It's new Surface hardware day! Microsoft has unveiled several new Surface products that are set to start shipping as soon as next week, and pack numerous improvements to Microsoft's low-end and high-end product lines. Here are all the announcements you need to know about.
Microsoft is announcing five new Surface products ranging from PCs to accessories, and is also releasing the Surface Earbuds that were originally announced back in October 2019. Here's a list of the new products being announced today:
The new Surface Book 3
Microsoft is finally updating its Surface Book product line with faster processors and more powerful GPU options. While the exterior remains the same, the inside has been updated with Intel 10th-Gen processors, up to 32GB RAM, and 2TB storage along with NVIDIA GTX 1650, 1660 Ti, or Quadro 3000 graphics options.
Surface Book 3 is not cheap, starting at $1599 for an Intel Core i5 with no dedicated graphics. We'd recommend skipping this model and jumping up to the Intel Core i7 models that start at $1999. This will get you a dedicated graphics card in the 13.5-inch, along with more storage and power to boot.
Surface Book 3 begins shipping on May 21 in the US and Canada. Check out our breakout post for availability, specifications, and more.
Power on the go
The refreshed Surface Book 3 for 2020 gets new Intel 10th Gen processors, more powerful GTX graphics, and much better Wi-Fi, SSD, and RAM options making this one powerful 2-in-1 convertible PC.
The new Surface Go 2
Alongside the Surface Book 3, Microsoft is updating the Surface Go product line with a larger display and a more powerful model for those who need it. The Surface Go 2 features the same overall design and size, but with a larger 10.5-inch panel with thinner bezels, which makes the product look more modern and less cramped to use.
Surface Go 2 still starts at $399, but users can now opt for a more powerful $629 model with an Intel Core m3 inside. This model provides 64 percent more power over the original Surface Go, making it suitable for most office-related tasks, browsing the web, checking email, and watching movies and listening to music.
Surface Go 2 begins shipping on May 12 in several markets. Check out our breakout post for availability, specifications, and more.
Small and portable
The new Surface Go 2 packs a larger 10.5-inch higher resolution display, thinner bezels, more power and storage for all your on-the-go computing tasks. Compatible with previous and new accessories.
Surface Headphones 2 and Surface Earbuds
The Surface Headphones are also getting an update with a new black color option, increased battery life, and and Bluetooth 5.0 support. The Surface Headphones 2 look identical to the first generation, not including the new color of course. Most notably, these new Surface Headphones are cheaper than the originals, launching at just $250 instead of $349.
Microsoft's Surface Earbuds were originally announced in October 2019 and were supposed to start shipping before 2020 rolled around. However, the product was delayed and is only now beginning to ship. The only change between the Surface Earbuds launching today and the ones that were announced in October is that the price has dropped from $249 to $199, a saving of $50.
Make sure you check out our breakout posts for the Surface Headphones 2 and Surface Earbuds for information on availability, pricing, and more.
Back in black
Microsoft's Surface Headphones are back, and they're available in black. The Surface Headphones 2 also bring Bluetooth 5, up to 20 hours of battery life, aptX support, and more.
Microsoft's super smart earbuds
Now at a lower price, the Surface Earbuds will undoubtedly turn some heads when you're out wearing them, but you'll be able to make use of gesture support on your PC, iPhone, or Android smartphone.
Surface Dock 2 and USB-C Travel Hub
Alongside the new Surface PCs comes a new Surface Dock to match. The new model includes USB-C ports in addition to USB-A ports. Interestingly, the new Surface Dock 2 only supports the Surface Book 3, Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop 3, and Surface Go 2. It won't work on previous generation products, according to Microsoft.
Also new is a USB-C travel hub, which carries several ports for those who need them when on the go. These ports include 1x USB-C port, 1x USB-A port, 1x ethernet port, 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 1x VGA port, and 1x 3.5mm headphones jack. It's like a mini Surface Dock and works with more than just Surface products.
Check out our breakout post for these new accessories if you'd like to know more about pricing and availability.
USB-C heaven
The Surface Dock 2 bring much-needed updates to the original, adding in four USB-C ports alongside the usual ethernet, USB-A, and 3.5mm jacks.
For all modern PCs
The Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub lets you take more ports on the go, expanding all modern PCs with extra USB-A, VGA, HDMI, and VGA ports in a small package.
What are you looking forward to?
That's all the notable announcements coming out of Microsoft today. We're expecting a handful of new Surface products to begin shipping in the next few weeks, most of which are modest updates over their predecessors. It's a little disappointing to see Microsoft hasn't changed the design of the Surface Book 3, but it's good to see a larger display and more powerful configurations on the Surface Go 2.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
