Microsoft has announced the Surface 3, a smaller and less powerful version of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3. The Microsoft Surface 3 runs a the Full Windows 8.1 OS (upgradeable to Windows 10 once available) as opposed to the piped-down Windows RT that comes with the Surface Pro 3. It also makes use of a quad-core Intel Atom x7 (Cherry Trail) processor which makes the device fanless and has a slim-body build.
Microsoft Surface 3 Specs and Features
The Microsoft Surface 3 is not as flexible as the Surface Pro 3 but it also uses a kickstand which makes it double as a laptop and can only be used in three positions. It measures about 8.7mm thin, weighs 622 grams, has a Silver bodylike structure and has a pen input in Silver, Red, Blue and Black colours. It comes with Built-in Nano-SIM slot (LTE version) and comes with one-year free subscription to the Office 365.
The Surface 3 sports a 10.8-inch (1920 X 1280 pixels) Full HD 3:2 Cleartype 10-point multi-point display and is powered by a 1.6 Quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor (clocks up to up to 2.4 GHz) with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage; 4GB of RAM with 128GB of internal storage. There is a rear 8MP autofocus camera and a front facing 3.5MP camera; both cameras can record 1080p videos.
Connectivity-wise: Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.0 LE, Full USB 3.0, Mini Display port, Micro USB charging port. There is an additional GPS and built-in Nano SIM for LTE model only. It also has a Microphone, Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio-enhanced sound and a battery life of up to 10 hours of video playback.
Microsoft Surface 3 Pricing and Availability
The Microsoft Surface 3 is expected to be available Microsoft stores, microsoftstore.com and select retailers beginning May 5th; would be available worldwide by May 7th in 26 markets in the world and the LTE models would be available by June 26th.
The Surface 3 with 2GB with 64GB internal storage option for $499 and 4GB with 128GB internal storage option for $599 (Wi-Fi models only). The 2GB with 64GB internal storage model with LTE goes for $599 and the 4GB with 128GB internal storage model goes for $699. The Stylus Pen is purchased separately for $50 and the type cover keyboard is available for $130 in different colour options.
