Microsoft has launched the Surface Laptop Ultra, a high-end device developed in partnership with Nvidia to showcase the new Arm-based RTX Spark chips. The laptop is designed to handle demanding local AI models, creative applications, and AAA gaming, targeting developers and power users.
The device features a 15-inch MicroLED touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 2,000 nits of peak HDR brightness. Connectivity options include three USB-C ports, a USB-A port, HDMI 2.1b, an SD card reader, and a new magnetic charging system that utilizes the USB-C port.
The top-tier model, priced at $5,899, includes a 20-core CPU co-designed by Nvidia and MediaTek, a 6,144-CUDA-core GPU, 128GB of unified memory, and a 1TB Gen 5 SSD. The base configuration starts at $2,599 with an 18-core CPU and 24GB of memory.
The laptop supports local AI agents like Hermes and OpenClaw, though performance varies based on the model used. While the device is capable of running modern games with DLSS and ray tracing support, users may encounter emulation limitations with certain CPU-heavy titles.
Hardware features include a haptic trackpad and a 1080p camera with Windows Studio Effects. Microsoft notes that the battery management system is designed to preserve longevity by pausing charging at full capacity, which may result in lower indicators when unplugged.
