms, but new processing and a few added features make them worth considering.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is the beefiest of the bunch.

As with the original Surface Laptop Studio, it's designed for pro users, and is compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2. However, it offers "twice the power" over the first model, with 13th Gen Intel Core processing and up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics.

The chassis has been tweaked a little, to include a USB-A port and microSD card slot for the first time. This will enable users to transfer data more easily without the need for third-party accessories.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a more affordable option, which also opts for faster Intel processing, and up to 16GB of RAM. You can also spec it with up to 512GB of storage, while battery life is a highly credible 15 hours.

Again, there's not a huge amount of external difference between it and the Surface Laptop Go 2, but Microsoft claims the renewed internals gives it a major performance boost (88% in comparison with the first Laptop Go, in fact).

The final device on the new roster is the Microsoft Surface Go 4 for Business

It has been tweaked to be more secure for those with jobs that demand safety and data protection. It is has also been boosted performance-wise, with Microsoft claiming that it runs four-and-a-half times faster than the original Surface Go.

There's 12.5 hours worth of battery life, while the screen can be used with a stylus for more precise interactions.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 starts at $1,999.99 / £2,069 and is available for pre-order now. As is the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, which starts at $799.99 / £799.

Both of the new devices will ship from 3 October 2023.

We're still awaiting availability and pricing details on the Surface Go 4 for Business.

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Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.

Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.