Microsoft launches Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 with Intel chips

Almost exactly two years ago, Microsoft introduced Arm-powered versions of the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, with Intel models not ready until more than six months later . This time around Microsoft is refreshing its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models with Intel’s latest Core Ultra Series 3 processors first, ahead of similar models with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X2 processors later this year. The new Surface Pro 12, or as Microsoft calls it the Surface Pro for Business 13-inch (12th Edition), will be available for businesses today, starting at an eye-watering $1,949.99. The base model will include an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and the regular 13-inch PixelSense LCD display. The Surface Pro 12 design is identical to the existing model. Image: Microsoft Businesses will have to pay extra for models with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 processor, up to 64GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. The top spec Surface Pro 12 with a Core Ultra 7, 64GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage will be priced at $4,399.99, and there are also OLED screen options and models with 5G connectivity. The Surface Pro 12 5G starts at $2,249.99, with a Core Ultra 5, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The design of the Surface Pro 12 looks unchanged from the Surface Pro 11, and Microsoft has kept the same two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support. …