The short answer: yes!
If you’re looking to build your modern workplace with Microsoft Surface tools, there is a distinct difference between consumer and commercial configurations and prices. In the following video and blog post, I’ll give a quick overview that will help you save you frustration and time before making a purchase decision.
The
October 2018 launch of the
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and
Surface Laptop 2 was the start of Microsoft’s “Surface for Business” descriptor. This gave customers the choice to purchase a consumer version running Windows 10 Home or a business version running
Windows 10 Pro. Here are the
key differences between the two:
Microsoft Surface Business vs Consumer: Hardware
The base hardware of Surface devices will be the same regardless of whether you go for the Home or Pro version. For example, both the Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Laptop 2 are running 8th-generation Intel quad-core processors. Similarly, the newest
Surface Pro 7 consumer and business versions both run on dual-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-1005G1, quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1035G4, and quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7 processors.
Microsoft Surface Business vs Consumer: Price
The price of Surface business devices will be a bit higher than the consumer versions. Keep in mind that this is because they come with additional features designed specifically for business use. So, the larger up-front investment will be worth the long-term value!
Microsoft Surface Business vs Consumer: Warranty and Device Replacement
Customers who purchase the business versions of Surface Pro 6 or Surface Laptop 2 will get access to Microsoft’s “
Advanced Exchange” warranty at no additional cost, which includes expedited device replacement. It reduces downtime by sending the customer a new device before they must ship back the defective unit. This is incredibly valuable for fast-paced businesses who rely on their devices to get the job done!
With the consumer version of Surface devices, customers must send back their broken device before they can receive a new one. It will then take about 5-8 business days (depending on the country) to get the new device. With the business version of Surface devices, customers can receive their new device before sending the broken one back, which takes only 3-5 business days (depending on the country).
Microsoft Surface Business vs Consumer: Windows 10
The consumer versions of Surface devices run Windows 10 Home, while the business versions run
Windows 10 Pro.
Here are the key differences between
Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro:
| Feature |
Windows 10 Home |
Windows 10 Pro |
| Windows Hello |
✓ |
✓ |
| Device encryption |
✓ |
✓ |
| Firewall and network protection |
✓ |
✓ |
| Internet protection |
✓ |
✓ |
| Parental controls |
✓ |
✓ |
| Secure boot |
✓ |
✓ |
| BitLocker device encryption |
|
✓ |
| Windows Information Protection (WIP) |
|
✓ |
| Windows Defender Antivirus |
✓ |
✓ |
| Digital pen and touch |
✓ |
✓ |
| Microsoft Edge |
✓ |
✓ |
| Cortana |
✓ |
✓ |
| Battery saver mode |
✓ |
✓ |
| Mobile |
✓ |
✓ |
| Voice |
✓ |
✓ |
| Mobile device management |
|
✓ |
| Group Policy |
|
✓ |
| Enterprise State Rooming with Azure |
|
✓ |
| Microsoft Store for Business |
|
✓ |
| Assigned Access |
|
✓ |
| Dynamic Provisioning |
|
✓ |
| Windows Update for Business |
|
✓ |
| Kiosk mode setup |
|
✓ |
| Support for Active Directory |
|
✓ |
| Support for Azure Active Directory |
|
✓ |
Microsoft Surface Business vs Consumer: Office 365
Surface for Business devices are designed to be used with
Office 365 for Business, a subscription-based software model. There are a few different Office 365 for Business plans you can choose from based on your needs, size, and budget. There are many benefits of using Office 365 for Business including increased
mobility,
collaboration, and
security.
On the other hand, individual users with the Home version of Surface devices can purchase
Office 365 Home. It can be used on PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices for up to six people per account.
Make the Most Out of Your Microsoft Surface Device with Protected Trust!
As a Microsoft Certified Partner, our goal is to create a transformative solution for your business with the help of Microsoft’s tools and vision, including Surface devices, Office 365, &
Microsoft Teams. The result? The ability to experience a truly modern workplace and achieve your greatest potential—no matter where you and your employees are working from.
Are you ready to build a more mobile, modern workplace with us?
Contact us today!
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