Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Microsoft has just announced a larger, updated version of their Surface tablet which is designed to make it more appealing as a supplement or replacement for laptops. The new version is the Surface Pro 3 and features a 12 inch screen, a two inch increase from the prior model. The launch of the updated Surface is focused on boosting Windows tablet and phone sales and gaining excitement among the Windows market to remain competitive in the constantly changing computing environment. Microsoft corporate vice president Panos Panay stated “So many people carry both a laptop and a tablet but really want just one device that serves all purposes.” He went on to state that the Surface Pro 3 “ is the tablet that can replace your laptop, packing all the performance of a fully powered laptop into a thin, light, and beautifully designed device.” In addition to a larger screen, the Surface Pro 3 features a ClearType Full HD display, 4th generation Intel Core processor, and capability of upgrading up to 8GB of RAM. The battery life is nine hours for this lightweight tablet/laptop hybrid which provides the versatility of a laptop with the light weight of a tablet. The Surface Pro 3 still retains its snap or click keyboard design with kickstand that provides multiple viewing angles. The sleeker monitor is thinner than the competition by 30%. A new Surface Pen has been reengineered to provide more precise drawing and note taking with a single click. The Surface launches a new OneNote page upon clicking the pen to provision an on the spot instant page to begin writing notes as if using a standard pen and paper with pressure sensitivity that provides a natural writing experience. The pen connects via Bluetooth 4.0, runs on one AAAA and two 319 coin cell batteries included in the box with a one year warranty at a price of $49.99 USD. The Surface Pro 3 runs Windows 8.1 Pro so users can run current desktop software such as the Microsoft Office suite with the capability to multitask with side by side windows. The speakers on the Surface Pro 3 include Dolby Audio enhanced sound. Other accessories include a new lightweight Surface Pro Type Cover that weighs in at 0.65 lbs and will allow converting the device from a tablet to a laptop in one snap. The cover is available in black, cyan, blue, red, and purple and features a full QWERTY letter keys and full row of function keys as well as Windows shortcut keys and media control keys with a price of $129.99 USD. Ports include a USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader, and Mini DisplayPort to allow for fast and easy file transferring and connecting to a variety of other external devices. A new docking station and Ethernet adapter are available for the Surface Pro 3 to give it all the capabilities of a laptop. The docking station provides a simple one click connection to the Surface Pro 3 which will allow you to go from a tablet to a full desktop PC with unlimited power. The docking station comes with a gigabit Ethernet port for up to 1Gbps wired networking speed. It also includes a mini HD DisplayPort to support video with resolution up to 3840x2600 with five USB ports consisting of three 3.0 ports and two 2.0 ports. The charging system uses 48W which allows you to power the Surface Pro 3 along with other accessories. Weighing in at only 650 grams and costing only $199.99, USD the docking station is a worthwhile investment for those who plan to run multiple accessories for extended periods of time. The adapter allows you to connect the Surface Pro 3 to a network using the SuperSpeed Ethernet Adapter. Just connect the Ethernet Adapter into a USB 3.0 port to share files, print, transfer data at speeds up to 1Gbps, and gain online access. The adapter is available for $39.99 USD. Microsoft has designed the Surface Pro 3 for business and has expanded its target into 31 commercial markets to gain new customers. The versatility of the Surface Pro 3 allows commercial markets to deploy a device to their workforce to replace existing laptops with a mobile tablet with comparable processing speeds, power, and security. Some of Microsoft’s top clients that have adopted the Surface Pro 3 include the Coca-Cola Company, BMW Group, and Moët Hennesy Louis Vuitton. The Vice President of IT Infrastructure for the BMW Group, Mario Müeller has already issued a statement that the “Surface Pro 3 is a truly innovative device that will replace both a tablet and powerful laptop.” The Surface Pro 3 has a retail price of $799 USD and is now available at Best Buy and Microsoft retail stores. Multiple configurations are available with the 4th generation Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors. Starting on 20 June in the US and Canada, customers can review the Microsoftstore.com website , retail stores, and certain third party retailers to buy the Intel Core i5 Surface Pro 3 and select accessories. Microsoft will release additional configurations during the month of August and more accessories in the next few months to follow. Microsoft plans to make the Surface Pro 3 and accessories available to an additional 26 markets that include Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, Malaysia, Australia, Norway, and Portugal.