What you need to know
- Surface Pro 7+ for Business was announced earlier today.
- Microsoft Mechanics has posted a deep dive video detailing what's new.
- Surface Pro 7+ has a thinner display now, which allows a larger battery.
Earlier this morning, Microsoft announced Surface Pro 7+ for Business aimed at enterprise and education markets. The announcement leaves room for a consumer-focused Surface Pro 8 later this year while giving businesses consistent and modern hardware today.
Featuring Intel 11th Gen processors, 4G LTE, new security features, up to 32GB of RAM, and a removable SSD, there is a lot to like with Surface Pro 7+ for Business, even if they will be a tad harder to buy (for non-businesses).
Microsoft has now published a deep dive video covering Surface Pro 7+ for Business, which goes into more depth about the refreshed laptop.
| Category | Surface Pro 7+ |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 Pro |
| Display | 12.3-inch PixelSense, 3:2 aspect ratio, 2736x1824 (267 PPI) |
| Processor | 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 (Wi-Fi)11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 (Wi-Fi or LTE)11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 (Wi-Fi) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics (i3)Intel Iris Xe Graphics (i5, i7) |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x (Wi-Fi or LTE)32GB LPDDR4x (Wi-Fi) |
| Storage | 128GB SSD or 256GB SSD (Wi-Fi or LTE)512GB SSD or 1TB SSD (Wi-Fi) |
| Rear camera | 8MP autofocus (1080p) |
| Front camera | 5MP (1080p) |
| Security | TPM 2.0Windows Hello face authentication camera |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax4G Snapdragon X20 LTE Modem (optional) |
| Ports | One USB-COne USB-AOne microSDXCOne Surface Connect+Surface Keyboard connector3.5mm headphone jack |
| Battery | Up to 15 hours (Wi-Fi)Up to 13.5 hours (LTE Advanced) |
| Size | 11.5" x 7.9" x 0.33" (292 mm x 201 mm x 8.5 mm) |
| Weight | i3, i5: 1.70 lb (775 g)i7: 1.74 lb (790 g) |
| Colors | PlatinumBlack |
| Pricing | Starts at $899 |
| Availability | Mid-January 2021 |
Most of the engineering here is familiar, but there are some interesting tidbits too.
For instance, the display in Surface Pro 7+ for Business is now thinner (not the bezels, we're talking depth). Microsoft uses the same display technology pioneered in Surface Pro X in Surface Pro 7+ for Business. The result? Microsoft could squeeze in a larger 50.4 watt-hour battery. The previous Surface Pro 7 only had a 43.2 watt-hour one.
When combined with 11th Gen Intel processors, which deliver 2.1x the performance over Surface Pro 7's 10th Gen, it's no wonder Surface Pro 7+ for Business gets a rated 4.5 hours of improvement. Even the LTE version is rated for 13.5 hours, three hours more than Surface Pro 7.
Microsoft also shows off some of the new packaging ideas they are using for Surface Pro 7+ for Business, which reduces costs, shipping weight, is better for the environment, and makes the distribution of larger quantities of devices to firms much easier.
You can also see where the removable SSD door is and how it all works in the video.
Finally, like in the previous Surface Pro with LTE, Microsoft is only offering 4G LTE Advanced in the Core i5 model. The reason is whereas the Core i7 has a fan, the Core i5 model does not. Microsoft places the 4G LTE modem in place of the fan, which saves space and means Microsoft did not need to redesign the 4G model.
Business and education customers in select markets across Asia, Europe, and North America can order Surface Pro 7+ through their local resellers today, with shipping beginning at the end of this week. Pricing starts at $899 and goes up to $2,800 for the new 32GB/1TB option.
Seems faster with LTE
Addressing the needs of enterprise and education markets, Microsoft's Surface Pro 7+ brings a few new features to its classic laptop. With an option for LTE, removable SSD, and the latest Intel processors, Surface Pro 7+ should be an excellent choice out in the field.
