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Microsoft Makes Surface Pro Tablet Faster and More Capable

Microsoft is updating its Windows tablet lineup with the launch of the Surface Pro 4, a faster version of the Surface Pro with a larger display and upgraded stylus.

The Surface Pro 4, designed specifically for Windows 10, will come equipped with an Intel Core M3, i5 or i7 chip and up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB of storage. It sports a 12.3-inch (diagonal) "PixelSense" display with a pixel density of 267 PPI and 5 million total pixels.

The device also offers 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity using the new stylus, which now comes with an eraser and attaches to the device magnetically.

According to Microsoft, the new model is 30 percent faster than its predecessor, the Surface Pro 3.

Other features include:

  • Thinner design (8.4 mm);
  • Up to nine hours of battery;
  • USB 3.0 port;
  • MicroSD port;
  • 802.11ac WiFi (compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0;
  • 5 megapixel front camera and 8 megapixel rear camera with 1080p HD recording; and
  • An upgraded available Type Cover that's thinner and offers a fingerprint reader, along with a trackpad that's 40 percent larger and supports five-point multitouch.

Microsoft also introduced the Surface Book, a 13.5-inch laptop with a PixelSense display featuring 6 million total pixels, accelerated graphics (Nvidia GeForce GPU), lighted keyboard and detachable and reversible display. The Surface Book also includes a stylus and offers a Core i5 or i7 processor and up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage.

The Surface Pro 4 starts at $899. Preorders are available now; units are expected to be available Oct. 26. Surface Book starts at $1,499.

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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