[NewsPoster]

Microsoft has launched the latest incarnation of its Windows tablet line, the Surface Pro 3, at its New York Surface event today. Following on from the original Surface and the Surface Pro 2, the Surface Pro 3 measures just 9.1mm (0.35 inch) thick, and while it has a larger display compared to previous versions, it weighs a relatively light 800 grams (1.76 pounds).

Increasing the size of the display from 10.6-inches in the Surface Pro 2 to 12 inches with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2160x1440. Inside is an Intel Core i7 processor, and while it still uses a fan, Microsoft has updated the body to minimize the "ridge" from the earlier Pro models. Microsoft is also machining magnesium for the device after optically measuring each part, with the new body claimed to be stronger and more resilient to drops than before.

On the back is a 5-megapixel camera with a 1080p-resolution front-facing counterpart, along with front and rear microphones, stereo speakers with Dolby audio processing. A USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader, Mini DisplayPort, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and a battery said to last for up to nine hours of web browsing are also included.

The kickstand has been updated with a slightly new design. The standard 22-degree position has been expanded to allow the friction hinge to extend far beyond 90 degrees, allowing it to lie at a 150-degree angle in "canvas mode".

The trackpad of the TypeCover has been increased by 68 percent, along with an increase in friction. The TypeCover also includes an extra magnet that lets it partially stick to the front of the Surface itself, firming the body and making it closer to a notebook in terms of stability.

The stylus has also received a makeover, with Microsoft referring to the latest version as a pen. Sized and weighted similar to a pen and made for Surface Pro 3, the stylus can be used with handwriting recognition, and has 256 levels of sensitivity. Clicking the pen automatically turns on the Surface and opens the OneNote note taking app, with alternate clicks synchronizing notes to cloud-based storage.

Microsoft will be opening up pre-orders for the Surface Pro 3 tomorrow, starting from $799 for a version with an Intel Core i3 processor, with Core i5 and Core i7 processor options, 4Gb or 8GB of RAM, and between 64GB and 512GB of storage. The first shipments will starton June 20th in the US and Canada, with 26 other markets receiving it from the end of August.

[Mr. Strat]

New bucket, same sh!t

[coffeetime]

With the stuffs they cramp in there (including a fan), they should've just renamed this to Notebook 3.

[aviamquepasa]

*** 3G *** please?????? Is it too much to ask? iPad has it since an eternity, but Microsoft does not understand that we need it.

[Foxypaco]

No floppy or optical drive? What about serial and comm ports? Can I hack it to run XP?

[jpellino]

$799? And they have the huevos to decry the price of an iPad in their ads?

[jpellino]

Wait, it gets worse - that $799 is for the 64GB i3. No cellular even available. Their competitive bit if you dig through the site is agains a 3.46 lb MacBook Pro. Really. They didn't have the nerve to put it up against an MBA. Here's the kicker in the problem with the Mac: "Runs Office, but can't run many software programs you may need to get work done"

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally Posted by Foxypaco 

No floppy or optical drive? What about serial and comm ports? Can I hack it to run XP?

Are you being sarcastic, or have you really missed that it's 2014?

[bdmarsh]

This will sell well in the IT circles - a good update compared to the Surface Pro 2, possibly some with artists if they are willing to deal with windows, a pretty good resolution for a 12" screen. Hopefully they have tested the cooling system under load, so it doesn't have issues like the original 2008 MacBook Air when actually doing something.

With the i3 version at a slightly cheaper pricepoint, they might get some additional consumer sales, but I still don't expect it to be dramatic.

[mindwaves]

Looks appealing, but it requires a tall person to be used on a lap. If you look at the pictures, with the kickstand, it requires someone with a large lap.

But using it on a table is more appealing.

[coffeetime]

Their goal indeed is to replace laptop.That's how MS markets Surface Pro 3 on their website.

[thebiggfrogg]

Zippity-do-duh!

[MacChelsea]

Originally Posted by coffeetime 

Their goal indeed is to replace laptop.That's how MS markets Surface Pro 3 on their website.

Ehhh, but with a full-size keyboard and a big display, it IS a laptop!

[Spheric Harlot]

And a tablet!
And a floor wax!
And a dessert topping!