Microsoft unveils Surface Laptop, new version of Windows 10

Microsoft held its education-focused event this morning, where it extolled its solutions aimed at helping students learn, teachers teach, and IT staff focus on letting technology assist both without stifling anyone’s creativity.

Microsoft has introduced a new Surface-branded device – and it runs a new version of Windows 10.

Additionally, Microsoft announced new Windows 10 PCs for education.

“The Surface Laptop weighs in at just 2.76lbs and 14.47mm at its thickest point, and features a 13.5” Pixelsense touchscreen display with 3.4 million pixels and edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an Alcantara-covered keyboard.

“It’s basically a straightforward notebook, albeit one with the Microsoft’s slick Surface aesthetic”, wrote Engadget in an update.

The most affordable configuration will retail for $999 and features an Intel Core i5 processor, 4 gigabytes of internal RAM and a 128 GB SSD, but other variants will also be available with stronger Core i7 CPUs and SSD storage up to a single terabyte. Microsoft is promising 14.5 hours of battery life with the laptop.

“A lot of students use MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros”, Panay said on stage.

With the abandonment of Windows Mobile and the Centennial bridge which goes along with the effort, Microsoft is able to bring the most popular applications even home PC users use to the well managed environment of a locked-down Windows that never needs an anti-virus, boots fast, has great battery life and never slows down with use. It comes in four colors, including cobalt blue and burgundy, and is available for pre-order starting Tuesday.

Microsoft Intune for Education is available today for educational institutions. Microsoft provided a very general overview of the newest version of Windows 10.

The devices will run Windows 10 S, a new version of the Windows 10 operating system designed specifically for education.

However, this machine is a full $100 cheaper than the Windows 10 configuration so there are notable savings to be made here.

Apps on the Windows Store are verified as secure, and each run in a safe container on the cloud. “It has all the hardware to compete, much more than what’s required in a classroom”, Todd Haselton writes in CNBC. It’s soft on the wrists, and Microsoft says it should be more resistant to fingerprint smudges than other materials.

The Surface Laptop is a real challenger to the 12-inch MacBook and 13-inch MacBook Pro. So do the Microsoft Surface Laptops announced today. So, in my opinion, Apple Inc.

The Surface Laptop is expected to ship by June 15. The devices will come with Microsoft Office 365 for Education with Microsoft Teams and a free one-year free subscription to the Minecraft; Education Edition. Shares of Apple Inc.