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Microsoft is reportedly working on a smaller and more mid-range Surface laptop that is set to be announced during the holiday season and likely aimed at students. While there are already plenty of cheaper options available, including those that run on Windows, the Surface brand has continually increased in appeal, with many seeing the line as a powerful and stylish alternative to laptops running on Apple and Google’s software.
Back in 2018, Microsoft launched the Surface Go, a budget device that offered a familiar Surface look and experience, but at a fraction of the cost. For example, while most high-end Surface devices are priced in the thousands, the Surface Go cost just $399, and still provided a stylish two-in-one tablet and laptop design. Since then the original Surface Go has been replaced by the Surface Go 2, although the emphasis on style and low price has remained. With its Go proving popular, it makes sense that Microsoft would want to continue this trend with a new cheap Surface laptop.
According to the Windows Central, the rumored Surface laptop codenamed “Sparti” will be a budget Surface device with lower-end specs and a smaller 12.5-inch display. The report explained that Sparti will not only be small and lightweight, but will also utilize a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and come running on Windows 10 in S mode. In terms of the price, the report suggests the new device will retail somewhere between $500 and $600. However, it is worth keeping in mind that these specs and price are relevant to the entry configuration, with buyers likely able to customize a purchase to some degree if they want.
Microsoft Looking To Take On Chrome OS
The report paints the picture of Sparti being a sort of ‘Surface Laptop Go’ equivalent that, while more expensive than the entry-level Go, is still much cheaper than standard Surface Laptops. Furthermore, the device is specifically thought to be targeted toward students, and may also be Microsoft’s attempt at combating devices like Google’s Pixelbook Go, which runs on Chrome OS. Chromebooks are incredibly popular among students, and with many now having to attend classes from home, there’s an even greater need for access to cheap, but capable hardware. Microsoft likely wants to get a piece of that market by ensuring it has an affordable laptop for students available that also delivers. With the Surface name attached to Sparti, the device would be easy to market and since it runs on Windows, the experience is likely to already be familiar to some students.
While the rumored laptop doesn’t seem to have the highest specs or greatest features, it could be a good fit for students who don’t particularly need the newest or greatest technology for daily classes and homework. However, whether or not it can take on Chromebooks remains to be seen, as while the Surface design will likely appeal to buyers, the Chrome OS experience is already making its impact felt in schools and students may want a home away from home experience. This is even more likely if many of their classes or files are tied to their Google account as well. Regardless, with decent specs and an affordable price, this Microsoft Surface laptop could be an option worth consumers taking a closer look at when it launches.
Source: Windows Central
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