Gadgets31.03.2015

Microsoft Surface 3 announced

By Staff Writer

Microsoft has unveiled the Surface 3, the latest tablet PC in its Surface range.

The 10.8-inch Surface 3 is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom x7 processor, comes in a range of storage and memory configurations, and promises up to 10 hours of video-playback battery life.

A USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, microSD card reader, Micro USB charging port, headset jack, and a cover port are all standard.

A variant offering LTE mobile data connectivity will also launch after the Wi-Fi only versions launch in May.

Free upgrade to Windows 10

As with other Windows 8.1 devices, Microsoft has promised that the Surface 3 will receive a free upgrade to Windows 10 when it becomes available.

It also comes with a one-year subscription of Microsoft Office 365 Personal, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, as well as an extra allotment of OneDrive cloud storage.

Surface accessories

A number of accessories will be launched for the Surface 3, including a type cover in silver, black, blue, and red.

It will also be possible to get a Surface 3 Docking Station, which lets owners connect an external monitor and all their desktop devices.

Pre-order and availability

The Surface 3 and its new accessories will be available for pre-order starting today through microsoftstore.com.

Microsoft stores and select partner retailers in the following markets are included in the launch: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Wi-Fi only models of the Surface 3 will launch from 5 May, along with the Surface 3 Type Cover, Surface Pen, Surface 3 Docking Station, and Surface 3 Screen Protector, with availability in all 26 markets by 7 May.

The LTE-capable model will start shipping on 26 June 2015.

Pricing in the US (which excludes shipping and taxes) of the different models are as follows: