Happy birthday Microsoft Surface: 8 years old and still innovating
Microsoft’s Surface family is eight years old today, and it’s all grown up.
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What you need to know
Microsoft unveiled the Surface lineup eight years ago. The big-bezelled original Surface devices launched with Windows 8 and came in a then at the time new form factor, a convertible 2-in-1. Since the initial Surface launch, Microsoft has refined the Surface 2-in-1 concept through 7 iterations, multiple size spinoffs, and the Surface family expanded to other device categories.
More than pen support, flipping around, or kickstands, the Surface lineup has always been about innovation. Microsoft’s Surface family strives to push stagnant categories forward. The greatest influence of the Surface lineup is likely the influx of 2-in-1s that are now on the market. Once a novel idea, convertibles are now commonplace, and just about every major manufacturer has at least dipped their foot into the form factor.
Memes really do come true, which was evidenced by Apple’s shift to have iPads become more and more like computers. In just a few short years, Apple shifted from the infamous “What’s a computer” ad to its “Your next a computer is not a computer” ad. That shift is a microcosm of the push by Microsoft’s Surface line. 2-in-1s haven’t replaced laptops — and were probably never meant to — but they’ve become a viable category on their own.
Eight years ago today Microsoft launched Surface.This was from launch night in NYC and yeah, that’s@panos_panaysigning devices and boxes for fans.Surface has had a massive impact on PCs going forward and changed the conversation.pic.twitter.com/l4vLtkgmfvEight years ago today Microsoft launched Surface.This was from launch night in NYC and yeah, that’s@panos_panaysigning devices and boxes for fans.Surface has had a massive impact on PCs going forward and changed the conversation.pic.twitter.com/l4vLtkgmfv— Daniel Rubino (@Daniel_Rubino)October 26, 2020October 26, 2020
Microsoft has also greatly expanded the Surface lineup. Since the early days of the Surface Pro and Surface RT, we’ve seen Microsoft release theSurface Book,Surface Laptop,Surface Studio, andSurface Golines. While some pushed boundaries more than others, such as the Surface Book detaching its screen from its base, they all innovated in some way and drove manufacturers to step up their game.
Project Andromeda: The secret history of Windows on Surface Duo
Microsoft has also ventured into new categories and architectures to showcase how things can work. TheSurface Pro Xruns on a Snapdragon processor, and theSurface Duodelivers a dual-screen Android experience based on productivity.
Not every Surface device has been a success, but the family as a whole has grown rapidly over eight years, and people look forward to Microsoft’s major events announcing more devices each year.
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What’s your favorite Surface device? Let us know in the comments below.
Type-C and 10th Gen Intel are game-changers
Microsoft has finally added a loaded-out USB Type-C port to the Surface Pro 7. When combined with Intel’s 10th Gen processor and GPU, this year’s Core i5 blows away last year’s Core i7 all without a fan. Minor tweaks to the RAM, going to Intel for Wi-Fi 6, and Instant On ability make this Surface Pro 7 an absolute joy to use.
Power on the go
The refreshed Surface Book 3 for 2020 gets Intel 10th Gen processors, more powerful GTX graphics, and much better Wi-Fi, SSD, and RAM options making this one powerful 2-in-1 convertible PC.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
