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tablets

Microsoft Announces New 12-inch Surface Pro 3 Tablet

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Microsoft has officially announced the new Surface Pro 3 tablet, or what it calls ‘The tablet that can replace your laptop.’  Well, we’re not so sure it will be happening anytime soon, the way that Microsoft would probably want it to be, but it sure has evolved a lot since the days of the early model.

Microsoft has really spent the effort this time, to go after Apple. Particularly against the company’s Macbook Air. What are they trying to prove? Probably that you don’t actually need it anymore. For real. Especially now, that you can get the better (and lighter) option which was made in the form of the surface Pro 3. Oh, well.

photo by pcworld
photo by pcworld

As for the device itself, it has a beautiful 12-inch Full HD screen display (3X2 aspect ratio), with 2160 X 1440 resolution, designed to work with literally any stylus pen you’d get. Of course that Microsoft will provide you with one so there’s no need to worry too much about this part (as long as you pay another $49 for it).

The Pro 3 is slim, measuring in only 9.1mm (0.36 inch) in thickness and weighs only 800 grams (1.76 pounds) with no keyboard attached. It will come in three hardware configurations: Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7, with all versions to be available for pre-order starting tomorrow with prices as follows:

  • i3-4GB RAM, 64GB – $799
  • i5-4GB RAM, 128GB – $999
  • i5-8GB RAM, 256GB – $1299
  • i7-8GB RAM, 256GB – $1549
  • i7-8GB RAM, 512GB – $1949

At this point we should mention that the Surface Pro 3 is about 1.2mm thinner than previous Surface variants, and is likely to be getting you roughly 10% more in performance. Battery life is claimed to be around 15%-20% better than any other Surface model.

Accessories wise, there will be a docking station with support for 4K display plus three USB 3 ports, two USB 2 ports, gigabit Ethernet, audio input/output, and a mini-DisplayPort connector, that will run you $199, as well as new type covers, redesigned with 68% bigger trackpad area. The kickstand on the back is now offering users a relatively comfortable near flat writing position that will bring the slab to an angle of up to 150 degrees. It’s particularly useful when you wanna get things done in the comfort of your laps.

 

Surface Pro 3 Specifications

Size 7.93×11.5×0.36 inches
Weight 1.76 lbs
Display 12 inch 2160×1440 multitouch
Processor Unspecified 4th generation (Haswell) Core i3, i5, and i7 options.
RAM 4 or 8GB
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Connectivity 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
Cameras Front and rear, both supporting 5MP still/1080p video
Ports USB 3, microSD, mini DisplayPort, headphones
Sensors Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, 256 level pressure sensitive battery-powered pen
Battery 9 hours
Other TPM 2.0, front and rear-facing microphones, Dolby-enhanced stereo speakers

 

Update: Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 tablet now available to pre-order both in Europe and the U.S. (overall in 22 countries worldwide).

Check out the videos below

[youtube id=”1t7rSZT_77E”]

[youtube id=”mkKPt1gnl_0″]

second video is courtesy of expertzone

tablets

Unannounced Sony VAIO Duo 11 Hybrid Tablet Leaks, Runs Windows 8 With Keyboard Station (Update: Now Official)

We have already had a chance to see some random images of Sony’s purported Xpreria hybrid device, in the past few weeks. But surprisingly, it looks like there is yet another viable option, we’ve never heard of, that’s likely to join the company’s lineup. At least that’s what the cool PocketNow guys are claiming. And while details are scarce at the moment, the only thing we can all be sure about, when it comes to this brand new VAIO Duo 11 (or whatever they call it), is that it will run on Windows 8 OS and not Android (if the photos do indeed exist and are real). As for the slab itself, it is likely to go out in the form of a tablet-laptop convertible machine, paired with a sleek detachable keyboard dock for optimal typing, as well as a handy mini stylus pen that you use to draw freely on screen, which according to sources will probably match the size of the tablet name (11-inch). Other specs, price and availability are still unknown.

Update: Sony has just made an official introduction of the VAIO Duo 11 slider tablet, at IFA 2012. The screen is confirmed to be 11.6-inch at a 1080p resolution, with the launch date set for October 2012. This isn’t your usual tablet, my dear fellows, it’s more like an ultrabook than your average day-to-day slab. Inside, you’ll find Intel’s newest Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 chip, with all the latest technology around (e.g GPS, NFC), while storage capacity is at 128GB or 256GB SSD. Be sure to checkout the hands on video after the break.

[youtube id=”jIEVdRh_v4g”]

[via PocketNow]