Posted by Tsepz_GP
Say hello to the Microsoft Surface Pro 3. Yup, Microsoft just announced a brand new Windows 8.1 tablet at its press event, and, boy, does it have a lot going for it! In fact, Microsoft is promising that the Surface Pro 3 is capable of replacing a laptop, and that might turn out to be valid for many a user.
So, what's so cool about the Microsoft Surface Pro 3? Well, the slate has adopted the magnesium casing and solid construction that the Pro 2 was known for. And to prove that the new model can handle more than a few bumps, one got dropped at the stage without suffering any damage. Furthermore, the Pro 3 weighs 800 grams, which makes it over 100 grams lighter than the previous model. At an impressive 9.1 millimeters, Microsoft's newest tablet is also much slimmer than its predecessor. Further design changes include an improved, multi-position kickstand.
Now, a weight figure of 800 grams might seem like quite a lot for a tablet, but there's a bit that we haven't mentioned yet. The Microsoft Surface 3 comes with a 12-inch color-calibrated display with ClearType tech – up from 10.6 inches on the Pro 2 model. Interestingly, the screen now has an aspect ratio of 3:2, which has its benefits. Or as Microsoft puts it, the Pro 3's screen has 6% more area than that on an 13-inch Macbook Air. The resolution of the Surface Pro 3's display is 2160 by 1440 pixels, resulting in about 216 ppi.
Under the hood of the Surface Pro 3 resides an Intel processor – up to a 4-th generation Core i7 with HD 4400 graphics, at that. Microsoft has managed to put Intel's powerful chip in its new tablet, thus making it the thinnest Core i7 device ever. Less capable, yet more affordable configurations will be available as well, packing an Intel Core i3 or an i5 processor. Up to 8 gigabytes of RAM can be tucked inside the device, and storage space options range from 64 to 512 gigabytes. To keep its cool even under heavy load, the Surface Pro 3 relies on a fanless cooling system and vents placed around its sides.
As for its multimedia capabilities, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 comes with two 5MP cameras – one in the front and one in the back – paired with front- and back-facing microphones. The snappers can shoot 1080p video at 30 frames per second. Microsoft is also touting the tablet's upgraded front-facing speakers that are now 45% louder.
OS:
Windows (8.1 Pro)
Dimensions:
11.5 x 7.93 x 0.36 inches (292 x 201 x 9 mm)
Weight:
28.16 oz (798 g)
the average is 16.6 oz (473 g)
Body material:
Metal
Tablet dock:
Yes
Features:
USB
DISPLAY
Physical size:
12.0 inches
Resolution:
2160 x 1440 pixels
Pixel density:
216 ppi
Technology:
LCD
Touchscreen:
Multi-touch
Features:
Light sensor
CAMERA
Camera:
5 megapixels
Camcorder:
1920x1080 (1080p HD)
Front-facing camera:
5 megapixels
HARDWARE
System chip:
Intel Core i7
Graphics processor:
Intel HD Graphics
System memory:
8192 MB RAM
Built-in storage:
512 GB
Storage expansion:
microSD
MULTIMEDIA
Speakers:
Stereo speakers
CONNECTIVITY
Bluetooth:
4.0
Wi-Fi:
802.11 a, b, g, n, ac
USB:
USB 3.0
Connector:
Full-size USB
Features:
USB Host
OTHER FEATURES
Additional microphone/s:
Yes
Sensors:
Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass
PhoneArena
[ This Message was edited by: Tsepz_GP on 2014-05-20 17:43 ]
Posted by tranced
Looks really impressive. They just need to have a competitive price.
Posted by Tsepz_GP
The pricing is both scary yet at the same time kind of makes sense when you consider what you getting here in terms of pure functionality.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 price and release date
Microsoft’s largest tablet so far (and one of the biggest tablets available on the market), the Surface Pro 3, has just gone official with big ambitions to replace both your laptop and tablet in a one device for work and play. The 12-inch Surface Pro 3 is unlike most other tablets on the market that are based on ARM chips - instead it runs on a laptop-grade 4th generation Intel Core chips, a configuration much more powerful than most tablets available right now.
With this huge power, however, comes a higher than usual price for a tablet. Microsoft has unveiled prices for the different version of the Surface Pro 3 that it will sell, and here’s what you’d need to prepare, if you want to get one.
Surface Pro 3 - Estimated retail price (USD)
4th gen Intel® Core™ i3, 64 GB and 4 GB of RAM - $799
4th gen Intel® Core™ i5, 128 GB and 4 GB of RAM - $999
4th gen Intel® Core™ i5, 256 GB and 8 GB of RAM - $1,299
4th gen Intel® Core™ i7, 256 GB and 8 GB of RAM - $1,549
4th gen Intel® Core™ i7, 512 GB and 8 GB of RAM - $1,949
Microsoft did not name a particular Surface Pro 3 release date, but pre-orders are starting tomorrow, May 21 at 12:01 a.m. EDT. You’ll be able to pre-order yours at Microsoftstore.com, Microsoft retail stores, as well as third-party retailers.
The Surface Pro Type Cover and Surface Pen will go up for pre-order at the same time.
PhoneArena
Posted by tranced
Damn damn damn, cut its price a little bit!
Just saw the video and I'm drooling. Here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?[....]=player_embedded&v=1t7rSZT_77E
Posted by tranced
By the way, this is the press release: http://www.microsoft.com/en-u[....]2014/may14/05-20surfacepr.aspx
Posted by cu015170
Impressive tech overall.. of course the price is high, but when you comp it to other core intel products its in line with that.
I would wait for the Broadwell refresh.. it should give it better GPU performance, more battery life, and they can get rid of the fan. Speaking of which, the fan in the sp3 is pretty amazing.. at least from what they said on stage.
The stand is very cool... I just wonder how it will feel after a year or two of usage..
Posted by tranced
Loose?
On 2014-05-20 19:54:48, cu015170 wrote:
The stand is very cool... I just wonder how it will feel after a year or two of usage..
Posted by cu015170
^
No one likes that.. so hopefully it would stay tight
official website: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/products/surface-pro-3
here is the spec sheet
and the charger looks super small for a machine like that..
I am not sure if this is the whole thing tho.. but I hope so
Posted by badassmam
I'm using the Dell Venue Pro 11 as my daily device and I love it. I'm all for these tablets but I think 12 inch could be too big because you need a large bezel to make it comfortable. I have a type keyboard as well which I think is brilliant and although I'm no fan of track pads, I can easily use the touch screen. Love the way the new stylus works, the Dell stylus sucks so bad that they told me to keep the pen and refunded me because of the high volume of complaints. The poor S.O.B has only been out of it's box once. My workmate has the Surface 2 which is very nice but my spec is higher and mine is cheaper so I don't mind much.
My one biggest gripe is Windows 8, each update brings new infuriating bugs. I have random restarts again (it was solved after the previous update), screen orientation issues, freezing and no Microsoft Store unless I do a restore. It's the one thing that's drives me nuts because you spend a lot of time re-opening your files and documents when the thing restarts! SORT IT OUT.
Posted by cu015170
^ yes, intel smartframe should take care of all that.. you can fit a 13 inch screen into a 11 inch frame because it uses digital bezels.
as far as Win8.. I have no such issues.. very stable on my end.
This is pretty cool .. you can just start writing on top of the lock/sleep screen, no need to unlock/wake the device and look for the app
[ This Message was edited by: cu015170 on 2014-05-20 20:36 ]
Posted by Tsepz_GP
I really like this and have been secretly looking at W8 tablets, but each time I read and hear the Windows 8 bugs and general issues the more I rethink just waiting for the next iPad. Barely any bugs on iOS, just a few dislikes, but the OS itself just keeps going no matter how heavy I am on it.
Posted by badassmam
Yes, opens OneNote and explodes a bomb somewhere....we'll see 007 with a Surface in his next movie.
Sadly, after the last update Win 8 has taken a step back. They will get things right eventually but it's really annoying for the moment. I won't care for iPad until they put the full MacBook OS onto it, that would be something Apple could easily dominate the 'productive' tablet world with.
Posted by Tsepz_GP
The iPad is a less productive device than a W8 hybrid, so if you use your Dell heavily for document editting and so on then you will be pulling your hair out within minutes of getting an iPad. Apple really need to get that rumored 12inch iPad out, with atleast a more serious version of iOS.
I see Microsoft eventually dominating tablets the way they dominated PCs, it starts with the Surface Pro 3 and other OEMs making more devices like this that can run proper fully blown desktop apps but with a touch friendly interface on a easily portable device. They now need to work on getting devices like this cheaper.
Posted by cu015170
A short vid review worth mentioning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEGNVsyJfdc
and one more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiIri1bxUhQ
On 2014-05-20 22:29:32, Tsepz_GP wrote:
I really like this and have been secretly looking at W8 tablets, but each time I read and hear the Windows 8 bugs and general issues the more I rethink just waiting for the next iPad. Barely any bugs on iOS, just a few dislikes, but the OS itself just keeps going no matter how heavy I am on it.
I have 4 devices running on Win8 and I have no issues on either of them. One Lumia 2520, one Asus U33jc, a desktop machine, and an older HP pavilion.
Just remember that 99% of the issues regarding Windows are driver related... if you have the correct drivers, and they are running properly, the system is very stable. Windows 8.1 is the best windows to date... all of these old machines I mentioned run much better on 8 than they ever did on 7.
[ This Message was edited by: cu015170 on 2014-05-20 23:30 ]
Posted by cu015170
On 2014-05-20 22:39:10, badassmam wrote:
Yes, opens OneNote and explodes a bomb somewhere....we'll see 007 with a Surface in his next movie.
That would be cool...
here is another one
Posted by McKinley
I'm sold!
I will be getting the Surface Pro 3 when fall semester begins.
Posted by Supa_Fly
On 2014-05-21 02:17:38, McKinley wrote:
I'm sold!
I will be getting the Surface Pro 3 when fall semester begins.
you and me both!!
Anyone have any specific details on the Core i7 gen4 cpu?
Quad/Dual-Core?
I'm thinking it's an ULV Dual-Core i7 due to the fan.
PS: Guys link the full presentation ... there is a LOT in there specifically about how this device IS/CAN be used and WHY it was designed the way it was. I've always loved this product and felt v2 was really worthy of my hard earned dollars ... so glad this was just announced and shipping tomorrow.
Posted by cu015170
^ I think its this one
http://ark.intel.com/products[....]cessor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_30-GHz
The chip alone cost more than most android tablets out there
but do you need the i7 ? I would go for the i5 or even the 3 if it came with more RAM.
Go for the i5 with 8GB RAM .. solid machine
Another reason for the new pen
"To keep the Pro 3 as thin as the Surface 2, it needed a thin display element, and Wacom's, thanks to its on-display digitizer technology, was just too thick. Reps also praised N-trig's accuracy, and cited that as a reason for the switch."
http://www.tabletpcreview.com[....]6&news=Microsoft+Surface+Pro+3
Posted by McKinley
On 2014-05-21 04:12:04, cu015170 wrote:
^ I think its this one
http://ark.intel.com/products[....]cessor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_30-GHz
The chip alone cost more than most android tablets out there
No it's not that model, because that one comes with Intel HD 5000 Graphics
It is this one:
http://ark.intel.com/products[....]cessor-3M-Cache-up-to-2_90-GHz
if you opt for the i5 processor.
or this one if you opt for the i7 processor:
http://ark.intel.com/products[....]cessor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_00-GHz
@Supa_Fly, I Believe Microsoft has 100 off for students, if you buy from one of the many Microsoft stands in shopping malls. Perhaps they don't have that deal in Canada but it makes Surface more attractive.
[ This Message was edited by: McKinley on 2014-05-21 06:51 ]
Posted by cu015170
^ oh yeah.. I didn't look at the GPU before. So the difference b/w the i3 and the i5 is negligible..
Both i7 models have the HD5000 graphics
4th Generation Intel Core i3-4020Y/1.5 GHz Intel HD 4200 64 GB 4GB
4th Generation Intel Core i5-4300U/2.9 GHz Intel HD 4400 128 GB 4GB
4th Generation Intel Core i5-4300U/2.9 GHz Intel HD 4400 256 GB 8GB
4th Generation Intel Core i7-4650U 3.3GHz Intel HD 5000 256 GB 8GB
4th Generation Intel Core i7-4650U/3.3GHz Intel HD 5000 512 6B 8GB
The core i3 is the Y version which has max TDP of 11.5 W vs 15 W for the rest.. I wonder if the quoted 9hrs battery life is based on the i3
Its certainly a good looking machine
Posted by McKinley
On 2014-05-21 08:07:53, cu015170 wrote:
^ oh yeah.. I didn't look at the GPU before. So the difference b/w the i3 and the i5 is negligible..
Both i7 models have the HD5000 graphics
4th Generation Intel Core i3-4020Y/1.5 GHz Intel HD 4200 64 GB 4GB
4th Generation Intel Core i5-4300U/2.9 GHz Intel HD 4400 128 GB 4GB
4th Generation Intel Core i5-4300U/2.9 GHz Intel HD 4400 256 GB 8GB
4th Generation Intel Core i7-4650U 3.3GHz Intel HD 5000 256 GB 8GB
4th Generation Intel Core i7-4650U/3.3GHz Intel HD 5000 512 6B 8GB
The core i3 is the Y version which has max TDP of 11.5 W vs 15 W for the rest.. I wonder if the quoted 9hrs battery life is based on the i3
Its certainly a good looking machine
The extra oomph in the GPU department definitely makes me want to get the i7
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Can't wait for the reviews, I especially want to know how the battery life stacks up on these compared to iPad and a Galaxy NotePRO.
Are there a lot of games that can run on these Surface tablets and W8 tablets in general without a hiccup? I use my tablets for a mix of Document viewing, quick editing, reading books, magazines, newspaper (now and then), heavy web browsing, watching movies as well as gaming a lot.
Does this thing have LTE by the way? Or is it WiFi only??? Seems to be WiFi only
[ This Message was edited by: Tsepz_GP on 2014-05-21 10:29 ]
Posted by mlife
YUP... I got an i7/256GB version calling my name!!! this looks like the right way for me to finally invest in a good tablet.
Posted by cu015170
On 2014-05-21 14:55:34, mlife wrote:
YUP... I got an i7/256GB version calling my name!!! this looks like the right way for me to finally invest in a good tablet.
Yeah.. I haven't bought one yet either because so far I just haven't seen one that doesn't look like a compromise, but this thing looks very promising. I watched the presentation and Microsoft seem very confident in the product, which is a very good sign..
On 2014-05-21 11:28:26, Tsepz_GP wrote:
Does this thing have LTE by the way? Or is it WiFi only??? Seems to be WiFi only
No LTE unfortunately, which is going to stop me from getting one.. I think its a hardware limitation, there are no Intel core chips that have LTE radio built in, they will have to put a separate chip, which requires drivers, and it will drain the battery faster.
So my guess is that they will either wait for Broadwell, or add an LTE model later this year.. we will see.
I am using a Nokia 2520 (from work) right now and the LTE connectivity is really great.
As far as comparing it to any other tablets out there.. this is a superior device in almost every way, the only thing holding it back is the price.
[ This Message was edited by: cu015170 on 2014-05-21 16:57 ]
Posted by cu015170
Here is the first review I can find
http://www.anandtech.com/show[....]on-display-performance-preview
The display seems to suffer in the greyscale department, but other than that its pretty good.. not the best in class tho. The MacBook air is better, but then again, that one doesn't have touch and I am not sure if that matters in terms of color reproduction.
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Hmm... Think I'll stick to the iPad for a year or two more in that case. Lack of LTE is a major bummer, I've got 5GB month on my iPad sim, and thoroughly enjoy using it on my networks LTE, the speeds are just so ridiculously good.
I'm going to keep an eye on the Surface devices though, hopefully at some point there will be one that will make me replace iOS as my chosen tablet OS, Microsoft is definitely on to something big here, I hope Apple, Samsung and Amazon respond with some proper challengers come Xmas time.
Posted by cu015170
My guess is that LTE will be added at some point, but I really have no idea.. the Surface 2 launched without LTE and they added it later, so this might happen here as well.
Its a looker tho
Posted by cu015170
next to an iPhone 5s
Posted by Supa_Fly
On 2014-05-21 07:35:18, McKinley wrote:
On 2014-05-21 04:12:04, cu015170 wrote:
^ I think its this one
http://ark.intel.com/products[....]cessor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_30-GHz
The chip alone cost more than most android tablets out there
No it's not that model, because that one comes with Intel HD 5000 Graphics
It is this one:
http://ark.intel.com/products[....]cessor-3M-Cache-up-to-2_90-GHz
if you opt for the i5 processor.
or this one if you opt for the i7 processor:
http://ark.intel.com/products[....]cessor-4M-Cache-up-to-3_00-GHz
@Supa_Fly, I Believe Microsoft has 100 off for students, if you buy from one of the many Microsoft stands in shopping malls. Perhaps they don't have that deal in Canada but it makes Surface more attractive.
[ This Message was edited by: McKinley on 2014-05-21 06:51 ]
^ thanks for the tip ... lots of kiosks in Canada - about 4 in major malls in Toronto including a Microsoft store in Yorkdale mall just 4 stores down from the Apple store; strategically planned I'm sure. I'll be checking on that discount late June/early July ... if not then Black Friday this year ... it'll be mine - unless the latest MBP Retinas really impress me and are announced this June 2nd. We shall see but I love this form factor.
On 2014-05-21 17:56:43, cu015170 wrote:
...
No LTE unfortunately, which is going to stop me from getting one.. I think its a hardware limitation, there are no Intel core chips that have LTE radio built in, they will have to put a separate chip, which requires drivers, and it will drain the battery faster.
...
[ This Message was edited by: cu015170 on 2014-05-21 16:57 ]
Oh man ... you already HAVE a smartphone with LTE right? It's already in your pocket enable HotSpot mode via your smartwatch and bingo this comes otu of your hand or backpad and you're working in moments, connected - 802.11 AC will be needed to really take close to 100MBps mobile data bandwidth.
Posted by cu015170
^ I know man.. but its not the same
I have a lumia 2520 and once you get used to LTE connectivity its hard to go back.
Either way, this is the most intriguing tablet out right now.. at least for me.
more on the pen
http://www.wpcentral.com/surf[....]swer-about-n-trig-pen-vs-wacom
its seems to be working well
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWs-3kKvYuI
