A first look at Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface Dev Box

Microsoft is set to release two new Surface devices later this year, both of which are powered by Nvidia's RTX Spark chips. I had the opportunity to get a closer look at the Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface RTX Spark Dev Box at Microsoft's Build conference this week. While both devices share the same chip, they utilize Nvidia's RTX Spark in distinct ways.

The Surface Laptop Ultra bears a striking resemblance to Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro. With no transforming hinges or detachable displays, this clamshell laptop is built with performance in mind. Microsoft has chosen a 15-inch mini LED panel that operates at up to 2,000 nits of brightness.

In terms of design, the Surface Laptop Ultra feels premium and solidly constructed. Although I wasn't able to test its performance or battery life, the device's specs suggest it's well-suited for demanding tasks. The inclusion of Nvidia's RTX Spark chip will likely appeal to gamers and content creators.

The Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, on the other hand, is designed with developers in mind. This device is tailored to support the development of AI and machine learning applications, leveraging the power of Nvidia's RTX Spark chip to accelerate complex computations. While I didn't get to try out the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box in person, Microsoft's emphasis on its development capabilities suggests that it's a serious player in the world of AI and machine learning.

With both devices set to arrive later this year, it will be interesting to see how they perform in real-world applications. Microsoft's foray into the world of high-performance computing with the Surface Laptop Ultra and Surface Dev Box is a bold move. With Nvidia's RTX Spark chip at the helm, these devices are poised to deliver impressive results in a range of applications.