Microsoft has just revealed its latest attempt to merge a notebook with a tablet with the newest addition to its Surface range; the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
The software giant unveiled the new device at a currently ongoing event in New York. The Surface Pro 3 sports a 12-inch display and at 9.1 millimeters thick and 800 grams, it’s the thinnest and lightest of its kind, according to the company. It also contains an Intel Core I7 processor.
An image of the Surface Pro 3 taken at the event can be seen above
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called it a major step in what he termed “the journey toward combining the capabilities of the company.”
Elsewhere, the firm stated that 96% of people who own an iPad also have a laptop, creating a level of contention between devices. Microsoft states its aim with this new product was to ‘[take] that conflict away’.
In terms of in-built software, it was revealed that Adobe has created a version of its Photoshop photo-editing software that is optimised for running on the Surface.
An app has also been designed for the Surface that emulates the New York Times Crossword Puzzle that allows users to do the puzzle with a digital pen.
This story is currently developing as the official event progresses. Thus far there has been no word of the rumoured compact Surface device that some analysts claimed would also be revealed.
Update: The price for the basic Microsoft Surface Pro 3 has been revealed at $799 in the US. Microsoft claims that the hybrid device can replace the notebook.
Update: Microsoft has confirmed that its Surface Pro 3 tablet-notebook hybrid is now available to pre-order in 25 new countries ahead of its launch on 28 August.
The device, which is already on sale in the US, Canada and Japan, will be available in the new markets via the Microsoft Store and various authorised dealers.
UK residents should head to the Microsoft GB Store to purchase the Surface Pro 3, which starts from a hefty £639 for the 64GB, 4GB RAM version and can cost up to £1,649 for the 512GB, 8GB RAM version.
The full list of new countries that are due to receive the device are as follows: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
As you can tell from the specs listed above, the Surface Pro 3 is a genuine improvement on its predecessor. Additionally, having tested out a mixed bag of Windows tablets that boast desktop features – such as the Lenovo Miix 2 and ThinkPad 8 – it looks like it will make for the complete Windows laptop experience on a tablet.
Microsoft, however, has refrained from revealing actual sales figures for the device. Check out some official images and a video below.
