Microsoft has announced the expansion of its award-winning Surface device range into South Africa, with the introduction of the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 for both commercial and consumer customers.
The vendor said devices will be available for consumers in retail from retailer Incredible Connection stores and Vodacom from July 29 2020.
The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 continue the brand’s tradition of best-in-class productivity, security, mobility and speed, and introduce new processors and modern connectivity options in a world of remote work and learning.
Vithesh Reddy, consumer and channel marketing director, Microsoft South Africa, said: “Rapid and continuous change define modern living and working – and the shift to remote working and education requires the right tools to stay productive and connected securely. Microsoft’s Surface family is designed for just that kind of versatility, portability and productivity, so people can work and play faster, better and stay connected wherever they are.”
Reddy said as with previous Surface devices, Microsoft has delivered best-in-class upgrades for its new additions to the family, to ensure that individuals and organisations have access to the optimal performance they need to achieve more in the office, classroom or out in the field.
The Surface Pro 7 takes Microsoft’s iconic two-in-one design to the next level, with a faster and more versatile device for professionals on the go. Powered by a tenth generation Intel Core processor, fast charging, all-day battery and Instant On, the latest device provides modern connectivity with USB-C and USB-A ports.
According to Microsoft, businesses and consumers across South Africa will also have access to the latest edition of Microsoft’s most beloved laptop series. The new Surface Laptop 3 makes a statement though a thin, light and elegant design, offering rich tone-on-tone colour options and new metal keyboard finishes.
The Surface Laptop 3 is now available in two sizes: 13.5-inch and 15-inch and features a vibrant PixelSense Display touchscreen. The device also delivers improved speed and performance with the latest tenth generation Intel Core processor, up to 11.5 hours battery life and Instant On. In addition, the Surface Laptop 3 15-inch consumer offering is powered by the AMD Ryzen Surface Edition processor.
“The Surface family has always transcended market expectations – whether in the consumer or corporate segment – providing devices at the leading edge of innovation and establishing new benchmarks for excellence,” said Reddy. “At each iteration, we elevate the entire Microsoft ecosystem, ensuring our devices evolve into a line of products that cover the widest possible range of individual and business use cases – versatile, adaptable, powerful and secure to enable remote working or schooling.”
Adds Gary Pickford, CCO, Tarsus Distribution, said: “We’re excited to introduce the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7 products to the South African market, offering a new, Windows-powered alternative in the premium mobile segment. The models we are providing to our channel offer a blend of speed, style and versatility for notebook and tablet users looking for a Windows device with a high-quality finish and a device that balances security, aesthetics, speed and versatility.”
Recommended retail pricing for the Surface Pro 7 starts at 17, 999 rands (US$ 1,080) and Surface Laptop 3 starts at 22,999 rands (US$ 1,380).
