Microsoft has unveiled further details about the Surface Laptop Ultra, revealing its price, release date, and features during a special event on October 7. The highly anticipated RTX Spark-powered device is set to begin shipping on October 16, with preorders currently available starting at ,599.
The Surface Laptop Ultra emerges as the most affordable option among RTX Spark laptops currently on the market. Many analysts and enthusiasts had speculated a starting price of ,999, making the actual price point a pleasant surprise for potential buyers. Responses from the community reflect this sentiment, with users like @janekknaf commenting, “Quite cheap tbh I expected it to start at 99.” On Reddit, discussions echoed similar thoughts, with user Icybubba noting, “And somehow the Surface seems to be the cheapest out of all those.” Another user, ValterriItsJames, remarked, “Lowkey the pricing isn’t absolutely horrendous. 32GB costs 00 which is about the same as the ROG Zephyrus G14.“
Not everyone is loving the Surface Laptop Ultra’s pricing
However, not all feedback has been positive. Some potential customers are questioning the value of the Surface Laptop Ultra, particularly when examining the various configuration options available. The device offers two RTX Spark configurations: one featuring an 18-core CPU and a 5120-core GPU, and a more powerful variant with a 20-core CPU and a 6144-core GPU. The price difference between these models is approximately ,100, with the higher-end option defaulting to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, compared to the base model’s 24GB of RAM and 512GB SSD. This has led to discussions about whether the price increase for the additional RAM and storage is justified.
How’s everyone feeling about the breakaway USB-C Port?
Another feature generating buzz is the Surface Laptop Ultra’s innovative breakaway USB-C port. This design combines elements of the Apple MagSafe and Surface Connect technologies, allowing the cable to detach from the laptop without pulling it off a desk in the event of a trip. The port is compatible with any USB-C cable and maintains full functionality. User Oliver-Pearce on Reddit described it as a “Welcome feature!“, while another user, Psalter, added, “Anyone who’s ever tripped over a charging cable will appreciate this.“
Despite the enthusiasm, some critics argue that Microsoft has taken too long to adopt a feature reminiscent of Apple’s MagSafe. However, it’s worth noting that the original Surface Connect was always magnetic and designed to detach when pulled. The transition to USB-C eliminated that safeguard, prompting Microsoft to reintroduce this functionality. Unlike MagSafe, which is limited to power, the Surface Laptop Ultra’s USB-C port supports both power and data transfer.
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