Microsoft has announced new premium models of its Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 computers, with extra memory and storage to satisfy the needs of power users. The company is also launching a gold version of its Surface Pen accessory, which will be sold separately from the new hybrids.
The most expensive options for both the Surface Book and the Surface Pro 4 outfit the devices with Intel Core i7 processors, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. Furthermore, the Surface Book can now be configured with discrete Nvidia graphics, as reported by PCWorld.
It seems that Microsoft is targeting PC purists who might use limp system specifications as a reason to hold off considering its high-end range of hybrids. The company has aggressively marketed the Surface as “the tablet that can replace your laptop” — and these models are built to do just that.
This release brings the RAM, storage, and processors used in the premium versions of the Surface Pro and Surface Book in line with those of the comparable model of the MacBook Pro. However, the Apple laptop is actually on the cheaper end.
While each of the three is kitted out with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and an Intel Core i7 processor, the Surface Pro 4 and the MacBook Pro are priced at $2,699, while the Surface Book is more expensive at $3,199. Microsoft certainly seems eager to compete in the changing laptop market, and going head-to-head with Apple appears to be the going strategy.
Meanwhile, the gilded edition of the Surface Pen offers a glitzy take on the previously released stylus, but no other differences. It’s set to retail for $60, and comes packaged with the Surface Pen Tip Kit that was released late last year.
More information on all devices in the Surface line can be found on the official Microsoft portal.
