Tools
New Surface with Nvidia chip promises AI without the cloud, from $2,599
Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop Ultra, with Nvidia's RTX Spark chip, to run AI models on the device itself. It costs from $2,599 and is aimed mainly at developers.
The essentials
2 confirmed facts · 2 according to the source · 3 open questions
- The Surface Laptop Ultra, with Nvidia's RTX Spark chip and up to 128 GB of memory, can be reserved now and ships on October 16.41
- According to the sourceThe starting price is $2,599 according to Ars Technica; TechCrunch says $2,600 and puts the most expensive model at $5,900.43
- According to the sourceMicrosoft also sells the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, a workstation for developers, from $6,000, according to TechCrunch.3
- Windows 11 introduces execution containers to isolate AI agents, and Copilot will be able to access local files.123
Why it matters
Microsoft and Nvidia are betting that some AI will run on your computer rather than in the cloud, with no pay-per-use charges. This is a reading of what both companies argue: their pitch is to run large models locally, something they say a regular laptop can't do. How well it performs in practice remains to be seen.
Given its price and design, this is a machine for developers, not for the average user. What could affect you is Copilot reading your files: it's worth checking what permissions it asks for.
The details
On October 7 in San Francisco, Microsoft presented the Surface Laptop Ultra, its first with Nvidia's RTX Spark chip. It comes with up to 128 GB of shared memory and can already be reserved; shipping starts on October 164. Ars Technica gives $2,599 as the starting price; TechCrunch says $2,600, and mentions another model from $3,700 and a top price of $5,9003.
In Windows 11, Microsoft is turning on "execution containers" (MXC): an isolated space where AI agents, programs that carry out tasks for you, work under the system's control1. Nadella said they will be available to all Windows 11 users3. Copilot will also be able to access your local files and take actions on the system2.
What we don't know
- Whether it will be sold in Europe, and at what price in euros.
- How it performs in independent tests: for now there are only figures from the companies.
- What controls you will have over Copilot's access to your files.
Sources
- 1NVIDIA, Microsoft Kick Off a New Beginning for Windows PCs With RTX Spark and AI Agents
- 2Microsoft is giving Copilot more control over Windows and your files
- 3Microsoft releases new Nvidia-chip AI PCs with revamped Windows 11
- 4Microsoft event debuts new AI-friendly hardware and Windows changes
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