Microsoft seems to be taking aim at tech giants like Google and Apple as it has recently unveiled a new Surface device. The new Microsoft Surface Laptop runs on a new lighter version of Windows, Windows 10 S.
Coming to the specifications, the latest laptop includes the Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors of the latest generation. If flaunts a 13.5-inch PixelSense Display, Intel HD 620 graphics (for Core i5 model) or the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 (for Core i7 model), and USB 3.0.
Coming to the prices, the Core i5 machine with a 128GB SSD and 4GB of RAM is priced at $999 (roughly Rs 64,000), whereas the 8GB RAM model with 256GB SSD storage is priced at $1299 (roughly Rs 83,000). The higher-spec version with Core i7 machine costs $1599 (roughly Rs 1,02,000) for 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD option, while the top-notch version with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD costs $2199 (roughly Rs 1,40,000).
OS Version
The laptops will pack Windows 10 S software which comes with certain restrictions on the usage of third party software. Interestingly, the users can avail for a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro version for free until December 31 of this year. It’s worth mentioning that the upgrade is irreversible.
Microsoft claims that the laptop can be used for up to 14.5 hours of its battery life even when continuous video playback is taking place. It has touch display with support for Surface Pen Stylus.
The Surface Laptop is a direct rival to Apple‘s MacBook line-up and Google’ Chromebook. It will particularly go up against the MacBook with the 12-inch display laptop and the 13.3-inch display laptop against the MacBook Air 13. The MacBook is priced upwards of Rs 1,12,900 and the MacBook Air 13 costs start with Rs 80,900.
Microsoft has pushed the new laptops to a specific user group for educational usage. However, with such powerful specification and slick form factor, it will receive much popularity among users apart from the students. Looking at the price, it will certainly catch the eyeballs of anyone planning to buy a MacBook.
Furthermore, Microsoft is about to launch new educational PCs which will also run on Windows 10 S with starting price of $189 which is even cheaper than Google Chromebook.