Microsoft has announced the release of its Surface Pro 3 in the UK today, finally hitting domestic shores some two months after the US release.
Available in Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 variants, the tablet that’s dubbed a laptop replacement by Microsoft will be flogged for a minimum of £639 for the most basic version. The devices can be purchased from MicrosoftStore.com and other select retailers.
Microsoft has lost an estimated $1.7 billion since the Surface series debuted in 2012, and $38m of unsold Surface devices have had to be written off. But the firm is hopeful for the Surface Pro 3. During Microsoft’s, fourth quarter earnings conference call, CFO Amy Hood said: "While it’s still early, sales are outpacing earlier versions of Surface Pro."
It’s the laptop ‘replace-ability’ that Microsoft is banking on here. Robert Epstein, Windows Consumer Lead for Microsoft UK said: "So many people carry both a laptop and a tablet but really want just one device that does everything.
"We are clear on our vision: Surface Pro 3 is the tablet that can replace your laptop — packing all the performance and utility of a fully powered laptop into a thin, light and beautifully designed tablet. You’ll love being able to carry one device for your next class, workday or weekend getaway knowing you have all the power you need."
The tablet’s got a 12in 2,140 x 1,440 resolution screen with a DPI of 216 ppi and other specs include a MicroSD slot, USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort and of course Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and 5MP cameras both front and rear.
For your £639, you can pick up a machine that boasts an Intel Core i3 CPU, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. With the i5 and i7 version, of which the i7 is set to go for £1,649, you’ll get storage up to 512GB and 8GB RAM.
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Read our hands on review on the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 here.
