Microsoft has refreshed its most affordable Surface lineup. The Surface Pro 12-inch (2nd Edition) and Surface Laptop 13-inch (2nd Edition) both go on sale October 13 with Qualcomm's 6-core Snapdragon X2 Plus chip and an 80 TOPS NPU for on-device AI.
Microsoft announced the pair on September 23. Prices start at $1,149.99 for the Pro and $1,199 for the Laptop in the US, and the company has not named every market, so Kenyan buyers should plan around import or reseller availability.
What is new in the 2nd Edition
Both devices keep last year's designs but gain the Snapdragon X2 Plus, brighter screens of up to 500 nits for outdoor use, and a new Black colour alongside Platinum and Violet. Windows Central reports that Microsoft dropped the 8GB RAM option, so the base model is now 16GB with 256GB storage, upgradable to 24GB and 512GB. That is why starting prices climbed above $1,000.
Surface Pro 12-inch vs Surface Laptop 13-inch
| Surface Pro 12-inch | Surface Laptop 13-inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 12-inch, 2196 x 1464, up to 90Hz | 13-inch, 1920 x 1280, up to 60Hz |
| Weight | 0.69 kg | 1.23 kg |
| Battery (video) | Up to 15.5 hours | Up to 22.5 hours |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C, Wi-Fi 7 | 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, headphone jack |
| Starting price (US) | $1,149.99 | $1,199 |
The Pro is a fanless detachable: the keyboard is sold separately and attaches magnetically, and a 5G option is planned for commercial customers only. The Laptop includes a 45W charger, while the Pro does not ship with one and works with any 45W or higher USB-C supply.
The Kenya angle: pens, power and price
If you land a Surface Pro, an accessory ecosystem matters more than the spec sheet. Notebookcheck reports the new Pro supports Microsoft Pen Protocol styluses, but always confirm your exact model against Microsoft's compatibility list before buying a pen. Because the Pro ships without a charger, budget for a decent USB-C adapter too.
Official Kenyan pricing and stock have not been announced, so the US sticker price is only a starting point before shipping and duties. If you need a Windows laptop this week rather than a pre-order from abroad, a laptop in stock in Nairobi with M-Pesa checkout and same-day delivery is the safer call.
Should you wait?
- Wait if you want a thin, quiet Windows 2-in-1 with long battery life and are happy to buy through an importer once stock appears.
- Buy a Windows laptop now if you need a machine for work or study this month; the HP 15 above is in stock in Nairobi.
- Skip the Pro if you need a charger and keyboard included in the price, as both cost extra.
FAQ
When can I buy the new Surface Pro in Kenya?
Microsoft's global on-sale date is October 13, but it has only said "select markets" and has not named Kenya. Check with trewrld on 0722 700 018 for import options.
Does the new Surface Pro come with a keyboard or charger?
No. The keyboard is sold separately and the Pro ships without a power adapter; any 45W or higher USB-C charger works.
Does the Surface Pen work with the new Surface Pro 12-inch?
Notebookcheck reports the Pro supports Microsoft Pen Protocol styluses, but check Microsoft's compatibility list for your exact pen and model before buying.
trewrld | Queensway House, Kaunda Street, 2nd Floor Room 13, Nairobi | 0722 700 018 | @trewrldke
M-Pesa, Visa/Mastercard & Bank Transfer accepted | Same-day delivery in Nairobi, 1 to 4 days countrywide, and delivery across East Africa (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan)
