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Microsoft Surface Pro 9 - why I m way more excited for ARM than Intel

By Tony Polanco published 14 October 2022 There's more perks here than just 5G (Image credit: Microsoft) I didn't think I'd care much for the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 prior to its announcement. Sure, I gave the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 a positive review, but 2022's model didn't seem all that different from its predecessor. A 5G version powered by the new Microsoft SQ3 processor appeared interesting, but overall, I didn't think this new 2-in-1 would be worth getting if you already owned the latest model. I've since changed my mind after the Microsoft Surface event, where I got to go hands-on with the Surface Pro 9. Based on Microsoft revealed and my own experience, some of the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) features seem like they could be game changers. It's one of the reasons I'm now excited about the ARM 5G Surface Pro 9 model.

5G connectivity 

This one is a no-brainer, 5G connectivity is something that people who are always on the move will appreciate. Many places have Wi-Fi but it may not always be reliable. You could use your phone as a mobile hotspot if you need to connect online, but that's an added step that can sometimes be frustrating. I'll be able to get more work done when I'm out and about with a stable 5G connection. This is especially true now that COVID restrictions have eased and I'll likely do a lot more traveling for work and for personal enjoyment. Trying to connect my laptop to the internet while outdoors is almost always a headache. With 5G, I'll hopefully have an easier time getting work done. Working outdoors should be easier on the Surface Pro 9 thanks to 5G connectivity. (Image credit: Microsoft) Lastly, as sister site Laptop Mag notes in its best 5G laptops (opens in new tab)" piece, you're essentially future-proofing yourself with a 5G capable laptop since 5G has the potential to last a decade. That fact certainly makes the Surface Pro 9 with 5G more appealing.

Exclusive AI-powered neural processing unit NPU features 

We expected the Surface Pro 9 to pack a 12th gen Intel Core processor. Rumors suggested there would be an ARM version that would effectively replace the Surface Pro X line, which ran on the SQ chip developed by Microsoft and Qualcomm. This rumor turned out accurate as the 5G Surface Pro 9 does indeed run on the new Microsoft SQ3 processor. Beyond 5G, this CPU offers some AI-driven features which are exclusive to this model. As demonstrated during the Microsoft Surface event, the SQ3's NPU has advanced audio and video features that should make video conferencing with others a smoother experience. The ARM 5G version of the Surface Pro 9 has exclusive features lacking in the Intel model. (Image credit: Microsoft) For example, the Voice Focus feature will eliminate background noise when someone is speaking. We saw (or heard) how this feature can shut out loud noises such as those produced by a leaf blower. That seems like a pretty extreme example. But if Voice Focus can tune out things like barking dogs, screaming children or blaring televisions, it'll be a success for me. New Windows Design Camera improvements will also make conferencing with others more palatable. The feature can do standard things like blur one's background or track a subject as they move. Thanks to the Eye Contact feature, it will appear as if you or whoever is on the call is looking at the front-facing camera. Talking with others in a video chat always feels weird since you aren't making direct eye contact. This feature should remedy that issue.

Outlook 

The Intel version of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 should be more performant than its predecessor thanks to its current-gen Alder Lake CPU. While that might be enough for that model to earn a spot in our best 2-in-1 laptops and best laptops lists, I can't say I'm overly excited about the Intel version. Other than a new processor and some minor design tweaks, it's not a massive update to last year's iteration. On the other hand, the 5G edition of the Surface Pro 9 with its Microsoft SQ3 processor could make it one of the best Windows laptops. 5G connectivity will allow me to work from almost anywhere, while the NPU-enabled features should enhance video conferencing with my team, friends and family. Of course, I'll have to test the 5G Surface Pro 9 myself to see how well (or not) these new features function in the real world. We expect to review the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 close to its launch on October 25. Be sure to return to Tom's Guide for our full Surface Pro review.Today's best Microsoft Surface Pro 8 deals (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$24.99 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab)Reduced Price (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$1,099.99 (opens in new tab)$797.88 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab)Reduced Price (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$1,199.99 (opens in new tab)$849 (opens in new tab)View Deal (opens in new tab)Show More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

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Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Tony PolancoComputing WriterTony is a computing writer at Tom's Guide covering laptops, tablets, Windows, and iOS. During his off-hours, Tony enjoys reading comic books, playing video games, reading speculative fiction novels, and spending too much time on Twitter. His non-nerdy pursuits involve attending Hard Rock/Heavy Metal concerts and going to NYC bars with friends and colleagues. His work has appeared in publications such as Laptop Mag, PC Mag, and various independent gaming sites.
More about laptops The best business laptops in 2022 The best laptops in 2022: 20 top picks tested and ratedLatest The best workout headphones in 2022See more latest ► Topics Laptops See all comments (1) 1 Comment Comment from the forums GoGoGriffster Looking forward to see the battery life of the ARM version too. I think the 18 hours they say for battery life might be way too optimistic just like with the life on the current Pro 8 and X. I don't want something that only lasts 4-6 hours of use like the current ones. Reply View All 1 Comment MOST READMOST SHARED1Amazon Fire TV Cube (2022) review2The best workout headphones in 20223Daily Quordle #274 - answers and hints for Tuesday, October 254The best business laptops in 20225The best laptops in 2022: 20 top picks tested and rated1The best workout headphones in 20222Daily Quordle #274 - answers and hints for Tuesday, October 253The best business laptops in 20224The best laptops in 2022: 20 top picks tested and rated5Best laptops for college students in 2022