Microsoft has unveiled the specifications and pricing of its new Surface computers in San Francisco. Powered by Nvidia’s RTX Spark chip, the devices are designed to run artificial intelligence models locally, directly on the computer.
Nvidia announced its collaboration with Microsoft and other manufacturers in June to develop Windows computers optimized for artificial intelligence and AI agents. These devices are built around the RTX Spark chip, and further details about the products have now been revealed.
During an event held on Wednesday as part of Tech Week in San Francisco, Microsoft introduced the Surface Laptop Ultra in two base configurations. The entry-level model costs approximately $2,600, while the more powerful version starts at $3,700. With additional memory and storage, the price can reach $5,900. Microsoft said the most expensive configuration has already sold out.
The company also introduced the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, a workstation starting at $6,000. It comes with preinstalled tools for developers, including VS Code, GitHub Copilot CLI, WSL, and PowerShell 7.
Both devices are designed to run AI models locally, eliminating additional costs associated with cloud-based services. They achieve this through a combination of the central processing unit, graphics processing unit, unified memory, and an enhanced cooling system.
Windows 11 also introduces a feature called Execution Containers, which allows AI agents to run in isolated environments. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that the feature would be made available to all Windows 11 users.
Nadella explained that an AI model alone is not enough. A supporting layer is also needed to bring together different models, context, memory, and the ability to perform actions.
The new devices are primarily aimed at software developers. Microsoft is also offering discounts of up to $1,000 to customers who trade in their MacBook Pro when purchasing a new device.
The company says that, thanks to their powerful graphics capabilities, the new Surface laptops are also suitable for content creation, video editing, and gaming.
On the same day, Dell revealed details of its XPS 16 Creator Edition, which uses the same chip. In the United States, the device is available for preorder at $3,800, with shipments expected to begin later in October.
