Exploring Rigorous Laptop Evaluation Techniques: Insights From ZDNet's Review Process
Exploring the Latest Microsoft Innovations: Surface Pro 10 & Laptop Press6 Reveal Enhanced AI Capabilities - Insights
Microsoft/ZDNET
Microsoft today unveiled two new Surface devices, the Surface Pro 10 and the Surface Laptop 6, marking the company’s first hardware launch since the AI PC era kicked off with Intel’s and AMD’s NPU-equipped chipsets .
Also: Five biggest announcements at Microsoft’s March Surface and AI event
Both Surface devices look nearly identical to their two-year-old predecessors, and yet they’re currently only available to business users. (I wouldn’t rule out Microsoft releasing consumer versions of these Surface laptops later this year.)
At the center of both models is a new Intel Core Ultra (5 or 7) processor. “From a performance perspective, Surface Laptop 6 is 2x faster than Laptop 5, and Surface Pro 10 is up to 53% faster than Pro 9,” Microsoft touts in its press release. The dedicated Neural processing Unit in the new chipsets should yield greater performance and efficiency – and, therefore, battery life – especially with AI-related tasks such as Windows Studio Effects, Live Captions, and productivity tools.
Newsletters
ZDNET Tech Today
ZDNET’s Tech Today newsletter is a daily briefing of the newest, most talked about stories, five days a week.
Subscribe
Other hardware changes include a new anti-reflective coating that, when paired with the brighter display of both devices (600 nits on the Surface Pro 10 and 400 nits on the Surface Laptop 6), should improve screen quality and viewing angles.
For security, the 15-inch model of the Surface Laptop 6 can be fitted with an integrated smart card reader while the Surface Pro 10 includes an NFC reader to support security keys and other passwordless authentication tools.
Also: The best security keys of 2024: Expert tested
Another hardware upgrade exclusive to the Surface Pro 10 comes in the form of a new ultrawide, 10.5MP webcam, capable of recording in 1440p resolution at a 114-degree field of view. That’s up from the preceding model’s 1080p sensors, which I found were just good enough during ZDNET’s review . The Laptop 6 also gets a camera upgrade, but only from a 720p sensor to 1080p.
Microsoft also unveiled a new Surface Pro keyboard cover with a bolded keyset and dedicated Copilot key.
Microsoft
The efficiency gains from the Intel Core Ultra processors have given Microsoft the confidence to rate the battery life of both the Surface Pro 10 and Laptop 6 higher than their predecessors, with the former lasting up to 19 hours (up from 15) and the latter lasting up to 19 hours (up from 17).
Also: Surface vs. MacBook: Can Microsoft’s new Arm-based AI PCs compete with Apple?
Microsoft also told The Verge that the new Surface devices are more repairable and serviceable than ever, too, with QR codes on internal components for easier sourcing and visual indicators to identify screws and driver types.
Both models will be offered now with 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM (previously capped at 32GB), with the Surface Pro 10 starting at a base storage of 256GB instead of 128GB. The Surface Laptop 6 will still be available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch sizes. Pricing will start from $1,199 and both devices will begin shipping on April 9.
And for the first time, Microsoft is offering the Intel-equipped Surface Pro with 5G support, a capability previously limited to devices powered by Qualcomm’s SQ3 processor, as well as its Adaptive Accessories for commercial customers.
More Microsoft
Is Microsoft really going to cut off security updates for your ‘unsupported’ Windows 11 PC?
Is your Windows license legal? Should you even care?
Still have a Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options before support ends in 2025
How Apple, Google, and Microsoft can save us from AI deepfakes
Microsoft will start charging for Windows 10 updates next year. Here’s how much
- Is Microsoft really going to cut off security updates for your ‘unsupported’ Windows 11 PC?
- At Microsoft’s security summit, experts debated how to prevent another global IT meltdown. Will it help?
- Is your Windows license legal? Should you even care?
- Still have a Windows 10 PC? You have 5 options before support ends in 2025
- How Apple, Google, and Microsoft can save us from AI deepfakes
- Microsoft will start charging for Windows 10 updates next year. Here’s how much
Also read:
- [New] 2024 Approved Convenient Techniques for Customizing Your Own Short Videos
- [New] 2024 Approved Game Ahead The Ultimate List of Premier GBA Emulator Programs
- [New] Ultimate Scriptsmiths Network for 2024
- [Updated] Deep Dive Into the Features of LG's UltraFine 4K Display for 2024
- A Comprehensive Breakdown Unleash the Potential with Magix VPX for 2024
- Choosing the Right Gamers' Keyboard : Our Verdict on Full-Size, Half (TKL) & Mini Options
- Comprehensive Hardware Guides Curated by Tom's Team
- Comprehensive Review of the Original Prusa XL: Spacious Printing Area & Multi-Toolhead Functionality
- Frontline Focus Tripod: Ideal for the Journeying Photographer
- In 2024, Essential Strategies for Successful Mukbang Production
- Mastering Email Management: Customizing Your Gmail Rules
- Mastering Modern Electronics with Tom's Expert Hardware Analysis
- Mastering Tech Essentials Through In-Depth Reviews by Tom's Specialists
- New Filmora Coupon Guide 4 Easy Ways to Redeem Exclusive Offers
- Tom's Tech Reviews: Exploring the Latest in Computer Hardware
- Ultimate Gaming Bundle Sale: Snag the Powerful Aurora R16 PC & Impressive 34 Alienware OLED for Just Over Half Price – Save $700 Today
- Valkyrie Sync 240 AIO Liquid Cooler Evaluation: Excellent Thermal Management but User-Unfriendly Interface
- Title: Exploring Rigorous Laptop Evaluation Techniques: Insights From ZDNet's Review Process
- Author: George
- Created at : 2024-10-16 02:52:34
- Updated at : 2024-10-20 20:51:40
- Link: https://hardware-tips.techidaily.com/exploring-rigorous-laptop-evaluation-techniques-insights-from-zdnets-review-process/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.