4 Things To Know About Microsoft's Surface Pro X
Microsoft unveiled a new form factor for the Surface Pro 2-in-1 lineup featuring enhanced portability and performance.
The Redesigned Surface Pro
Long popular with business users, Microsoft's Surface Pro 2-in-1 tablet is getting a makeover this fall. On Wednesday, the company introduced an overhauled new version in the series, the Surface Pro X, which will introduce a number of major updates. The Surface Pro X will feature a new form factor--including a larger display than past Surface Pro models--while also debuting a brand-new, custom-designed processor and a helpful new way of storing the digital Surface stylus.
What follows are four key things to know about the specs, features and price of the Microsoft Surface Pro X.
Form Factor
One major difference between the Surface Pro X and the standard Surface Pro--including the newly launched Surface Pro 7--is on the display size. The Surface Pro X will come with a 13-inch display, versus the 12.3-inch screen on the Surface Pro 7 and previous Surface Pro models. However, Microsoft said the Surface Pro X fits that 13-inch display onto a 12-inch chassis, a feat made possible in part by its nearly "edge-to-edge" display design with slim bezels around the screen. The Surface Pro X creen features 2,880 x 1,920 resolution, or 267 pixels per inch (ppi), and uses Microsoft's vibrant PixelSense display technology.
The Surface Pro X is also thinner than the Surface Pro 7 (at 0.28 of an inch thick, compared to 0.33 of an inch). And, even with its larger display, the Surface Pro X has the same starting weight of 1.7 pounds as the Surface Pro 7.
Pen And Keyboard
Another major new addition with the Surface Pro X is the ability to store the optional digital stylus inside the keyboard itself. The new Surface Slim Pen magnetically attaches inside the top of the keyboard, and also recharges while inside the detachable keyboard. This allows users to fold up the tablet and keyboard with the Surface Slim Pen still inside, preventing misplacing of the stylus. The detachable keyboard is the new Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard, Microsoft said, which features Alcantara fabric around the keys like on previous Surface Pro keyboards.
Performance
Another key difference between the Surface Pro X and the standard Surface Pro lineup is the inclusion of a new processor. While standard Surface Pro models including the Surface Pro 7 are powered by Intel processors, Microsoft has developed a custom ARM-based processor for the Surface Pro X with the help of Qualcomm. The processor, dubbed the Microsoft SQ1, helps enable "always on" functionality with the device, as well as mobile connectivity over LTE Advanced, the company said. The Surface Pro X offers "3X more performance per watt than the Surface Pro 6," Microsoft said. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro X will offer memory options of 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM.
Additional Specs, Price And Availability
The Surface Pro X will offer 13 hours of battery life and fast-charging capabilities, with the ability to get an 80-percent charge in less than an hour, Microsoft said.
The device will also include a removable hard drive for easier serviceability, and will offer 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB of internal storage. For connectors, the Surface Pro X will come with two USB-C ports.
The Surface Pro X will be priced starting at $999. Pre-orders begin today, and the device will be available on Nov. 5.