Microsoft Unveils New Nvidia-Chip AI PCs with Revamped Windows 11

In June, Nvidia announced agreements with Microsoft and other PC makers to develop AI- and agent-ready PCs for Windows based on its RTX Spark chip. However, details about these machines were scarce at the time. Now, Microsoft has revealed more information about its new Surface Laptop Ultra, which is powered by the RTX Spark chip.

The Surface Laptop Ultra comes in two base models: one starting at $2,600 and another with a more powerful chip that starts at $3,700. Prices increase from there, with options for additional memory and storage up to $5,900. Microsoft notes that its highest-end device is already out of stock.

Microsoft also introduced the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, a workstation powered by the RTX Spark chip, priced at $6,000. This PC comes equipped with Microsoft development tools like VS Code, GitHub Copilot CLI, WSL, and PowerShell 7. The company emphasizes that these devices are designed to run AI models on-device locally, without requiring cloud computing or additional costs.

The revamped Windows 11 operating system includes a feature called ‘Execution Containers,’ which makes it easier for developers to sandbox AI agents. This feature will be available for all Windows 11 users, according to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. At the event in San Francisco during Tech Week, Nadella explained that having just an AI model is not enough; rather, one needs to orchestrate and integrate multiple models with context and memory.

Nadella highlighted the importance of a ‘harnessed layer’ that can handle multiple models, context, and action space. He emphasized that Microsoft’s goal is to enable this capability for all developers, not just those using Microsoft apps. This aligns with the company’s vision for the Windows platform going forward.

The new Surface PCs are clearly targeted at developers, which is why Microsoft is offering up to $1,000 off for customers who trade in a MacBook Pro. Macs have become popular among developers and AI enthusiasts, particularly in Silicon Valley. However, these powerful graphics processing units also enable content creation, video processing, and gaming.

Microsoft was not the only company announcing Nvidia-RTX Spark AI Windows PCs on Wednesday. Dell revealed details about its previously announced Dell XPS 16 Creator Edition PC, which is available for preorder now at Best Buy with a later October delivery date. The price of this device is $3,800.