Microsoft Opens Surface Laptop Ultra RTX Spark Preorders as TechRadar Spotlights 2026 Windows 11 Laptops

The machine combines Nvidia RTX Spark N1X processing with Nvidia Blackwell graphics and LPDDR5x unified memory that can reach 128GB. TechRadar reported that the entry-level model pairs an 18-core CPU with a 5,120-core Blackwell RTX GPU, while a higher-end version moves to a 20-core CPU and a 6,144-core GPU. The platform can deliver up to one petaflop of AI compute and run models with as many as 120 billion parameters locally, though TechRadar noted that the size of models users can realistically run will depend on configuration and software.

The 15-inch PixelSense Ultra touchscreen has a 3270 x 2180 resolution, a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz, 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, Dolby Vision IQ support and a peak HDR brightness of 2,000 nits. Connectivity includes three USB4-capable USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1b, USB-A 3.1, an SD card reader and a headphone jack, along with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, a 1080p webcam and a precision haptic touchpad. Microsoft quotes battery life of up to 15 hours for local video playback or 12 hours for active web browsing.

Pricing rises with memory and storage. The $2,599.99 model includes 24GB of unified memory and a 512GB Gen 4 SSD. Models with a 1TB SSD start at $2,999.99, while the higher-end RTX Spark N1X configuration with a 20-core CPU and 6,144-core GPU starts at $3,699.99. Consumer configurations with 32GB, 64GB or 128GB of memory include Windows 11 Pro, and storage options include removable 512GB Gen 4 and 1TB or 2TB Gen 5 SSDs. Microsoft also offers a Surface Laptop Ultra for Business with commercial support and service options.

TechRadar's roundup of Windows 11 laptops it has tested in 2026 includes models that earned four or more stars out of five. It called the moderately priced HP OmniBook 7 Aero ideal for people who work on the go because of its performance, slim build and port selection. It described the Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra as a thin and light laptop with a high-quality screen and powerful components, and said the model could be considered a MacBook-killer. TechRadar noted that the list covers a range of priorities and budgets.

In a separate deal report, TechRadar said the Gigabyte Gaming A16 Pro with an RTX 5070 Ti dropped to $1,449 at Walmart, down from $2,149.99. The listing cited by TechRadar includes 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and an Intel Core 7 240H processor. TechRadar said sub-$1,500 RTX 5070 Ti laptops often have 16GB of RAM, an older chipset or other compromises. It previously reviewed the Gigabyte model and gave it four stars out of five, noting a 115W TGP limit that makes it less powerful than some higher-end RTX 5070 Ti laptops but still capable for games and creative work. The machine has HDMI 2.1, a headphone jack, a 1600p IPS display, a lay-flat design and a weight of 2.3 kg.

TechRadar's preorder report said the Surface Laptop Ultra is aimed at AI developers, researchers, creative professionals and businesses that need local processing and large amounts of unified memory. It added that people who mainly use Microsoft 365, web applications, email and video conferencing would likely be better served by a conventional business laptop that costs less.