Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft stops selling 256GB versions of Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7.
- Only 512GB and 1TB models are now available, starting at $1,199.
- This quietly raises the price for older Surface devices.
- The new Surface Pro and Laptop now look like better deals by comparison.
If you’re into tech, you probably know that Microsoft recently announced brand-new Surface devices. These new gadgets look super cool and powerful, but there was something a bit odd about their prices. The starting prices for these new devices, like the 12-inch Surface Pro at $799 and the 13-inch Surface Laptop at $899, were pretty close to last year’s higher-end models, which started at $999.
Well, it looks like Microsoft noticed this too and decided to fix it—but not in the way you might think. Instead of lowering the prices of the new devices or making the older ones more affordable, they did something a bit sneaky. They simply stopped selling the cheaper versions of the older devices!
What Just Happened?
Let’s break it down. Microsoft’s website no longer shows the 256GB versions of the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 7 and the Surface Pro 11. Now, you can only buy these devices with 512GB or 1TB of storage, and they both start at $1,199.
Wait, wasn’t the 512GB version always $1,199? Yes, it was. So technically, there’s no official price increase. But here’s the catch: last year, you could buy these devices with 256GB of storage for less money. Now, that option is gone. It’s like if your favorite video game suddenly stopped selling the base version and only offered the deluxe edition at a higher price. Sure, the deluxe was always more expensive, but now you have no choice but to pay more if you want the game.
Why Does This Matter?
This change is a bit of a stealth price hike for last year’s Surface devices. Microsoft is essentially making you pay more for the same hardware, just because they got rid of the cheaper option. And here’s another thing: both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 have user-replaceable storage. That means you can buy the base model and then upgrade the storage yourself for much less than what Microsoft charges. For example, a 512GB SSD can cost around $100-$150 from other brands, but Microsoft charges $200 extra for that upgrade.
Now, if you want a Surface Pro 11 or Laptop 7, you’re forced to pay at least $1,199 for the 512GB model because the cheaper 256GB option is gone. That’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for people who might not need all that storage or were planning to upgrade it themselves later.
How Does This Affect the New Surface Devices?
So, what does this mean for the new Surface hardware that Microsoft announced? Well, the new 12-inch Surface Pro starts at $799, and the 13-inch Surface Laptop starts at $899. Compared to the older models, these new devices now look like better deals.
For example, the new Surface Pro is actually more affordable than the older Pro 11, which now starts at $1,199. The same goes for the new Surface Laptop—it’s cheaper than the older Laptop 7, which also now starts at $1,199. This makes the new devices more appealing, but only because the older ones are now more expensive.
What About the 15-Inch Surface Laptop 7?
There’s one exception to this change: the 15-inch version of the Surface Laptop 7 still offers a 256GB configuration. It starts at $1,299, which is actually a bit more than the 13-inch model. However, the 256GB model is currently out of stock, so you might need to wait if you’re interested in that specific option.
Is This a Good Move for Microsoft?
On one hand, this strategy might make the new Surface devices more attractive to shoppers. When the price difference between new and old models is smaller, people are more likely to go for the latest and greatest tech.
On the other hand, this move could annoy fans of the Surface lineup. People who were planning to buy last year’s models on sale or at a discount might feel forced to spend more money than they wanted to. It’s also frustrating for those who don’t need a lot of storage but now have to pay for it anyway.
What’s Next?
It’s unclear whether Microsoft plans to bring back the 256GB models or if they’ll stick with this new strategy. For now, if you’re in the market for a Surface device, here are your options:
- Buy the new Surface Pro or Laptop: These are more affordable and come with updated features.
- Wait for deals on the older models: If you really want last year’s Surface devices, keep an eye out for sales or discounts.
- Consider upgrading storage yourself: If you don’t mind a little DIY, you can buy the base model (if it’s available) and upgrade the storage later.
Final Thoughts
In the end, it seems like Microsoft is trying to make room for their new Surface devices by phasing out the older ones. While this might help the new devices stand out, it’s not the best news for anyone who was hoping to save some money on last year’s models.
One thing’s for sure: the tech world is always changing, and companies are always looking for ways to make their latest products shine. Whether you’re a loyal Surface fan or just starting to explore the world of Microsoft’s hardware, it’s worth keeping an eye on these price changes and seeing what works best for you.
As always, let us know what you think in the comments! Are you excited about the new Surface devices, or are you sticking with your current tech?