The tablet’s metal frame feels well built and offers next to no flex when pressed. The smaller bezel is welcome, and like past Surfaces, there is plenty to like about the design.

The only big visible difference is that the new Surface Pro 8 has a smaller, but still noticeable, bezel around its screen. It also comes with a built-in kickstand, which can be used to prop the tablet up at varying angles, including an artist’s easel. The black tablet section is all but identical to its predecessor at first glance, being a simple slate with slightly round edges and a flat back. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 looks very similar to the Surface Pro 7 I tested back in 2019.

Surface devices traditionally have fairly utilitarian designs, with Microsoft tending to make minor refinements, rather than outright changes year-on-year. The Type Cover and Slim Pen 2 are sold separately.The design is a refinement rather than rethink.But niggling issues with its software make it feel a little difficult to use as a standalone tablet.īut the flipside, when paired with a Type Cover, and the Slim Pen 2 its Windows 11 software lets it function much better as a full fat laptop replacement than its Apple rival, making it better for office use. Microsoft has refined its design and added upgrades like more powerful components and a 120Hz screen.

This puts it in direct competition with Apple’s iPad Pro line of tablets. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is Microsoft’s latest convertible tablet-come-laptop, letting buyers use it as a Windows tablet or portable laptop/sketch station when paired with the optional Signature Cover case and Slim Pen 2.

Does not ship with keyboard or stylus You have to pay extra for the Signature Cover keyboard and Slim Pen 2.

Windows 11 software The Surface Pro 8 runs using the latest version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system.

Fast refresh rate screen The 13-inch screen can run at 60 or 120Hz, making it better for gaming than past Surfaces.

Surface pro 120hz thunderbolt microsoft