Not sure where to plug something in or how to turn up the volume? We've got you covered. Here are a couple of diagrams to help you. Graphics performance isn’t particularly impressive, but then you can’t expect much from Intel’s ageing integrated Iris Xe GPU. Here, once again, the iPad Pro is ahead. If mobile-style gaming is your thing then you’ll get a better experience on Apple’s tablet than Microsoft’s. For a full laptop anywhere, personalise Surface Pro 7 with our Signature Type Cover,* Surface Pen* and Surface Arc Mouse* — all in rich colours you can mix or match.

A full charge takes about 100 minutes, hitting 80% in an hour using the included 65W charger via the Surface Connect port or equivalent USB-C power adaptor. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianThis year’s Surface Pro gets an upgrade to 12th Gen Intel silicon – either a Core i5 or a Core i7 – or the Microsoft SQ3 chip, depending on the model you choose. My review sample comes with an Intel Core i7-1265U: this CPU has ten cores that break down into eight “efficient” cores running at up to 3.6GHz and two Hyper-Threading performance cores that operate at a max Turbo frequency of 4.8GHz. Surface Pro 9 (SQ3/5G) comes with Windows 11 Home on ARM. At this time, Surface Pro 9 (SQ3/5G) with Windows 11 Home on ARM will not install some games and CAD software, and some third-party drivers or anti-virus software. Certain features require specific hardware (see aka.ms/windows11-spec). Find out more in the FAQ. Sold separately. Software licence required for some features. Charger for Surface Slim Pen 2 sold separately. Surface Slim Pen 2 can charge with Surface Slim Pen Charger, Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard, Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Duo 2 Pen Cover.

System software and updates use significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software and updates and apps usage. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. 1 TB = 1,000 GB. See Surface Storage for more details. Hard drive is not user removable. Hard drive is only removable by skilled technician following Microsoft provided instructions. The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the latest instalment in what has, over the years, become something of a technological dynasty. From humble beginnings, when not many commentators gave Microsoft a chance of making its hardware business work, the company has refined and improved this 2-in-1 detachable to the point at which it has become – if you’ll forgive my use of a well-worn cliché – a design icon.

not available in all areas; compatibility and performance depends on carrier network, plan and other factors. See carrier for details and pricing. Wi-Fi 6E not available in all areas. Battery life varies significantly based on device configuration, usage, network and feature configuration, signal strength, settings and other factors. See here for details.

Available colours for accessories and Type Cover (sold separately) may vary by market and configuration.Battery life varies significantly based on usage, network and feature configuration, signal strength, settings and other factors. See Surface Battery Performance for details. That doesn't mean that it's not faster, in fact in Cinebench R15 - a test we've retired and replaced with Cinebench R23 - the Surface Pro 8 is nearly 50% faster than the Surface Pro 7, which is a pretty incredibly generational increase. The difference isn't as stark in GeekBench 4, but it's still noticeably faster. As you might expect, the most obvious upgrade this year is to the CPU inside. But this isn’t the usual simple internal revamp. That’s because as well as moving to 12th Gen U-series Intel Core i5 and Core i7 chips, the Surface Pro 9 range now includes a model built around the ARM-based Microsoft SQ3 chip, and it’s significant because it signals that the use of smartphone-like chips (this is based largely on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3) to power laptops is a practice that’s here to stay, and that it’s likely to become more prevalent. System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software updates and apps usage. 1 GB= 1 billion bytes. See Surface Storage for more details.

The Surface Pro 9 with Intel chips is therefore one of the very best Windows 11 tablets you can buy.Surface Pro 9 (SQ® 3/5G) comes with Windows 11 Home on ARM. At this time, Surface Pro 9 (SQ® 3/5G) with Windows 11 Home on ARM will not install some games and CAD software, and some third-party drivers or anti-virus software. Certain features require specific hardware (see Windows 11 Specs and System Requirements). Find out more in the FAQ. Activation required for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox Game Pass ultimate 30 day trial accessible through Xbox.com/Play. You can use it to play games on Xbox One and Xbox Series Consoles, and stream select games where available to Surface Pro 9 through Xbox.com/Play and other supported devices. Not currently available in China. Comparison of viewable content on Surface devices with 3:2 aspect ratio v. laptops with 16:10 or 16:9 aspect ratio.