After many smartphone manufacturers stopped including power adapters in the box, tablets, including those from Google and Apple, have also been affected. Now, Microsoft has also decided not to include a power adapter with the Surface Pro 11 in some European markets, Windows Central reports.
Microsoft attributes the change to the European Union's initiative to reduce e-waste. While this may have a positive effect on the environment, it does mean additional costs for buyers. Now, you have to pay an extra £79.99 for a 65W power supply (50% off, £40).
The changes went into effect about a month ago in select EU markets. In addition to the lack of a power adapter, they also affected the Surface Pro 11's packaging, which became smaller and lighter.
Currently, an EU initiative forces manufacturers to make power banks optional only for smartphones and tablets. Lighter laptops like the Surface Laptop 7 or MacBook Air, which sometimes also come with similar charging blocks, are not yet covered by the initiative.