The reactions to this announcement have been interesting. It seems like a fair number of people were expecting a higher baseline price, while others are just happy that Surface now has a true MacBook Pro competitor for the age of AI.
Here's what people are saying about the new Surface Laptop Ultra and its RTX Spark platform.
The Windows community reacts to the Surface Laptop Ultra's pricing
The Surface Laptop Ultra's price reveal at the October 7 Microsoft event. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)
Responding to a Windows Central subreddit thread regarding other RTX Spark laptops and their pricing, user Icybubba noted, "And somehow the Surface seems to be the cheapest out of all those."
Another redditor, Valterri_Its_James, remarked, "Lowkey the pricing isn't absolutely horrendous. 32GB costs $3300 which is about the same as the ROG Zephyrus G14."
Not everyone is loving the Surface Laptop Ultra's pricing
The Surface Laptop Ultra from our hands-on time at Computex. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)
Others aren't so sure that the Surface Laptop Ultra is a reasonable price, especially once they dig into the configuration options and see what's available for each chip.
For reference, the Laptop Ultra has two RTX Spark options available: a more affordable option with an 18-core CPU and 5120-core GPU, or a more expensive option with a 20-core CPU and 6144-core GPU.
The price difference between these two models is roughly $1,100, though the more powerful Spark defaults to at least 32GB of RAM (compared to 24GB) and a 1TB SSD (compared to 512GB).
The announced feature that seems to be getting a lot of attention alongside pricing is the Surface Laptop Ultra's breakaway USB-C port.
It's sort of a mashup between Apple MagSafe and Surface Connect, designed to pull out of the laptop rather than ripping it off a desk should you trip on the cable. It's designed to work with any USB-C cable, and the port offers full functionality.
There are, of course, plenty of detractors noting that it took Microsoft this long to finally copy Apple MagSafe. That's not exactly true; Surface Connect was always magnetic and would break away if jarred. The move to the more ubiquitous USB-C form factor erased that failsafe, and Microsoft has now reintroduced it.
It's also worth pointing out that MagSafe does not handle any data and is for power only. The Surface Laptop Ultra's USB-C port handles both.
I want to know what you think!
We're a community here at Windows Central, and I'm always interested in your opinions. I want to know what you think about the Surface Laptop Ultra's pricing, configuration options, and features in more detail, so please be sure to leave a comment below!
Built around the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with an N1X CPU, RTX GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory, the Surface Laptop Ultra hits new performance heights for power users. It's all contained in a gorgeous chassis with a mini-LED display and tons of ports.
Microsoft finally revealed exactly how much its new Surface Laptop Ultra costs (starting at $2,599!), and preorders are now live for anyone who wants to get in on the first wave of PCs expected to ship on October 16.
While Microsoft was busy revealing new information about its most powerful Surface yet at the event, other laptop makers were busy setting their own prices and opening up preorders.
We now have a wide selection of RTX Spark laptops from the likes of ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI, and I'm expecting there to be more arriving in the near future. Until then, here's what you can preorder today.
RTX Spark laptops with confirmed pricing and release date (so far)
To make it easier for anyone hoping to land a new RTX Spark-powered PC, I've put together this list of laptops that you can now preorder.
Built around the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with an N1X CPU, RTX GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory, the Surface Laptop Ultra hits new performance heights for power users. It's all contained in a gorgeous chassis with a mini-LED display and tons of ports. Prices start at $2,599.99, and units will begin shipping on October 16, 2026.
The new ASUS ProArt P14 and P16 duo gives users more size options while retaining the same great RTX Spark performance. The P14 is the lightest ProArt laptop ever, while the P16 is the way to go for a larger OLED display. Prices start at $2,599.99 for the P14 and $2,799.99 for the P16. They're expected to begin shipping on October 16, 2026.
Dell's new XPS 16 with RTX Spark features a 3.2K OLED display, lattice-free keyboard, and the usual premium XPS styling. Prices start at $3,799.99 and units are expected to begin shipping on October 16, 2026.
The OmniBook X 14 is the smaller of the two new PCs, but it features the same RTX Spark options for maximum performance. Models start at $2,999.99 and are expected to ship beginning November 4, 2026.
The larger of the two new HP RTX Spark laptops delivers a gorgeous 16-inch OLED display with 3K resolution and, of course, your choice of RTX Spark chips. Prices start at $3,199.99, and shipments are expected to begin on November 4, 2026.
Lenovo's Yoga 9n should be the right choice for those who value a versatile convertible design and premium build quality. Prices start at $3,099.99, and models are expected to begin shipping on October 16, 2026.
MSI's Prestige N16 Flip AI+ is another versatile convertible featuring the RTX Spark platform and a Tandem OLED display. It appears that preorders might kick off on October 8 for this laptop, with prices starting at $3,299.99.
Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra with NVIDIA RTX Spark inside. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)
Did you spot a live preorder I missed? Let me know about it in the comments section below. I'd also love to hear your opinions regarding pricing on these models. Do you think it's too high? Too low? Just right? Tell me about it!
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The Surface Laptop Ultra with NVIDIA RTX Spark is now available to preorder following the October 7 Surface event in San Francisco. It arrives as a suped-up Surface Laptop 8 with a 15-inchmini-LED display, tons of ports, a sleek design, and, of course, NVIDIA's N1x chip with support for up to 128GB of unified memory.
It's a laptop that's marketed as the ultimate PC for creators, AI specialists, engineers, scientists, and developers who don't want to be tied down to a bulky workstation on a desk.
I can also say that the gaming experience was super smooth, even in games with ray tracing, path tracing, and DLSS support. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle ran flawlessly when I tried it, and every other title seemed to be an easy task for the Laptop Ultra.
That begs the question: Is the Surface Laptop Ultra the ultimate laptop for PC gaming?
At the risk of breaking some pixelated hearts, I'll say that dedicated PC gamers should look elsewhere. Here's why.
Built around the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with an N1X CPU, RTX GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory, the Surface Laptop Ultra hits new performance heights for power users. It's all contained in a gorgeous chassis with a mini-LED display and tons of ports.
The Surface Laptop Ultra's specs look ideal for gaming ... what gives?
I saw the Surface Laptop Ultra smoothly run Fortnite, Alan Wake 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and more. (Image credit: Future)
It's well established that NVIDIA's RTX platform is the preferred way to play on PC for most gamers, mainly due to the excellent performance and additional support for features like ray tracing, path tracing, and DLSS.
Considering the Surface Laptop Ultra's RTX Blackwell GPU supports all of the latest features, wouldn't that make it a capable PC for gaming?
Well, yes. But there's more to the story.
The Surface Laptop Ultra was not designed to be a gaming PC. It was made to handle intricate AI workloads locally and to be the centerpiece of a professional's arsenal, and the fact that it can run plenty of games smoothly is simply a convenient effect of using NVIDIA's technology. Its starting price of $2,599 reflects that reality.
Sure, that cost is inflated due to the ongoing RAM and storage crisis, but in any case, you can buy a quality laptop made specifically for gaming purposes (suffering from the same RAM and memory squeeze) for considerably less money.
For my PC gaming money, I'd much rather buy a PC running standard Windows 11 rather than Windows on ARM (despite serious advancements in emulation and support). That way, you're guaranteed not to experience any compatibility issues with the games or their anti-cheat methods.
Gaming laptops also come tuned for gaming right out of the box, and their hardware is designed to support that initiative. Sure, you could tune the Surface Laptop Ultra to focus more on gaming, but that's really not what it was meant for.
The bottom line regarding the Surface Laptop Ultra and PC gaming
The Surface Laptop Ultra is one sleek laptop no matter the angle. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)
The Surface Laptop Ultra should be treated as a pro-grade laptop that happens to have some more-than-decent gaming chops.
I know there are plenty of pros out there who love the idea of tackling AI workloads during the day and gaming at night, all from the same machine, and the Surface Laptop Ultra should be a hot ticket for those users.
For gamers at heart, however, I recommend taking a look at the host of quality dedicated gaming laptops before ever considering the Surface Laptop Ultra.
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For those who can't fathom missing out on the first wave of new laptops, I have good news. The Surface Laptop Ultra is now available to preorder starting at $2,599, with shipments expected to begin going out on October 16.
Built around the NVIDIA RTX Spark platform with an N1X CPU, RTX GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory, the Surface Laptop Ultra hits new performance heights for power users. It's all contained in a gorgeous chassis with a mini-LED display and tons of ports.
Surface Laptop Ultra — What configurations are available, and which one is best for me?
The Surface Laptop Ultra we used at Computex 2026. (Image credit: Windows Central / Zac Bowden)
The Surface Laptop Ultra is set up so that configurations really only affect the performance hardware inside. Each model comes with a 15-inch mini-LED display, the same port selection, and the same killer design.
The baseline $2,599 model includes the RTX Spark platform with NVIDIA's 18-core N1X CPU and 5120-core RTX Blackwell GPU, 24GB of unified RAM, and 512GB of storage.
This is a decent option for those who need to balance price and performance, or for those who simply want to get their hands on this new hardware without overspending.
There's also a model with a 20-core CPU and 6144-core GPU for those who need utmost power. Configuring with 32GB of unified RAM (the lowest option) and a 1TB SSD (also the lowest option), you're looking at $3,699.99. This model is where I'd recommend most advanced users start.
Moving up from there, you can essentially trick out your PC with as much RAM and storage as you want. This is where things begin to get very expensive for pro users. The top-of-the-line model with the more powerful Spark, 128GB of unified RAM, and a 1TB SSD runs up to $5,899.99, reserving it for a select few.
Both models are available in Nightfall or Platinum colors.
Is the Surface Laptop Ultra's price too high?
The Surface Laptop Ultra on stage at the October 7 event. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)
I wasn't expecting the laptop Microsoft calls "Not Standard Issue" to be reasonably priced for most users.
It's a flagship PC with monster internals, and Microsoft clearly states that it's intended for creators, AI builders, scientists, engineers, and other power users who need an ultimate device to handle everything.
Those users are generally used to paying more for high-end hardware, but that doesn't make the price sting any less.
Take this high-end approach and tack on the macroeconomics of the ongoing RAM and storage crisis, and you get set prices much higher than I'm sure Microsoft ever intended.
Starting at $2,599 for a "baseline" model, you'll want to be sure this is the PC for you before you buy it.
As for the gaming angle, I've covered it in more detail in a separate post. Bottom line? You shouldn't buy the Surface Laptop Ultra as a dedicated gaming machine, but its NVIDIA Blackwell GPU will indeed power many games with ray tracing, path tracing, and DLSS in tow.
Are you preordering the new Surface Laptop Ultra today? If so, which configuration did you get? If not, what made you skip it? Let me know in the comments section below!
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Microsoft has finally given us the all-important pricing and availability details for its flagship Surface Laptop Ultra device, which it first unveiled back in June. During its October 7th keynote in San Francisco, Microsoft confirmed that Surface Laptop Ultra would begin shipping on October 16, with pre-orders going live todaystarting at $2,599.
That entry-level price is on the more expensive side, but it's not as bad as many were expecting it to be. That entry-level price nets you the Surface Laptop Ultra with a 15-inch mini-LED screen, a large haptic trackpad, three USB-C ports (one of which is very unique), and the 18-core RTX Spark with 5120 GPU cores and 24GB RAM.
While the entry-level model isn't for high-end local AI development and agent work, it should be more than capable for video editing, photo creation, data crunching, light gaming, and 3D modeling work.
It's all happening in San Francisco. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino | Windows Central)
Alongside pricing and availability, Microsoft also revealed that the Surface Laptop Ultra is the world's first laptop to feature a breakaway USB-C port, similar to Apple's MagSafe and its own Surface Connect. Breakaway cable design means if you ever trip over the cable while the laptop is plugged in, it won't yank the entire laptop off your desk.
Breakaway ports have only ever really been possible on proprietary ports, as they use magnets to ensure the cable remains attached when in use. It's never been attempted on a universal standard before, which is what makes the Surface Laptop Ultra's breakaway port so special. It's a standard USB-C port, capable of taking any USB-C peripheral you can throw at it.
Surface Laptop Ultra is Microsoft's most expensive and most powerful Surface PC ever made. The high-end configs are designed for intensive AI developer workloads such as running large 120B parameter models locally, enabling complex agentic AI workloads and experiences.
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Amazon's Prime Big Day Deals are here to give gaming laptops a much-needed price-drop reprieve after prices were inflated by this year's ongoing RAM crisis.
One line-up getting this treatment is Acer's Nitro gaming laptops, which feature dedicated GPUs, crisp displays, plenty of RAM to keep them running, and upgradeable storage space.
One of the best features of the Acer Nitro V 16S AI is its NVIDIA RTX 5070 GPU, a mid-range graphics card that will boost its performance so it can play video games with detailed 1440p resolutions and gameplay-enhancing framerates way above 60fps.View Deal
This configuration of the Acer Nitro 16S AI laptop comes with a 16-inch WUXGA IPS display with a 180Hz refresh rate, which will significantly cut down on controller input lag during gameplay and smooth out a game's visuals by reducing motion blur.View Deal
With this configuration's AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics, the Acer Nitro X 16S AI laptop can deliver extremely reliable performance rates for gaming, content creation, and even workflow tasks that require AI assistance.View Deal
This is an extremely expensive configuration of the Acer Nitro 16S AI laptop built for heavy-duty 4K gaming at 120fps with its NVIDIA GeForce 5070 Ti graphics and 16GB RAM, while packing in a 1TB SSD so you can fit in plenty of your favorite PC games.View Deal
This is the least expensive, entry-level Acer gaming laptop in this roundup. It features an Intel Core 5 210H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 GPU for stable 1080p gaming performance, along with a 512GB SSD that can be upgraded with larger SSDs to fit more games and get faster boot times.View Deal
Which of these discounted Acer gaming laptops offer the best value?
Top-down view of the Acer Nitro V 16S AI keyboard (Image credit: Tom's Hardware (Brandon Hill) | Acer)
Out of all these laptop deals, I'd say the Nitro V 16S (ANV16S-61-R9TR-US) offers the best value for money.
While it's slightly cheaper than its initial launch MSRP of $1,299.99 in 2025, itsdiscounted price of $1,231.99 at Amazonis a much better proposition compared to its current MSRP of $1,449.99, caused by the market-disrupting RAM Crisis this year.
As for Acer Nitro V 16S's specs, our colleagues at Tom's Hardware praised the Acer Nitro V 16S for performing in all the same categories that are important to us at Windows Central.
These categories include a crisp and vibrant 16-inch IPS display with a 1920x1200 resolution with 180Hz refresh rates, high-performance rates for 1080p and 60fps+ gaming and productivity tasks thanks to its 16GB RAM and RTX 5060 GPU, a wide variety of HMDI, microSD, and USB ports, and a long-lasting battery life of 10+ hours under heavy workloads.
On top of that, the Acer Nitro V 16S's specs not only perform reliably well for 1080p gaming but they're also good at helping it complete productivity tasks efficiently on the side, making it a decent jack-of-all-trades laptop.
Alternate Acer gaming laptops on sale
As a reminder, alternate configurations of this laptop and other Acer Nitro gaming laptops are also on sale for Amazon Prime Big Deals Day at the following prices:
Acer Nitro V 16S AI Copilot+ PC Gaming Laptop (ANV16S-61-R3Z0) (AMD Ryzen 7 350 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SDD) — $248 off $1,649.99 for $1,401.99 at Amazon.
Acer Nitro 16S AI Copilot+ PC Gaming Laptop (AN16S-61-R5FY) (AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD) — $200 off $1,849.99 for $1649.99 at Amazon.
New members can enjoy exclusive Prime Day discounts for free and cancel anytime. After the trial, membership is $14.99/month plus tax. Includes access to games via Prime Gaming alongside Prime Video and Prime Music.
Can these laptops have their RAM and storage upgraded?
Yes, all of these Acer gaming laptops on sale can their RAM upgraded up to 64GB via dual DDR5 SO-DIMM slots and their storage upgraded up to 8TB via dual M.2 NVMe slots.
How long will Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale last?
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale will last from October 6, 2026 to October 7, 2026.
Should I buy these laptops now or wait until Black Friday next month?
There's a good chance these laptops will receive bigger discounts during Black Friday. So, it may be wise to wait until November 27, 2026, when Black Friday starts so you get them at better prices.
However, if you're currently in desperate need of a new gaming laptop and you're a fan of Acer's laptops, this could be a good time to grab one, as there's no telling if they'll go on sale on again due to this RAM Crisis.
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Prime Big Deal Days are here, and that means big savings on the hottest tech. Microsoft Surface sales slash hundreds of dollars off the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface accessories.
Best Buy and other retailers are running competing sales alongside Prime Big Deal Days, so the best Surface deals are spread across the web. You'll also see prices fluctuate as stock runs out or sits for too long. I've scoured the web for the best Surface deals, and our team at Windows Central will keep this piece up to date with the best discounts.
You'll notice that I don't list the Surface Pro 12-inch or Surface Laptop 13-inch below. That's because those PCs have new versions with Snapdragon X2 processors launching next week. You can still buy older models with first-gen Snapdragon X chips, but I'd recommend waiting until the new generation ships to see where prices fall on older devices.
XX
Display: XX. CPU: XX. GPU: XX. NPU: XX. RAM: XX. Storage: XX. AI PC: ✅ Copilot+ PC: ✅
The Surface Pro 12-inch is a smaller and more affordable alternative to the full-size Surface Pro 11. Battery life is decent, but the PC really shines thanks to the performant Snapdragon X Plus chip inside. If you want a compact and mobile 2-in-1, this is the way to go. This bundle includes a Type Cover.View Deal
Microsoft's latest Surface Laptop is a portable and lightweight productivity powerhouse with the latest Snapdragon X Plus chip, paired with 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, and the best keyboard and trackpad one the market.View Deal
This Surface Pro bundle comes with everything you need to get work done and create on the go, including a keyboard and Surface Slim Pen. The Surface Pro in this bundle is a premium 2-in-1 that can be used as a standalone tablet or like a laptop when the keyboard is attached. This model has 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which should be enough for everyday productivity, though people working with large media files may want additional cloud or external storage.View Deal
If you just want the Surface Pro on its own or already have a keyboard, this is a great option. The Snapdragon X2 Plus processor helps deliver excellent battery life while providing plenty of performance for everyday productivity.View Deal
Refreshed with a Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, this Surface Laptop promises faster performance and better graphics than we've ever seen in this lineup. This model comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, making it my top pick for everyday productivity and getting work done.View Deal
The Surface Laptop 8 with the biggest discount also happens to be one of the most beautiful models (at least in my opinion). This Surface Laptop with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage comes in Dune, making it stand out in a sea of silver and black laptops.View Deal
The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard can be used when connected physically to your Surface Pro or wirelessly. It's the most versatile keyboard you can get for the 2-in-1. This bundle also includes a Surface Slim Pen 2.View Deal
This is the same Surface Pro Flex Keyboard that can be used wirelessly or through a physical connection. This version does not include a Surface Slim Pen, helping keep the price lower.View Deal
This mouse can lie flat for easy storage in your bag or pocket.View Deal
Do I need Prime membership for Big Deal Days?
Yes. To get all Prime Big Deal Days discounts, you'll need a paid Prime membership or, if you haven't signed up before, a 30-day free trial. Some deals are available to shoppers without Prime, but many of the event's best discounts are reserved for Prime members.
New members can enjoy exclusive Prime Day discounts for free and cancel anytime. After the trial, membership is $14.99/month plus tax. Includes access to games via Prime Gaming alongside Prime Video and Prime Music.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days are almost over, but arguably the best laptop deal of the month is still here. A $200 discount on the XPS 13 drops the XPS 13 to $799.99. There's even a version of the XPS 13 discounted to $599.99 if you only need 8GB of RAM.
Of course, it isn't actually a Prime Big Deal Day deal. The discount is through Best Buy, making it a "Techtober" deal. But do you really care why you're saving $200 on what our expert calls "the perfect starter PC"?
"Dell's new XPS 13 is the new best deal in laptops, surpassing the MacBook Neo with a better display, ports, build quality, and performance for the same price." — Zac Bowden, Senior Editor, Windows CentralView Deal
This version of the XPS 13 is incredibly affordable, especially when discounted. It does, however, come with just 8GB of RAM. That's fine for some users, but make sure it will meet your demands before placing an order.View Deal
Laptops this good are rarely in this price range due to the ongoing RAM crisis and other component shortages. Dell created this version of the XPS 13 to be more affordable, but premium laptops with this feature set and design now normally cost $1,000.
The XPS 13 that came out this year earned a 4.5 out of 5 from both Tom's Hardware and Tom's Guide. Our colleagues complimented the laptop's 2.5K screen, incredible battery life, and excellent speakers.
Matt Safford from Tom's Hardware called the new XPS 13 "an excellent Windows-based answer to the MacBook Neo." I agree with his take, though I question how many people genuinely debate between a Windows laptop and a MacBook.
The XPS 13 is a thin-and-light laptop with a refined design. It has several features that "discount" laptops lack (I'm looking at you, MacBook Neo). For example, the XPS 13 has backlit keys, an IR sensor for facial recognition, and support for Wi-Fi 7. Toss in a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 120Hz display and it's easy to see why our Zac Bowden said he was "shocked" at the value of the laptop when he went hands-on with the XPS 13.
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A lot is happening this week in the world of Windows and Surface. Today is the fifth anniversary of Windows 11, a milestone that snuck up on me and plenty of other users. Perhaps it's because I dragged my feet while making the move permanently from Windows 10.
On October 7, Microsoft is hosting a Surface event where it's expected that NVIDIA's RTX Spark chip and the Surface Laptop Ultra lineup will be further discussed (and hopefully better explained).
This collision of Microsoft-related software and hardware news got me thinking about a quote from the original architect of Microsoft's Surface lineup, Panos Panay:
To make a great product, you can't have great software without the hardware; you can't have great hardware without the software.
Panos Panay
The quote comes from an interview with TechCentral circa 2020, well before Panay departed Microsoft in 2023 to join Amazon's Devices and Services segment. The quote does a great job capturing the original reason why Surface exists at all.
Microsoft originally wanted hardware that showcased the best of Windows software, and it believed its goal could only be achieved with in-house development. Surface became the bridge between software and hardware that Panay alludes to with his quote, and it's had a (mostly) great run.
Where is Surface headed in 2026?
What has me most confused about the upcoming Surface event is that Microsoft already revealed its new Surface Pro 12-inch (Gen 2) and Surface Laptop 13-inch (Gen 2) devices.
My colleague Sean Endicott attempted to answer this question at the time of the Surface/Qualcomm reveal last month. As he stated, "we can now cross two more items off the list of potential things we will see at the Windows and Surface event," noting that the October 7 Surface event also "falls after many improvements have shipped to Windows 11 or entered testing with Windows Insiders."
Barring the surprise reveal of more new Surface hardware — the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 with Snapdragon X2 chips launched this summer, so I'm not expecting anything new there — the October 7 Surface event is shaping up to be a tad lopsided.
Is Surface drifting without Panay's anchoring presence?
Panos Panay holding a Surface Laptop at the 2018 Surface event. Good times.
It's been six years since Panay dropped his famous Surface quote. It's been three years since he left Microsoft for Amazon. And since then, Surface really hasn't felt the same.
Rather than pushing OEMs to improve their own devices by providing a quality benchmark, Surface seems to be fairly stagnant, fragmented, and largely riding on its reputation.
For me, someone who agrees with Panay's sentiment, a successful Surface event should include software that really only makes sense on the Surface Laptop Ultra with RTX Spark. If it's just another laptop with the chip inside, well, I won't be very excited.
On that note, it'd be great to see some tuning choices that directly benefit Surface with RTX Spark. The hardware-software relationship often shows its cracks in this area, so some assurance will go a long way.
Ultimately, the upcoming Surface event should be a defining moment. Will Panay's original vision carry forward as partnerships become more complicated? Will the quote remain relevant?
Or will Surface become just another laptop brand alongside OEMs like Dell, HP, and Lenovo? Either way, you can tune in to the livestream on October 7 at 1 PM ET to check it out with the rest of us.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
Panasonic's TOUGHBOOK lineup turns 30 this year (see my earlier coverage of the new TOUGHBOOK 55), and after attending the company's product briefing in a very rainy New York City, I'm convinced the future of rugged computing isn't just about surviving drops, rain, and extreme temperatures.
It's about becoming the intelligent edge computer that sits at the center of everything.
That might sound like marketing fluff until you see the demos. One station showed a military drone feeding reconnaissance data back to a TOUGHBOOK for local analysis. Another demonstrated how police fleets can connect vehicle diagnostics directly into a TOUGHBOOK-based management system, allowing departments to track everything from VINs and odometer readings to fuel levels, fault codes, and maintenance schedules.
In other words, Panasonic's new TOUGHBOOK 34 and TOUGHBOOK G3 are increasingly becoming mission-critical data hubs for the people who protect, rescue, repair, and support the rest of us.
And yes, they're still absurdly rugged.
Thirty years later, the mission remains the same
Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 34 laptop on a table playing video footage of drone operators. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
One theme came up repeatedly throughout Panasonic's presentation: purpose-built computing.
As Panasonic executives noted, their customers aren't buying laptops to answer email from a coffee shop. These systems are deployed in police cruisers, ambulances, utility trucks, military vehicles, warehouses, disaster zones, and industrial sites where failure is not an option.
As Panasonic put it during the briefing, "our devices are purpose-built," adding that workers are often operating in "extreme heat, extreme cold, vibration, water, dust" and environments where "lives are on the line."
A soldier in tactical gear and gloves holding the back of the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 34 tablet. (Image credit: Panasonic TOUGHBOOK)
That philosophy has helped TOUGHBOOK carve out a niche that practically nobody else occupies.
While consumer laptops compete over OLED displays and thinness, Panasonic spends its time figuring out how to keep a device communicating over private 5G networks during storm response operations.
Meet the TOUGHBOOK 34 and TOUGHBOOK G3
Panasonic TOUGHBOOK FZ-34 Windows 11 tablet, showing its black screen and front control buttons. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
This launch introduces two new fully rugged 2-in-1 systems.
According to Mike Smola, Senior Director of Product Management at Panasonic Connect North America:
"No two workers, no two vehicles, and no two workflows are exactly alike. Some jobs call for a larger product with more workspace and more versatility."
That's really the story here.
The smaller TOUGHBOOK G3 with keyboard attachment has the familar built in handle for easy carrying. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The TOUGHBOOK 34 features a larger 12.4-inch display and is designed for users who spend significant time in vehicles, command centers, or managing information-dense workflows. The G3 uses a more compact 10.1-inch form factor that's easier to carry into the field.
As one Panasonic executive explained during the public safety discussion:
"Fire and EMS leverage both sizes: the larger TOUGHBOOK 34 for in-vehicle CAD and command control, and the compact G3 in the back of ambulances for patient care."
The biggest upgrade is AI
The latest TOUGHBOOKs feature Intel's 3rd-gen Core Ultra series processors with built-in NPUs for local AI processing. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The headline feature across both devices is the move to Intel's latest Core Ultra platform.
Both systems now offer Intel Core Ultra 5 335H and Ultra X7 368H processors complete with onboard NPUs and AI acceleration capabilities. Panasonic is increasingly positioning these devices as AI-ready edge computers capable of processing information locally without relying on cloud connectivity.
Panasonic had a punch-test demo set up where you could punch a TOUGHBOOK as hard as you could, which was quite entertaining. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
That matters more than you might think.
During the federal customer panel, Panasonic highlighted a scenario that's becoming increasingly common in military and government environments.
As Panasonic's federal team explained:
"Deployed military personnel aboard ships or in tactical environments often operate without network connectivity due to operational security." AI-capable processing on TOUGHBOOK devices allows personnel to perform tactical, medical, and technical searches without depending on a remote connection."
Close-up of the upper rugged chassis of a Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 34 showing an attached coiled stylus tether with a built-in pen. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
For most consumers, AI means generating images or summarizing documents. But for military users, it can mean analyzing information locally while disconnected from networks entirely.
That's a very different use case.
From military drones to local AI analysis
The Teledyne FLIR ION-series tactical reconnaissance drones are often used by military with the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK range. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The most interesting demonstration I saw involved a tactical drone setup.
Panasonic demonstrated how rugged computing platforms can work alongside systems such as the Teledyne FLIR ION-series tactical reconnaissance drones that are commonly used by military, government, and emergency-response organizations.
While separate physical controls handle flight operations, the TOUGHBOOK effectively becomes the intelligence terminal. Drone imagery and reconnaissance data can be brought onto the device, recorded, analyzed, and processed locally using onboard computing resources.
I didn't watch the drone take flight during the event, but seeing Panasonic position the TOUGHBOOK as the AI-capable analysis point for tactical aerial systems offered a very real glimpse into how these machines are used beyond traditional laptop duties.
That use case also aligns with Panasonic's announcement that both devices support unmanned systems control and UAV ground-control applications in federal environments
TOUGHBOOKs are becoming smarter police tools, too
(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The police vehicle demonstration may have been even more compelling.
Rather than focusing on dispatch software alone, Panasonic showed how TOUGHBOOK systems can act as fleet intelligence platforms.
Through Panasonic's TOUGHCommand ecosystem, agencies can connect vehicle systems and pull operational data directly into the computer. Information such as vehicle identification, odometer readings, fuel levels, speed data, maintenance information, and diagnostic information can all be surfaced through a centralized dashboard.
Close-up of a Panasonic FZ-55 display running fleet intelligence software, showing map tracking data for a Ford F-250. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The really interesting layer sits on top of that data.
Panasonic's new Command Intelligence features allow IT teams and fleet managers to query those systems using AI and natural-language questions rather than digging through massive databases manually.
That turns the TOUGHBOOK into something closer to a command-and-control platform, instead of just a rugged laptop.
For organizations managing hundreds or thousands of vehicles, that could be a substantial value-add beyond the hardware itself.
The modularity advantage nobody else offers
An electric screwdriver tightening a screw into a modular expansion panel on the back of a black Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G3 tablet. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Having reviewed the G2 and covered Panasonic's rugged lineup for years, the thing that continues to impress me isn't the drop testing or waterproofing.
It's the modularity.
The TOUGHBOOK 34 and G3 both feature Panasonic's xPAK ecosystem, allowing users to swap hardware modules as needs change. Options include barcode scanners, additional USB ports, serial ports, smart card readers, fingerprint readers, networking hardware, and more.
Panasonic's goal is simple: one device should adapt to many jobs.
Close-up of the rear panel of a rugged Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G3, displaying opened xPAK expansion port, cooling vents, an Intel Core Ultra sticker, and serial tag. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
A warehouse worker can add scanning capabilities. A utility technician can prioritize GPS and connectivity. An automotive technician can add legacy ports for vehicle diagnostics.
Instead of replacing the entire computer when requirements evolve, customers can reconfigure it. More importantly, this can be done locally without sending out the TOUGHBOOK back to Panasonic to be reconfigured. Not only is that time-consuming, but if the PC is used by the government and it has sensitive data on the drives, it limits who can even touch that laptop.
That's a surprisingly rare concept in modern computing.
Better displays, stronger connectivity, longer life
Close-up of the lower bezel on a Panasonic TOUGHBOOK FZ-34 tablet, featuring hardware function buttons (P1-P4) and speaker. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The hardware itself receives meaningful updates, too.
For the TOUGHBOOK 34, Panasonic increased the screen size from 12 inches to 12.4 inches while moving to a 3:2 aspect ratio that's better suited to productivity work. Executives noted that the revised resolution and scaling choices allow users to view more information with less scrolling.
(Image credit: Panasonic TOUGHBOOK)
The G3 retains its 10.1-inch format but benefits from updated display tuning, 2-to-1000-nit brightness control, and improved readability for outdoor work.
Panasonic also highlighted a new glove and rain touch experience on the TOUGHBOOK 34.
As the company explained:
"You don't want the end user to take off gloves to touch the screen." Users can switch between glove and standard touch modes using programmable controls.
I actually tried this myself, and while it's still a bit clunky to operate a touchscreen with heavy gloves on, it can be done through this technology.
A Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G3 rugged tablet docked to a keyboard base, standing open on a white desk like a laptop. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Connectivity receives substantial improvements as well.
Compared to the older G2 generation, the G3 moves from 4G LTE options to modern 5G support, upgrades Wi‑Fi 6 to Wi‑Fi 7, and advances Bluetooth 5.1 to Bluetooth 5.4 while adding broader support for private cellular deployments.
For the people actually relying on these systems, those upgrades matter far more than benchmark scores.
A reminder that some PCs have jobs to do
Many outdoor professions require the ruggedness that TOUGHBOOK brings to the Windows PC space. (Image credit: Panasonic TOUGHBOOK)
The most fascinating thing about Panasonic's new TOUGHBOOKs isn't that they're rugged. We already knew that, but what's changing is their role.
Thirty years after the first TOUGHBOOK arrived, Panasonic increasingly views these systems as secure, connected, AI-capable edge computers that happen to survive conditions most laptops would never tolerate.
Whether they're helping analyze drone feeds, supporting first responders through FirstNet and private 5G networks, managing vehicle fleets, or keeping utility workers connected during outages, the TOUGHBOOK 34 and G3 demonstrate that laptops can still be specialized tools built for serious missions.
And after an afternoon spent getting hands-on with Panasonic's latest hardware, that may be the most interesting thing about them. Panasonic is building the computers that many of the people protecting, rescuing, and serving the rest of us depend on every day, and I still find that inspiring.
Henry Cavill is famous for quite a few reasons. He's played iconic characters such as Superman and Geralt from the Witcher. He wowed Tom Cruise by "reloading" his fists in a Mission Impossible film. But around these parts and among many gamers, Cavill is best known for his genuine nerdiness.
Cavill famously built a gaming PC and shared a video of it on social media, proving that you can be considered both a conventionally handsome man and a PC gamer. But the star has found a new computing passion: Googlebooks.
Android is officially partnering with Cavill by having him test a Googlebook. The actor is shown using an HP Googlebook in a promotional post on X.
A Google blog post details Cavill's plans to use a Googlebook. "After being hands on and spending some time with their team, I believe this has the potential to be the start of something rather special," said Cavill.
There's always a chance that Cavill still loves gaming on a desktop PC and that he uses a Googlebook when he's on the go or doing light work. Of course, there's also a chance Cavill doesn't use a Googlebook at all.
Cavill would not be the first Justice League star accused of endorsing a product while using a competing device. Gal Gadot infamously posted on social media how much she loves Huawei from an iPhone. Gadot denied doing so, but her post clearly indicated that it was made from an iPhone.
Marques Brownlee was the first to notice Gadot's gaffe. That post was later deleted and reposted from an Android phone. I believe Brownlee is still blocked on X by Gadot.
The tactic of hiring a person well-known for advertising or endorsing a competing device is not new. Paul Marcarelli, also known as "Verizon's 'Can you hear me now' guy, was hired to advertise for Sprint. Marcarelli has since joined Buzz Aldrin in an ad for Verizon. Justin Long, the "I'm a Mac" guy, did an ad campaign for Intel.
Comedian Dave Chapelle once joked that he's done ads for both Coca-Cola and Pepsi and that he just hypes whichever company paid him most recently.
Google alluded to Cavill's "maker" fame it its announcement:
"To kick off our partnership, we couldn’t resist the chance to tap Henry's inner maker. This November, Henry is teaming up with Google to build a video game using Googlebook."
We'll have to wait to see what type of game Cavill creates on his Googlebook. I'd love to see a tie-in to Warhammer 40,000, but I doubt that will happen.
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Amazon Prime's Big Deal Days event is just a week away, starting on October 7, 2026. However, Amazon's competition isn't waiting to host enticing counter deals for it by then, as some early competitor deals are already cropping up.
One such deal is this 44% discount for the Dell 14S laptop, which has taken its steep $1,599.99 listing price down to a more affordable $899.99 at Best Buy.
"The Dell 14S is a compelling choice for a variety of users thanks to its long-lasting battery life (and) relatively affordable price." ~ Sean Riley, Freelance Writer, Tom's Guide
The Dell 14S laptop boasts a wide variety of tech that makes it a more-than-competent productivity companion for students and desk jockeys alike.
This configuration of the Dell 14S laptop features an Intel Core Ultra 7 355 CPU with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. These enable it to run web browsers with multiple tabs open, edit photos in Photoshop, and even play 4K YouTube videos in the background, all at once without a significant drop in performance.
Additionally, it features a 14-inch 2K LED screen to display images and videos with sharp details and vibrant color gamuts, a premium-quality build to protect its vital components, a comfortable-to-use keyboard with a trackpad, and a powerful battery life that will last you over 20 hours before needing to recharge.
Finally, the Dell 14S is a Copilot+ PC (a name that's starting to disappear) with an NPU capable of 49 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This means that it can operate AI-empowered programs like Cocreator or Recall with ease, and use AI search engines to help you research information more quickly online.
So, if you're looking for a straightforward laptop that's purely focused on powering through light workflow tasks at school or work all day without a break, you can't go wrong with the Dell 14S.
Dell 14S's discounted $899.99 price tag at Best Buy is certainly cheaper right now than its more powerful yet more expensive Dell XPS 14 counterpart, which usually runs for a retail price of $2,249.99 at Dell.
Is it good for gaming?
The Dell 14S is capable of running light 2D games, but it is not designed for intensive 3D AAA video due to having a limited integrated Intel graphics, instead of a dedicated gaming GPU.
Can I replace its RAM or SSD?
You can't replace the Dell 14S's 16GB (LPDDR5X) RAM, as it's soldered in place. You can replace its 512GB SSD with a larger one (like a 1TB or 2TB SSD) via its M.2 solid-state drive slot.
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Affordable laptops often make you choose between a nice screen and a machine you’d want to carry. HP’s $699.99 OmniBook 5 14 makes a different pitch against Apple’s MacBook Neo: an OLED touchscreen wrapped in a slim, colorful aluminum body. It’s an appealing combination for someone moving between classes, work, and a movie, though the price doesn’t buy every specification HP advertises for the series.
HP treats color as part of the laptop, rather than something to add with a sticker. Starlit Blue, Peony Pink, Soft Honeydew, and Smoke Silver give the aluminum chassis some character, with a tone-on-tone keyboard to keep the look together. At 2.6 pounds and 0.46 inches thick, it could slip into a bag without looking like an anonymous office machine when it comes back out.
Open the lid and the 14-inch OLED touchscreen becomes the reason to look twice. Its 16:10 proportions leave more vertical room for a document or editing tools, while touch makes a quick tap feel natural. But the $699.99 model has a 1920×1200 resolution and a 300-nit brightness rating, not the up-to-2.5K, 620-nit display mentioned in HP’s broader launch announcement.
The 180-degree hinge is a smaller detail, but it might be the one you appreciate when sharing a draft across a cafe table. Lay the laptop flat, turn it toward a friend, and neither of you has to hunch over the keyboard. The backlit keys make a difference when that conversation stretches into the evening, although this isn’t a tablet you can fold backward.
HP also makes room for an HDMI 2.1 port, two USB-C connections, and a headphone jack. If you need to show a presentation on a meeting room display or connect a monitor at work, you might not need to hunt for an adapter. The catch is that there’s no USB-A port listed, so an older mouse or flash drive could still send you looking.
Underneath the colorful shell, this configuration has an Intel Core 5 320 processor, 8GB of onboard memory, and a 256GB SSD. Those numbers should keep expectations in check if you juggle large creative files and a dozen browser tabs. There’s a 512GB storage option, but it shouldn’t be confused with what the starting price includes.
Battery life deserves careful reading. HP touts up to 42 hours for the series, but that figure comes from local video playback, not a day of calls, spreadsheets, and multitasking. The listed 60Wh battery and a claimed 50% charge in about 30 minutes are useful details when you’re planning a day out. Neither tells you when you’ll need an outlet.
The HP OmniBook 5’s challenge to the MacBook Neo isn’t about winning every specification. It offers a different set of priorities: a touchscreen, OLED contrast, cheerful colors, and ports that could save you from carrying an adapter. The modest memory and storage are harder to overlook. Still, it’s good to see an affordable laptop make its strongest argument the moment you open it.
Premium laptops rarely cost under $1,000 these days. But a $310.99 discount on the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x drops the price of the PC to $989.99. The Yoga Slim 7x already delivered excellent value for its price, so it's even more attractive after a discount.
"The Slim 7x (Gen 11) is a laptop I can see fitting in perfectly with students, home business pros, and casual users who simply want a laptop for around $1,199 (even less when it's on sale) that feels like it should cost a lot more." — Cale Hunt, Windows CentralView Deal
(Image credit: Future)
The model that's on sale has a Snapdragon X2 Plus processor, 16GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. Those specs are more than enough for everyday computing and getting work done.
Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 11) has the best battery life of any laptop I've personally tested
Cale Hunt, Windows Central
The Yoga Slim 7x is a thin laptop. Its bottom half is barely thicker than a USB-C port. Even when closed, the entire laptop is 0.55 inches thick and weighs just 2.73 lbs. But despite its thin body, the laptop is rigid, resisting any reasonable bends and not creaking when pressured.
Along the top of the Yoga Slim 7x's screen sits a notch housing a 9.2MP camera that beats many webcams seen in similar laptops. As you'd expect from a premium laptop, the Yoga Slim 7x supports Windows Hello facial recognition.
Unlike some laptops in the same price range, the Yoga Slim 7x supports Human Presence Detection (HPD), which can unlock or lock your PC automatically when you leave or approach the computer.
The keyboard of the Yoga Slim 7x is well-spaced and comfortable. I share Hunt's wish for the PC to have a haptic trackpad, but the standard trackpad on the laptop is fine.
You can upgrade to a Yoga Slim 7x with higher specs if you'd like. The laptop is available with up to a Snapdragon X2 Elite. But you have to spend significantly more to get that chip (at least $1,549 from what I've found).
If you want an excellent laptop that lasts all day and is more than enough for everyday computing, the Yoga Slim 7x with a Snapdragon X2 Plus is an excellent choice.
Is the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x a gaming laptop?
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is a great laptop, but it is not a gaming PC. (Image credit: Future)
The Yoga Slim 7x is an excellent laptop that's easy to recommend, especially with the Snapdragon X2 Plus inside. But it is not a gaming laptop. Don't get me wrong, it can play some games. But I wouldn't recommend buying the Yoga Slim 7x (or any PC running a Snapdragon X processor) to a gamer.
Snapdragon X-powered PCs used to struggle with just about any game. They are now capable of running some games thanks to improvements by Microsoft and Qualcomm.
If you do get a Yoga Slim 7x, gaming can be a fun experiment to see how far Windows 11 on Arm has come, but it shouldn't be a driving force behind the purchase.
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In 2026, you can find new Surface PCs from Microsoft for sale powered by almost all major chip makers. There are Surface PCs with Intel, Snapdragon, and very soon, even NVIDIA. But one chipmaker you won't see in a Surface PC today is AMD.
This wasn't always the case however. In 2019, Microsoft released the Surface Laptop 3 with both Intel and AMD chip offerings, a first for the Surface line that lasted just two generations before being dropped entirely with the launch of Surface Laptop 5.
Microsoft has never explained why it decided to drop AMD from the lineup, until now that is. In an interview with Windows Central, I asked Surface CVP Brett Ostrum why we don't see AMD in the Surface lineup in 2026.
"We love working with AMD. We have a limited portfolio, and so we have to make our choices pretty wisely in terms of what we're doing and where we're doing," Ostrum told me, before proclaiming "I love working with AMD."
So in short, it seems Microsoft doesn't sell any Surface PCs with an AMD chip right now because the portfolio is limited in size and the company has other partners and customers they need to appease first.
The only Surface PCs that have ever been available with AMD are the Surface Laptop 3 and 4. (Image credit: Microsoft)
I'm not sure I buy this explanation as Microsoft was clearly able to offer the same device with Intel or AMD in the past. Why can't Microsoft just do that today with the Surface Laptop 8 series, for example?
Microsoft has a close working relationship with AMD in the gaming space. AMD will power the next-gen Xbox, and is what you'll find in the currently manufactured Xbox consoles too. But for whatever reason, you just don't find it in a Surface.
If that chip ever does ship, we don't know where that might fit into Microsoft's limited portfolio as we have no real idea if the Sound Wave APU is a high-end one or not.
Either way, for now, Microsoft's official on-the-record stance as to why we don't see AMD in Surface PCs is because the portfolio is limited and they don't have the room for it right now.
Hopefully that rumored Surface powered by AMD's Sound Wave chip hasn't been totally canceled.
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ASUS, Apple, Samsung, and Lenovo offer five credible Surface Pro alternatives with different strengths in performance, portability, software, and price.
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 12-inch and Laptop 13-inch add Snapdragon X2 Plus chips. Compare pricing, battery life, AI features, and key checks for IT buyers.
At this year's annual Snapdragon Summit, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Microsoft Surface CVP Brett Ostrum about all things Surface and Windows. One question I was eager to ask was about MacBook Neo, and whether or not Microsoft was interested in competing in that space.
"Let me start this way: we have never shipped a gaming PC," Ostrum opened with. "The reason we've never shipped a gaming PC is because OEMs do just fine in that space. They've done fine; they meet the customer needs; there's not a benefit for Surface to go into that space ... We knew Neo was coming long before it showed up. And so part of the question is, does Surface need to play a role relative to Neo? It wasn't a surprise. We chose to let the OEMs play in that space to deliver lower-priced devices."
His response confirms that Microsoft doesn't think it's necessary to use Surface to compete with MacBook Neo, because Windows OEMs have already stepped up to deliver truly good alternatives. The Dell XPS 13 and ASUS ZenBook 14 are two prime examples of Windows PCs that cost the same as a MacBook Neo, while beating it in a number of key ways.
The Dell XPS 13 at $799 is an incredible deal. (Image credit: Zac Bowden / Windows Central)
With that said, Microsoft is aware that customers are wondering why Surface isn't competing in this space. Ostrum tells me, "I've heard the feedback from press, I've heard the feedback from retailers, I've heard the feedback from partners to say Surface should be here. We will take that into consideration; we will certainly consider some options. But I would start with the gaming point. We do not have to play in every field."
That sounds like the door is open for the company to revisit this segment in the future, but for now it's clear that Microsoft isn't interested in building a low-cost Surface PC to compete head-to-head with MacBook Neo. Right now, Surface is more interested in competing at the very high end with devices like the Surface Laptop Ultra, which I tried earlier this year.
In fact, I've heard from sources that Microsoft now identifies its lineup of Surface PCs as three distinct categories of premium: Entry Premium, Premium, and Ultra Premium. Entry Premium are the most affordable Surface PCs, all of which start at above $1,000.
Of course, Surface used to build affordable PCs in the form of the Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go, both of which started at well under $600. But that was back before the component shortage forced price hikes, and under entirely different Surface leadership.
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