Surface 3 Announced, Available in May 2015

The new Surface 3 tablet could be an alternative for point-of-service scenarios where an Apple iPad or a traditional PC are in consideration. The Surface 3 delivers Microsoft’s first Intel-based tablet for consumers, likely indicating the company’s relegation of ARM-based processors to Windows-based phones (and perhaps small tablets).

Surface 3 includes a 10.8-inch display with a 1920×1080 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. (The Surface 2 screen is the same resolution but is 10.6 inches with a 16:9 aspect ratio.) Surface 3 uses a standard Micro-USB connector for its power cable, enabling it to be charged with equipment commonly used for phones. 4G LTE connectivity is a US$100 option at the time of purchase. An available stylus (US$49.99) is pressure sensitive and includes palm block functionality. Clicking the top stylus button wakes up the tablet and launches OneNote. The 3:2 portrait aspect ratio, Micro-USB power cable connector, and availability of a stylus and 4G LTE could make the Surface 3 ideal for use in point-of-service solutions or other embedded scenarios.