Surface Pro 3 Announced

Source: Microsoft

Surface Pro 3 is available for pre-order and will arrive in the United States on June 20, 2014, with more markets to follow in late August. The new line of devices delivers lower prices, better battery life, and a larger screen than its predecessor.

Surface Pro 3 devices include Intel Core processors ranging from a low-power i3 to a high-performance i7 processor. The devices are stated to deliver 10% better battery life than the Surface Pro 2. Surface Pro 3 display resolution is much higher than earlier models (2160 x 1440) with a 12-inch screen bearing a 3:2 aspect ratio. Surface Pro 3 includes an adjustable kickstand that opens at any angle up to 150 degrees, in contrast to the smaller number of fixed viewing angles offered by earlier Surface devices. Entry-level Surface Pro 3 systems include 4GB of RAM and 64GB of solid-state disk (SSD) storage, but they can be ordered with up to 8GB of RAM and 512GB. Surface Pro 3 prices start at US$799.

A new optional docking station designed for Surface Pro 3 will be available later in 2014, allowing the device to provide a suitable choice for employees who would like a tablet that can act as a desktop replacement. A new backlit Surface Pro 3 Type Cover (US$129) accessory includes a larger trackpad and magnets that work with the tablet to enable the keyboard to be used at an angle, and it is available in multiple colors. A new aluminum Surface Pen accessory is pressure sensitive and includes palm block functionality (replacements are US$49.99). It has a button on top that automatically launches OneNote with one click. Double-clicking the pen’s button causes the tablet to take a screen shot.