Microsoft has revealed an all-new tablet – Surface 3 – a thinner, lighter and cheaper version of the popular Surface Pro 3 which will still boast the full power of Windows and Office.
Available to purchase on May 5, Surface 3 will try and challenge the iPad’s iron grip on the tablet market with an affordable price and a range of attractive features.
These will include the full version of the Windows 8.1 operating system which can be updated to the latest Windows 10 when it is released – for free.
Priced from $699, Microsoft’s new Surface 3 is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom x7 processor and has a 10.8-inch ClearType HD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio as well as Dolby-enhanced audio.
The device is 8.7mm thick and weighs 622g.
It has a three-position kickstand for comfortable viewing and typing whether you’re using it on a desk, on the couch or holding it in your hands.
There will be wi-fi only and 4G/LTE versions of the Surface 3 tablet which have the benefits of a tablet and the features of a laptop like USB 3.0 port, a microSD card slot and MiniDisplay port.
And like the Surface Pro 3, the latest device will also come with its own accessories like Type Cover that is both a keyboard and a cover, Surface Pen for writing directly on the screen and Docking Station to make it easier to connect an external monitor and other desktop peripherals.
Pre-orders for the Surface 3 start today either at the Microsoft store or through partner retailers Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi.
From May 5 customers will be able to purchase the device and all its accessories from these same stores.
The Microsoft Surface 3 will be priced at $699 for the version with 64GB internal memory and 2GB RAM and $839 for 128GB and 4GB RAM.
Pricing for the 4G/LTE versions is yet to be announced.