Microsoft Surface Laptop and Pro increase the price threshold for budget-conscious consumers.

      Microsoft has recently launched a new lineup of Surface computing devices available for pre-order, featuring a revamped design and more affordable pricing for its latest tablet and laptop. Alongside this, the entry-level Surface Pro and Laptop models have been removed from the company's website.

      Currently, the Microsoft online store lists the Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite models starting at $1,199, while the price for the Surface Pro begins at $1,199.99 for its most basic configuration.

      The starting price for the 15-inch Surface Laptop has increased to $1,499, although the storefront currently states the entry price as $1,299, with the 256GB storage option being out of stock.

      Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

      Notably, the 256GB storage versions of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop (both 13.8-inch and 15-inch) are no longer available for purchase on Microsoft's website. When these devices were launched last year, they had an initial price of $999 in the US.

      What’s changing?

      This isn't exactly a price increase, as Microsoft has simply removed the lower-storage option from its lineup. However, the cost barrier for consumers has risen. In a statement provided to Engadget, the company indicated that you can still find the $999 models through third-party retailers.

      The outlet also points out that the prices for charging accessories have surged by 33% under the Surface brand. The 127W charger is now priced at $175, up from $125, and the 65W charger has increased from $60 to $90 on the official store.

      Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

      It remains uncertain how long the $999 Surface Pro (13-inch) and Laptop (13.8-inch) will remain in stock or if Microsoft will replenish the 256GB versions on its online store.

      What are your options?

      The latter possibility seems unlikely, as Microsoft has introduced the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop at lower price points. For the 13-inch Surface Laptop, it's important to note that customers must choose between SSD and UFS storage, and the modules are not user-replaceable.

      The new Microsoft tablet starts at $799, providing a competitive price compared to the larger Surface Pro. It features a new design for both the tablet and the keyboard, equipped with Qualcomm’s mid-tier Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and a novel magnetic charging system for the stylus.

      As for the 13-inch Surface Laptop, it aims to emulate the MacBook Air with a similar design and matching memory and processor specifications as its 12-inch tablet counterpart, priced at $899 in the US. However, it lacks a high refresh rate display and does not deviate significantly from the constraints of its competitors.