The Surface Pro 3 tablet announced today by Microsoft is designed to slowly but surely replace all the bulky laptops of the world. It weighs under 2 pounds and is only 9.1 millimeters thick, yet it carries the same grade of computing power as the very best laptops. We’re talking about an Intel Core i3 CPU coupled with 4GB of DDR3 RAM and a 64GB SSD. And that’s just the $799.99 starter model!
According to CNET , Microsoft’s goal for the Surface Pro 3 is for it to function as an all-in-one solution for those individuals who feel compelled to carry around two devices: a laptop for the intense stuff and a tablet for the light stuff. All you need to do is get an optional $129.99 add-on keyboard. It magnetically latches onto the tablet, thus transforming it into a fully functional laptop – albeit a very lightweight one.
Also included with the Surface Pro 3 is a USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, a Mini DisplayPort, large trackpad, and an even larger 12-inch touchscreen display that boasts a ridiculous 2,160 by 1,440 pixel resolution. There are also dual cameras (5MP and 1080P), stereo speakers and Bluetooth wireless.
The most notable feature on the Surface Pro 3 is a special hinge-like multiposition kickstand (pictured below) that makes it much easier to use the tablet in your lap. The Surface Pro 2 also had a hinge, but it wasn’t nearly as firm and reliable. This one can literally be used at any angle , or so claim the folks over at Tech Radar .
Last up is the Windows 8.1 Pro operating system. This feature is especially important, because it basically permits you to run the same type of software on the tablet as you normally would on your other computer systems. Speaking of which, Microsoft made a point to showcase the Pro’s incredible capabilities during the official unveiling. It invited Adobe representatives on stage to test out the latest version of Adobe Photoshop CC which, by the way, was optimized just for the tablet. Not surprisingly, the software performed brilliantly.
Want to get one? The Surface Pro 3 tablet will be available for pre-orders tomorrow, though it isn’t expected to ship until June 20. The base model starts at $799.99 with an Intel Core i3, but a slew of additional configuration options are available (think faster CPUs, more memory, larger hard drives, etc.). For a closer look at the lightweight and ultra-thin beauty, check the video below:
Images via [ Microsoft ]