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CNET
Microsoft Adds 8GB Configs to Drop Starting Price of Surface Pro and Surface Laptop
Microsoft has added new models to its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop lines featuring 8GB of RAM at reduced prices. These new configurations aim to provide an affordable entry point below $1,000; however, they do not meet the standards of Microsoft's Copilot Plus PC program due to the amount of RAM. The decision is in response to rising memory costs and aims to attract consumers amid price hikes. Microsoft's new marketing strategy highlights the push for performance efficiency in lower-cost options amidst concerns over potential sluggishness when handling multiple applications.
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Published 23 Jun 2026, 16:17 UTC4 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- New 8GB models of Surface Pro and Surface Laptop introduced.
- Starting prices lowered by $200 to appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
- Models with 8GB RAM fail to meet Copilot Plus PC criteria.
- Microsoft cites rising memory costs as a rationale for changes.
- Memory management optimizations introduced in Windows to enhance performance.
Interesting facts
- The term 'RAMageddon' reflects the significant impact of global RAM shortages on laptop pricing.
- The lower-cost models are marketed for general productivity, but may struggle under heavy use.