Microsoft unveils the new Surface 3. coming to Malaysia on May 5

8:09:00 AM dickwyn 0 Comments

Hardware partners might be saving up some new laptops for when Windows 10 comes out in the Summer but it looks like Microsoft couldn't wait till Windows 10 to launch some new hardware. Out is the brand new Surface 3 which is not to be mistaken by the Surface Pro 3 announced last year. This new tablet from Microsoft reaffirms their ambitions to drop Windows RT which plagued past Surface tablets.

The new Surface 3 looks a lot like the Surface Pro 3 but when compared side by side, the difference is clear. Size is the biggest visual difference between the two and this time around Microsoft is increasing the size of the Surface 3 to 10.8" to produce a 3:2 aspect ratio like on the Surface Pro 3 (both the Surface and Surface 2 featured a 10.6" display with a 16:10 aspect ratio).

Besides that, Microsoft is also ditching Nvidia's Tegra processor for an Intel Atom processor. This exit from featuring ARM based processors for the Surface 3 seals the deal as Windows RT fades away in Windows 10 making way for a mainstream tablet which can run desktop applications like on a normal PC.

In terms of hardware, the Surface 3 measures in at 8.7mm and weighs in at only 620g. It features the same design cues found on the Surface Pro 3 but the hinge is fluid kickstand but instead Microsoft has included a three stage kickstand on the Surface 3. Also, they are removing the proprietary charging port on the Surface 3 to make way for a microUSB port for charging the device, no fancy USB Type-C connector for charging like on the new MacBook and Chromebook Pixel.

Well, it's not a Surface without a type cover; Microsoft is bringing the same type cover found on the Surface Pro 3 to the Surface 3 and the keyboard does feature the secondary magnets which clip onto the screen to increase stability. It'll come in various colors and is priced in at $129. In addition to that, the Surface 3 will support the Surface Pen which will be sold separately for $49 and the pen will come in various colors to suit the type cover used.

Overall, the Surface 3 isn't a reinvention of the Windows tablet but it does serve as a message that the era of Windows RT is dead. The Surface 3 will go on sale in Malaysia on May 5 for RM 1,879 for the Wi-FI model, the LTE model will not be making it's way here. Also, pre orders for the device will start on April 13