Surface Pro 3 Gets 12-Inch Screen, Upgraded Processors

Surface Pro 3
Surface Pro 3

Microsoft has taken the wraps off its next-generation Windows-based tablet, the Surface Pro 3. The latest iteration will feature a much larger and higher-resolution screen plus the latest fourth-generation Intel Core processors.

The Surface Pro 3 will get a 12-inch ClearType screen (38 percent larger than the current Surface Pro 2), with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,440 (50 percent more than the current model).

It also adds the latest Intel Core processors, including options for fourth-generation Core i3, i5 and i7 processors. (Details about those processors have not yet been released.)

At the same time, the new model is just 0.36 inches thick and weighs in at 1.76 pounds.

Other new features include:

  • Improved battery life (9 hours versus 8 in the Surface Pro 2);
  • 64 GB to 512 GB internal storage;
  • 4 GB or 8 GB RTAM;
  • microSD card slot for storage expansion;
  • USB 3.0 port;
  • Mini DisplayPort; and
  • Multi-position kickstand.

Like its predecessor, the Surface Pro 3 will also include a pressure-sensitive Stylus. Microsoft said Adobe is also planing to release a Surface-optimized version of Photoshop that will be able to take advantage of the device's potential as an all-in-one computing device and graphics tablet.

The Surface Pro 3 is expected to be available June 20. Preorders will begin May 21 in the United States. Additional details will follow in the coming weeks. Details about current Surface offerings can be found on Microsoft's site.

 

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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