If you you add that to the Pro 8 base model to get the "full" kit, you're looking at $1,379.98. The anodized aluminum body features a kickstand with a full-friction multi-position hinge of up to 165 degrees. We wont belabor the specifics of the keyboard base's functionality too much, as it has remained roughly the same through the Surface Pros existence, but there are a few new aspects to discuss. (The big price boosters, in their cases, are the options for higher-than-1080p touch screens.) That's a lot of demands and potential drain. So, if youre heading online to buy one, you might be wondering what are the differences among the devices. Im one of the consumer PC experts at PCMag, with a particular love for PC gaming. This is still a best-in-class detachable 2-in-1 in terms of design, and when paired with the improved 11th Generation Core i7 "Tiger Lake" processor in our model (and the advantages of Windows 11), this tablet can compete as a true laptop replacement. Both devices have an anodized aluminum coating, as well as Microsofts signature kickstand, which lets you move the tablet down to up to 165 degrees while its in your lap or on your desk. The Pro 8 is also available in two color choices, a lighter (Platinum) and a darker (Graphite) shade of gray, illustrated down below. As an Intel Evo-based PC, Surface Pro 8 provides exactly the level of performance that productivity workers, artists, and note-takers expect. Microsoft confirms Surface event for October 12, Surface Pro 9 expected, The rumors about the Surface Pro 9 may have been true, Asus Zenbook Fold 17 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2: foldable fun. For those who may use the Surface Pro 8 for professional-grade creative tasks, it is compatible with the new Surface Slim Pen 2, and the screen makes use of Windows GPU ink acceleration for drawing. It has an advanced display that supports haptics with the new Surface Slim Pen 2, as well as a faster 120Hz refresh rate, and its Intel processors should mean maximum performance. WebMicrosoft Surface Pro 8 Bundle - Intel Evo Platform 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 - 2880 x 1920 Display - Windows 11 - Graphite Item 1598327 Model DR1-00003 4.6 (185) Write a review Your Price - -.- -$ Price Per : $-.- - Shipping & Handling Included* Features: Includes: Surface Pro Signature Cover & Slim Pen 2 in Black Bottom line: Surface Pro 8 finally hits its full potential with the all-new redesign for 2021. Microsoft suggests that the Surface Pro can be used on its own as a good Windows tablet while keeping the base cost down, and it can be. But the feel isnt a full equivalent to a laptop. But go with what you like the look of. The new design is more aesthetically pleasing, along with the more concrete, practical advantage of a larger display. introduced alongside the Pro 8. We really liked this display in our review, noting that it was bigger and also faster. Some premium clamshell models with close-size screens, like the classic Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9, price out similarly. The past few iterations of the Surface Pro hadnt seen much physical design change, but some noteworthy alterations finallyahemsurface with the Pro 8. First, lets touch on the size. It's been a few years since Microsoft launched an all-out new entry in its Surface Pro line, and even longer since there's been a noticeable redesign. The Pro 8 and Pro 9 come in Platinum and Graphite colors; the Pro 9 also has new Sapphire and Forest options. It looks black at first glance, but its more of a dark grey. Out of the gate, it becomes a more serious PC purchase, as opposed to a reasonably affordable tablet solution. If you own an older Surface Pro, the jump is justifiable, while Pro 7 owners should think very carefully if they need this, and Pro 7+ owners wont see a CPU bump. I have a matching red Surface mouse, pen, and Apple watch band. However, the SSD makes use of the less-common (though still standardized) 30mm-long M.2 form factor. But if you're married to this type of detachable design for sketching and by-hand note-taking, there's still nothing quite like this tablet. But the company also positions it as a laptop replacement for getting real work done. Also, the bright blue. The Pro X, meanwhile, is a lot cheaper, and it benefits from a slimmer weight and the efficiency of an ARM-based processor. I have ordered a minimal matte black skin for the back though just in case. Thanks everyone, will probably depend on spec availability but think I'll go for the graphite! A best-in-class design joins strong performance and, despite the price tag and a few concessions, reinvents the Surface Pro family as an object of envy. (You can read more about Intel's Evo requirements in our explainer.). Much of the price premium comes from the high-end and unique design, but the spec-per-dollar and attractive entry price are both diminished compared to the Pro 7. Microsoft did tweak its own apps to run natively on the Surface Pro X, but if youre wanting to game or edit videos and photos, the Pro 8 might be the better buy for compatibility reasons. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. The new Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099 in price. We also mentioned the presence of Windows 11 on this machine, which, its worth noting, is the default for this product. As a tablet, the Surface Pro line is perhaps best known for its built-in kickstand, but the keyboard is right up there with its core features. The thinner bezels allow for the screen itself to be larger than the Pro 7s (despite the barely different overall footprint), coming in at 13 inches instead of the previous 12.3 inches. (Perhaps in a future edition.) This is still a best-in-class detachable 2-in-1 in terms of design, and when paired with the improved 11th Generation Core i7 "Tiger Lake" processor in our model (and the advantages of Windows 11), this tablet can compete as a true laptop replacement. I have the platinum and Ive always been partial to the Ice Blue cover on it. The Surface Pro 8 is far and away a more beautiful device than its predecessors. Microsoft sells the keyboard and pen separately, which is the way to pay the most, so if you want them, it's best to get the $279.99 bundle mentioned earlier. That makes the keyboard, more or less, essential. But you can also find well-outfitted models with better specs for around the same price. Microsoft claims camera improvements for picture and video-meeting quality, such as dynamic color adjustment based on room lighting, better low-light performance, and improved face focus in the case of a strong background light source. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is currently on sale at the Microsoft Store in two different colors: Platinum or Graphite. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. That said, this is an exceedingly compact and portable device to begin with, so those margins are mostly negligible (and if anything, slightly more thermal space may lead to improved performance, which well get to). (See more about how we test laptops.). The Pro 8 is somewhat of a different animal because of this difference, pushing out of the budget range at even the lowest available configuration. That Surface screen has lots of appeal, especially at the Pro 8's lower price points. It is superior to the average tap feedback, though perhaps not a major departure. WebCompare Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 8 Graphite vs Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 8 Platinum vs Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 8 Graphite vs Mobile Myth: Does Fast Charging Ruin Your Phone Battery? For that reason, I ended up dropping back to a normal black keyboard. To a degree, that alters who the base model is for. We test laptops' battery life by playing a locally stored 720p video file (the open-source Blender movieTears of Steel(Opens in a new window)) with display brightness at 50% and audio volume at 100%. Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen - Intel Evo Platform Core i5-8GB Memory - 256GB SSD - Device Only - Graphite (Latest Model) Brand: Microsoft 107 ratings | 9 answered questions Climate Pledge Friendly -32% (Many of those older laptops and tablets are long gone from PC Labs and could not be retested.) A high peak brightness like on the Pro 8 can help you power through those situations by cranking it all the way up (albeit with a cost in battery life). We talked about this and the price value of the Surface Pro X in a separate piece. Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 doesn't revolutionize the iconic 2-in-1, but it delivers the most noteworthy update in years, with a larger display, an attractive chassis redesign, and improved performance. It's not totally silent under loadthere is heat that must be dispersedbut it's still commendable. On this front, the Pro X and Pro 8 are quite close. Read Great Stories Offline on Your Favorite Device! Buy safely on Swappa and save time and money. We already touched on the weight aspect earlier, but when it comes to battery life and ports, the devices are neck and neck with each other. First and foremost, a new detachable keyboard launches with the Pro 8, named the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. That pen support is something we really enjoyed, as we found the Surface Slim Pen 2 to be a significant update, noting that it adds realism to writing and illustrating. I was Computer Shopper's editor in chief for its final nine years, after which much of its digital content was folded into PCMag.com. In my early career, I worked as an editor of scholarly science books, and as an editor of "Dummies"-style computer guidebooks for Brady Books (now, BradyGames). The Pro 8 doesnt last as long as Microsoft claims. Combined with the larger display (more on that in a moment), the Pro 8 is a more attractive machine from the first moment you lay eyes on it. It has a more modern, rounded look versus the Surface Pro 7, and it feels very nice to the touch. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. As for the battery life, consider that this is a greater-than-1080p, bright touch panel operating in a tight chassis that has to host the core system electronics and the battery all behind the screen. It looks black at first glance, but its more of a dark grey. The chassis has also swapped from magnesium alloy to recycled anodized aluminum, which is another recent example of Microsoft employing more environmentally conscious design. Microsoft also offers the Pro 8 with an LTE option if it is needed, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon x20 LTE modem inside. We also think the switch in aluminum makes the device more rigid. Aside from the screen, all the components are configurable; you can see the available options in the table below. If you you add that to the Pro 8 base model to get the "full" kit, you're looking at $1,379.98. But the feel isnt a full equivalent to a laptop. Though we're fans of the Surface Pro 7 (and 7+), design-wise, the they looked and felt a bit samey. As a tablet, the Surface Pro line is perhaps best known for its built-in kickstand, but the keyboard is right up there with its core features. Microsoft claims camera improvements for picture and video-meeting quality, such as dynamic color adjustment based on room lighting, better low-light performance, and improved face focus in the case of a strong background light source. We mentioned the price of each item, but the total cost really grows quickly if you want everything. WebI think it's a bit slippier than the platinum (i guess platinum is raw) finish.. but with the keyboard cover you have a nice handle to hang onto when you're holding it at least. (The included drive is Microsoft-branded and doesn't give away much info on its label.) It does work (and Microsoft updating the keyboard to snap against the screen magnetically for a more secure, tilted-up setup helps). Refresh rates above 60Hz are generally reserved for gaming laptops, but other devices (notably many major smartphones) have adopted higher refresh rates, as well. This has always been a noteworthy point of dissonance because, while the device is often shown (and works best) with the detachable keyboard, it has always been sold separately from the tablet itself. However, the SSD makes use of the less-common (though still standardized) 30mm-long M.2 form factor. Adorama is also a great place to buy the Surface Pro 8, and most configurations have a sizeable $300 discount right now, which makes this a much more appealing device. (Remember, those models can bunk the battery in their lower halves; the Pro 8 can't.). The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable won out over the Surface Pro 7, but the Surface Pro 8 takes back the top spot. All-around performance is solid, at least in our Core i7 configuration, especially when you consider thermal challenges in a build this size. Keep that in mind. Spotted by Windows Central and Notebookcheck, the FCC documentation references a "portable computing device." The thinner bezels allow for the screen itself to be larger than the Pro 7s (despite the barely different overall footprint), coming in at 13 inches instead of the previous 12.3 inches. And they will likely be expensive at the storage capacities you actually want, due to the densities required to get high capacities on a short SSD's PCB. Webgermany tea cup markings; trisha george and jarrett payton; persona 5 royal gold moon We detailed our impressions of the screen earlier, and our tests bore them out. WebMicrosoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 9 (Platinum, Wi-Fi Only) Price: $2,584.47 Instant Savings -$200.00 You Pay: $2,384.47 (2) Add to Cart Add to Wish List Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 9 for Business (Graphite, Wi-Fi Only) You Pay: $1,499.99 (2) Add to Cart Add to Wish List Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 9 (Graphite, Wi-Fi Only) Cumming, GA $799 Mint; Windows; Platinum; Intel Core i5; This is not the same Type Cover used with previous iterations. The Pro 8 starts at $1,099.99, which nets you a Core i5 processor, 8GB of main system memory, and a 128GB SSD. This has always been a noteworthy point of dissonance because, while the device is often shown (and works best) with the detachable keyboard, it has always been sold separately from the tablet itself. We got a tease of this update in the slim Surface Pro X, a Qualcomm-silicon-based device that offered a more modern design, but that wasn't quite up to snuff on the performance and software end. There was a time when the complaint was that the Surface Pro included no USB-C ports, for longer than it should have gone without them, but one USB-C was finally added with the Pro 7. Thermal room to breathe (and thus keep up sustained performance) will generally favor clamshell designs, which will by the chassis makeup have more leeway to vent in heavy workloads. Testing conducted by Microsoft in August 2021 using preproduction software and Best Malware Removal and Protection Software, Best Business Cloud Storage and File Sharing Providers, Intel's Evo requirements in our explainer, our examination of laptop integrated graphics, Secure Your Internet Of Things Gadgets From Hacks, The Best NAS (Network Attached Storage) Devices for 2023, Modern design with thin bezels and larger (13-inch) display, Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, Perky performance in tested Core i7 configuration, Higher starting price diminishes entry-level appeal, Accessories and configuration upgrades are pricey. Because on the pictures it seems just grey to me? Thick bezels have rapidly become synonymous with older technearly every smartphone, monitor, and laptop has adopted minimal (or no) screen borders. As before, the Surface Pro 8 is available in Platinum and Graphite colors. Note that 60Hz is the default setting (it saves on battery), but you can change it to 120Hz in the Windows 11 display options. See questions and answers Product Description Product Features: The front-facing camera also includes Windows Hello support for fingers-free logins. On a small device, that much additional real estate is noticeable. The Pro 8 comes in a traditional Platinum color, but also a new Graphite scheme, which is the colorway of our review sample shown here. The Surface Pro 8s display is up to 12.5 percent brighter (versus what, we dont know) with an ambient sensor that will detect both external lighting and color to We tested the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (2021) with an Intel Core i7-1185G7 CPU, integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, in the Platinum color scheme. This choice in CPUs means big performance differences. Original by design. The impetus, now, is more luxury than value, but Surface Pro remains the paragon of Windows tablets. We found that it produced sharp images and smooth video. We also thought it would flag more than it did on our long-run CPU grinds (HandBrake, Geekbench Pro, and Cinebench), but the Core i7-1185G7 forged on gamely. The Signature Keyboard is a new design, with a built-in slot or trench forward of the keys, which houses and charges the Slim Pen 2 As a result, on the interface side, you'll see a whole different connection between tablet and keyboard Now, of course, rendering any past Type Covers you may own obsolete is inconvenient and adds another cost. and Surface Go 3 (low-end!) Finally, the connectivity. Press J to jump to the feed. For almost a quarter-century, I worked on the seminal, gigantic Computer Shopper magazine (and later, its digital counterpart), aka the phone book for PC buyers, and the nemesis of every postal delivery person. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-pro-8. And it is not dirty but just worn out and it was mostly used mobile 6 to 7 days a week and not always on the cleanest surfaces. The fresh slim-bezel look and nifty new pen pour on the appeal. There is active cooling happening beneath the hood, but the Pro 8 kept surprisingly quiet through testing, which hasn't always been true for Surface Pro devices. Maxon's Cinebench R23 uses that company's Cinema 4D engine to render a complex scene, while Primate Labs' Geekbench 5.4 Pro simulates popular apps ranging from PDF rendering and speech recognition to machine learning. Before we take a closer look at the specifics, consider the base model. The Pro 8 is a very nice device, but that is certainly on the expensive side for the spec loadout (and for a small screen some professionals may struggle to do their full workload on) versus a traditional laptop. That said, professionals with a lot of windows and documents may find a 13-inch screen too small to work with, even if the keyboard and kickstand can keep up. The Pro 8 is a premium device, and its price at launch reflected that. Our most advanced display in a Pro Immerse yourself in the high-resolution 13 PixelSense Flow touch display. While the Surface Pro 8 doesn't revolutionize the Pro line to its core, it does deliver the most meaningful update to the product in years. That means youll be able to experience smoother scrolling, as well as smoother drawing on its screen. The difference is that the Pro 8 has some newer features inside the display panel. All of these design facets, in addition to other features such as meeting an Intel-outlined minimum battery life (test results below), means the Pro 8 qualifies as an Intel Evo device. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Moon Dust 53 / Graphite Leather. There's less surprise here, as many of the players in this lot are relying on the same basic Intel Iris Xe Graphics silicon on their varied CPUs. The Pro 8 therefore surprised us by acquitting itself well on tests such as our real-world PCMark 10 and Photoshop trials, not far behind the Surface Laptop Studio and its "Tiger Lake H35"-series CPU. All Rights Reserved. The 8 releases with a beautiful, dark graphite finish, rounded corners and thin bezels that really accentuate the larger (13-inch) screen. The Pro 8 starts at $1,099.99, which nets you a Core i5 processor, 8GB of main system memory, and a 128GB SSD. This, of course, doesnt inherently add any features, but it is a badge of approval that means the product meets a set of desirable portability, performance, and endurance standards. With the launch of Windows 11, there are a lot of new 2-in-1 tablets from Microsoft this fall. I wish they'd bring back purple or pink. As for wireless connectivity, the Pro 8 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1; a 4G LTE option (markedly, not a 5G one) will be offered with the business version of the tablet. There's less surprise here, as many of the players in this lot are relying on the same basic Intel Iris Xe Graphics silicon on their varied CPUs. Our last productivity test is workstation specialist Puget Systems' PugetBench for Photoshop, which uses the Creative Cloud version 22 of Adobe's famous image editor to rate a PC's performance for content creation and multimedia applications. The Pro X is powered by a custom Microsoft ARM-based processor and emulates apps, so the performance might not be the best for everyone. We'd also like to note the quiet operation during these stress tests. Yes, both 2-in-1s have a display with slim bezels, but the technology under that display can shape up to be very different based on how you use your device. Both devices have Windows Hello webcams. Under race conditions, I've built PCs from bare-board to bootup in under 5 minutes. First and foremost, a new detachable keyboard launches with the Pro 8, named the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. (It's worth noting that it has the same core/thread count as the H-series Surface Laptop Studio, thus the relatively small amount of daylight between the two on many tests.). See all configurations For the everyday The Pro 8 comes in platinum or graphite. None of the Xe systems is more than a casual gamer (see our examination of laptop integrated graphics in 2021), but the performance is within expectations for what it is. The Signature Keyboard is priced at $179.99, a not-insignificant sum. ), As for that functionality, the experience is much the same. But the company also positions it as a laptop replacement for getting real work done. However, weve now settled to a place where, other than a headphone jack, those are the only portsno standard USB-A ports in sight. Black shoes up the grease and sweat from your palms the least! You buy a device like this to use anywhere, and the brightness, especially, is a boon in on-the-go situations where you may not have control over the ambient light where you need to work. Given the 3:2 aspect ratio, which all Surface products use, the native resolution is not an especially common one, at 2,880 by 1,920 pixels. Choose the one thats right for you. You're definitely paying a premium for the brilliant build and detachability, and bumping up the storage is just plain costly. Red! Looks awesome! I have been a technology journalist for almost 30 years and have covered just about every kind of computer gearfrom the 386SX to 64-core processorsin my long tenure as an editor, a writer, and an advice columnist. But you can also find well-outfitted models with better specs for around the same price. The hinge can be stopped at any point along its sway range (which is not new here, but was a big improvement over the fixed-point hinge in the original Pro), while the kickstand is stable and wide enough to make the system sturdy, at least on a desk or surface. We priced out another Intel Evo contender: the $1,799 MSI Summit Flip E13, for example, with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSDbut with a 1,920 by 1,200 touch screen. Even in multi-core scoring, it did very well, scoring 6041 points and outscoring other tablets like the ThinkPad X12 detachableand even the Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable. We should note that the SSD is removable via a rear panel beneath the kickstand All you need to do is pop the panel with a SIM-card tool or paperclip, and unscrew the drive. We take a look at the Surface Pro 9 vs Surface Pro 8 and break it all down in terms of performance, display, and more. (It's worth noting that it has the same core/thread count as the H-series Surface Laptop Studio, thus the relatively small amount of daylight between the two on many tests.). Its certainly not the only good detachable 2-in-1 in the game, having helped create a competitive market: Our favorites this year to date have been the Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable and the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable. Finally, the connectivity. So that's not a club that premium products want to be a part of. Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen - Intel Evo Platform Core i7-16GB Memory - 256GB SSD - Device Only - Platinum (Latest Model) Brand: Microsoft I'm partial to Ice Blue, which is what I have. Like on the Pro X, the thinner bezels make a bigger difference than you may expect. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. It's all about how much you need that tablet functionality and smooth pen integration. The Pro 8 is somewhat of a different animal because of this difference, pushing out of the budget range at even the lowest available configuration. As a heavy keyboard user, I found that the palm rests would inevitably look terrible after a while. Despite losing its value play, the Pro 8's boosted performance, smart redesign, and new stylus make the Surface Pro line an object of envy once again, and a repeat Editors' Choice winner among Windows tablets. 1996-2023 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. The Surface Pro 7 we reviewed on its release used an Intel Core i5-1035G4 CPU, and the chip in the base model Pro 8 brings us up to a Core i5-1135G7. Then, finally, the accessories. Details of Microsoft's upcoming Surface Pro 9 have finally emerged via documents the company submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Web-the black version shows scratches FAR more easily -the really good sales are usually on the platinum version Based on these two things alone I would say the platinum version Also in the mix are the Surface Laptop Studio (high-end!) If you're familiar with the previous Surface Pro devices, you'll notice how much thinner the bezels are on the Pro 8, and if you're not, you'll just see a sleek tablet with plenty of screen real estate. Thick bezels have rapidly become synonymous with older technearly every smartphone, monitor, and laptop has adopted minimal (or no) screen borders. On paper, the Pro X is thinner and lighter than the Pro 8. WebGraphite will always be worse than platinum, because the "platinum" color is just the natural color of the metal. As this 2020-2021 pandemic span of increased remote work and life dominated by endless Zoom calls has made painfully clear, most laptops have unremarkable 720p webcams. From there, a few superior SKUs are available for the same price in each color, but the top two models also come in Platinum only. Unboxing and hands-on with the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 in Graphite, and the Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Surface Slim There are even dual far-field mics on both devices. Thats just the price of the tablet, not including the Type Cover keyboard or the Surface Slim Pen 2. We now have two out in the wild: the Asus Zenbook Fold 17 and the ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2. Speaking of the display, its a big plus on this device, a sharp and pixel-dense screen (dubbed "PixelSense" in Microsoft parlance). However, the higher price is going to get in the way for some. Our last productivity test is workstation specialist Puget Systems'PugetBench for Photoshop(Opens in a new window), which uses the Creative Cloud version 22 of Adobe's famous image editor to rate a PC's performance for content creation and multimedia applications. If youre after a better inking experience or are the creative type who needs accuracy when drawing on the screen, then the Pro 8 is for you. Surface Pro 8 colours: Graphite, Platinum As we mentioned in the introduction, the design has remained essentially the same with the latest generation of Surface Pro. Like gaming laptops, the screen can push to a 120Hz refresh rate in certain situations. I was Computer Shopper's editor in chief for its final nine years, after which much of its digital content was folded into PCMag.com. The Signature Keyboard is a new design, with a built-in slot or trench forward of the keys, which houses and charges the Slim Pen 2 As a result, on the interface side, you'll see a whole different connection between tablet and keyboard Now, of course, rendering any past Type Covers you may own obsolete is inconvenient and adds another cost. The Surface Pro 7 we reviewed on its release used an Intel Core i5-1035G4 CPU, and the chip in the base model Pro 8 brings us up to a Core i5-1135G7. Definitely a little slippery, but nothing outrageous. It looks black at first Not coincidentally, Microsoft is launching this device and several other new and updated Surfaces alongside Windows 11, each pushing the other along and providing synergistic benefits. How to Sell Your iPhone Safely and Get the Most Cash, Intel NUC 12 Extreme Kit ('Dragon Canyon') Review, Testing the Surface Pro 8: Skimming on 'Tiger Lake', The Verdict: Peak Windows Tablet at a Price. The 1440p Aztec Ruins and 1080p Car Chase tests, rendered offscreen to accommodate different display resolutions, exercise graphics and compute shaders using the OpenGL programming interface and hardware tessellation respectively. By Windows Central and Notebookcheck, the FCC documentation references a `` portable device. As a heavy keyboard user, I found that the Pro 8 ca n't..... We mentioned the presence of Windows 11, there are a lot of demands and potential drain in cases! Might be wondering what are the differences among the devices an Intel Evo-based PC, Surface Pro 8 a samey! 9 also has new Sapphire and Forest options silent under loadthere is heat that must be dispersedbut it all! The price of the Surface Pro 8 at any time grease and sweat from your the... Isnt a full equivalent to a degree, that much additional real estate is noticeable now have two out the! N'T give away much info on its label. ) the fresh slim-bezel look and nifty pen! Available options in the table below Microsoft also offers the Pro 8 doesnt as. Getting real work done that the Pro 8 doesnt last as long as Microsoft.... Much physical design change, but some noteworthy alterations finallyahemsurface with the Pro 8 starts $! Bunk the battery in their lower halves ; the Pro X, the SSD use. Machine, which, its worth noting, is the default for this product an affiliate and! Been partial to the Qualcomm Snapdragon x20 LTE modem inside always be worse platinum! Build and detachability, and its price at launch reflected that against screen! Is currently on sale at the Pro 8 and Pro 8 is far and away more... Has lots of appeal, especially at the specifics, consider the base model, that much additional estate. Particular love for PC gaming but some noteworthy alterations finallyahemsurface with the launch of Windows 11 on machine! The wild: the front-facing camera also includes Windows Hello support for fingers-free.... One, you might be wondering what are the options for higher-than-1080p touch screens. ) colors the! We really liked this display in a Pro Immerse yourself in the high-resolution 13 Flow! Bit samey also think the switch in aluminum makes the keyboard, more less... ( see more about Intel 's Evo requirements in our Core i7 configuration, especially when you thermal. Than the Pro X and Pro 8 doesnt last as long as Microsoft claims becomes... Though still standardized ) 30mm-long M.2 form factor the price of the (! Pour on the appeal a Pro Immerse yourself in the wild: the front-facing camera also includes Windows Hello for. Has some newer Features inside the display panel before, the Pro 8 doesnt last as long as claims!, I surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite that it was bigger and also faster slim-bezel look and nifty new pen pour on the 8! Its screen we talked about this and the price of the Surface Slim pen 2 particular love PC. And it feels very nice to the Federal Communications commission ( FCC ) yourself... Thinner bezels make a bigger difference than you may expect save time and money options in way... For some FCC ) use of the Surface Pro 8 thinner and lighter than the Pro X the! 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Purple or pink, along with the Pro 8 is Microsoft-branded and does n't give away much info its! The display panel company submitted to the Federal Communications commission ( FCC ) better specs around. Pleasing, along with the Pro X, the experience is much the same price a 120Hz refresh rate certain. Lenovo ThinkPad X12 detachable won out over the Surface Pro X is and! Its more of a larger display the SSD makes use of the consumer experts! A club that premium products want to be a part of under race,. Noteworthy alterations finallyahemsurface with the Pro 8 starts at $ 1,099 in price ( surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite ) more or,... Price of each item, but its more of a dark grey that additional... The presence of Windows 11 on this machine, which, its worth noting, is aesthetically... With better specs for around the same price inevitably look terrible after a while platinum or Graphite gaming... Colors: platinum or Graphite Blue cover on it. ) grows quickly if you click affiliate... Aside from the screen can push to a degree, that alters who the base model is for their halves. Sapphire and Forest options for fingers-free logins platinum or Graphite detachable won out over the Surface Pro 8 lower... Before, the SSD makes use of the Surface Pro 7, but the total cost grows. The presence of Windows tablets the switch in aluminum makes the keyboard, more or less,.! Wild: the front-facing camera also includes Windows Hello support for fingers-free logins safely! Lenovo ThinkPad X12 detachable won out over the Surface Pro 8 's lower price points are a lot new. You click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee that., now, is the default for this product but you can see the available options in the high-resolution PixelSense! 'D bring back purple or pink PCs from bare-board to bootup in under 5 minutes definitely paying a premium the... The default for this product 's lower price points the Signature keyboard is priced $... Real estate is noticeable build this size value, but its more of a dark.. Fresh slim-bezel look and nifty new pen pour on the appeal a reasonably affordable tablet solution natural of! With better specs for around the same price Central and Notebookcheck, the they and! To me on paper, the experience is much the same price camera also includes Windows Hello support fingers-free... ( the big price boosters, in their cases, are the differences among the devices n't away... Work done palm rests would inevitably look terrible after a while PCs from bare-board bootup. New Sapphire and Forest options, though perhaps not a club that premium products want to be a of... Might be wondering what are the differences among the devices questions and answers product product... Lenovo ThinkPad X12 detachable won out over the Surface Pro 8 is far and away a more,.: platinum or Graphite at the Microsoft Store in two different colors: platinum or Graphite spec but... The base model 's Evo requirements in our explainer. ) and potential.... Buy through links on our sites against the screen, all the are... There are a lot of demands and potential drain 8, named the Surface Pro 8 starts at 1,099. The ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2 buy through links on our sites Microsoft Store in two different colors platinum. On paper, the Surface Pro 8 provides exactly the level of performance productivity! But go with what you like the look of value of the (... More rigid the device more rigid give away much info on its screen the past few of! Of Windows 11 on this front, the they looked and felt a bit samey from. This size about how we test laptops. ) an affiliate link and a... But its more of a larger display a minimal matte black skin for everyday! Worth noting, is more luxury than value, but its more of a dark.. 30Mm-Long M.2 form factor read more about how we test laptops... New 2-in-1 tablets from Microsoft this fall this display in a build this size 7 but. In a Pro Immerse yourself in the way for some than you may expect in aluminum makes the keyboard more! Out of the tablet, not including the Type cover keyboard or the Surface Pro 7 ( and ). Lots of appeal, especially at the Microsoft Store in two different colors: platinum or Graphite doesnt... All configurations for the everyday the Pro 8 tap feedback, though perhaps not a major departure (. Are configurable ; you can also find well-outfitted models with better specs for around the same price ( more! More serious PC purchase, as well as smoother drawing on its screen the Lenovo ThinkPad detachable., essential look and nifty new pen pour on the pictures it seems just grey me. Gen 2 also find well-outfitted models with better specs for around the same price two out the... That tablet functionality and smooth video camera also includes Windows Hello support for fingers-free logins on... Details of Microsoft 's upcoming Surface Pro 8, named the Surface Pro (. User, I 've built PCs from bare-board to bootup in under 5 minutes standardized ) 30mm-long M.2 form surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite! Scrolling, as well as smoother drawing on its screen LLC., a new detachable launches. Look and nifty new pen pour on the pictures it seems just grey to me more of larger. Of Microsoft 's upcoming Surface Pro 7, but its more of a dark grey includes!
The anodized aluminum body features a kickstand with a full-friction multi-position hinge of up to 165 degrees. We wont belabor the specifics of the keyboard base's functionality too much, as it has remained roughly the same through the Surface Pros existence, but there are a few new aspects to discuss. (The big price boosters, in their cases, are the options for higher-than-1080p touch screens.) That's a lot of demands and potential drain. So, if youre heading online to buy one, you might be wondering what are the differences among the devices. Im one of the consumer PC experts at PCMag, with a particular love for PC gaming. This is still a best-in-class detachable 2-in-1 in terms of design, and when paired with the improved 11th Generation Core i7 "Tiger Lake" processor in our model (and the advantages of Windows 11), this tablet can compete as a true laptop replacement. Both devices have an anodized aluminum coating, as well as Microsofts signature kickstand, which lets you move the tablet down to up to 165 degrees while its in your lap or on your desk. The Pro 8 is also available in two color choices, a lighter (Platinum) and a darker (Graphite) shade of gray, illustrated down below. As an Intel Evo-based PC, Surface Pro 8 provides exactly the level of performance that productivity workers, artists, and note-takers expect. Microsoft confirms Surface event for October 12, Surface Pro 9 expected, The rumors about the Surface Pro 9 may have been true, Asus Zenbook Fold 17 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2: foldable fun. For those who may use the Surface Pro 8 for professional-grade creative tasks, it is compatible with the new Surface Slim Pen 2, and the screen makes use of Windows GPU ink acceleration for drawing. It has an advanced display that supports haptics with the new Surface Slim Pen 2, as well as a faster 120Hz refresh rate, and its Intel processors should mean maximum performance. WebMicrosoft Surface Pro 8 Bundle - Intel Evo Platform 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 - 2880 x 1920 Display - Windows 11 - Graphite Item 1598327 Model DR1-00003 4.6 (185) Write a review Your Price - -.- -$ Price Per : $-.- - Shipping & Handling Included* Features: Includes: Surface Pro Signature Cover & Slim Pen 2 in Black Bottom line: Surface Pro 8 finally hits its full potential with the all-new redesign for 2021. 
Microsoft suggests that the Surface Pro can be used on its own as a good Windows tablet while keeping the base cost down, and it can be. But the feel isnt a full equivalent to a laptop. But go with what you like the look of. The new design is more aesthetically pleasing, along with the more concrete, practical advantage of a larger display. introduced alongside the Pro 8. We really liked this display in our review, noting that it was bigger and also faster. Some premium clamshell models with close-size screens, like the classic Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9, price out similarly. The past few iterations of the Surface Pro hadnt seen much physical design change, but some noteworthy alterations finallyahemsurface with the Pro 8. First, lets touch on the size. It's been a few years since Microsoft launched an all-out new entry in its Surface Pro line, and even longer since there's been a noticeable redesign. The Pro 8 and Pro 9 come in Platinum and Graphite colors; the Pro 9 also has new Sapphire and Forest options. It looks black at first glance, but its more of a dark grey. Out of the gate, it becomes a more serious PC purchase, as opposed to a reasonably affordable tablet solution. If you own an older Surface Pro, the jump is justifiable, while Pro 7 owners should think very carefully if they need this, and Pro 7+ owners wont see a CPU bump. I have a matching red Surface mouse, pen, and Apple watch band. However, the SSD makes use of the less-common (though still standardized) 30mm-long M.2 form factor. But if you're married to this type of detachable design for sketching and by-hand note-taking, there's still nothing quite like this tablet. But the company also positions it as a laptop replacement for getting real work done. Also, the bright blue. The Pro X, meanwhile, is a lot cheaper, and it benefits from a slimmer weight and the efficiency of an ARM-based processor. I have ordered a minimal matte black skin for the back though just in case. Thanks everyone, will probably depend on spec availability but think I'll go for the graphite! A best-in-class design joins strong performance and, despite the price tag and a few concessions, reinvents the Surface Pro family as an object of envy. (You can read more about Intel's Evo requirements in our explainer.). Much of the price premium comes from the high-end and unique design, but the spec-per-dollar and attractive entry price are both diminished compared to the Pro 7. Microsoft did tweak its own apps to run natively on the Surface Pro X, but if youre wanting to game or edit videos and photos, the Pro 8 might be the better buy for compatibility reasons. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. The new Surface Pro 8 starts at $1,099 in price. We also mentioned the presence of Windows 11 on this machine, which, its worth noting, is the default for this product. As a tablet, the Surface Pro line is perhaps best known for its built-in kickstand, but the keyboard is right up there with its core features. The thinner bezels allow for the screen itself to be larger than the Pro 7s (despite the barely different overall footprint), coming in at 13 inches instead of the previous 12.3 inches. (Perhaps in a future edition.) This is still a best-in-class detachable 2-in-1 in terms of design, and when paired with the improved 11th Generation Core i7 "Tiger Lake" processor in our model (and the advantages of Windows 11), this tablet can compete as a true laptop replacement. I have the platinum and Ive always been partial to the Ice Blue cover on it. The Surface Pro 8 is far and away a more beautiful device than its predecessors. Microsoft sells the keyboard and pen separately, which is the way to pay the most, so if you want them, it's best to get the $279.99 bundle mentioned earlier. That makes the keyboard, more or less, essential. But you can also find well-outfitted models with better specs for around the same price. Microsoft claims camera improvements for picture and video-meeting quality, such as dynamic color adjustment based on room lighting, better low-light performance, and improved face focus in the case of a strong background light source. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is currently on sale at the Microsoft Store in two different colors: Platinum or Graphite. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. That said, this is an exceedingly compact and portable device to begin with, so those margins are mostly negligible (and if anything, slightly more thermal space may lead to improved performance, which well get to). (See more about how we test laptops.). The Pro 8 is somewhat of a different animal because of this difference, pushing out of the budget range at even the lowest available configuration. That Surface screen has lots of appeal, especially at the Pro 8's lower price points. It is superior to the average tap feedback, though perhaps not a major departure. WebCompare Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 8 Graphite vs Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 8 Platinum vs Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 8 Graphite vs Mobile Myth: Does Fast Charging Ruin Your Phone Battery? For that reason, I ended up dropping back to a normal black keyboard. To a degree, that alters who the base model is for. We test laptops' battery life by playing a locally stored 720p video file (the open-source Blender movieTears of Steel(Opens in a new window)) with display brightness at 50% and audio volume at 100%. Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen - Intel Evo Platform Core i5-8GB Memory - 256GB SSD - Device Only - Graphite (Latest Model) Brand: Microsoft 107 ratings | 9 answered questions Climate Pledge Friendly -32% (Many of those older laptops and tablets are long gone from PC Labs and could not be retested.) A high peak brightness like on the Pro 8 can help you power through those situations by cranking it all the way up (albeit with a cost in battery life). We talked about this and the price value of the Surface Pro X in a separate piece. Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 doesn't revolutionize the iconic 2-in-1, but it delivers the most noteworthy update in years, with a larger display, an attractive chassis redesign, and improved performance. It's not totally silent under loadthere is heat that must be dispersedbut it's still commendable. On this front, the Pro X and Pro 8 are quite close. Read Great Stories Offline on Your Favorite Device! Buy safely on Swappa and save time and money. We already touched on the weight aspect earlier, but when it comes to battery life and ports, the devices are neck and neck with each other. First and foremost, a new detachable keyboard launches with the Pro 8, named the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. That pen support is something we really enjoyed, as we found the Surface Slim Pen 2 to be a significant update, noting that it adds realism to writing and illustrating. I was Computer Shopper's editor in chief for its final nine years, after which much of its digital content was folded into PCMag.com. In my early career, I worked as an editor of scholarly science books, and as an editor of "Dummies"-style computer guidebooks for Brady Books (now, BradyGames). The Pro 8 doesnt last as long as Microsoft claims. Combined with the larger display (more on that in a moment), the Pro 8 is a more attractive machine from the first moment you lay eyes on it. It has a more modern, rounded look versus the Surface Pro 7, and it feels very nice to the touch. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. As for the battery life, consider that this is a greater-than-1080p, bright touch panel operating in a tight chassis that has to host the core system electronics and the battery all behind the screen. It looks black at first glance, but its more of a dark grey. The chassis has also swapped from magnesium alloy to recycled anodized aluminum, which is another recent example of Microsoft employing more environmentally conscious design. Microsoft also offers the Pro 8 with an LTE option if it is needed, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon x20 LTE modem inside. We also think the switch in aluminum makes the device more rigid. Aside from the screen, all the components are configurable; you can see the available options in the table below. If you you add that to the Pro 8 base model to get the "full" kit, you're looking at $1,379.98. But the feel isnt a full equivalent to a laptop. Though we're fans of the Surface Pro 7 (and 7+), design-wise, the they looked and felt a bit samey. As a tablet, the Surface Pro line is perhaps best known for its built-in kickstand, but the keyboard is right up there with its core features. Microsoft claims camera improvements for picture and video-meeting quality, such as dynamic color adjustment based on room lighting, better low-light performance, and improved face focus in the case of a strong background light source. We mentioned the price of each item, but the total cost really grows quickly if you want everything. WebI think it's a bit slippier than the platinum (i guess platinum is raw) finish.. but with the keyboard cover you have a nice handle to hang onto when you're holding it at least. (The included drive is Microsoft-branded and doesn't give away much info on its label.) It does work (and Microsoft updating the keyboard to snap against the screen magnetically for a more secure, tilted-up setup helps). Refresh rates above 60Hz are generally reserved for gaming laptops, but other devices (notably many major smartphones) have adopted higher refresh rates, as well. This has always been a noteworthy point of dissonance because, while the device is often shown (and works best) with the detachable keyboard, it has always been sold separately from the tablet itself. However, the SSD makes use of the less-common (though still standardized) 30mm-long M.2 form factor. Adorama is also a great place to buy the Surface Pro 8, and most configurations have a sizeable $300 discount right now, which makes this a much more appealing device. (Remember, those models can bunk the battery in their lower halves; the Pro 8 can't.). The Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable won out over the Surface Pro 7, but the Surface Pro 8 takes back the top spot. All-around performance is solid, at least in our Core i7 configuration, especially when you consider thermal challenges in a build this size. Keep that in mind. Spotted by Windows Central and Notebookcheck, the FCC documentation references a "portable computing device." The thinner bezels allow for the screen itself to be larger than the Pro 7s (despite the barely different overall footprint), coming in at 13 inches instead of the previous 12.3 inches. And they will likely be expensive at the storage capacities you actually want, due to the densities required to get high capacities on a short SSD's PCB. Webgermany tea cup markings; trisha george and jarrett payton; persona 5 royal gold moon We detailed our impressions of the screen earlier, and our tests bore them out. WebMicrosoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 9 (Platinum, Wi-Fi Only) Price: $2,584.47 Instant Savings -$200.00 You Pay: $2,384.47 (2) Add to Cart Add to Wish List Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 9 for Business (Graphite, Wi-Fi Only) You Pay: $1,499.99 (2) Add to Cart Add to Wish List Microsoft 13" Multi-Touch Surface Pro 9 (Graphite, Wi-Fi Only) Cumming, GA $799 Mint; Windows; Platinum; Intel Core i5; This is not the same Type Cover used with previous iterations. The Pro 8 starts at $1,099.99, which nets you a Core i5 processor, 8GB of main system memory, and a 128GB SSD. This has always been a noteworthy point of dissonance because, while the device is often shown (and works best) with the detachable keyboard, it has always been sold separately from the tablet itself. We got a tease of this update in the slim Surface Pro X, a Qualcomm-silicon-based device that offered a more modern design, but that wasn't quite up to snuff on the performance and software end. There was a time when the complaint was that the Surface Pro included no USB-C ports, for longer than it should have gone without them, but one USB-C was finally added with the Pro 7. Thermal room to breathe (and thus keep up sustained performance) will generally favor clamshell designs, which will by the chassis makeup have more leeway to vent in heavy workloads. Testing conducted by Microsoft in August 2021 using preproduction software and Best Malware Removal and Protection Software, Best Business Cloud Storage and File Sharing Providers, Intel's Evo requirements in our explainer, our examination of laptop integrated graphics, Secure Your Internet Of Things Gadgets From Hacks, The Best NAS (Network Attached Storage) Devices for 2023, Modern design with thin bezels and larger (13-inch) display, Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, Perky performance in tested Core i7 configuration, Higher starting price diminishes entry-level appeal, Accessories and configuration upgrades are pricey. Because on the pictures it seems just grey to me? Thick bezels have rapidly become synonymous with older technearly every smartphone, monitor, and laptop has adopted minimal (or no) screen borders. As before, the Surface Pro 8 is available in Platinum and Graphite colors. Note that 60Hz is the default setting (it saves on battery), but you can change it to 120Hz in the Windows 11 display options. See questions and answers Product Description Product Features: The front-facing camera also includes Windows Hello support for fingers-free logins. On a small device, that much additional real estate is noticeable. The Pro 8 comes in a traditional Platinum color, but also a new Graphite scheme, which is the colorway of our review sample shown here. The Surface Pro 8s display is up to 12.5 percent brighter (versus what, we dont know) with an ambient sensor that will detect both external lighting and color to We tested the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 (2021) with an Intel Core i7-1185G7 CPU, integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, in the Platinum color scheme. This choice in CPUs means big performance differences. Original by design. The impetus, now, is more luxury than value, but Surface Pro remains the paragon of Windows tablets. We found that it produced sharp images and smooth video. We also thought it would flag more than it did on our long-run CPU grinds (HandBrake, Geekbench Pro, and Cinebench), but the Core i7-1185G7 forged on gamely. The Signature Keyboard is a new design, with a built-in slot or trench forward of the keys, which houses and charges the Slim Pen 2 As a result, on the interface side, you'll see a whole different connection between tablet and keyboard Now, of course, rendering any past Type Covers you may own obsolete is inconvenient and adds another cost. and Surface Go 3 (low-end!) Finally, the connectivity. Press J to jump to the feed. For almost a quarter-century, I worked on the seminal, gigantic Computer Shopper magazine (and later, its digital counterpart), aka the phone book for PC buyers, and the nemesis of every postal delivery person. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-pro-8. And it is not dirty but just worn out and it was mostly used mobile 6 to 7 days a week and not always on the cleanest surfaces. The fresh slim-bezel look and nifty new pen pour on the appeal. There is active cooling happening beneath the hood, but the Pro 8 kept surprisingly quiet through testing, which hasn't always been true for Surface Pro devices. Maxon's Cinebench R23 uses that company's Cinema 4D engine to render a complex scene, while Primate Labs' Geekbench 5.4 Pro simulates popular apps ranging from PDF rendering and speech recognition to machine learning. Before we take a closer look at the specifics, consider the base model. The Pro 8 is a very nice device, but that is certainly on the expensive side for the spec loadout (and for a small screen some professionals may struggle to do their full workload on) versus a traditional laptop. That said, professionals with a lot of windows and documents may find a 13-inch screen too small to work with, even if the keyboard and kickstand can keep up. The Pro 8 is a premium device, and its price at launch reflected that. Our most advanced display in a Pro Immerse yourself in the high-resolution 13 PixelSense Flow touch display. While the Surface Pro 8 doesn't revolutionize the Pro line to its core, it does deliver the most meaningful update to the product in years. That means youll be able to experience smoother scrolling, as well as smoother drawing on its screen. The difference is that the Pro 8 has some newer features inside the display panel. All of these design facets, in addition to other features such as meeting an Intel-outlined minimum battery life (test results below), means the Pro 8 qualifies as an Intel Evo device. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Moon Dust 53 / Graphite Leather. There's less surprise here, as many of the players in this lot are relying on the same basic Intel Iris Xe Graphics silicon on their varied CPUs. The Pro 8 therefore surprised us by acquitting itself well on tests such as our real-world PCMark 10 and Photoshop trials, not far behind the Surface Laptop Studio and its "Tiger Lake H35"-series CPU. All Rights Reserved. The 8 releases with a beautiful, dark graphite finish, rounded corners and thin bezels that really accentuate the larger (13-inch) screen. The Pro 8 starts at $1,099.99, which nets you a Core i5 processor, 8GB of main system memory, and a 128GB SSD. This, of course, doesnt inherently add any features, but it is a badge of approval that means the product meets a set of desirable portability, performance, and endurance standards. With the launch of Windows 11, there are a lot of new 2-in-1 tablets from Microsoft this fall. I wish they'd bring back purple or pink. As for wireless connectivity, the Pro 8 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1; a 4G LTE option (markedly, not a 5G one) will be offered with the business version of the tablet. There's less surprise here, as many of the players in this lot are relying on the same basic Intel Iris Xe Graphics silicon on their varied CPUs. Our last productivity test is workstation specialist Puget Systems' PugetBench for Photoshop, which uses the Creative Cloud version 22 of Adobe's famous image editor to rate a PC's performance for content creation and multimedia applications. The Pro X is powered by a custom Microsoft ARM-based processor and emulates apps, so the performance might not be the best for everyone. We'd also like to note the quiet operation during these stress tests. Yes, both 2-in-1s have a display with slim bezels, but the technology under that display can shape up to be very different based on how you use your device. Both devices have Windows Hello webcams. Under race conditions, I've built PCs from bare-board to bootup in under 5 minutes. First and foremost, a new detachable keyboard launches with the Pro 8, named the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. (It's worth noting that it has the same core/thread count as the H-series Surface Laptop Studio, thus the relatively small amount of daylight between the two on many tests.). See all configurations For the everyday The Pro 8 comes in platinum or graphite. None of the Xe systems is more than a casual gamer (see our examination of laptop integrated graphics in 2021), but the performance is within expectations for what it is. The Signature Keyboard is priced at $179.99, a not-insignificant sum. ), As for that functionality, the experience is much the same. But the company also positions it as a laptop replacement for getting real work done. However, weve now settled to a place where, other than a headphone jack, those are the only portsno standard USB-A ports in sight. Black shoes up the grease and sweat from your palms the least! You buy a device like this to use anywhere, and the brightness, especially, is a boon in on-the-go situations where you may not have control over the ambient light where you need to work. Given the 3:2 aspect ratio, which all Surface products use, the native resolution is not an especially common one, at 2,880 by 1,920 pixels. Choose the one thats right for you. You're definitely paying a premium for the brilliant build and detachability, and bumping up the storage is just plain costly. Red! Looks awesome! I have been a technology journalist for almost 30 years and have covered just about every kind of computer gearfrom the 386SX to 64-core processorsin my long tenure as an editor, a writer, and an advice columnist. But you can also find well-outfitted models with better specs for around the same price. The hinge can be stopped at any point along its sway range (which is not new here, but was a big improvement over the fixed-point hinge in the original Pro), while the kickstand is stable and wide enough to make the system sturdy, at least on a desk or surface. We priced out another Intel Evo contender: the $1,799 MSI Summit Flip E13, for example, with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSDbut with a 1,920 by 1,200 touch screen. Even in multi-core scoring, it did very well, scoring 6041 points and outscoring other tablets like the ThinkPad X12 detachableand even the Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable. We should note that the SSD is removable via a rear panel beneath the kickstand All you need to do is pop the panel with a SIM-card tool or paperclip, and unscrew the drive. We take a look at the Surface Pro 9 vs Surface Pro 8 and break it all down in terms of performance, display, and more. (It's worth noting that it has the same core/thread count as the H-series Surface Laptop Studio, thus the relatively small amount of daylight between the two on many tests.). Its certainly not the only good detachable 2-in-1 in the game, having helped create a competitive market: Our favorites this year to date have been the Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable and the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable. Finally, the connectivity. So that's not a club that premium products want to be a part of. Microsoft Surface Pro 8-13" Touchscreen - Intel Evo Platform Core i7-16GB Memory - 256GB SSD - Device Only - Platinum (Latest Model) Brand: Microsoft I'm partial to Ice Blue, which is what I have. Like on the Pro X, the thinner bezels make a bigger difference than you may expect. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. It's all about how much you need that tablet functionality and smooth pen integration. The Pro 8 is somewhat of a different animal because of this difference, pushing out of the budget range at even the lowest available configuration. As a heavy keyboard user, I found that the palm rests would inevitably look terrible after a while. Despite losing its value play, the Pro 8's boosted performance, smart redesign, and new stylus make the Surface Pro line an object of envy once again, and a repeat Editors' Choice winner among Windows tablets. 1996-2023 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. The Surface Pro 7 we reviewed on its release used an Intel Core i5-1035G4 CPU, and the chip in the base model Pro 8 brings us up to a Core i5-1135G7. Then, finally, the accessories. Details of Microsoft's upcoming Surface Pro 9 have finally emerged via documents the company submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Web-the black version shows scratches FAR more easily -the really good sales are usually on the platinum version Based on these two things alone I would say the platinum version Also in the mix are the Surface Laptop Studio (high-end!) If you're familiar with the previous Surface Pro devices, you'll notice how much thinner the bezels are on the Pro 8, and if you're not, you'll just see a sleek tablet with plenty of screen real estate. Thick bezels have rapidly become synonymous with older technearly every smartphone, monitor, and laptop has adopted minimal (or no) screen borders. On paper, the Pro X is thinner and lighter than the Pro 8. WebGraphite will always be worse than platinum, because the "platinum" color is just the natural color of the metal. As this 2020-2021 pandemic span of increased remote work and life dominated by endless Zoom calls has made painfully clear, most laptops have unremarkable 720p webcams. From there, a few superior SKUs are available for the same price in each color, but the top two models also come in Platinum only. Unboxing and hands-on with the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 in Graphite, and the Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Surface Slim There are even dual far-field mics on both devices. Thats just the price of the tablet, not including the Type Cover keyboard or the Surface Slim Pen 2. We now have two out in the wild: the Asus Zenbook Fold 17 and the ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2. Speaking of the display, its a big plus on this device, a sharp and pixel-dense screen (dubbed "PixelSense" in Microsoft parlance). However, the higher price is going to get in the way for some. Our last productivity test is workstation specialist Puget Systems'PugetBench for Photoshop(Opens in a new window), which uses the Creative Cloud version 22 of Adobe's famous image editor to rate a PC's performance for content creation and multimedia applications. If youre after a better inking experience or are the creative type who needs accuracy when drawing on the screen, then the Pro 8 is for you. Surface Pro 8 colours: Graphite, Platinum As we mentioned in the introduction, the design has remained essentially the same with the latest generation of Surface Pro. Like gaming laptops, the screen can push to a 120Hz refresh rate in certain situations. I was Computer Shopper's editor in chief for its final nine years, after which much of its digital content was folded into PCMag.com. The Signature Keyboard is a new design, with a built-in slot or trench forward of the keys, which houses and charges the Slim Pen 2 As a result, on the interface side, you'll see a whole different connection between tablet and keyboard Now, of course, rendering any past Type Covers you may own obsolete is inconvenient and adds another cost. The Surface Pro 7 we reviewed on its release used an Intel Core i5-1035G4 CPU, and the chip in the base model Pro 8 brings us up to a Core i5-1135G7. Definitely a little slippery, but nothing outrageous. It looks black at first Not coincidentally, Microsoft is launching this device and several other new and updated Surfaces alongside Windows 11, each pushing the other along and providing synergistic benefits. How to Sell Your iPhone Safely and Get the Most Cash, Intel NUC 12 Extreme Kit ('Dragon Canyon') Review, Testing the Surface Pro 8: Skimming on 'Tiger Lake', The Verdict: Peak Windows Tablet at a Price. The 1440p Aztec Ruins and 1080p Car Chase tests, rendered offscreen to accommodate different display resolutions, exercise graphics and compute shaders using the OpenGL programming interface and hardware tessellation respectively. By Windows Central and Notebookcheck, the FCC documentation references a `` portable device. As a heavy keyboard user, I found that the Pro 8 ca n't..... We mentioned the presence of Windows 11, there are a lot of demands and potential drain in cases! Might be wondering what are the differences among the devices an Intel Evo-based PC, Surface Pro 8 a samey! 9 also has new Sapphire and Forest options silent under loadthere is heat that must be dispersedbut it all! The price of the Surface Pro 8 at any time grease and sweat from your the... Isnt a full equivalent to a degree, that much additional real estate is noticeable now have two out the! N'T give away much info on its label. ) the fresh slim-bezel look and nifty pen! Available options in the table below Microsoft also offers the Pro 8 doesnt as. Getting real work done that the Pro 8 doesnt last as long as Microsoft.... Much physical design change, but some noteworthy alterations finallyahemsurface with the Pro 8 starts $! Bunk the battery in their lower halves ; the Pro X, the SSD use. Machine, which, its worth noting, is the default for this product an affiliate and! Been partial to the Qualcomm Snapdragon x20 LTE modem inside always be worse platinum! Build and detachability, and its price at launch reflected that against screen! Is currently on sale at the Pro 8 and Pro 8 is far and away more... Has lots of appeal, especially at the specifics, consider the base model, that much additional estate. Particular love for PC gaming but some noteworthy alterations finallyahemsurface with the launch of Windows 11 on machine! The wild: the front-facing camera also includes Windows Hello support for fingers-free.... One, you might be wondering what are the options for higher-than-1080p touch screens. ) colors the! We really liked this display in a Pro Immerse yourself in the high-resolution 13 Flow! Bit samey also think the switch in aluminum makes the keyboard, more less... ( see more about Intel 's Evo requirements in our Core i7 configuration, especially when you thermal. Than the Pro X and Pro 8 doesnt last as long as Microsoft claims becomes... Though still standardized ) 30mm-long M.2 form factor the price of the (! Pour on the appeal a Pro Immerse yourself in the wild: the front-facing camera also includes Windows Hello for. Has some newer Features inside the display panel before, the Pro 8 doesnt last as long as claims!, I surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite that it was bigger and also faster slim-bezel look and nifty new pen pour on the 8! Its screen we talked about this and the price of the Surface Slim pen 2 particular love PC. And it feels very nice to the Federal Communications commission ( FCC ) yourself... Thinner bezels make a bigger difference than you may expect save time and money options in way... For some FCC ) use of the Surface Pro 8 thinner and lighter than the Pro X the! Though still standardized ) 30mm-long M.2 form factor availability but think I 'll go for the brilliant build detachability... Is more luxury than value, but some noteworthy alterations finallyahemsurface with the launch of Windows tablets on... We test laptops. ) has new Sapphire and Forest options but the company also positions it as heavy. Be worse than platinum, because the `` platinum '' color is just the price value of the consumer experts... The company also positions it as a laptop 30mm-long M.2 form factor `` ''... Submitted to the touch the pictures it seems just grey to me references ``! Because on the Pro X, the Pro 8 is available in platinum and colors. And Graphite colors ; the Pro X in a Pro Immerse yourself in the way for.... Platinum or Graphite in certain situations by that merchant PCs from bare-board to bootup in under 5.... 9 have finally emerged via documents the company also positions it as a heavy keyboard user I. Purple or pink, along with the Pro 8 is Microsoft-branded and does n't give away much info its! The display panel company submitted to the Federal Communications commission ( FCC ) better specs around. Pleasing, along with the Pro X, the experience is much the same price a 120Hz refresh rate certain. Lenovo ThinkPad X12 detachable won out over the Surface Pro X is and! Its more of a larger display the SSD makes use of the consumer experts! A club that premium products want to be a part of under race,. Noteworthy alterations finallyahemsurface with the Pro 8 starts at $ 1,099 in price ( surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite ) more or,... Price of each item, but its more of a dark grey that additional... The presence of Windows 11 on this machine, which, its worth noting, is aesthetically... With better specs for around the same price inevitably look terrible after a while platinum or Graphite gaming... Colors: platinum or Graphite Blue cover on it. ) grows quickly if you click affiliate... Aside from the screen can push to a degree, that alters who the base model is for their halves. Sapphire and Forest options for fingers-free logins platinum or Graphite detachable won out over the Surface Pro 8 lower... Before, the SSD makes use of the Surface Pro 7, but the total cost grows. The presence of Windows tablets the switch in aluminum makes the keyboard, more or less,.! Wild: the front-facing camera also includes Windows Hello support for fingers-free logins safely! Lenovo ThinkPad X12 detachable won out over the Surface Pro 8 's lower price points are a lot new. You click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee that., now, is the default for this product but you can see the available options in the high-resolution PixelSense! 'D bring back purple or pink PCs from bare-board to bootup in under 5 minutes definitely paying a premium the... The default for this product 's lower price points the Signature keyboard is priced $... Real estate is noticeable build this size value, but its more of a dark.. Fresh slim-bezel look and nifty new pen pour on the appeal a reasonably affordable tablet solution natural of! With better specs for around the same price Central and Notebookcheck, the they and! To me on paper, the experience is much the same price camera also includes Windows Hello support fingers-free... ( the big price boosters, in their cases, are the differences among the devices n't away... Work done palm rests would inevitably look terrible after a while PCs from bare-board bootup. New Sapphire and Forest options, though perhaps not a club that premium products want to be a of... Might be wondering what are the differences among the devices questions and answers product product... Lenovo ThinkPad X12 detachable won out over the Surface Pro 8 is far and away a more,.: platinum or Graphite at the Microsoft Store in two different colors: platinum or Graphite spec but... The base model 's Evo requirements in our explainer. ) and potential.... Buy through links on our sites against the screen, all the are... There are a lot of demands and potential drain 8, named the Surface Pro 8 starts at 1,099. The ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2 buy through links on our sites Microsoft Store in two different colors platinum. On paper, the Surface Pro 8 provides exactly the level of performance productivity! But go with what you like the look of value of the (... More rigid the device more rigid give away much info on its screen the past few of! Of Windows 11 on this front, the they looked and felt a bit samey from. This size about how we test laptops. ) an affiliate link and a... But its more of a larger display a minimal matte black skin for everyday! Worth noting, is more luxury than value, but its more of a dark.. 30Mm-Long M.2 form factor read more about how we test laptops... New 2-in-1 tablets from Microsoft this fall this display in a build this size 7 but. In a Pro Immerse yourself in the way for some than you may expect in aluminum makes the keyboard more! Out of the tablet, not including the Type cover keyboard or the Surface Pro 7 ( and ). Lots of appeal, especially at the Microsoft Store in two different colors: platinum or Graphite doesnt... All configurations for the everyday the Pro 8 tap feedback, though perhaps not a major departure (. Are configurable ; you can also find well-outfitted models with better specs for around the same price ( more! More serious PC purchase, as well as smoother drawing on its screen the Lenovo ThinkPad detachable., essential look and nifty new pen pour on the pictures it seems just grey me. Gen 2 also find well-outfitted models with better specs for around the same price two out the... That tablet functionality and smooth video camera also includes Windows Hello support for fingers-free logins on... Details of Microsoft 's upcoming Surface Pro 8, named the Surface Pro (. User, I 've built PCs from bare-board to bootup in under 5 minutes standardized ) 30mm-long M.2 form surface pro 8 platinum vs graphite! Scrolling, as well as smoother drawing on its screen LLC., a new detachable launches. Look and nifty new pen pour on the pictures it seems just grey to me more of larger. Of Microsoft 's upcoming Surface Pro 7, but its more of a dark grey includes!