Microsoft Adds Hybrid Work Accessories, Updates Surface Laptop

Surface Laptop 15” (black), Surface Laptop 13.5” (gold), Surface Laptop Go 12.4” (blue-ish)

Surface Laptop 4: Not Fixing What Isn’t Broken

Microsoft’s signature Surface form factor is the Surface Pro convertible, which has gained traction both with consumers and enterprise buyers. Microsoft’s flagship mobile PC is the Surface Book, which has a unique removable tablet section and hides discrete graphics in the keyboard base. Microsoft’s most traditional form factor, the aptly named Surface Laptop, is the most balanced option – literally and figuratively. While the Surface Pro needs a surface and the Surface Book’s bulk reduces its mobility, the Surface Laptop works well on a table, on a lap, and in a bag.

Microsoft is unveiling the fourth generation Surface Laptop, but the form factor and many of its key attributes and features worked well, so Microsoft didn’t change them. The bright, sharp 3:2 touchscreen display sits above a solid keyboard and excellent trackpad. Connections include USB-C (though not Thunderbolt), USB-A, and Microsoft’s proprietary magnetic connector for power or docking stations.

The new model has better performance and significantly improved battery life than its predecessor whether you choose the Intel or AMD options. As before, there are two sizes: 13.5” and 15”, only now both processor options are available in both sizes. The Intel options are the latest 11th generation SoCs, while AMD variants are Microsoft-customized versions of AMD 4000, not the latest 5000 Series Zen 3. Techsponential has an AMD Ryzen 7 review unit in and we will update this report with any performance notes as we get time with it. The Surface Laptop 4 sounds significantly better thanks to Dolby Atmos speakers (though it does still sound like a laptop). The SSD is replaceable, at least by IT managers who requested this feature for faster repairs, device turnaround, and security. The Surface Laptop 4 is also a better value than before; even the base $999 configuration with an AMD Ryzen 5 Surface Edition, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB storage is quite reasonable.

Surface Accessories: Ready for Hybrid Work

Microsoft has been building PC accessories since 1983, but the post-pandemic transition to hybrid work models opens up new market opportunities. Microsoft is announcing USB wired and wireless headsets, a wired speaker for conference calls, and a 1080p webcam. All ship in June.

Microsoft is also announcing Surface Headphones 2+ for Business, but that’s just the existing Surface Headphones 2 with proper Microsoft Teams certification. Techsponential has used Surface Headphones and Surface Headphones 2 with Teams since launch without a hitch, but now it is properly certified and ready for sale through enterprise channels.

Microsoft’s own Surface PCs all have usable embedded webcams already (and the Surface Laptop 4 gets software tweaks that improve lighting), but the $70 Surface Modern Webcam is an affordable upgrade for those who live in Teams or Zoom, and a necessity for many other laptops. This will compete primarily with Logitech, although Poly and Cisco are entering this market as well. The gating factor here is not competition but manufacturing; right now any vendor with good external webcams in stock can sell as many as they have.

The $50 Surface Modern USB Headset and upcoming Modern Wireless Headset (price not announced) will have plenty of competition. We have been testing work from home gear, and found that Jabra and Poly offer the best wired and wireless work headphones for working adults and older teens engaged in remote learning. Puro Sound makes the best volume-limited headsets for children. Microsoft is touting Teams certification, which Jabra and Poly’s headsets also offer, but Microsoft’s wired headset is certainly well priced, and if it performs well, it should find buyers.

The most unique product is the $100 Surface Modern USB-C Speaker. Unlike headsets or even webcams, there hasn’t been a lot of competition in this space, and as people spend more time working in huddle rooms or from home connecting with remote employees, there is a need for more options. While there are plenty of Bluetooth speakers that have integrated microphones, Techsponential has only found two products specifically designed for the personal conference use case: Jabra’s Speak wired speakers, and Poly’s new Sync line that can be used either wired or wirelessly. In our tests, Jabra’s entry model, the $130 Speak 410, is just OK. Poly’s least expensive option, the Sync 20, starts at $170, but it is more versatile and sounds great. Microsoft's Surface Modern USB-C is wired only, but undercuts both Jabra and Poly on price.

We expect review units of all of Microsoft’s new accessories closer to launch and look forward to seeing where they fit in the market.

QuickTakes are deliberately concise. To discuss the full implications of this report on your business, product, or investment strategies, contact Techsponential at avi@techsponential.com or +1 (201) 677-8284.