Yes, the launch means we are getting two new Surface Pro models in the same year. In January, Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 7 Plus. This was a mid-generation update specifically for business users. Over the years, Microsoft’s Surface devices have taken a design route that relies on incremental updates. While all Surface Pro devices are excellently made, look premium, and feel premium, telling generations apart is not easy. With the Surface Pro 8, Microsoft is promising the biggest design changes since the Surface Pro 3. That device was launched back in 2014 and since then subsequent Pro models have followed a similar aesthetic. That will change tomorrow, while the specifications will also get a major overhaul. In terms of the design, the Surface Pro X will serve as the reference for the Pro 8. That means rounded edges on the hardware, a new Surface Pen integrated with the Surface Keyboard, and much smaller bezels across all sides. Let’s be clear, there are only so many ways to design a tablet. This will still obviously be a Surface Pro device with a Windows/Microsoft logo on the back, but it will be a big aesthetic shift.
Specs
In terms of specs, we recently reports the Surface Pro 8 could see Microsoft adopt Thunderbolt for the first time. Microsoft has traditionally used USB 3 and eventually made the jump to USB-C, finally, with the Surface Pro 7. However, the company has remained cool on Thunderbolt. Elsewhere, expect a better processor (11th gen Intel Core), better screen, and removable SSDs. Alongside the Pro 8, it is widely expected the company will launch Surface Book 4 and Surface Duo 2, and maybe some surprises. Tip of the day: When you boot Windows 10 it delays the launch of startup programs for ten seconds so your desktop and Windows services will have finished loading. If you want to speed up boot time, have a look at our tutorial about how to disable startup delay.
