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Microsoft's LTE-enabled 'Surface Pro 8 for Business' is not coming until 2022

Published: Sep 28, 2021, 11:30 AM

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Microsoft's LTE-enabled 'Surface Pro 8 for Business' is not coming until 2022

The Surface Pro 8 stole the limelight last week with its "virtually edge to edge" 13-inch display supporting state-of-the-art 120Hz refresh rate technology, as well as a huge processing speed upgrade over its 2019 predecessor, but if you paid close attention to Microsoft's product announcement, you may have noticed that the company left out any mention of LTE Advanced connectivity.

Obviously, that doesn't mean the 2-in-1 powerhouse will lack the option to stay connected wherever its owners go, but rather that said option is not exactly right around the corner.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Platinum, Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD

$1099 ⁹⁹

Buy at Microsoft

Unlike all the Wi-Fi-only Surface Pro 8 configurations that are already up for pre-order ahead of an October 5 shipment start, the LTE-enabled variants are vaguely slated for 2022 availability. That's according to Microsoft's own business-centric product webpage, mind you, which means there's absolutely no hope for a commercial release by the end of this year now.

Intriguingly, the aptly named "Surface Pro 8 for Business" is set to come with your choice of Intel Core i7, i5, or i3 processors, unlike the consumer-oriented model, which can only be had with Intel Core i5 or i7 power... for some reason. Unfortunately, the entire enterprise-friendly pricing structure is still under wraps, while the most affordable "regular" Surface Pro 8 unit costs $1,099.99... with no keyboard cover or Surface Pen included.

Surface Pro 7+ for Business

Platinum, Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, LTE

$1149 ⁹⁹

Buy at Microsoft

Surface Pro X

Platinum, Microsoft SQ2, LTE, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD

$1499 ⁹⁹

Buy at Microsoft

If you need an always-connected Surface earlier than next year, you can get the early 2021-released Pro 7+ with LTE for as little as $1,149.99 or a Microsoft SQ2-powered Pro X with a whopping 16GB RAM and speedy 256GB SSD on deck in addition to standalone cellular technology at $1,499.99 right now.

Alas, the much cheaper Surface Pro X versions with SQ1 power, LTE, less memory, and/or less storage are currently unavailable through Microsoft's official US e-store, although other retailers may well have you covered if you know where to look.

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Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.