Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5 now for sale, preorders shipping

Surface Pro 9 new colors
(Image credit: Future)

What you need to know

  • You can now purchase the Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5 from several retailers.
  • The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999 on the Intel side and $1,299 for ARM models.
  • The 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 5 has a starting price of $999, while the 15-inch model starts at $1,299.

Microsoft's latest Surface devices are now available for order. You can purchase a Surface Pro 9 or Surface Laptop 5 through Microsoft and several other retailers starting today. The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999 for Intel models and $1,299 for ARM variants. The Surface Laptop 5 comes in two size options. The 13.5-inch model starts at $999, and the 15-inch model starts at $1,299.

Microsoft merged the Surface Pro X lineup into the general Surface Pro family with the launch of the Surface Pro 9. What that means is that you can order a Surface Pro 9 with either an ARM CPU or an Intel processor.

If you go with an Intel chip, your Surface Pro 9 will have a 12th-gen U-series CPU. That range of processors has ten cores and delivers up to 50% better performance than Intel's 11th-gen chips. The Pro 9 supports dynamic refresh rate, which takes full advantage of the 2-in-1's 120Hz display.

ARM models of the Pro 9 have Microsoft's SQ3 SoC, which is a customized version of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3. That chip has 5G connectivity built-in, making the ARM-powered Surface Pro 9 the only Pro 9 with 5G support.

The SQ3 chip also has a neural processing unit (NPU) built in. That NPU powers AI effects like native background blur, eye contact, automatic framing, enhanced voice clarity, and voice focus. Notably, the Intel-powered Surface Pro 9 does not have that NPU.

Surface Laptop 5 promotional images

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The Surface Laptop 5 runs on 12th-gen Intel U-series chips as well. The new CPUs should deliver a significant boost over the ones inside the Surface Laptop 4. The laptop has Thunderbolt 4, which is a first for a Surface Laptop, and is a Secured Core PC.

Since the Surface Laptop 5 is Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos certified, it should deliver a solid visual experience.

As has been the case for several generations, the Surface Laptop 5 is available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch models. Unlike previous generations, there is not an AMD version of the Surface Laptop 5.

The Surface Laptop 5 looks quite similar to its predecessor, though it is available in a new sage color.

Surface Pro 9 | From $999 at Microsoft

Surface Pro 9 | From $999 at Microsoft

Microsoft's latest flagship 2-in-1 is available with either an Intel or ARM processor. No matter which chip you choose, you should see a performance boost when compared to the previous generation.

Surface Laptop 5 | From $999 at Microsoft

Surface Laptop 5 | From $999 at Microsoft

The Surface Laptop 5 looks similar to its predecessor on the outside, but it features a 12th-gen Intel U-series CPU on the inside. That chip delivers up to 50% better performance than the previous generation and should be much better at multitasking.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.