Many consumers were hoping that Microsoft would release its upcoming Surface Pro 5 by the end of the year. There were some rumors that the Pro 5 would be announced in October, but now that is looking less likely. iDigitalTimes has listed reasons why a Surface Pro 5 release date isn’t near, including the fact that Microsoft still isn’t talking about it.
“It’s now October, and Microsoft hasn’t said as much as a peep about any sort of event or showcase in the near future. For reference’s sake, the Surface Pro 4 reveal was teased in mid-September last year.”
The article adds that we’ve reached a point where it may be difficult to release a new product that doesn’t even have a new SKU. The article also discusses the lack of rumors and leaks.
“Equally as telling as the lack of official details is the total dearth of unofficial ones. While the leak cycle for Surface is hardly as pervasive as Apple products, there were still fairly concrete statements about the Surface Pro 4 as early as August of last year.”
Columnist Chris Groux adds that in contrast, all we truly know about the Surface Pro 5 is that there is a single patent for a possible magnetic pen. However, that hasn’t stopped several rumors being spread about the Surface Pro 5 that have excited consumers. According to Trusted Reviews , the Surface Pro 5 may have a 4K screen.
“A new report claims that the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will feature a 4K Ultra HD display, which would be a first for the series. By contrast, the Surface Pro 4 has a maximum 2,736 x 1,824 pixel resolution.”
The article adds that the standard version of the Pro 5 may not have the 4K panel, but Microsoft might offer the display as a paid-for upgrade — this is what companies such as HP and Lenovo have been doing. This might not be a big deal to many consumers as the current 2,736 x 1,824 display is considered stunning. However, Trusted Reviews reveals that there will be a major upgrade on the processor for the Surface Pro 5.
“It’s also claimed that the Surface Pro 5 will feature Intel’s new 7th-generation Kaby Lake processors. The Kaby Lake processors aren’t out yet, but will arrive as a 14nm successor to Intel’s current-gen Skylake (also 14nm) microarchitecture. The Kaby Lake CPUs are expected to be more efficient, which could mean a better battery life for the end user,” claims columnist Sean Keach.
There has been a lot of excitement over the Surface Pro 5 on Twitter.
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 details leaked: 4K screen, better battery life?: We’re excited already https://t.co/PmoDDCz8G3
— Music Maker – John (@music8maker) June 10, 2016
#SurfacePro5 #Tablet – 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Excited For Microsoft… https://t.co/AqZpoDtHlq #Microsoft pic.twitter.com/rVUCSy6Xlt
— WEBURE (@WEBUREcom) July 21, 2016
The Surface Pro 5 will face a lot of competition from Apple’s 2016 MacBook Pro, although the Pro 5 will be a tablet hybrid and the MacBook Pro will be a regular notebook. However, the MacBook Pro will have some spectacular features. Apple hasn’t significantly upgraded the MacBook Pro since 2012, and according to Bloomberg , that is all about to change.
“Apple Inc. is preparing the first significant overhaul of its MacBook Pro laptop line in over four years, according to people familiar with the matter, using one of its older products to help reverse two quarters of sliding sales,” says columnist Mark Gurman, who adds that the updated notebooks will be thinner, will include a touch screen strip, and contain more powerful and efficient graphics processors. The 2016 MacBook Pro is scheduled to be released either in October or November. If Microsoft did release the Surface Pro 5 at the same time, consumers would have a lot of great options. Unfortunately, it looks like those who really want the Surface Pro 5 will have to wait until 2017, but the long wait may be worth it.
[Featured Image by Andrew Burton/Getty Images]