While the Surface Pro 9 does offer some compelling new features, most of them are unique to the more expensive ARM-based version. Reasons to Skip Surface Pro 9 Little has changed from last year's model While it does require subscribing to a cellular plan, this offers you the power of a Windows 11 tablet (or Windows 2-in-1 laptop, if you splurge for Microsoft's attachable $180 Surface Pro Signature Keyboard) that you can use to work from anywhere with a cell signal.

$999 for the Intel-equipped model) but offers the option of 5G connectivity via nano SIM or eSIM. The latter version costs more ($1,299 to start vs.

So while the Surface Pro X is effectively dead, you can now order a Surface Pro 9 with either a 12th Gen Intel CPU or a new Qualcomm-powered Microsoft SQ3 SoC. The Surface Pro 9 not only comes with Intel chips, it now also comes in a 5G version packing Microsoft's new SQ3 SoC. This reflects Microsoft's decision to unite the Surface Pro and Surface X product lines, as the latter were more mobile-focused Windows tablets with cellular connectivity and less powerful, less power-hungry Qualcomm SoCs (System-on-Chip) instead of the usual Intel and AMD CPUs found in the Surface Pros. One big change with the Surface Pro 9 vs Surface Pro 8 is that this is the first Surface Pro you can get with 5G cellular connectivity.

However, Microsoft also claims that the NPU helps make writing on the Surface Pro 9 with the Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus (sold separately for $129) feel better by enhancing the tactile feedback when writing on the screen.Ī similar feature is available on the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio, and after using it myself I can confirm it does feel nice when the little motor in the Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus (what a mouthful) vibrates to replicate the sensation of putting pen to paper. Writing on the SQ3-equipped Surface Pro 9 with a Surface stylus should feel better than ever (according to Microsoft) thanks to the new NPU (Image credit: Microsoft)

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