Microsoft has recently updated its Surface lineup with new tablets and laptops featuring a refreshed design and lower price points. However, this refresh comes with a change in availability: the entry-level Surface Pro and Laptop models have been removed from Microsoft’s official online store.
Currently, the Microsoft Store only offers the Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite variants of the 13-inch Surface Laptop, starting at $1,199. Similarly, the base configuration of the Surface Pro 11th generation is now listed at $1,199.99. The entry price for the 15-inch Surface Laptop has also increased to $1,499, with the $1,299 256GB storage option currently out of stock.
The Surface Laptop 7 on a table in front of a window. Luke Larsen / MaagX
Effectively, the 256GB storage configurations for the Surface Pro and both the 13.8-inch and 15-inch Surface Laptops are no longer available directly from Microsoft. These models were initially launched last year with a starting price of $999 in the US.
What’s Behind the Shift?
While not a direct price increase, the removal of the lower-storage options effectively raises the entry barrier for consumers. Microsoft has stated that the $999 models are still available through third-party retailers.
However, it’s worth noting that the prices of Surface charging accessories have also seen a significant increase. The 127W charger now costs $175, up from $125, while the 65W charger has risen from $60 to $90 on the official store.
The Surface Pro 11 on a white table in front of a window. Luke Larsen / MaagX
It remains unclear how long remaining stock of the $999 13-inch Surface Pro and 13.8-inch Laptop will last at third-party retailers, and whether Microsoft plans to restock the 256GB models on its online store.
Exploring Alternative Options
Restocking seems less likely given the introduction of the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop at lower price points. For the 13-inch Surface Laptop, it’s important to consider the choice between SSD and UFS storage, as these modules are not user-replaceable.
The new 12-inch Surface Pro starts at $799, positioning it competitively against the larger Surface Pro. It boasts a redesigned form factor for both the tablet and keyboard, along with Qualcomm’s mid-tier Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and a new magnetic charging system for the stylus.
The new 13-inch Surface Laptop, priced at $899, draws comparisons to the MacBook Air with a similar design and the same processor and memory configuration as its 12-inch tablet counterpart. However, it lacks a high refresh rate display and shares some of the limitations of its Apple competitor.
