Microsoft announced a new 5G version of its Surface Laptop today, which will start shipping on August 26th starting at $1,799.99. The Surface Laptop 5G is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 processors, complete with an NPU capable of providing access to Microsoft’s latest Copilot Plus AI features.
The Surface Laptop 5G is very similar to the existing 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 7 model, except Microsoft has made some internal changes to accommodate a 5G modem and support for a physical nano SIM on the side of the laptop, as well as eSIMs.
The base Surface Laptop 5G will be priced at $1,799, and ship with an Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The top of the range model will be priced at $2,699, and ship with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. All models will ship in the Surface platinum silver color.
Microsoft says it hasn’t just dropped a modem into its Surface Laptop 5G, as the company has built a special antenna system that’s not hidden away in the base of the device. “At the heart of Surface Laptop 5G is a dynamic antenna system that continuously adapts to its environment,” explains Nancie Gaskill, general manager of the Surface business. This system uses six antennas that automatically adjust depending on how the laptop is being held or used.
“This design required a new material, one that allows radio signals to pass through without impacting performance, while still delivering the durability, premium feel and lightness our customers are looking for,” Gaskill says. “We developed a custom multi-layered laminate that meets all of these needs, enabling reliable 5G performance without compromising portability or design.”
Microsoft has tested its 5G hardware with more than 100 mobile operators across 50-plus countries. The 5G support will allow this laptop to always be connected while on the go and also to act as a 5G mobile hotspot to share its connection with devices over Wi-Fi.