Microsoft has official unveiled the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 with a 12-inch display.
Rather than launch a smaller version of its tablet range, Microsoft has opted to launch a 12-inch version that it claims “can replace your laptop”.
Microsoft claims this 12-inch Surface will be the gap that helps solve the problems you have when trying to decide between a laptop and tablet.
That 12-inch display comes with a 2160 x 1440p full HD resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is a distinct upgrade over the previous Surface Pro 2. Output can go all the way up to 4K as well, in case you were wondering.
Microsoft reasoning for the 3:2 aspect ratio is that it feel like a pad of paper when held in portrait mode.
The Surface Pro 3 is both thinner and lighter than its predecessor, with Microsoft going as far as comparing its new tablet with the MacBook Air. It measures up at 9.1mm thick and weighs 800g.
Despite its size too, the Surface Pro 3 packs an Intel Core i7 process and is fanless. Instead, the air is circulated around the tablet and emitted through small vents in the sides.
That new processor means that the Surface Pro 3 has a 10 per cent performance boost over the Surface Pro 2.
The Surface Pro 3’s speakers are also 40 per cent louder than the previous model, and the tablet comes with a full-friction kickstand and USB 3.0 port for high speed transfers.
Just the new kickstand has been in development for three years and let you prop up your new Surface Pro 3 at a variety of angles.
Although specific details on battery life haven’t yet been mentioned, the Surface Pro 3 offers a 15-20 per cent improvement upon its predecessor.
The Type Cover has also been given an update, with significant improvements to its thinness and the track pad. the track pad is 68 per cent larger than the previous iteration and it is more responsive, especially for two finger scrolling.
The Touch Cover also now magnetically seals itself to the screen, which makes is much more secure for typing.
With the new Surface Pro 3 Pen, you can write on the screen, which then turns into digital letters. Microsoft said it “isn’t meant to be thin, it isn’t meant to be cheap”, it’s supposed to feel like a normal pen.
When you’re writing, the Surface Pro 3 uses “Palm Block” that lets you rest your fist on the screen while writing. The pen is pressure sensitive too, letting you adjust the pen pressure and line thickness of your writing.
If you click the button on the end of the pen, even when the Surface Pro 3 is on standby, the tablet launches the OneNote app that lets you write down your thoughts immediately. Clicking that button again will send that note to your Microsoft Cloud so you can access it on all your devices.
You can also use the pen’s button as a remote camera shutter, but that photo is then transported into OneNote for you to crop and edit straight away.
The Surface Pro 3 goes on sale from May 20, with pre-orders starting now. Pricing starts at $799 and the Surface Pro 3 comes in three models, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7.
Surface Pro 3 video review
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
