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Is the Microsoft Surface a tablet or a laptop? What to know
Microsoft
Looking for a new 2-in-1 PC or laptop? The Microsoft Surface lineup offers powerful, versatile mobile devices and notebook computers that combine the utility of a laptop with the portability of a tablet and then some, with a variety of options to choose from. Known for their responsive touchscreens and Surface Pen that goes with them, Surfaces are the best option for anyone who needs to draft documents, write articles, take notes, stream TV shows or movies, or just browse online. Which form factor you purchase will ultimately depend on your needs, but every model can do just about anything you need.
With flexible kickstands and detachable keyboards, Surfaces also let you work comfortably at a desk or on the go. Similar to Apple’s selection of iPad tablets, Microsoft’s adaptable PCs are great portable tech for a wide range of users. No matter what you need, there’s a Surface computer that can make your life easier.
But you’ve got to know what you need and want out of a new mobile computer first. Not sure which Surface you should pick up? That’s where we come in. Here’s everything you need to know about the Microsoft Surface line and what each 2024 model can do.
Microsoft Surface models
What is a Microsoft Surface?
The Microsoft Surface line is company’s take on mobile computers and tablets. Just as companies like Apple offers laptops and iPads, Microsoft has developed an inventory of specialized computers, tablets, and laptops.
Surface devices are known for their high-quality build, sleek design, and versatility as well as their very responsive touchscreens. They usually run on Windows and are well-integrated with other Microsoft services and software. They’re a great choice if you’re already in the Microsoft ecosystem or if you’re looking for devices that offer a bit more than your typical laptops or tablets.
What kinds of Microsoft Surface models are there?
The Microsoft Surface lineup features a few models, each aimed at specific users. Here’s a quick rundown of the key models as of 2024:
- Surface Pro: These are Microsoft’s flagship 2-in-1 devices, merging a tablet and laptop. They have detachable keyboards and work with the Surface Pen stylus, making them great for creative types who need some power and versatility. The latest Surface Pro 9 rocks top-tier processors and great-looking high-res PixelSense displays.
- Surface Laptop: For those who just need a straightforward laptop, the Surface Laptop line has you covered with a selection of slim and light clamshell models. For instance, the Surface Laptop 5 sports a cool aluminum body and comes loaded with speedy specs.
- Surface Go 2 and Surface Go 3: These lightweight 10-inch devices are made for portability and affordability. Students and busy folks on the move can handle everyday tasks with the scaled-down Surface Go.
- Surface Studio 2+: This all-in-one PC is geared toward creative work and users who demand more from their computers. It’s also the priciest option right now, which makes sense — these models are usually put to work for a variety of more demanding processes, like video editing, rendering, or other multimedia tasks.
Whether you need a tablet, laptop, portable studio or full desktop replacement, the Surface family likely has a device that fits your lifestyle.
What is a Surface Pen and does every Surface support it?
The Surface Pen is a stylus designed by Microsoft specifically for use with its Surface devices, like Apple’s Apple Pencil. You use it with your Surface’s touchscreen. It offers features like pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and buttons that can be customized for different shortcuts and functions. The Surface Pen is particularly useful for note-taking, drawing, and using your device’s touchscreen without having to use your hands to do so.
If you plan on taking handwritten notes, creating art, or doing other precise tasks like video editing, a Surface Pen can definitely be a must have. However, for general things like reading Reddit, checking your email, or watching videos, a Surface Pen isn’t a necessity.
Most of the later Surface devices support the Surface Pen, including the Surface Pro series, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go series. However, the level of functionality and features supported by the Pen can vary depending on the specific model and generation of your device. It’s always a good idea to check the compatibility of the Surface Pen with your specific Surface model before you lock in a purchase.
Are Microsoft Surface devices good for gaming?
In a word, no. Microsoft Surface devices can handle some seriously demanding tasks, but they aren’t targeted at gamers. Performance usually depends on the model and its hardware, though. Models with more powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards can handle a variety of games reasonably well. But they usually aren’t suitable for the most demanding games, which require high-end graphics capabilities and advanced cooling systems. Those things are typically found in dedicated gaming laptops and PCs.
Yes, Surface devices do feature high-resolution displays and crystal-clear sound, but those features are more attuned for watching TV and movies or listening to music as well as productivity. While most Surface devices can handle casual gaming, they might not be the optimal choice for serious gamers looking for the highest performance possible. So if you’re planning on keeping up with all the newest releases on your Steam profile, a portable gaming PC like the Valve Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally would be a better choice.
Best Microsoft Surface models
Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Microsoft
Display Size: 13-inch touchscreen | Display Resolution: 2,880 x 1,920 pixels | Display Type: PixelSense Flow | Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U (CPU), but other options are available; Intel Iris Xe (GPU) | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | Average Battery Life: Up to 15.5 hours | Operating System: Windows 11 | Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 0.037 inches | Weight: 1.94 pounds | Ports: 2x USB Type-C, Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover port | Stylus Included: Optional | Keyboard/Cover Included: Optional
The new Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the ultimate 2-in-1, merging a tablet and laptop into one slick package. Keeping the classic Surface design, it sports a handy kickstand and attachable keyboard for flexibility. Though it looks similar to the Surface Pro 8, inside it’s rocking some solid upgrades.
Powering the Pro 9 are 12th-gen Intel processors, so it flies through tasks and crushes productivity. A 5G model with a Qualcomm chip is also available if you need connectivity on the go. So whether you just need a daily driver or heavy-duty performance, the Pro 9 has an option for you.
The 2880 x 1920 touchscreen looks crystal clear, with a 3:2 ratio that’s perfect for getting everyday work done. You can equip it with a 120Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth visuals, though this impacts battery life. It packs two USB-C ports, magnetic charging, and a 1080p webcam with Windows Hello for security. One change though, from the previous model: The microSD slot got cut from the earlier options in the series, so if that’s a dealbreaker, it’s certainly something to consider.
Otherwise, the Surface Pro 9 keeps the versatility and power of the lineup while amping up performance. It’s built for users who need a tablet and laptop in one adaptable package, and of course it looks absolutely fantastic, too. This is definitely an attractive device.
Microsoft Surface Go 3
Microsoft
Display Size: 10.5-inch touchscreen | Display Resolution: 1,920 x 1,280 pixels | Display Type: PixelSense | Processor: Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y / Intel Core i3-10100Y | Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB | Average Battery Life: Up to 11 hours | Operating System: Windows 11 Home | Dimensions: 9.65 x 6.9 x 0.33 inches | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Ports: 1 x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, 1 x Surface Connect port, MicroSDXC card reader | Stylus Included: No, optional | Keyboard/Cover Included: No, optional
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a great pick if you want a super portable 2-in-1 tablet on a budget. As the smallest and most affordable Surface, the 10.5-inch Go 3 is ideal for basic tasks and people who like compact gadgets. It runs on slower Intel chips, so it won’t blaze through heavy-duty tasks a la the larger, pricier Surfaces. But it handles everyday jobs just fine.
With Windows 11, the Go 3’s touchscreen is more enjoyable compared to the previous model, even though battery life took a bit of a hit. Where the Go 3 really shines is with the Surface Pen for taking notes and drawing. That makes it perfect for students or anyone who needs to get work done on the go. Add the Type Cover keyboard (sold separately), and it transforms into a surprisingly capable little laptop-tablet hybrid.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Microsoft
Display Size: 14.4-inch touchscreen | Display Resolution: 2,400 x 1,600 pixels | Display Type: PixelSense Flow | Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (60W) or NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada Generation | Storage: 1TB or 2TB SSD | Average Battery Life: Up to 8.5 hours | Operating System: Windows 11 Home | Dimensions: 9.84 x 13.63 x 2.4 inches | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Ports: 2 USB-C 4.0 ports with Thunderbolt 4, 1 USB-A port, headphone jack, Surface Connect for docking and charging | Stylus Included: No, optional
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a powerful machine for professionals and creatives who need top-notch performance and versatility. Or anyone who’s looking for a computer that can meet any of their needs. This model is a great do-it-all pick.
It packs an Intel Core i7-13700H processor on board, an upgrade from its predecessor. That means it’ll crush number-crunching, data analysis, 3D modeling — you name it. As far as GPUs go, it offers a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 for tackling graphics-heavy applications, which makes it a more than capable machine for gaming if you so desire — even if that isn’t what it was technically made for.
The 14.4-inch touch display is crisp and vibrant, which means it’s great for visual work or just spending time browsing with its high refresh rate. And the Surface Pen experience is as responsive as ever for drawing and notes, if you happen to have purchased one separately.
With all these features and what this Surface laptop is capable of, you’ve got to expect a bit of a hefty price tag, though. If that isn’t an issue, you’ll be pleased with everything your new device can do for you, even if you could shop around for something a bit cheaper.
At least eight firefighters were hurt when a fire truck crashed on a freeway near Irvine, California, Thursday night, authorities said.
The Orange County Fire Authority truck overturned on State Route 241 at about 6:50 p.m. local time in the Portola Springs area near State Route 133, according to California Highway Patrol.
A ladder in the roadway caused the fire truck and another vehicle in front of it to swerve, highway patrol said, and the truck collided with a nearby guard rail and overturned. It did not appear that any other vehicles were involved.
Initially, highway patrol reported that 12 firefighters were injured, but late downgraded that to eight. Six suffered serious injuries and two minor injuries, highway patrol said.
KCAL News
Helicopters landed on the highway, which is a toll road, and airlifted the victims to area hospitals.
CHP officers issued a five-hour closure of the freeway’s northbound lanes shortly after the crash.
Video from the collision site showed the crashed vehicle with an “Orange County Fire Authority Santiago Hand Crew” decal. Highway patrol said the firefighters had been battling the massive Airport Fire prior to the crash.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
CBS News
Trump rails against Jewish Americans who don’t vote for him in speech focused on antisemitism
Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump criticized Jewish Americans who don’t vote for him in speeches aimed at addressing antisemitism Thursday night in Washington D.C., while claiming that if he is not elected in November, Israel would be “eradicated.”
“If I don’t win this election, and the Jewish people would really have a lot to do with that if that happens, because at 40%, that means 60% of the people are voting for the enemy,” Trump said.
Trump made the comments during a small event focused on addressing antisemitism with Dr. Miriam Adelson, a prominent Republican Party donor and the widow of late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson.
“With all I’ve done for Israel, I received only 24% of the Jewish vote,” Trump said.
Trump later repeated the comment regarding the polls during remarks at the Israeli-American Council National Summit, which was gathering to commemorate the nearing one-year mark of the October 7 attack.
“You should have your head examined, because it will face an unceasing, bloody war to obliterate the Jewish state and drive Jews out of the Holy Land,” Trump said about Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats. He claimed at his first stop that Democrats have a “hold” or “curse” on Jewish voters.
“It’s only because of the Democrat hold or curse on you. You can’t let this happen. 40% is not acceptable, because we have an election to win,” Trump said.
Trump told the ballroom full of Israeli-Americans tonight that Israel will face “total annihilation” if Vice President Kamala Harris is elected.
“Rockets will rain down from above until the Iron Dome has been exhausted,” Trump said.
CBS News has reached out to the Harris campaign for comment.
The former president also recognized the Israelis still held hostage by Hamas, vowing to “get them out” if he wins the presidency in November. Family members of victims of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas were among the crowd.
“Somehow it’s going to work out. We’re going to get it to work out,” Trump said.
The twin speeches come as Trump tries to court Jewish American voters who may have become disaffected with factions of the Democratic Party over the Biden administration’s handling of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
An April 2024 Pew Research survey found that 69% of registered Jewish voters defined themselves as Democrats, while 29% said that they consider themselves Republicans, but Trump grew his support among Jewish voters in the first two presidential elections he ran in, an Associated Press survey found.
“Honestly, I went from 25 to 29 [percent support], and based on what I did, and based on my love of- the same love that you have, I should be at 100. I should be at 100,” Trump said Thursday.
Using a similar format to her former long-running talk show, Oprah Winfrey hosted a campaign event with Vice President Kamala Harris in suburban Detroit Thursday evening which featured a mix of celebrities, campaign organizers and a crowd of battleground state voters.
The event in Farmington Hills, Michigan — which had an in-person crowd of a few hundred and also featured virtual attendees — opened with talk of a “new day” and the sense of “joy” Democrats have associated with the Harris campaign. But the conversation later steered towards issues featuring personal, intimate stories of people impacted by state abortion bans and school shootings.
SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
The parents of Natalie Griffith, a 15-year-old injured in the deadly Apalachee High School shooting earlier this month in Winder, Georgia, spoke. Griffith’s mother, Marilda, made an emotional plea for a “change to be made” to address gun violence. Her father, Doug — who noted that he was not a registered Democrat — called for metal detectors to be placed inside schools.
Harris did not explicitly say if she agreed with the call for metal detectors, but said “we just need to apply common sense.” She repeated her calls for an assault weapons ban and universal background checks. When Winfrey made note of Harris being a gun owner, as she revealed in prior campaigns and repeated in her debate with Trump, Harris said that “if somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot.”
“Sorry, probably should not have said that,” Harris joked. “My staff will deal with that later.”
The mother and sisters of Amber Thurman — a Georgia woman who died in 2022 after medical care was delayed due to the state’s abortion ban — also spoke for the first time publicly since the ProPublica report about Thurman was released.
“I’m beyond hurt, disappointed…we trusted them to take care of her, you know?” said CJ, Thurman’s sister. “And they just let her die because of some stupid abortion ban. They treated her like she was just another number.”
Harris called Thurman’s death “preventable,” and as she has throughout her campaign and vice presidency, blamed former President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court appointments for leading to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She also criticized states with abortion restrictions but have exceptions “to save the life of the mother,” arguing it should not reach that point.
“So is she on death’s door before you actually decide to give her help, Is that what we’re saying?” Harris asked. “Like, literally, a doctor or a nurse has to say, ‘She might die any minute, better give her care.'”
Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky woman who was impregnated by her father at 12-years-old and was able to get an abortion, also spoke. Duvall had been featured in several of Harris’ campaign ads, and also spoke at the Democratic National Convention.
The event was livestreamed and conducted in an interview-style discussion similar to Winfrey’s old talk show. It was billed as a way to bring together many pro-Harris coalitions, including “Win with Black Women,” “White Dudes for Harris” and “Swifties for Harris.”
All are groups that have been holding Zoom conference calls to raise money for Harris’ campaign and mobilize voters. Harris campaign advisers saw the event as a way to reach persuadable voters, and Winfrey often structured her questions to be geared towards undecided voters.
Several celebrities also appeared by video, including Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jennifer Lopez, Julie Roberts, Tracee Ellis Ross, Bryan Cranston and Meryl Streep.
Earlier Thursday, Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley panned the event, saying in a statement that Harris was campaigning with “an out-of-touch celebrity, further confirming that the Democrat party is not the party of hardworking Americans – it is the party of elitists.”
Streep asked Harris what her plan would be if she wins in November and there is another push to try and overturn the election results, as Trump and some Republicans are criminally charged with allegedly doing in 2020.
“We will be ready,” Harris said, pointing to Republicans disaffected by the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection that may vote for her. “To try and upend a free and fair election where the American people voted, that was a bridge too far for a lot of people…I think there is absolutely no tolerance whatsoever from the vast majority of Americans for that, and they’ve seen the lies.”
Harris made a quick reference to her campaign’s legal team, and pleaded for the audience to help curb misinformation and support poll workers.
Winfrey, an independent who has endorsed Harris and spoke at the DNC last month, closed the program with a call to undecided voters to choose Harris.
“This is the moment for people who are tired of all of the bickering and all of the name calling, people who are exhausted by the craziness and the made up stories and the conspiracies. This is the moment you want to get on with your life, because you know that we can do better and that we deserve better.”