Microsoft has launched a new 12-inch Surface Pro, bringing back small computers that have been missing from the market for a long time. This new device is the first affordable, modern, and compact personal computer that consumers can buy in years.
For a while, tiny laptops weren’t popular, but the new 12-inch Surface Pro feels like a refreshing change. Starting at $799, it provides a more affordable alternative to other laptops and 2-in-1 devices. Microsoft had earlier tried to bring back small computers with the 10.5-inch Surface Go, but it was underpowered and mostly aimed at students. The new 12-inch Surface Pro is much more powerful and offers a proper Windows 2-in-1 device—something Microsoft first introduced with its original Surface
The design of the new 12-inch Surface Pro is similar to the 13-inch model, with a built-in kickstand that opens almost flat. However, there are a few design changes. The keyboard no longer has a storage slot for the Slim Pen, but it does have a magnet on the back of the device to hold the pen. It also includes two USB-C ports that support fast data transfer, but the Surface Connect port is gone. Due to the smaller size, this model won’t work with keyboard accessories made for older Surface Pro or Surface Go models. A new keyboard for this device will be available for $149.
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This new device uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chip, which has eight cores, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. It’s a mid-range chip that helps keep the cost down without sacrificing too much performance. Microsoft claims it offers around 12 hours of battery life during web use.
Since its beginning, the Surface line has been known for its 2-in-1 design, letting users switch between laptop and tablet modes. The 12-inch Surface Pro is more like a tablet due to its smaller size. It also uses an LCD screen instead of an OLED, but it still supports a 90Hz high refresh rate display.
The 12-inch Surface Pro isn’t the most powerful Windows computer, but it’s still a good option for those looking for a lightweight and compact device without losing too much on performance.
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In the late 1990s and early 2000s, small laptops were quite popular, with brands like Sony and Toshiba making compact models. However, as people started using laptops for watching content, larger screens became more common. Now, with the 12-inch Surface Pro, Microsoft brings back the option of a small but powerful 2-in-1 computer. Whether other brands will follow Microsoft’s lead is still uncertain, but the timing seems right, especially now that ARM-powered processors can provide good performance, long battery life, and run without a fan.
