Microsoft Surface Pro 9 for Business

Key Features of Microsoft Surface Pro 9 for Business

The Surface Pro 9 for Business is a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 device designed to cater to various business needs. It features:

1. Audio and Connectivity: The device includes dual far-field Studio Mics and 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos®. It supports Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax compatible) and Bluetooth® Wireless 5.1 technology. The 5G model adds GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou Support, along with NanoSIM and eSIM support, and 5G connectivity​​.
2. Battery and Design: Both models have a battery capacity of approximately 47.7 Wh. The exterior is made of aluminum, with color options including Platinum, Graphite, Sapphire, and Forest for the Wi-Fi model, and Platinum for the 5G model. It has volume and power buttons​​.
3. Display and Processors: It features a 13-inch display and is powered by 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors. The device also offers optional 5G connectivity​​.
4. Security and Management: It is considered one of the most secure Windows 11 devices, ideal for handling sensitive data. Key components, like the display, battery, and hard drive, are replaceable, allowing for easier maintenance and data retention. Cloud-first management is facilitated through Microsoft Endpoint Manager​​.
5. Accessibility and Sustainability: The Surface Pro 9 is compatible with the Surface Adaptive Kit and Microsoft adaptive accessories. It meets ENERGY STAR® requirements and is registered as EPEAT® Gold in the US and Canada, highlighting its environmental sustainability​​​​.

This device is a suitable choice for businesses seeking a blend of laptop performance and tablet portability, with strong security features and a commitment to sustainability.

Specification

Performance

The Surface Pro 9 for Business demonstrates a balance of versatility and performance in day-to-day usage, despite some limitations. Here are the key aspects of its performance:

1. Processor and Power: The Surface Pro 9 is available with either Intel or Qualcomm CPUs. The Intel model I reviewed had a Core i7 1255U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512 GB PCIe-SSD, which delivers substantial CPU power for a range of tasks. This configuration is well-suited for general business applications, such as web browsing, Office applications, and light photo editing. However, it’s important to note that it’s not as powerful as some high-performance laptops, especially in single-core tasks and sustained performance​​​​.
2. Battery Life: The battery life of the Surface Pro 9 is average, similar to its predecessor, the Surface Pro 8. It provides about eight and a half hours of usage on a single charge, which is less than some competing devices like the iPad Pro or MacBook Air. However, the SQ3 model with 5G connectivity offers improved battery life​​​​.
3. Design and Build Quality: The build quality of the Surface Pro 9 is excellent with a sturdy aluminum case. The design remains largely unchanged, except for the rearrangement of ports and the removal of the 3.5 mm jack. The device offers a comfortable and flexible stand, although the thin edges can be less comfortable when resting on your thighs​​.
4. Display: The display retains its high quality with an IPS touchscreen, a resolution of 2880 x 1920, and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It offers good brightness and color temperature adjustment, providing a pleasant visual experience​​.
5. Connectivity: The Surface Pro 9 supports modern Wi-Fi 6E standards, offering high and stable transfer rates. However, only the ARM variant has mobile internet capability, and there’s no card reader in the Intel version​​.
6. Pricing: The cost of the Surface Pro 9 can be significant, especially when factoring in accessories like the Signature Keyboard and the Surface Slim Pen 2. The top CPU variant reviewed costs around US$1,879.99, with additional costs for accessories​​.

In summary, the Surface Pro 9 for Business is a reliable 2-in-1 device for everyday business use, offering a good balance of performance, battery life, and build quality. It’s particularly suitable for users who value the versatility of a tablet-laptop hybrid and can accommodate the price point.

Pros

1. Battery Life: It offers up to 10 hours of web browsing and 7 hours and 30 minutes of video playback, which is a slight improvement in web browsing time compared to the Surface Pro 8​​.
2. Display Quality: The device boasts a 13.0-inch IPS display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, 2.8K resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. It provides excellent viewing angles, a peak brightness of 454 nits, a high contrast ratio of 1320:1, and covers 99% of the sRGB color gamut​​.
3. Performance: The Core i5-1235U model performs exceptionally well, outscoring most of its competition in both 3D Rendering and Photoshop​​.
4. Upgradeability: While the memory is soldered, the device supports up to 32GB of LPDDR5 memory. It also has an M.2 slot for 30 mm SSDs, allowing for storage upgradeability​​.
5. Design and Build: The Surface Pro 9 is noted for its high-quality case, sleek design, inking-friendly screen, and comfortable keyboard. It’s also praised for its portability and flexibility in use cases​​​​​​.

Cons

1. Limited I/O: The port selection is limited to two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a Surface Connect port for charging, which may be insufficient for some users​​.
2. Accessory Costs: Essential accessories like the keyboard and pen are not included and must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost​​.
3. 5G Limitation: 5G connectivity is only available with the SQ3 processor model​​.
4. High Starting Price: The device has a high starting price, which can be a significant investment, especially when considering additional costs for accessories​​.
5. Other Limitations: The Surface Pro 9 experiences high case temperatures under load, especially while gaming. It also lacks a 3.5 mm audio jack and an SD card reader. The Intel model no longer offers LTE support, and the battery life is comparatively short for some models​​​

Overall, the Surface Pro 9 for Business offers a mix of high performance, excellent display quality, and upgradeability, balanced against a high cost, limited I/O, and some design limitations.

Conclusion

The Surface Pro 9 for Business embodies a legacy of innovation and design prowess from Microsoft, continuing to evolve as a flagship 2-in-1 device.

1. Design and Portability: It is lauded for its slim, light, and superbly built design, weighing 879g and featuring a sleek 13-inch 3:2 aspect-ratio display. The device’s design has become iconic over its decade-long evolution, appealing particularly to those who prioritize a combination of elegance and practicality in a 2-in-1 device​​​​.
2. Display Quality: The Surface Pro 9 maintains its high-quality display from previous models, with a 13-inch screen, 120Hz refresh rate, 2,880 x 1,920 resolution, and color accuracy. While it doesn’t match the display capabilities of some competitors like the iPad Pro, it still offers a top-notch visual experience, particularly beneficial for professional and creative work​​.
3. Performance: The Surface Pro 9’s upgrade to 12th Gen Intel silicon – either a Core i5 or Core i7 – or the Microsoft SQ3 chip, depending on the model, marks a significant step up from its predecessor. This upgrade reflects Microsoft’s commitment to staying abreast with the latest technological trends, including the incorporation of smartphone-like ARM chips. However, it’s important to note that some software and games may not be compatible with the SQ3 model​​.
4. Flexibility and Use Cases: The Surface Pro 9 shines in its versatility as a detachable 2-in-1 device. It’s equipped for a range of uses from business to creative endeavors, offering a potent combination of performance, portability, and design. It stands out for those who need a device that can transition seamlessly from a tablet to a laptop, supported by a robust and comfortable keyboard and touchpad​​.
5. Price and Value: Despite its strengths, the Surface Pro 9 is not the most cost-effective 2-in-1 on the market, and its hardware doesn’t quite match the best in its class, particularly in comparison to devices like the Apple M2 iPad Pro. However, for users who prefer the Windows operating system and the flexibility of a detachable 2-in-1 form factor, the Surface Pro 9 presents a compelling option that balances performance with design aesthetics​​.

In summary, the Surface Pro 9 for Business stands as a testament to Microsoft’s continuous refinement of the Surface line. While it may not lead in every category, its combination of design, display quality, and performance versatility makes it a strong contender in the 2-in-1 market, especially for those committed to the Windows ecosystem.

FAQs