Microsoft Releases Surface Laptop 4 with Incremental Enhancements

Microsoft has updated its device portfolio with the release of the Surface Laptop 4 for Business and Surface conferencing accessories. The new Surface Laptop 4, which Microsoft started shipping Thursday, is an incremental upgrade with some performance and feature enhancements.

It looks similar to the Surface Laptop 3, a revamped version of the Surface Laptop line that Microsoft rolled out in the fall of 2019. Besides adding the latest processors, Microsoft enhanced the Surface Laptop 4 for conferencing and communications.

“Surface Laptop 4 offers a built-in HD front-facing camera with incredible low-light capability and a studio microphone array, ensuring you’ll come through loud and clear,” Microsoft VP of devices Pete Kyriacou noted in the company’s announcement about the new device.

The Surface Laptop’s integrated webcam is still only 720p. But Microsoft claims the improved f2.0 aperture lens and 1.4 micron pixel sensor will capture 60% more light than many HD laptop cameras with 1.1 pixel micron sensors. Along with the improved webcam, Microsoft has added new image processing software algorithms to the Surface Laptop 4.

Microsoft also says the new software will provide more reliable face detection, and enhanced exposure and white balance. That will result in more accurate skin tones and better real-time picture quality, according to the company.

Audio improvements include the addition of Dolby Atmos Omnisonic speakers, housed under the keyboard. Microsoft also added a dual stereo microphone array, enabling more reliable voice capture.

Like its predecessor, the Surface 4 sets itself apart from most other laptops with its 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen displays. When Microsoft launched the Surface Laptop 3, it offered it with two different displays: 13.5 inches and 15 inches.

Intel, AMD CPUs Now Offered for Both Sizes

With the Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft added the 15-inch version, which was the first Surface device equipped with AMD processors. The 15-inch models were only available with AMD Ryzen Mobile processors with the company’s Radeon graphics. Microsoft equipped the laptops with 13.5-inch displays with Intel 10th Gen Core processors.

Microsoft is adding some more flexibility with the Surface Laptop 4, offering Intel and AMD processors for both models. Models with the latter processor have AMD’s 7 nanometer multithreaded Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors, tuned for the Surface Laptop. Models with the Ryzen 7 CPU have 8 cores rather than 4 cores, and run faster, according to Microsoft.

The Surface Laptop 4 with Intel chipsets are powered by quad-core 11th Gen Core processors, integrated with Iris Xe graphics. They are available with Intel’s i5 or i7 processors. For partners who service Surface Laptops, the SSDs are removable and replaceable. Partners can also replace the display and keyboard covers. The processors on both new Surface Laptop models are up to 70% faster, according to Microsoft.

Microsoft Surface 4 for Business starts at $1,100 for a 13.5-inch display, AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The most expensive model with a 13.5-inch display has an 11^th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, costs $2,400. The 13.5-inch models are available in four colors: black and sandstone with metallic finishes and platinum and ice blue with an Alcantara finish.

Models with 15-inch displays start at $1,400 for a unit equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256 GB of storage. The 15-inch models scale up to $2,500, equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, 32 GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. They come in two colors – black or platinum – both with metallic finishes. All of the models have single USB-A and USB-C ports and a Surface Connect interface for the Surface Dock.

Surface Conferencing Accessories

Microsoft expanded its portfolio of Surface accessories with several new headphones, a speaker and an external webcam.

Surface Headphones 2+

The new Surface Headphones 2+ for Business comes with 13 levels of active noise cancellation and an 8-microphone system. It can maintain 15 hours of calling time on a single charge, according to Microsoft. It is certified for Microsoft Teams when using the included dongle. The headphones cost $300.

Microsoft also plans to release two less expensive headphones. One is the Modern USB, a wired headset, and the other is a wireless version. Both will ship in June. The wired version will cost $50; pricing for the wireless version wasn’t disclosed. Also coming in June is the Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker. The compact device functions as an enhanced speaker and has the same Teams controls button offered on Microsoft’s headphones. It costs $100.

The new Microsoft Modern Webcam is also certified for Teams and can provide 1080p video. It includes Microsoft’s True Look control, designed to provide automated white balance, light adjustment and facial enhancement. Set to ship in June, it will cost $70.