Microsoft‘s Surface Laptop 4 is now official and available to pre-order. As to be expected, there’s more than one option available, so understanding the different configurations and prices can help to make sure the right model is chosen before it arrives. In addition, Microsoft is also offering an audio freebie to sweeten the deal, for those that order early enough.
The Surface Laptop 4 has been a long time coming, but it is now here and comes with upgrades and improvements over the previous model, including a choice of processor and longer-lasting daily battery life. While useful improvements, there might not be quite as many upgrades as some consumers might expect with a new model, considering the overall design is mostly similar to the Surface Laptop 3.
The first decision to make when pre-ordering a Surface Laptop 4 is the processor. Microsoft is offering its latest laptop with both AMD and Intel chips, and this directly affects the price. For example, the AMD Ryzen 5 4680U-powered Surface Laptop 4 starts at $999 while the Intel-powered versions start at $1,299, with Core i5 and i7 models available. Due to the $300 price difference between the two, those who want the cheapest Surface Laptop 4 possible will want to immediately narrow down the results to AMD. According to Microsoft, shipments start on April 15, with the first deliveries expected to arrive as early as April 16, 2021.
Other Pre-Order Options & Free Earbuds
Regardless of whether opting for an AMD or Intel Surface Laptop 4, there are some additional configuration choices available, with the main ones boiling down to the size, RAM and storage. Starting with the AMD versions, the Surface Laptop 4 is available in either 13.5 or 15 inches, and both sizes are also available with either 8 or 16GB RAM. However, the storage is where there’s a notable difference, as the 13.5-inch models are limited to just 256GB, regardless of the RAM count. In contrast, the 15-inch model is also available with 512GB storage, with either 8 or 16GB RAM.
For those more interested in an Intel-powered laptop, there’s not only a choice between 13.5 and 15 inches, but also between the Intel Core i5 and i7. Although the choice of size directly affects the processor, considering the 15-inch laptops are only available with an i7 chip. Buyers then have the choice of going with either 16GB RAM and 512GB storage or 32GB RAM and 1TB storage. The latter of which works out to be the most expensive model overall, priced at $2,399.99. If opting for the 13.5-inch model then, in addition to the 16GB/512GB and 32GB/1TB options, there’s also an 8GB RAM, 512GB storage, Core i5 model. This is the cheapest Intel version overall, priced at $1,299.99.
While there are quite a few configurations to choose from, one constant is that Microsoft is currently giving buyers a free set of Surface Earbuds. With these earbuds retailing for $199.99 on their own, they are a nice addition to the purchase. However, this is a limited time deal as Microsoft is only bundling the free earbuds with Surface Laptop 4 pre-orders made before April 15.
