Software King of the World, Microsoft, has whacked a chunky price rise on every current Surface PC to the point that they are nearly as expensive as Apple.
Windows Central said Microsoft has raised prices in its own Store, with other retailers expected to follow, and the price jumps hit both midrange and flagship kit.
Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 now start $500 more than their 2024 launch prices, while the supposedly midrange models have wandered north of $1,000.
Microsoft spokesperson said, “Due to recent increases in memory and component costs, Surface is updating pricing on Microsoft.com for its current-generation hardware portfolio.”
“We remain committed to delivering value to customers and partners while upholding our standards for quality and innovation.”
The 12-inch Surface Pro, which used to be the cheapest modern Surface at $799, now starts at $1,049, and the 13-inch Surface Pro has gone from $999 to $1,499.
The entry 13-inch Surface Laptop has jumped from $899 to $1,149, while the 13.8-inch model has climbed from $999 to $1,499 and the 15-inch now starts at $1,599.
That leaves Microsoft selling today’s “midrange” at prices that used to buy you a flagship.
The Surface Laptop 7 once looked like better value than the MacBook Air when it launched at $999, but now the newer MacBook Air sits $400 cheaper.
The high end has been dragged up too, with a 15-inch Surface Laptop specced with a Snapdragon X Elite, 64GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage hitting $3,649.
To put this in some context, a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro, 64GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD costs $3,299, and for that money, even the overpriced Apple gear starts to look attractive.
The timing looks grim for anyone waiting for refreshed Surface hardware, as new models are expected across spring and summer, and these higher starting prices could stick.
Discounts might take the sting out, but if you were hoping for a cheap run-out deal before the next wave lands, Vole has just moved the goalposts.
