Trimming the Bulk: The Evolution of…

mayo 7, 2025 3:00 pm

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit Microsoft’s Surface hardware lab, where engineers meticulously test the materials that go into their devices, from hinges to fabrics. While these visits usually feature standard engineering demonstrations, my recent trip to Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, took a different turn. This time, I witnessed an intriguing blend of magnets, robotics, drop tests, and even smoke being utilized to optimize the design of the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models.

The first stop on my tour was the advanced prototype center, where Surface engineers are continuously creating and refining prototypes, such as the 12-inch Surface Pro. A significant challenge for this device was ensuring the Surface Pen could securely attach to the back of the tablet without falling off.

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