This weekend Microsoft quietly released a new version of its Surface Pro 3 range, bringing a cheaper version of the Intel Core i7 model into play.
The latest addition to the line-up knocks a few bucks of the asking price, but drops the built-in storage down from 256GB to 128GB, making it a good option for those who rely more on cloud-based solutions.
Right now it appears the new iteration, which also packs 8GB RAM, is only available in the United States, where it’s $1,299 (about £825) compared with $1,549 (about £985) for the 256GB model.
In the UK, the 256GB/Core i7 model is £1,299, so if Microsoft were to roll out this new version in Blighty, that price tag would probably fall somewhere closer to £1,100.
The largely unprompted release (via CNET) comes at a time when speculation suggests Microsoft is dragging its heels on releasing a Surface Pro 4.
week Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warned of ‘tough choices’
ahead, perhaps hinting the Lumia and Surface divisions could be under
threat
Nadella said: ”We will need to innovate in new areas, execute against our plans, make some tough choices in areas where things are not working and solve hard problems in ways that drive customer value.
“I really do believe that we can achieve magical things when we come together as one team and focus.”
Read more: Windows 10 vs Windows 8: Should you upgrade?
Of course, Microsoft may just be saving a Surface Pro 4 announcement for the Windows 10 release on July 29, but given that’s only one month away, this mid-cycle refresh casts at least a little doubt.
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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.