Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 mark a significant milestone for Windows on Arm, offering improved performance and compatibility that make them viable alternatives to Intel-based PCs for many users, despite some remaining limitations and superfluous AI features.
Familiar design, improved internals: The Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 maintain the iconic Surface design elements, such as 3:2 aspect ratio displays and rounded corners, while overhauling the internal hardware with Arm-based processors:
Performance and compatibility enhancements: The new Surface devices showcase the advancements in Windows on Arm, offering improved performance and better compatibility with existing Windows applications:
Superfluous AI features: Microsoft has chosen to launch the new Surface devices alongside a suite of generative AI features, which the author argues are largely unnecessary and detract from the hardware’s core strengths:
Analyzing deeper: While the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 represent a significant step forward for Windows on Arm, the platform still faces challenges in terms of application compatibility and peripheral support. Microsoft’s decision to focus on AI features alongside the launch may be an attempt to differentiate the new devices and generate excitement, but it risks overshadowing the genuine improvements in performance and usability. As Windows on Arm continues to mature, it will be crucial for Microsoft to strike a balance between introducing innovative features and ensuring a smooth, reliable user experience across a wide range of applications and hardware configurations.