Microsoft Surface Pro 3: What you need to know

Microsoft didn’t unveil the long-time rumoured Surface mini, instead took the wraps off the Surface Pro 3 and also the Surface 3 running Windows RT. With the new Surface Pro 3, Microsoft has made it quite clear that it is ready to compete with Apple. The Surface Pro 3 is not only lighter than the **Macbook Air** , it also offers more viewing real estate.  On paper, the Surface pro 3 looks excellent, but it is too soon to say if Satya Nadella has passed one of its biggest hurdles. Let’s take a closer look at the Surface Pro 3.   Design Microsoft has completely revamped the Surface and it’s now thinner and lighter. At 9.1mm thickness, the display size has been increased to a whopping 12-inches. The newest Surface is way leaner than the 13.5mm bulky design found in the previous model. At 800 grams, it is 12 percent lighter than the Pro 2. In fact, it is even lighter than the MacBook Air. Microsoft ensures that users can easily transform it from a tablet to laptop with detachable keyboards. Moreover, the device gets a new two-position kickstand that helps users place it at an angle. [caption id=“attachment_224115” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  Lighter and thinner Surface Pro 3[/caption]   Display Microsoft has taken a huge leap with the screen size that now jumps to 12-inch with full HD resolution, from the 10.6-inch found in the previous model. Its 2,160 x 1,440 resolution takes the pixel density all the way up to 216ppi. The display comes with the highest contrast ratios in the industry. It is offering 12 percent more on-screen content than the 13-inch MacBook Air.   OS The tablet runs Windows 8.1 Pro, bringing a desktop-like feel with access to features such as Microsoft Office, multitask with side-by-side windows and more. **Click here** to know more.   Keyboard and Pen The Surface pro 3 ships with a redesigned Type Cover keyboard sporting a larger trackpad and new keyboard keys. The cover comes integrated with a magnetic strip, which connects to the front of the tablet to change the angle of the keys. Besides, Microsoft has also improved the pen input on the Pro 3. The tablet is now capable of instantly converting pen-written text to digital content. Users will find a click a button on the back of a pen to immediately open a new note on the Surface Pro 3. Once you write, the note is saved to OneNote and syncs it to all of your other devices, with just another click. It has announced some optional accessories, including a new Docking Station for Surface Pro 3and a Surface Ethernet Adapter. [caption id=“attachment_224114” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  New pen for the Surface Pro 3[/caption]   Specifications The Surface Pro 3 comes powered by fourth generation Intel Core processor options. Microsoft offers multiple configurations featuring 4th-generation Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors. It comes fitted with Dolby Audio for sound, along with a full-size USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader and Mini DisplayPort for quick file transfers and easy connections to a range of peripherals. The Surface Pro 3 also promises up to nine hours of Web-browsing battery life.   Price and availability Offering several configuration options featuring 4th gen Intel processors, the Surface Pro 3 will be available for a price starting at $799, and up to $1,949. The pre-orders will begin on May 21 12AM EDT via Microsoftstore.com, Microsoft retail stores and select third-party retailers. Customers can also get in touch with authorized resellers. Customers in Canada and the US can order Surface Pro 3 models powered by Intel Core i5 and select accessories from June 20. Other models will be available August while other accessories in the next couple of months. By August-end, Surface Pro 3 and select new accessories will come to 26 additional markets, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom. There is no word on its availability for India, probably the company could include it in the third batch of countries to get the Surface Pro 3.