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Microsoft Introduces the Surface 3 Tablet


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Nearly a year ago Microsoft introduced the Surface Pro 3, which was a high-powered tablet aimed at replacing a high-end laptop. The Surface Pro 3 does a great job at that, but its high cost means not everyone is willing or able to pick one up. That is where we are today, as Microsoft has announced the Surface 3, a powerful tablet that does not carry a powerful price. The Surface 3 runs the full version of Windows, along with all the programs and app you can want, and is even available with a 4G LTE radio. The best part is the Surface 3 starts at $499.

The Surface 3 features the same design as the Surface Pro 3, but in a more compact frame. It has a 10.8" touchscreen instead of 12", and weighs a mere 1.37 pounds. Oh, and it's also just 8.7mm thin. The 3:2 aspect ratio is the same, but instead of 2160x1440, we get 1920x1280. Powering the whole thing is the new Intel Atom x7 processor, a quad-core SoC that should deliver plenty of power while not draining the life out of the battery. No fan is required to help keep it and the Surface 3 cool, which helps make this tablet so thin and lightweight. Storage is either 64 or 128GB on the Surface 3. It also has the kickstand with three preset positions to give you the best viewing angle during use.

A 3.5 megapixel camera is on the front of the Surface 3, while an 8 megapixel is on the rear. Both can capture 1080p video, plus the rear camera has an autofocus feature to take even better photos than past models. A full-size USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, and a microSD reader are also on the Surface 3. Charging the tablet is done via a Micro USB charger, so you can use either the included adapter or your smartphone's adapter to keep the device running. Microsoft claims 10 hours of video playback on the battery, and most likely more during less demanding tasks.

Windows 8.1 will ship with the Surface 3, and can be 8.1 Pro for business users. You can also upgrade to Windows 10 for free within the first year the new OS is available. Microsoft is packaging each Surface 3 with a one-year subscription to Office 365, which includes full versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, as well as 1TB of storage on OneDrive.

Accessories for the Surface 3 are plentiful, and include the Type Cover to give you the full laptop experience while also protecting the screen; the Docking Station to connect a monitor, printer, mouse, and keyboard; and the Surface Pen, which has 256 levels of pressure sensitivity and comes in red, blue, black, and silver colors.

The Microsoft Surface 3 will launch on May 5 for $499, with pre-orders starting today. Microsoft Stores will get the tablet in tomorrow for prospective buyers to experience in-person.

Source: Microsoft Surface Blog



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