1How Microsoft Is Positioning the Surface Laptop in Features, Price
Microsoft is taking a rather curious approach to trying to win back sales in the education market for Chromebooks. On May 2 it introduced the Surface Laptop, which comes with a 13-inch screen and runs on Microsoft’s new Chrome OS alternative Windows 10 S. With a thin, lightweight frame, Microsoft is hoping the Surface Laptop will be popular with students at multiple education levels. But the fact remains that with a starting price of $999, this laptop isn’t aggressively priced to compete with much less costly Chromebooks. This slide show will discuss the new Surface Laptop’s features and its position in Microsoft’s product line.
2At $999 It’s an Expensive Chromebook Alternative
Microsoft is pitching the Surface Laptop to the education market as an alternative to small, inexpensive Chromebooks that access most of their software resources from the cloud. But the Surface Laptop is priced at $999, considerably higher than most Chromebooks. Microsoft’s advertising for the laptop indicates it is also being marketed to consumers and business users.
3It’s Running a New Operating System
4It Delivers the Full Surface Experience
Although it’s running a different operating system than other Surface devices, the Surface Laptop has many of the same features. It supports the Microsoft Surface Pen for digital writing and works with other Surface accessories. Upgrading to Windows 10 Pro gives the Surface Laptop the same functionality as any other Surface device.
5The Display Looks Nice
6Intel Is Inside
7It Includes Several Storage Options
8Its App Support Is Limited
9The Device Promises Long Battery Life
The Surface Laptop’s battery life will vary depending on the device is used, but Microsoft is promising lofty results. According to the device’s product page, users will be able to watch video continuously for 14.5 hours on a single charge, on a device running an Intel Core i5 with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.
10Microsoft Is Offering a Cloud App Deal
11Microsoft Will Start Taking Surface Laptop Orders in June
While some other third-party Windows 10 S devices will be priced in the sub-$200 range, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop won’t come close—Microsoft will offer the Surface Laptop for a whopping $999. It is expected to be available for order June 15.