Microsoft has officially launched two new additions to its Surface line of PCs, the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, both of which come with Copilot+ PC certification. This move marks a significant step in the company's efforts to deeply integrate its AI platform, Copilot, into the Windows 11 experience.

The Copilot+ certification, announced in May 2024, identifies business-focused devices designed specifically for Copilot. The new Surfaces join a growing list of Copilot+ PCs from other manufacturers, including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. A key feature of Copilot+ devices is the inclusion of a neural processing unit (NPU), which enables on-device processing of AI features like Live Translation, Super Res, Recall, and Studio Effects.

Both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop will be available with either an Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) or Snapdragon X processor. The Snapdragon option is notable for its promise of extended battery life and a lower price point compared to the Intel Core Ultra. Qualcomm claims that the Snapdragon X processor will provide "multi-day" use on a single charge, whereas the Intel Core Ultra offers up to 22 hours of battery life. However, the tradeoff is a reduction in system performance, although Microsoft corporate VP Brett Ostrum assures that Copilot performance will remain largely unaffected.

Copilot is a major focus for both configurations. The Snapdragon processor features an eight-core processor with a dedicated NPU designed to manage AI workloads, while the Series 2 Intel Core chips offer up to a 28% CPU performance and 98% graphics performance boost. This emphasis on AI capabilities is likely a response to the growing trend of on-device AI processing, as seen in recent developments from Chinese AI startup DeepSeek and Apple's Apple Intelligence platform.

Later this year, the Surface Laptop for business will also get a 5G option for the first time, which is crucial for Microsoft's strategy of combining local AI compute with cloud-based processing. This connectivity will enable seamless access to remote servers, ensuring that Copilot queries are always processed efficiently. The addition of 5G is a key differentiator for Microsoft's AI offerings, as many current generative AI platforms require more resources than consumer devices can provide.

The Surface Pro for Business features a 13-inch display with an OLED option and a built-in NFC reader to utilize security keys, including those from YubiKey. The Surface Laptop comes in 13.8- and 15-inch options. Pricing for the devices starts at $1,500 for the Intel Core models, with the Snapdragon devices available at a $400 lower price point. The 5G version of the Surface Laptop will be available later in 2025, with pricing to be announced at a later date.

Microsoft is also releasing a new USB4 Dock, priced at $200, which features two USB-C, one USB-A, Ethernet, and HDMI ports. The hub will be available on February 18, alongside the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro. With these new devices and accessories, Microsoft is clearly positioning itself as a leader in the AI-powered PC market, offering businesses and consumers alike a range of options for integrating AI capabilities into their workflows.

As the tech industry continues to shift toward on-device AI processing, Microsoft's Copilot+ certified Surface devices are well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. With their focus on AI capabilities, extended battery life, and seamless connectivity, these devices are likely to appeal to businesses and consumers looking to harness the power of AI in their daily lives.