The vast majority of computers equipped with Microsoft’s generative AI functions, the famous Copilot+PC, are laptops equipped with Snapdragon X/Plus/Elite chips. CES did see the appearance of desktop models, but still running on Qualcomm silicon. All of these PCs are based on the Arm version of Windows, which has progressed a lot in recent months, but Windows x86 — the “historic” version of the operating system — still has its fans. And for them, the choice of Intel or AMD computers branded Copilot+PC is slim or even non-existent.
Intel-based Copilot+PCs for businesses
There was indeed a promise last September of a deployment on PCs equipped with Intel Core Ultra 200V chips (Lunar Lake), but either it is very gradual, or Microsoft has still not opened the floodgates. The publisher has confirmed to us that the Copilot+PC "experience" will indeed arrive on Intel and AMD platforms, while noting however that "there will be differences in the timing and availability of these features", which is a good start. Regardless, the goal is to achieve feature parity across all chips.
Microsoft's Surface lineup was the first to welcome Copilot+PCs last June, computers with Snapdragon chips of course. At an event aimed at businesses and professionals, the manufacturer unveiled new models of Surface “for Business” computers compatible with Copilot+PC, equipped with Core Ultra chips (Lunar Lake), as rumored in December.
The Surface Laptop 7th Edition comes in two screen sizes (13.8 and 15 inches). It can be equipped with a Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7, 16 to 32GB of RAM, 256GB to 1TB of SSD storage, and a battery life of 12 hours (13.8 inches) or 14 hours (15 inches) in active web use.
It has the classic connectivity arsenal: 2 USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports, a proprietary Connect charging port, a USB-A 3.2, a jack port, and the 15-inch model adds a MicroSDXC Express port and a security card reader. In addition to support for Copilot's AI functions, these Surface Laptops are the first Intel models to offer 5G! An option that will be available later this year. Prices start at $1,499.
Microsoft also offers its Surface Pro 11th Edition for Business tablet, also available in two 13-inch versions: LCD or OLED. Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 chips are included. They can be configured with 16 or 32GB of RAM, 256GB to 1TB of storage, 10 hours of battery life in active web use, 2 USB4/Thunderbolt 4 ports, a Connect port and the connector for an external keyboard, as well as an NFC reader for physical security keys. Prices start at $1,499.
These computers will be available from February 18. On the consumer side, Microsoft could launch Surfaces with smaller screens this spring.
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