Microsoft Announces Surface Pro 3

A couple of weeks ago, Microsoft sent out invitations for a “small gathering” in New York City. The tech community across the Internet immediately began spreading rumors of a “Surface Mini” but it turns out they were completely wrong. Instead, Microsoft announced an even bigger Surface with upgraded specs, better resolution, and a smaller price tag – it’s also supposed to replace your laptop.

According to Corporate Vice President, Panos Panay, “96 percent of people who own an iPad also own a laptop.” The Surface Pro 3 aims to take away the conflict between owning both devices by incorporating many features that aren’t traditionally found on iPads or other tablet computers.

Among the aspects that separate the Surface Pro 3 are a 12-inch screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, complete MS Office integration that includes Outlook, and a USB 3.0 port so you can quickly connect and transfer files. In other words, it has (almost) everything you’d find on your laptop.

If newly-appointed Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella’s assumptions are correct, this will be the only device you’ll need.

“We want to build experiences that bring together all the capabilities of our company. Today is a major milestone on the journey. It starts with dreaming the impossible. Can we design a device that combines the best of a tablet and a laptop?”

–Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO

The Pro 3, despite having a large 12-inch screen with a 2160×1440 resolution, is only .36-inches thick and weighs less than two pounds. This incarnation of the Surface Pro also has a newly-designed kickstand that can be adjusted up to 150 degrees, a thinner type cover ($130) that also features an improved keyboard and trackpad, and a new Surface Pen ($50) that can be clicked for commands. As always, the Pro 3 will also come equipped with a new stylus and will be available in the following configurations:

Core i3, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage – $799
Core i5, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage – $999
Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage – $1,299
Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage – $1,549
Core i7, 8GB RAM, 512GB storage – $1,949

Clearly, this is a “tablet” unlike any other, but has Microsoft achieved their goal of combining two devices into one? The answer is yes and no. While the Pro 3 does have many great features, the lack of an optical drive or the ability to upgrade RAM will not attract power users or gamers. However, people that are accustomed to keeping their information in the cloud or are currently using a Chromebook or similar laptop, might find the Surface Pro 3 fits their needs. While this may not be the end of laptops, it’s clear that Microsoft has set their goal and is one step closer in achieving it.

The Surface Pro 3 will go on sale tomorrow.

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