Tech specs

Key Features
What's new
  • Windows 8 Pro You can do everything as you've ever done on your PC.
  • Laptop class performance Powered by 3rd Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB, and up to 128GB of SSD storage.
  • Touch & Inking It supports 10-point multitouch and Surface Pen with 1,024 pressure sensitivity.
  • Kickstand It comes with an integrated kickstand easy to switch between tablet and laptop mode.
  • Detachable Touch & Type Cover Be more productive with a full-size keyboard doubling as a protective screen cover.
  • More Magnet charging connector, Full-size USB 3.0 port, Bluetooth 4.0, HD front and rear camera.
AvailabilitySurface Pro 1
Released2012
Release Info
  • Introduced: June 18, 2012
  • Not available for pre-ordered
  • Released: February 9, 2013
Pricing
  • Intel® Core™ i5
    • $899 - i5 | 4 GB | 64 GB
    • $999 - i5 | 4 GB | 128 GB
Surface Pro 1 Price
Microsoft Surface Pro 9, 13" 2-in-1 Tablet & Laptop, Thin & Lightweight, Intel 12th Gen i7 Fast Processor for Multi-Tasking, 32GB Ram, 1TB Storage with Windows 11, Platinum Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Surface Pro 9, 13" 2-in-1 Tablet & Laptop, Thin & Lightweight, Intel 12th Gen i7 Fast Processor for Multi-Tasking, 32GB Ram, 1TB Storage with Windows 11, Platinum Microsoft Copilot
By Microsoft
$2,099.00
$2,599.99 19% OFF
Microsoft QLP-00001 Surface Pro 9 13" Touch Tablet, Intel i7, 32GB/1TB, Platinum Bundle Surface Pro Signature Mechanical Keyboard, Black and 1 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Microsoft QLP-00001 Surface Pro 9 13" Touch Tablet, Intel i7, 32GB/1TB, Platinum Bundle Surface Pro Signature Mechanical Keyboard, Black and 1 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
By Microsoft
$2,245.99
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 - 13" Touchscreen - Intel® Evo Platform Core™ i7 - 16GB Memory - 1TB SSD - Device Only - Platinum (Latest Model)
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 - 13" Touchscreen - Intel® Evo Platform Core™ i7 - 16GB Memory - 1TB SSD - Device Only - Platinum (Latest Model)
By Microsoft
$1,249.00
$2,199.99 43% OFF
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Tablet, 13" - High-Performance Laptop with 10th Gen Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Pre-Installed Windows 11 Pro, Long Battery Life Platinum Finish QLQ-00001
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 Tablet, 13" - High-Performance Laptop with 10th Gen Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Pre-Installed Windows 11 Pro, Long Battery Life Platinum Finish QLQ-00001
By Microsoft
$1,958.18
$2,699.99 27% OFF
Latest Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (2736 x 1824) Tablet 6th Generation (Intel Core i5-6300U, 8GB Ram, 256GB SSD, Bluetooth, Dual Camera) Windows 10 Professional (Renewed)
Latest Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (2736 x 1824) Tablet 6th Generation (Intel Core i5-6300U, 8GB Ram, 256GB SSD, Bluetooth, Dual Camera) Windows 10 Professional (Renewed)
By Microsoft
$268.00
Microsoft Surface Go (Intel Pentium Gold, 4GB RAM, 64GB)
Microsoft Surface Go (Intel Pentium Gold, 4GB RAM, 64GB)
By Microsoft
$269.00
DisplaySurface Pro 1
Size10.6 Inches
Info
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (2M Pixels)
  • Density: 208 PPI
  • ClearType Full HDDisplay
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Touch: 10 point multi-touch
  • Surface Pen support (1st Gen)
ExteriorSurface Pro 1
Dimensions10.81” x 6.81” x 0.53” (275 mm x 173 mm x 13.46 mm)
Width: 10.81” (275 mm)
Height: 6.81” (173 mm)
Thickness: 0.53” (13.46 mm)
Weight
  • 2 lbs (910 g)
Colors
Dark Titanium
Keyboard and Trackpad
  • Surface Type Cover
    • Not included
  • Keyboard:
    • Activation: Moving (mechanical) keys.
    • Layout: QWERTY, full row of function keys (F1-F12).
    • 4 directional keys; Windows and Media Controls Keys.
  • Trackpad:
    • Two-finger multitouch gesture trackpad.
Ports
  • 1 x Full-size USB 3.0
  • 1 x Mini DisplayPort
  • 1 x Surface Charging Port
  • 1 x Headset jack
  • 1 x microSD™ card reader
  • 1 x Type Cover port
Internal SpecsSurface Pro 1
Processor
  • Intel® Core™ i5-3317U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 1.70 → 2.60 GHz, 3MB SmartCache, 17W
Integrated Graphics
  • Intel® Core™ i5-3317U
    Intel® HD Graphics 4000
    16 Execution Units, 350 → 1.05 MHz
Memory
4GB
Dual Channel Memory
Storage
64 GB 128 GB
SSD
ConnectivitySurface Pro 1
Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi 4: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n compatible.
Bluetooth
  • Bluetooth Wireless 4.0 technology
BatterySurface Pro 1
Size42 Wh
Battery Life7-15 days of idle life
Power Supply
  • 48W proprietary power supply
    • USB-A output: 5W
    • Surface Charger: 43W
SoftwareSurface Pro 1
OS
  • Windows 8 Pro
  • Upgradable Windows 10 Pro
Built-in AppsMicrosoft Office 30-days trial
Camera & AudioSurface Pro 1
Camera
  • 720p HD LifeCam front-facing camera with TrueColor Technology
  • 720p HD LifeCam rear-facing camera with TrueColor Technology
Audio
  • Single microphone
  • Stereo speakers
MiscSurface Pro 1
InkingSupports Surface Pen
1,024 levels of pressure
Wacom Active Pen technology
Can be attached to charging port
Included with purchase
Sensors
  • Ambient light sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Magnetometer
In the box
  • Surface Pro (1st Gen)
  • Surface Pro Pen
  • Power supply
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Safety and warranty documents
Warranty
  • One-year limited hardware warranty
More
  • Casing: VaporMg
  • Kickstand: 1 position at 22°
  • Physical buttons: volumes, power

Availability

The original Surface Pro came out on June 18th, 2012, at the Microsoft Surface event, with a starting price of $899 for the model with Intel Core i5-3317U, 4GB of 1600MHz LPDDR3 RAM, and 64GB of SSD. It has a 10.6-inch full-HD display with touch and pen input enabled. Unlike the Surface RT, the Pro model has Windows 8 Pro that supports all Windows software and games.

At the event, alongside the Surface RT, Microsoft also introduced the Surface Pro, Surface Touch Cover, Surface Type Cover, and more.

Features

Pro-grade performance

The Surface with Windows 8 Pro features a powerful 64-bit x86 processor, courtesy of Intel. The third-generation Intel Core i5-3317U has two cores and four threads, enabled with hyper-threading technology, making it perfect for multitasking. It can support up to three displays, making it an ideal choice for maximum productivity.

ProcessorIntel Core i5-3317U
Base Frequency1.7 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency2.6 GHz
TDP17 watt
Level 1 Cache128 KB
Level 2 Cache512 KB
Level 3 Cache3 MB
Max Memory Size32 GB
GraphicsIntel HD Graphic 4000
Graphics Frequency350 MHz – 1050 MHz
Graphics DirectX11.1
Graphics OpenGL4.0
# Display Supported3
Original Surface Pro’s processor spec sheet

Tips and tricks

Discover how to get the most out of your Surface Pro 2 with our tips and tricks. Our comprehensive guide will help you optimize battery life, enhance performance, boost productivity, and troubleshoot effectively.

Update History

Catch up on the latest information about the original Surface Pro features and fixes introduced via driver and firmware updates from Microsoft. Here are the last five releases:

2016
Feb
26
  • Surface Pro Image
    Eliminate instances where the device wakes randomly and improve system stability when detaching the cover.
    View
2015
Jul
28
  • Surface Pro Image
    Improve graphics performance and stability on Windows 10 and resolve issues where the Surface Pro would wake from sleep by itself
    View
Jan
15
  • Surface Pro Image
    Improve system security.
    View
2014
Aug
12
  • Surface Pro Image
    Improve network connection stability and enable functionality on Wi-Fi networks using a hidden SSID.
    View
Jul
08
  • Surface Pro Image
    Improve battery life, and experience when using the Surface Power Cover and accessories, and the Miracast wireless display.
    View

Please visit our Surface Pro update tracker page for a complete driver and firmware update release timeline.

FAQs

A thorough understanding of the device you intend to buy is crucial before purchasing. To help you with this, we have prepared an all-inclusive list of frequently asked questions that will answer all your queries.

The FAQ covers all aspects of the original Surface Pro, including display, battery life, performance, software, and design, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

1When did Microsoft Surface Pro (1st Gen) come out?

The original Surface Pro came out on June 18th, 2012, at the Microsoft Surface event, with a starting price of $899 for the model with Intel Core i5-3317U, 4GB of 1600MHz LPDDR3 RAM, and 64GB of SSD. It has a 10.6-inch full-HD display with touch and pen input enabled. Unlike the Surface RT, the Pro model has Windows 8 Pro that supports all Windows software and games.

Microsoft introduced the Surface RT, Surface Pro, Touch Cover, Type Cover, and more at the event. You can watch the Microsoft Surface event in the following video.

2How long will Microsoft support the original Surface Pro?

According to Surface lifecycle documentation, Microsoft Surface Pro 1 reached the end of its driver and firmware updates on April 11, 2017. The company promises to support all Surface devices for at least four years starting from its release date. In this case, the original Surface Pro has already reached four years of driver and firmware updates from Microsoft.

DeviceRelease DateEnd of Servicing Date
Surface Pro 1February 9, 2013April 11, 2017
Last checked: February 21, 2024.

After the end of servicing date, Surface Pro 1 devices will continue to receive Windows OS features and security updates as long as it meets minimum hardware requirements for any future Windows OS. Currently, Windows 10 is the latest supported operating system for the Surface Pro.

3How much does a Surface Pro 1 cost?

There are two configurations of Surface Pro 1:

  • Intel Core i5
    $899 - 64GB $999 - 128GB
4What are the dimensions of the Surface Pro 1?
Microsoft Surface Pro 1 has dimensions of 10.81” x 6.81” x 0.53” (275 mm x 173 mm x 13.46 mm).
5How much does the Surface Pro 1 weigh?
Microsoft Surface Pro 1 is weight at 2lbs (~910g).

6What ports are on the Surface Pro 1?

Here are all the available ports on the Surface Pro 1:

  1. 1 x Full-size USB 3.0
  2. 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
  3. 1 x Surface Charging Port
  4. 1 x MicroSDXC card reader (up to 64GB)
  5. 1 x Surface Pro Type Cover port.
7Does Surface Pro 1 have a camera?
Yes, there are two cameras on Surface Pro 1:

  1. 720p HD LifeCams rear-facing camera.
  2. 720p HD LifeCams front-facing camera.
8What processor is in the Surface Pro 1?

Microsoft Surface Pro 1 has only one processor configuration:

  1. 3rd Gen Intel® Core™ i5-3317U
    • Graphics: Intel® HD Graphics 4000.
    • Base Frequency: 1.70 GHz
    • Max Turbo Frequency: 2.60 GHz
    • Cache: 3 MB
    • 2 cores, 4 threads
9Does Surface Pro 1 include a pen?
Yes, Surface Pro 1 does come with a Surface Pen out of the box. It uses the old Surface Pen with Wacom technology which doesn’t have a battery.
10Does the new Surface Pro 1 come with a keyboard?
No, you will need to purchase the keyboard (Surface Touch Cover or Surface Type Cover) separately. The Surface Touch Cover costs about $120 while the Surface Type Cover 2 costs about $130.
11When was Surface Pro 1 released?

Microsoft Surface Pro 1 was:

  • Announced on June 18, 2012.
  • Not available for pre-order.
  • Available on February 9, 2013.
12Can you upgrade the RAM on Surface Pro 1?
No, you can’t upgrade your Surface Pro 1 RAM as it was soldered directly onto the motherboard.
13Is the Surface Pro 1 fanless?
No, All Surface Pro 1 comes with a fan inside for active cooling.
1What size is the Surface Pro 1’s display?
Surface Pro 1 has a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD Display.
2What is the resolution of Surface Pro 1?
Surface Pro 1 has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 with a pixel density of 208ppi (pixels per Inch).

For more information, check:

3What is the default Surface Pro 1 display scaling?
Micorosft Surface Pro 1 has a default display scaling of 150%.
4What is the aspect ratio of Surface Pro 1?
Surface Pro 1 has a 16:9 aspect ratio.
1Can Microsoft Surface Pro 1 run Photoshop?
Absolutely yes. Microsoft Surface Pro 1 equipped with the 3rd Gen Intel® Core™ processors combined with Intel® HD Graphics, is powerful enough to handle most tasks available on Photoshop.

2Can the Surface Pro 1 run games?

Yes, you can play many game titles at low or medium settings.

3Can you code or program on Surface Pro 1?
For writing code, Microsoft Surface Pro 1 is more than powerful enough to handle most code editors such as VS Code, Atom, or Notepad++. Combined with its great tactile keys, it’s the perfect mobile development machine you want to have. It’s also capable of compiling complex codes on Visual Studio or Android Studio as well.
4Is Surface Pro 1 64-bit?
Yes, Microsoft Surface Pro 1 uses the 3rd Gen Intel® Core™ processors which supports 64-bit instruction and it does come with a 64-bit version of Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 10 Pro.
5Is Surface Pro 1 good for drawing?
Yes, drawing is smooth on most apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Windows Ink, Sketchable, Bamboo Ink, OneNote, and more.
6Is Surface Pro 1 good for students?
Not really. There is one downside of Surface Pro 1 as it lasts only around 4 hours. However, if you don’t bother to carry around the charger, it’s a great device for a student. You can take advantage of all kinds of note-taking taking including typing, drawing, and touch. You will never get stuck on taking note of all kinds of information you want.
7Will Surface Pro 1 run Office?
Yes, Surface Pro 1 comes with a Microsoft Office 365 30-day trial. Office apps will run smoothly on Microsoft Surface Pro 1.
8Will the new Surface Dock work with Surface Pro 1?
No, The new Surface Dock required a new Surface Connect interface which isn’t available on Surface Pro 1.
1What is the battery capacity of Microsoft Surface Pro 1?
Microsoft Surface Pro 1 has a battery capacity of 42 Wh (5,676 mAh, 7.4V). For more information, check:
2How do I charge my Surface Pro 1?

You can charge your Surface Pro 1 by using the OEM charger that comes with your Surface Pro 1 – Plug the charger to the power source and plug the Surface charging connector into the charging port on the right side of Surface Pro 1. It’s a magnet and reversible connector and it’s an official and recommended charging method by Microsoft.

3Can I charge Surface Pro 1 via USB?

No, the USB port on Surface Pro 1 is used for data transfer only.

1Does Surface Pro 1 run Windows 10?

Yes, it does. Surface Pro 1 shipped with a full version of Windows 8 Pro and can be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro for free.

2Can you download apps on Surface Pro 1?
Yes, you can. You can download safe and Microsoft-verified apps and games from Microsoft Store. Since it’s a full version of Windows 8, you can also download and install any apps from any source you’d like to.
3Does Surface Pro 1 run full Windows?

Yes, Surface Pro 1 comes with full Windows 8 Pro.

4How do I reset my Surface Pro 1?

To reset your Surface Pro 1 on Windows 10, plug in your Surface Pro 1 so you don’t run out of power during the refresh.

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security.
  2. Select Recovery.
  3. Under “Reset this PC“, select Get started.
  4. Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.
  5. If you choose to Remove everything, you can choose to clean only the drive where Windows is installed and all drives.
  6. Next, you will have the option to just remove my files and remove files and clean the drive. The option to clean the drive is more secure but takes much longer. For example, if you are recycling your Surface, you should clean the drive. If you are keeping your Surface, you just need to remove your files.
  7. Select Reset.
    Surface Pro 1 will restart and the Surface logo will appear during the reset process (this can take several minutes).
5Is Microsoft Office free on Surface Pro 1?
No, the 10.6-inch Surface Pro 1 comes with a free Office 365 30-day trial, so you need to purchase a subscription to continue using the full Office suite when the trial period ends.

6Does Surface Pro 1 need antivirus?
In most cases, you don’t need a third-party antivirus. Windows 10 on Surface Pro 1 has a built-in Windows Defender for virus and threat protection out of the box. It’s free and receives definition updates regularly via Windows Update.
1Is Surface Pro 1 a tablet or a laptop?
It’s a 2-in-1 tablet or laptop. It can function as a tablet and also a laptop when connected to a Surface Pro Type Cover.
2What is the company that makes Surface Pro 1?
The OG Surface Pro is a product among other Surface-branded products that are made by the Microsoft company.

Here are the most frequently requested comparisons for Surface Pro 1: