Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is announced: the tablet made to replace your laptop
Say hello to the Microsoft Surface Pro 3. Yup, Microsoft just announced a brand new Windows 8.1 tablet at its press event, and, boy, does it have a lot going for it! In fact, Microsoft is promising that the Surface Pro 3 is capable of replacing a laptop, and that might turn out to be valid for many a user.
So, what's so cool about the Microsoft Surface Pro 3? Well, the slate has adopted the magnesium casing and solid construction that the Pro 2 was known for. And to prove that the new model can handle more than a few bumps, one got dropped at the stage without suffering any damage. Furthermore, the Pro 3 weighs 800 grams, which makes it over 100 grams lighter than the previous model. At an impressive 9.1 millimeters, Microsoft's newest tablet is also much slimmer than its predecessor. Further design changes include an improved, multi-position kickstand.
Under the hood of the Surface Pro 3 resides an Intel processor – up to a 4-th generation Core i7 with HD 4400 graphics, at that. Microsoft has managed to put Intel's powerful chip in its new tablet, thus making it the thinnest Core i7 device ever. Less capable, yet more affordable configurations will be available as well, packing an Intel Core i3 or an i5 processor. Up to 8 gigabytes of RAM can be tucked inside the device, and storage space options range from 64 to 512 gigabytes. To keep its cool even under heavy load, the Surface Pro 3 relies on a fan-based cooling system and vents placed around its sides. As powerful as it is, a Surface Pro 3 should provide up to 9 hours of web-browsing time on a single charge.
The range of accessories for the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 includes a Surface Pen, which comes in the box. As the name implies, it is a presicion stylus used for note-taking and drawing. What you won't get in the set, however, is the Type Cover detachable keyboard ($129.99). The Pro 3 variant of the accessory features a 68% larger touchpad. A docking station for the device will be offered as well, priced at $199.99.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 will go on sale tomorrow, May 21. Pricing is as follows: the very base configuration, with a Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, will cost $799, while a Core i5 model with twice the RAM and storage space will retail for $1299. There will be two Core i7 configurations with 8GB of RAM and either 256 or 512 gigabytes of storage for $1549 or $1949 respectively.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: