Microsoft refreshes Surface line with biz-friendly features – and a high price tag

Microsoft this week refreshed its Surface for Business range of devices, adding features designed to appeal to enterprises. But high prices for the devices might be hard for IT buyers to swallow.

Microsoft announced a new Surface Pro for Business on Tuesday, alongside two variants of its Surface Laptop for Business devices – a premium model available in 13.8- and 15-in. versions and a lower-cost 13-in. option that Microsoft describes as its “entry-premium tier.”  

“The new Surface products use the latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors and are very focused on features that business users will appreciate,” said Tom Mainelli, group vice president for IDC’s device and consumer research. He noted that an optional integrated privacy screen with anti-glare on the 13.8-in. model would likely appeal to frequent travelers, for instance. 

“I’m also happy to see a 5G option on the Surface Pro for Business,” Mainelli said. “Overall, the specs on offer here are compelling.”

Microsoft plans to add the option for Snapdragon X2 processors “later this year.”

The 13-in. Surface Laptop for Business is available with 16GB and 24GB of RAM and starts at $1,499 — with an 8GB option available later this year for $1,299. It includes a removable “Gen4 SSD “designed for enterprise serviceability,” Microsoft said.

The 13.8- and 15-in. Surface Laptop for Business devices start at $1,949 and also feature a haptic touch pad. 

“From window snapping and resizing to dragging, dropping and navigating content, haptics reinforce intent across the operating system and through select third-party apps [deliver] a more precise, responsive and confidence inspiring experience,” Nancie Gaskill, vice president, Surface Business at Microsoft, blog post.

The launch of the business-focused devices follows a recent price hike for the rest of the Surface line-up, likely due to the ongoing memory chip shortage; the price tag for the Surface for Business also reflects the challenge PC manufacturers face in keeping costs down. 

“Skyrocketing memory costs mean higher system prices, and that’s reflected in this Surface lineup,” said Mainelli. “I don’t see it as a strategic move by Microsoft to move further upmarket, but a simple reflection of the bill of materials.” 

Rising prices could create uncertainty for IT buyers when upgrading corporate fleets. 

“Enterprise buyers are facing difficult choices as they try to stay ahead of their refresh cycles amid rising costs and static hardware budgets,” said Mainelli. “Some may consider pausing purchases in hopes that prices will fall back, but we see no evidence that this will happen any time soon.

“We continue to recommend that companies buy what they can, as extending hardware lifetimes too far can lead to productivity and security headaches.” Microsoft refreshes Surface line with biz-friendly features – and a high price tag – ComputerworldRead More