By Stefan Vazharov
Publication Date: 2026-10-20 16:20:00
Last week, graphics processor manufacturer Nvidia launched a foray into laptop processors with the RTX Spark, a powerful laptop chipset that combines a CPU and GPU into a single system-on-a-chip (SoC), similar to what you find in most phones and tablets. You might think the goal is efficiency, and it is, but Nvidia has also packed in enough power to support a top-flight productivity laptop and far better graphics than any system without a discrete graphics card. Between RTX Spark and Google’s new GoogleBook laptops, we have entered a new age of laptops made and optimized specifically for working with AI. If you’re bullish on AI and use it regularly at home or at work, it’s a brand-new day.
As influential as Nvidia is, it’s no surprise that many major brands have jumped on the RTX train early. Six Spark laptops are out or coming soon, but the most notable to me is from Microsoft, which slapped the “Ultra” moniker on a new high-end version of its Surface Laptop. Microsoft, having leaned heavily into AI and productivity, is a perfect poster child (and test subject) for what this chip can do, so I’ve been eager to get my hands on this so-called Surface Laptop Ultra since Nvidia first unveiled Spark a few months ago.
Mostly, I’m curious. These systems are built for AI, and that makes sense, but not everyone needs a laptop powerful enough to replace a $2,000-per-month Claude token habit: The question is, can the Surface Laptop Ultra (or any RTX Spark…
