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Microsoft knows its new Surface PCs are too expensive: Combats skyrocketing prices with new 8GB RAM models that start at $849
Windows Central • • technology
Key Points:
- Microsoft has introduced new 8GB RAM configurations for the Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch to address rising component costs, with prices starting at $849 and $949 respectively.
- These models retain the original 1st Edition hardware, including Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus and 256GB storage, but reduce RAM from 16GB to 8GB, allowing prices to drop below $1,000 after previous hikes.
- Windows 11 has been optimized to run efficiently on these lower RAM devices by disabling features like Widgets, but these configurations do not support Copilot+ AI capabilities, which require at least 16GB RAM.
- Microsoft continues to offer 16GB RAM versions for users needing higher performance, while the new 8GB options target basic computing needs, backed by a 60-day return policy for customer assurance.
- The 8GB RAM option is currently limited to midrange Surface models; flagship Surface Laptop 8th Gen and Surface Pro 12th Gen still start at 16GB RAM with prices around $1,499.
