My wife and I share a strong preference for the color purple. We appreciate its aesthetic and often seek it out in products we purchase. So, we noted with genuine excitement when Microsoft unveiled its latest Surface Pro iteration, the 12-inch Surface Pro Copilot+ PC. Among the standard Platinum and a new blue-green ‘Ocean’ color, Microsoft introduced a striking Violet (Violet is a type of Purple) option (Tom’s Hardware). After years of Surface devices largely sticking to monochrome palettes, this expansion of color choices is welcome. For us, this particular Surface feels like a device that aligns perfectly with our preferences.
A Brief History Lesson (Surface vs. Fruity Competitor)
It’s helpful to recall the context in which the Surface line originated. Launched in 2012, Surface represented Microsoft’s ambitious attempt to compete in the burgeoning tablet market dominated by Apple’s iPad. The core concept was distinct: create a tablet that could effectively replace a traditional laptop by running the full Windows operating system and supporting peripherals like keyboards and styluses. This offered a promise of productivity and flexibility that differentiated it from the iPad’s more consumption-focused, app-centric approach.
However, the initial Surface journey encountered challenges. Early versions like Windows RT aimed for a lighter OS experience but created confusion due to application compatibility limitations. The first generations of ARM processors used in some models didn’t always deliver the performance or compatibility users expected compared to Intel-based laptops. Furthermore, defining the product category – was it a laptop killer or a super-powered tablet? – took time, and early designs sometimes faced criticism regarding their stability when used on a lap. Despite these hurdles, the Surface Pro line steadily carved out a niche for users demanding Windows versatility in a portable, touch-first form factor (Brad Colbow).
Why this Violet Surface Resonates
The new 12-inch Surface Pro feels like a significant maturation of the original concept, now available in that appealing Violet. It boasts an impressively thin and light design, enhancing its portability. Inside, it utilizes a new Snapdragon X Plus processor. While early ARM efforts on Windows faced challenges, this new generation of chips, developed under the Copilot+ PC banner, is designed specifically for Windows and promises substantial improvements in performance and energy efficiency. This translates to expectations of excellent battery life (Microsoft claims up to 16 hours of local video playback) and the power to run demanding applications smoothly. These chips also feature integrated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) designed to accelerate AI tasks locally. This enables new Windows features like Recall (which creates a searchable timeline of your past activity) and other AI-powered enhancements within applications to run efficiently on the device (Microsoft Store).
Combined with the high-resolution PixelSense touchscreen (LCD on this 12-inch variant) and the well-regarded, optional Surface Pro Keyboard with Slim Pen integration, the overall package is highly capable. It represents the seamless tablet-to-laptop experience Microsoft has long pursued, now feeling more responsive, efficient and complete. For users like us who appreciate aesthetics, the availability of the Violet color adds significant appeal to an already refined device.
Who’s it For? (Beyond Color Preferences)
Setting aside color preferences, the target audience for the Surface Pro remains consistent: users who prioritize Windows software compatibility and versatility in a highly portable form factor. Mobile professionals benefit from the ability to run full desktop applications, connect to corporate networks and utilize robust multitasking features in a device that easily transitions from tablet to laptop (LinkedIn Business). Students, particularly in higher education or fields requiring specific software unavailable on mobile operating systems (like engineering suites, advanced statistical packages or certain development tools), gain a lightweight device suitable for note-taking with the Surface Pen that can also handle complex coursework. Creative professionals who rely on Windows-based software like the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite or specialized CAD applications find a touch-and-pen enabled interface without sacrificing access to their essential tools.
Conversely, users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, those requiring the absolute highest graphical performance for demanding games or complex 3D rendering (which typically requires a dedicated graphics card), or individuals seeking a basic tablet primarily for media consumption might find other devices more suitable. The Surface Pro excels for those needing Windows power combined with maximum portability.
The Royal Ransom (Price & When Can we Bow?)
This level of premium design and capability comes at a corresponding price point. The new 12-inch Surface Pro Copilot+ PC has a starting price of $799. It is important to note that this price is for the tablet only; the essential Surface Pro Keyboard and Slim Pen are sold separately, adding significantly to the total cost (typically $150-$280 more, depending on configuration). Furthermore, securing the device in Violet (or the Ocean color) requires selecting the 512GB storage model, which starts at $899 for the tablet component (Tom’s Hardware). This places it firmly in the premium category, competing with high-end Ultrabooks and iPad Pro configurations. Pre-orders began May 6th, with availability starting May 20th, 2025 (Microsoft Devices Blog).
Wrapping Up
Even considering the additional cost for necessary accessories, the new 12-inch Surface Pro Copilot+ PC represents a compelling evolution of the 2-in-1 concept. It delivers on the promise of a highly portable yet powerful Windows device, enhanced by the potential of the new Snapdragon processors and integrated AI features. The refined design, strong performance claims, and extended battery life make it a standout option for its target audience. The addition of appealing colors like Violet further increases its desirability for users who value aesthetics alongside functionality. For successfully blending portability, Windows versatility, modern performance and finally embracing more expressive color options, the new Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ PC is instantly one of my favorite products.