Smartsizing Computer Hardware

MS Surface - it's over

TL:DR - Do NOT buy a Microsoft Surface of any type. Get an Apple equivalent and install Windows via Bootcamp if you have to. Apple now offers superior value across virtually every segment of the laptop market.

What happened?

Price hikes of 25-50% across the Surface range mean that the competitive landscape between these two platforms has fundamentally altered. The combination of direct admissions from Windows-focused publications, customer feedback, and strategic missteps by Microsoft (eg Windows 11 is an AI-infested ad-ridden buggy shitshow) means that, from budget to professional devices, Apple laptops are a better bet in almost every respect.

Author's note: I had to do some considerable research to write this since I've never used a Surface except for messing around on. I no longer use any Apple products daily and haven't used Wndows regularly for a long time. My recommendation is still for some form of Thinkpad/Linux setup, ideally a Lenovo model no later than the T480, starting the RAM at 16GB, boosting to 32/64GB as needed. If there is a specific and/or work-related reason to use either an Apple or MS Surface - and of course if someone else is paying - than this article may be of relevance.

Let's get on with it: MS Surface v. equivalent Apple

After the aforementioned Surface price hike, the pricing discrepancies are particularly stark when examining specific models:

And it doesn't end there...

The high-end segment shows similar disparities:

This pricing situation represents a fundamental shift in the Windows vs. Mac value proposition. The long-held assumption that Windows laptops offer better affordability has been overturned, with some midrange Surface devices now starting over $1,000 and flagship models beginning around $1,500. For budget-conscious consumers, the disparity is even more pronounced—the Surface Pro laptop’s price jumped from $800 to $1,050 (£590 - £774), making it nearly double the cost of Apple’s MacBook Neo.

Dodgy Timing

The value argument extends beyond just price comparisons. The Surface Laptop 7 is approaching two years old, yet its price has increased by $500 (£369) since launch, while Apple’s newer products offer updated technology at stable prices. Apple has also provided more value with its recent M5 upgrade by increasing base SSD storage to match the price increase, whereas Microsoft’s price hikes have not included commensurate hardware improvements.

So, as we see, Microsoft’s timing for these price increases is particularly questionable, coming just before expected new Surface hardware launches later in 2026. This strategy may permanently elevate the baseline pricing of Windows premium laptops, essentially ceding the budget and midrange markets to competitors like Apple.

The value disparity has led even Windows-focused publications to reconsider their recommendations. As Windows Central acknowledges,

“It no longer makes sense to recommend a Surface at any price point over a similarly spec’d MacBook, iPad, or third-party OEM Windows machine”.

This sentiment reflects how Microsoft’s pricing has transformed its value proposition from competitive to questionable across virtually all market segments.

Microsoft’s 'rip-off' price hikes across its Surface lineup has fundamentally altered the competition with Apple. With Apple offering newer technology, better performance, more stable pricing, and in most cases lower prices than their Surface counterparts, it becomes increasingly difficult to argue that Microsoft laptops represent better value - the old argument - at any price point. This shift represents one of the most dramatic value reversals in the recent history of computing platforms.

Excuses, Excuses...

These price increases are claimed to stem from what industry analysts are calling a RAMpocalypse, with Gartner forecasting DRAM prices to increase by 125% and NAND flash by 234% in 2026. Microsoft has cited these component shortages, particularly affecting RAM and memory, as the primary driver for price increases. However, while the tech industry broadly faces these challenges, Apple has managed to absorb these costs without passing them to consumers, maintaining stable pricing across its laptop lineup.

Reading the Comment Section of this Windows Central article, only strengthens the argument that this is a massive L for Microsoft and a W for the Apple’s better value-for-money argument. Bear in mind, I am no Apple fanboy! :
The article confirms Microsoft’s price increases of up to $500 (£369) across its entire Surface lineup, including the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Go devices. Not a rumour, folks! Not a typo! What’s particularly telling is the publication’s 'fess up that

“It no longer makes sense to recommend a Surface at any price point over a similarly spec’d MacBook, iPad, or third-party OEM Windows machine.”
A significant admission coming from a Windows-focused publication.

And now, a word from our Sponsors Comment Section

The comments reveal a striking sentiment among readers that further undermines the value proposition of Surface devices. Multiple commenters express deep frustration with Microsoft’s pricing strategy, with one noting they would “never pay these prices for Windows hardware.” Another commenter points out that the new pricing makes Surface devices “prohibitively expensive” for educational institutions, traditionally an important market segment for Microsoft.

Several commenters draw direct comparisons to Apple, noting that while Apple faces the same component supply challenges, they have maintained stable pricing. One reader observes,

“Apple somehow manages to keep their prices reasonable despite the same global chip shortages, which shows this is more about Microsoft’s strategy than market conditions.”

Microsoft’s price increases are viewed as opportunistic rather than necessary.

The comments also reveal growing disillusionment with Microsoft’s long-term product strategy. Multiple users express concerns about Microsoft’s commitment to the Surface line, with references to previous product cancellations like the Windows Phone. This uncertainty about product continuity creates additional risk premium when considering a Surface purchase versus Apple’s more stable and predictable product roadmap.

Another revealing aspect from the comments is the perception that Microsoft is pricing itself out of the market. One commenter notes,

“At these prices, I might as well just get a MacBook and install Windows via Boot Camp if needed.”

This reflects how Microsoft has effectively abandoned its price advantage while still competing against Apple’s ecosystem integration, build quality, and performance.

The Windows Central article also highlights that these price increases come just before expected hardware refreshes, leading readers to question why Microsoft would raise prices on ageing technology rather than waiting to introduce new products with higher prices. This timing further undermines the value proposition of current Surface devices.

Cunning Plan: Charge More and More for Less and Less!

Microsoft removing features while raising prices. Multiple commenters express frustration about the removal of the headphone jack and other ports, making the devices less functional while becoming more expensive. This contrasts with Apple’s more measured approach to feature transitions and its ability to justify premium pricing through ecosystem integration and consistent performance.

Microsoft’s own sales team appears hesitant to recommend these devices. One commenter claims they contacted Microsoft sales for a corporate purchase and was steered toward Dell devices instead. This is particularly damning, suggesting even Microsoft representatives acknowledge the embarassing piss-poor value of these things at current pricing.

Microsoft’s crazy Surface price hikes are pushing me to Apple: I can no longer recommend Surface over a MacBook or iPad | Windows Central