Microsoft Surface Laptop News: Specs, Shipping Date, & Prices

by Alexies Fraser / May 05, 2017 06:56 PM EDT

A view of the new Microsoft Surface Laptop following a Microsoft launch event, May 2, 2017 in New York City.

Microsoft has officially launched a new line of Surfaces called Surface Laptop that would be a Chromebook killer.

The Surface Laptop is aimed at students and has Windows 10 S perfect for the classroom setting. Microsoft's Devices Chief Panos Panay introduced the new laptop at its MicrosoftEdu event in New York, claiming that Surface Laptop will last them from the beginning of school year up to the graduation day and beyond.

With Windows 10 S onboard, it prevents installing apps outside the Windows Store. This feature secures the Surface Laptop, which is ideal for students and school use.

The 13.5-inch version of Surface Laptop has 2256 × 1504 screen resolution, keeping the 3:2 aspect ratio used on other Surface systems. It measures 14.5mm at the thickest point while the front edge is a little less than 10mm and it weighs 1.25kg. It comes four color variations: platinum gray, burgundy, cobalt blue, and graphite gold.

The entry-level of Surface Laptop features 4GB RAM, 128GB of internal storage, and a Core i5 processor. It is only available in platinum gray and it costs $999. The other three colors offer 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and similar i5 processor with a price tag of $1,299. Other options available in platinum as well are 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and a Core i7 with Iris Pro for $1,599 and 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, and the Core processor i7 with a price tag of $2,199.

At the edges of Surface Laptop, there will be a single USB 3.1 generation 1 Type-A port, a mini DisplayPort output, a headphone jack and an SD card reader. It will also support existing Surface Pen. All models come with a free one-year Microsoft Office 365 Personal subscription.

Microsoft claims that the laptop’s battery life will last for 14.5 hours. Charging the Surface Laptop will use the Microsoft's proprietary magnetic charging-and-docking connector, which is also compatible with the Surface Pro 4 Dock.

Microsoft has started to take pre-orders for the Surface Laptop today. The shipping of Surface Laptop will begin on June 15.