What is the difference between the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro?

The Surface Laptop is a traditional clamshell notebook with a fixed keyboard and trackpad, built for typing-heavy work. The Surface Pro is a detachable 2-in-1: a tablet with a built-in kickstand that clips onto a removable keyboard cover, so it works as a tablet, a laptop or a drawing slate. Choose the Laptop for a conventional experience, or the Pro if you want tablet flexibility.

Do Microsoft Surface devices run full Windows?

Yes. Current Surface Laptop, Surface Pro and Surface tablets run full Windows 11, so they handle the same desktop applications as any Windows PC, including Microsoft 365, browsers and business software. This is a key difference from tablets that run a mobile operating system, which are limited to app-store apps.

What is the difference between Snapdragon X (ARM) and Intel Surface models?

Snapdragon X models run Windows on ARM and are tuned for long battery life, quiet fanless operation and Copilot+ AI features. Intel Core Ultra models offer the widest compatibility with legacy Windows apps and peripherals. If you depend on older or specialist software, an Intel model is safer; if battery life and silence matter most, Snapdragon X is a strong pick.

Does the Surface Pro come with a keyboard?

On the Surface Pro, the keyboard cover is a separate accessory rather than part of the tablet, so budget for it if you plan to use the Pro as a laptop. The Surface Laptop, by contrast, has its keyboard built in. Always check whether a listed Surface Pro price includes the keyboard and pen or covers the tablet only.

Can I use a pen with a Microsoft Surface?

Most Surface devices support the Surface Pen (sold separately) for handwriting, note-taking, sketching and marking up documents on the touchscreen. The taller 3:2 PixelSense display suits inking and reading. If pen input is important to you, confirm that your chosen model supports the Surface Pen before buying.

How much RAM and storage should a Surface have?

For everyday study and office work, aim for at least 16GB of RAM so multiple apps and browser tabs stay responsive; heavier multitasking or creative work benefits from more. Storage on most Surface models is fixed at purchase and cannot be upgraded later, so choose a capacity with room to grow rather than the smallest option.

Is the Microsoft Surface available in South Africa?

Yes. Evetech stocks the Microsoft Surface range in South Africa, including the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro 2-in-1, with local delivery. Browse the current line-up on this page to compare models, processors and configurations, then order online for shipping across South Africa.

►Laptops on Specials

►Laptops Best Sellers

►

Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface - Premium Windows Devices

Microsoft Surface is Microsoft's own line of premium Windows devices, spanning the clamshell Surface Laptop, the detachable Surface Pro 2-in-1 and lightweight Surface tablets. Each pairs a machined magnesium-alloy chassis with a high-resolution PixelSense touchscreen, so you can work by keyboard, tap the screen or write directly with a Surface Pen.

The range runs full Windows 11, so it handles the same desktop apps as any Windows PC, not a cut-down tablet OS. Newer models come in two flavours: Snapdragon X (Windows on ARM) builds tuned for long battery life and Copilot+ features, and Intel Core Ultra builds for the widest app compatibility. Browse the current Surface line-up below.

Microsoft Surface(0)

No Product Found

There's nothing in this range right now. Browse the rest of the store, or tell us what you're after and we'll track it down.

Browse the store Ask us to find it

Microsoft Surface - Premium Windows Devices

How to Choose a Microsoft Surface Device

The right Surface comes down to how you plan to use it. If you want a traditional laptop that happens to have a touchscreen, the Surface Laptop is the straightforward pick. If you want a tablet that becomes a laptop when you clip on a keyboard, the Surface Pro 2-in-1 is the more flexible form factor. Lighter Surface tablets suit browsing, note-taking and study where portability matters more than raw power.

The Surface Laptop is a fixed clamshell with a full keyboard and trackpad, best for people who type all day. The Surface Pro is a detachable 2-in-1: a tablet with a kickstand that pairs with a removable keyboard cover, so it switches between tablet, laptop and drawing modes. Lighter Surface tablets prioritise weight and portability. Match the shape to how you actually work before comparing specs.

Newer Surface models ship on one of two platforms. Snapdragon X chips run Windows on ARM, delivering long battery life, fanless operation and Copilot+ AI features, though a small number of older or niche apps may need to run through emulation. Intel Core Ultra models give you the widest compatibility with legacy Windows software and peripherals. If you rely on specialist or older Windows apps, lean Intel; if all-day battery and quiet running matter most, Snapdragon X is compelling.

RAM decides how many apps and browser tabs you can run smoothly. For everyday study and office work, aim for at least 16GB; heavier multitasking, large spreadsheets or creative apps benefit from more. Storage is where your files and apps live, and on most Surface models it is fixed at purchase, so buy enough headroom up front rather than planning to upgrade later.

Every Surface uses a high-resolution PixelSense touchscreen in a taller 3:2 aspect ratio, which shows more of a document or web page than a widescreen panel. All current models support touch, and most support the Surface Pen (sold separately) for handwriting, sketching and marking up documents. If you take handwritten notes or draw, confirm pen support and factor the pen into your budget.

On the Surface Pro, the keyboard cover is a separate accessory rather than part of the tablet, so include it when comparing prices against the Surface Laptop. Look at the ports too: current Surface devices lean on USB-C, with some offering USB-A or the magnetic Surface Connect charging port. If you need to plug in older peripherals or an external display, check the exact port layout for the model you are considering.

Beyond form factor, weigh up the processor platform, memory and storage, and which accessories you need. Snapdragon X (ARM) models favour battery life and quiet, fanless running; Intel Core Ultra models favour broad app and peripheral compatibility. Check the points below before you decide.