Microsoft plans to launch the latest Surface Pro 8 tablet today. According to sources familiar with Microsoft's plans, the new Surface Pro 8 tablet will feature the most significant hardware design and specification changes than the Surface Pro 3 launched more than seven decades ago. The Surface Pro 8 is the Surface Pro I've been waiting for.
Microsoft plans to incorporate most of the design elements from the Surface Pro X into the Surface Pro 8. The tablet will have a more rounded edge and a new Surface keyboard with a slimmer Surface Pen inside. The Surface Pro 8's display bezels at its top and bottom won't be completely eliminated. However, they will be smaller and almost edge-to-edge along the sides. However, the Surface Pro 8 will be slightly thicker that the Pro X.
Microsoft is expected to replace the Surface Pro 8's display with a 120Hz panel, which will make use Windows 11's Dynamic Refresh rate feature. Dynamic refresh rate is similar to Apple's ProMotion high-refresh rate displays. It allows the display to change between different refresh rates depending upon what it is doing. Microsoft uses the new Surface Pro 8 display primarily to improve inking performance and smoothen scrolling on web pages.
This new display and the updated Surface Pen will make it easier to ink on the Surface Pro 8. Microsoft has made some significant improvements to the Pro 8's stylus design. Surface Pens will now support tactile feedback, which allows you to feel the subtle sensations of drawing. The tip has also been upgraded for improved pressure sensitivities.
Microsoft also plans to use Thunderbolt for the Surface Pro 8 and will be moving away from the USB-A port to support high-speed data transfer. This is similar to the Surface Pro X, which ships with two USB-C ports.
Two years ago, when I reviewed the Surface Pro 7, I stated that I wished it looked like a Surface Pro X. The Pro 8 has most of the Pro X improvements. Microsoft will continue to use Intel's 11th Gen chips inside the Surface Pro 7, which means that the major differences between a regular Surface Pro 7 and a Surface Pro X will come down to battery life, performance, and both.
The Surface Pro 8 could have the longest battery life of any Intel-powered Surface Pro. The Surface Pro 8 will be receiving a redesign after years of refinement of its design. This is just in time to launch Windows 11 with its new UI.
Tomorrow's Microsoft Surface news will be covered by The Verge. Surface Pro 8 is on the horizon. We expect a new Surface Book design and Surface Pro X updates. Surface Go 3 will also be available. Surface Duo 2 will also be announced. Microsoft's event starts at 11 AM ET on September 22nd. We will be live-blogging all the details.
