Buzz
At first glance, Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 may seem like a typical upgrade from the Surface Pro 7. The iconic exterior, including its distinctive kickstand, remains unchanged. The shift from the 10th-gen Intel Core CPU to the 11th-gen doesn't bring many surprises. However, a closer look reveals hidden value, making it the must-have Surface Pro of the year. Here, Mytour highlights 6 key changes for you to explore.
1. Larger Display
Leading laptop models today, such as Dell's XPS 13 and HP's Elite Dragonfly Max, feature a 13-inch display. In comparison, the 12.3-inch screen of the Surface Pro 7 may feel a bit cramped. The Surface Pro 8 addresses this by increasing the size to 13 inches, maintaining a 3:2 aspect ratio and 267 ppi pixel density. Microsoft achieves a more modern interface by minimizing the screen bezels without enlarging the overall size.
While the jump from 12.3 to 13 inches may seem subtle, it significantly enhances the user experience. Consider this simple calculation: The Surface Pro 7 offers a resolution of 2736 x 1824, totaling 4,990,464 pixels. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 8 boasts a resolution of 2880 x 1920, equivalent to 5,529,600 pixels—an additional 10% of usable screen area.
Besides, the new display also features a 120Hz refresh rate, doubling its predecessor's speed, bringing good news for designers seeking quick feedback from the new stylus.
2. Improved Battery Longevity
The Surface Pro 8 is heavier than the Surface Pro 7 by around 100g. Although the exact source of this added weight is unclear, it is certain that one of the reasons is a power-packed 51.5 Wh battery, a 20% increase from the Pro 7's 43.2 Wh.
Microsoft claims that the Pro 8 has a usage time of 16 hours, surpassing last year's model by 5.5 hours. While this figure is not necessarily accurate, as it depends on real-world usage conditions, based on the available specs alone, the Pro 8 could endure around 8 hours, which is quite substantial.
3. Sturdy New Keyboard for Comfortable Typing
The Type Cover has always been a love-hate item for Microsoft enthusiasts. Over time, the company has improved it to provide a better user experience, but there's still a slight hollow sound when pressing the keys, and its lack of firmness almost confines its use to solid surfaces.
With the new Signature keyboard, the Type Cover's structure has been revamped with carbon fiber, providing a sturdier and more robust feel across various surfaces. The keypress sensation is less bouncy, resembling the tactile feedback of a laptop. Additionally, the updated keyboard includes a larger glass trackpad—ideal for busy individuals frequently working on the go.
4. Thunderbolt 4 and Additional USB-C Port
This could be the most significant change. The Surface Pro 7 had two ports—one USB-C and one USB-A—with the USB-C essentially handling all functions like charging, external displays, and accessories simultaneously. Therefore, adding an extra USB-C port with similar functionality expands the connectivity possibilities for the Pro 8. Now, you can charge and connect it to various peripherals simultaneously. Both ports also support Thunderbolt 4, ensuring rapid data transfer speeds.
5. Slim Pen 2
The Slim Pen 2 features a slimmer design than its predecessor, conveniently housed on the Type Cover. This stylus undergoes hardware improvements, delivering a superior experience and an extended battery life compared to its predecessor. Notably, it incorporates the Microsoft G6 chip with haptic feedback, enhancing the authenticity of writing and drawing. Additionally, you can now charge it directly on the Type Cover, eliminating the need for AAAA batteries.
6. Replaceable SSD
If you own a Surface Pro X or Surface Pro 7, you're likely aware of the distinction that allows users to upgrade and replace the SSD drive if desired. The Surface Pro 8 continues this trend, using the NVMe M.2 2230 SSD type that can be effortlessly replaced in a few simple steps. However, it's essential to note that undertaking this replacement requires a certain level of computer knowledge, and the process should be approached with utmost care.
