Microsoft Surface 3 announced, to cost $499
Microsoft’s Surface team has today announced the thinnest and lightest surface to date, the Surface 3. Running a full fledged 64-bit Windows 8.1 operating system, Surface 3 is powered by quad core Intel Atom Core x7 processor. Microsoft will upgrade Surface 3 to Windows 10 when it is released to the public this summer and there is no extra cost. The kickstand functionality is changed and now has three preset positions. Microsoft will release the new Surface 3 in 26 markets starting 5th of May and it costs just $499. 4G LTE support will be available in select regions.
Microsoft has ditched the magnetic proprietary charger for micro-USB 13W charger (do not expect to charge the tablet using standard smartphone charger though). The display size is 10.8” and has FullHD resolution with 3:2 aspect ratio. We strongly recommend to get the $599 variant as that comes with 128GB of onboard storage and 4GB of RAM ($499 variant comes with 2GB of RAM and 65GB of onboard storage). Microsoft is also providing a 1TB of SkyDrive storage with Surface 3 purchase. The 3.5mp front camera and 5mp rear camera can record videos in FullHD resolution and the rear camera has auto focus. The pen has also changed a bit. The touch pen is not bundled anymore and is available in four different colors. Coming to ports, there is the usual full size USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader and a mini DisplayPort.
Specification
- 8.77mm thin and 1.37 pounds
- 10.8” FullHD 3:2 aspect ratio display
- Kickstand with three pre-set positions
- Quad Core Intel Atom Core x7 processor, fan less cooling
- Upto 10 hours of battery life
- 13W charger, Micro-USB charger
- Blue, red, black and silver color pen options. 256 levels of pressure sensitivity
- $499 starting price for 64GB of storage and 2GB of RAM, $599 for 128GB and 4GB RAM
- 4G LTE support (select markets)
- one year Office 365 subscription
- 3.5mp front camera and 8mp rear camera, 1080p video, rear autofocus
- 1TB OneDrive storage
- full size USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, microSD card reader
“Having explored multiple platforms, we are confident that Surface 3 meets the expectations of our experienced and professional flight crew,” said Captain Alan Stealey, Divisional Senior Vice President, Flight Operations, Emirates. “The device’s innovative design and functionality proves to be the choice for our EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) initiative.”, said, Panos Panay, Corporate Vice President — Microsoft Surface
