Microsoft Unveils Business-Focused Copilot+ Surface Devices Powered by Intel

When Microsoft rolled out its first wave of Copilot+ PCs last summer, many in the business world were left scratching their heads. The main sticking point? The devices were powered by Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors, which raised compatibility concerns for a lot of corporate users.

If you were eyeing those sleek Surface devices but felt more at home with traditional x86 processors, you're in luck. Microsoft has just expanded its Surface lineup, introducing new business-focused Copilot+ devices that run on the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, codenamed Lunar Lake. These new models are set to start shipping on February 18, 2025, and are up for pre-order right now at Microsoft's Surface for Business store and through authorized resellers.

Surface Laptop 7th Edition for Business

The new Intel-powered laptops come in the familiar 13.8-inch and 15-inch sizes, just like their Snapdragon counterparts. They keep the same ports (two USB-C/USB4, one USB-A 3.1), Wi-Fi 7, and Surface Connect. But there's a nice touch for the business crowd: the displays are now anti-reflective. Plus, if you're looking at the 15-inch version, you can opt for a smart card reader for an extra $50 to $100. You've got a choice of Platinum or Black for all configurations.

The entry-level 13.8-inch model, with an Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of NVMe storage, will set you back $1,500. If you want to go all out, the top-tier configuration boasts an Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage for $2,400. The Core Ultra 7 models start at $1,700 and can go up to $2,600.

Microsoft boasts that the 15-inch Surface Laptop can last up to an impressive 22 hours on a single charge. If you're holding out for a model with mobile connectivity, you'll need to wait a bit longer; Microsoft has promised an all-new Surface Laptop 5G coming later in 2025.

Surface Pro 11th Edition for Business

The Intel Core Ultra 5 version of the Surface Pro kicks off with the same base specs (16GB RAM/256GB storage) and $1,500 price point as the Surface Laptop. Bump that up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and you're looking at $2,000.

Every new Surface Pro comes with an anti-reflective display. And if you choose a model with the Core Ultra 7, you'll get the added bonus of an OLED screen. The base configuration with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of NVMe storage starts at $2,000, while the top configuration, with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, will cost you $2,500.

Microsoft hasn't gone into detail about battery life for the Surface Pro, but they claim it offers "up to 2x the battery life during Teams calls compared to Surface Pro 9."

Surface USB4 Dock

Alongside the new devices, Microsoft unveiled a slim new USB4 dock that supports fast charging with 65W power passthrough. It's equipped with two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and an Ethernet connection, and it can handle dual 4K displays via HDMI. You can grab one for $200.

What Makes Business PCs Different?

Microsoft is doubling down on its Copilot identity, and these new Surface models are no exception. The company is introducing a new Security Copilot in the Surface Management Portal, designed to help IT admins tackle device issues, access warranty info, and manage support tickets and service orders with the help of natural language and generative AI. These features will roll out in a public preview starting February 24, 2025.

Thanks to the Lunar Lake processors' NPU, these Copilot+ PCs can handle AI tasks right on the device. And there's a cool feature for note-takers: you can use the Surface Pen to jot down handwritten notes on the Surface Pro, and the onboard NPU will summarize and analyze them locally, no internet needed, all while keeping things secure. But there's a catch – you'll need both a Copilot+ PC and a Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription, and this won't be available until later this year.

One of the standout features is an enhanced Windows Search that uses the NPU to sift through local files and OneDrive for Business files with natural language queries. No more hunting for exact file names or keywords. You can even search images based on their content, including any text they contain.

For those who prioritize security, the new Surface devices offer robust authentication options. You can sign in using facial recognition with the built-in Windows Hello Camera or opt for password-free sign-ins with security keys like the YubiKey 5C NFC. The latter feature works with the Yubico Login for Windows software, which is compatible with x86 but not Arm devices.

Microsoft also highlights that the Surface Pro is certified for use with Imprivata Enterprise Access Management (EAM), which is particularly handy in healthcare settings. Providers can quickly and securely sign in and out using an NFC-enabled badge or security key.