Microsoft recently held a highly anticipated Windows event in New York City, but it was notably missing a familiar face. Longtime division head Panos Panay was conspicuously absent from the stage as CEO Satya Nadella took charge and introduced the tech giant’s newest line of Surface devices.

One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of the Surface Laptop Go 3, which serves as the successor to its predecessor, the Laptop Go 2. This new laptop is powered by the state-of-the-art 12th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU and Intel Iris Xe graphics. With an impressive 88% speed bump compared to its predecessor, the Laptop Go 3 promises to deliver a significant performance boost.

Portability is a key selling point for the Laptop Go 3, weighing in at less than 2.5 pounds and featuring a sleek 12.4-inch touchscreen display. Microsoft has also put emphasis on audio quality, equipping the Laptop Go 3 with a pair of Studio mics and Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers. Additionally, users can expect a battery life of up to 15 hours, ensuring they stay productive throughout the day.

In addition to the Laptop Go 3, Microsoft introduced the Laptop Studio 2. This device boasts a larger 14.4-inch display and is equipped with the powerful 13th-gen Intel Core H-class processors. The Laptop Studio 2 offers optional Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics, making it a top choice for gamers and creative professionals. The device also features multiple ports, including USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, and a microSD card reader, ensuring users have all the connectivity options they need.

Excitingly, both the Laptop Go 3 and the Laptop Studio 2 are now available for pre-order and will begin shipping on October 3. The Laptop Go 3 starts at a reasonable $799, while the Laptop Studio 2 is priced at $1,999, catering to a range of budgets.

While the event showcased Microsoft’s latest innovations and technological advancements, many were left wondering about Panos Panay’s absence. Reports suggest that his departure from the division is a direct result of budget cuts and the cancellation of experimental Surface devices. Nevertheless, Microsoft remains committed to pushing boundaries and delivering cutting-edge products to its consumers.

Overall, the Windows event in New York City proved to be an exciting moment for tech enthusiasts. With the introduction of the impressive Surface Laptop Go 3 and the Laptop Studio 2, Microsoft continues to cement its position as a leading player in the industry.