Microsoft has officially expanded its Surface lineup with more affordable entry points for users interested in ARM-based computing. The tech giant is now selling versions of both the 12-inch Surface Pro and the 13-inch Surface Laptop that feature Snapdragon X Series processors paired with just 8GB of RAM.
New pricing starts at $849
The primary change here is the reduction in the starting price for these devices. Previously, the baseline configurations often included higher amounts of memory or different processor tiers. Now, you can pick up either the Surface Pro or the Surface Laptop with an ARM chip and 8GB of RAM for as low as $849.
This pricing strategy makes the latest generation of Microsoft’s premium hardware more accessible to students, casual users, and those looking for a lightweight secondary device without breaking the bank.
What this means for you
If you have been waiting to switch to an ARM-based Windows device due to cost concerns, these new configurations offer a lower barrier to entry. The Snapdragon X Series chips are designed to offer strong battery life and performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.
However, keep in mind that 8GB of RAM is the minimum recommended amount for modern Windows usage. While sufficient for light workloads, heavy multitasking or running memory-intensive applications may require you to look at higher-tier models with 16GB or more.
Source: Thurrott
Over to you: Is 8GB of RAM enough for your daily workflow on an ARM device, or do you prefer to spend more for 16GB?
