Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Announced, Aims To Replace Your Laptop

The Verge:

Microsoft made one thing clear: it wants its new Surface Pro 3 to be able to replace replace your laptop. It’s a bold goal, but Microsoft thinks it has the right combination of power and portability to make it work.

From what I’ve read and seen this morning, this version of the Surface is all about making hardware refinements that support the vision of the all-in-one device.

Though there isn’t a huge processor spec bump, Microsoft has embiggened the screen, opting for a cromulent 12.2-inch display. They’ve also ditched the 16:9 screen ratio of the previous generations, using a taller, more tablet-friendly 3:2 ratio.

Drawing and writing has been given an upgrade in this version — the kickstand now fully supports the device at any angle (instead of just 2 points) so you can extend it way back into a canvas drawing-style mode. The stylus has also been given a revamp, and now is looks more like a traditional pen.

Storage ranges from 64GB to 512GB — though you definitely don’t want the 64GB model, as it only has around 36GB of available space.

Prices for Australia are as follows:

  • Intel Core i3, 64GB – A$979.00
  • Intel Core i5, 128GB – A$1,209.00
  • Intel Core i5, 256GB – A$1,549.00
  • Intel Core i7, 256GB – A$1,829.00
  • Intel Core i7, 512GB – A$2,279.00

Pre-orders are open today, and will ship for Australian customers by the end of August.