Microsoft sets high price for Surface Laptop Ultra with Nvidia chip
Microsoft will launch the Surface Laptop Ultra on October 18, with a starting price of $2,599 and configurations reaching $6,000. The machine uses Nvidia's RTX Spark processor, runs Windows on ARM, and can include up to 128GB of unified memory. It is designed for demanding AI, creative, and developer workloads, with premium features such as a 15-inch HDR display and a haptic touchpad.
Microsoft unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra at a San Francisco event, with Satya Nadella and Jensen Huang present. It arrives October 18, starting at $2,599 and climbing to $6,000. The device pairs Nvidia's RTX Spark processor with Windows on ARM and supports as much as 128GB of unified memory.
Its 15-inch HDR screen reaches 2,000 nits, and it includes a haptic touchpad, aluminum chassis, hidden cooling vents, rounded edges, and a magnetic USB-C charger. Five rival RTX Spark laptops from Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MSI appeared alongside it, targeting AI, creative, and developer workflows.
The Surface Laptop Ultra's high price may restrict adoption to well-funded creators, developers, and AI-focused professionals, while mainstream buyers could remain with cheaper machines. If local AI workloads become practical, users may gain more control over sensitive data and less dependence on cloud services, though battery, heat, and software compatibility could shape real-world benefits. Rival PC makers and Apple may face pressure to respond, potentially accelerating premium ARM-based Windows laptops.