Microsoft Announces 12 Inch Surface Pro 3: Should Apple be worried?

For the last few years, Redmond-based software giant Microsoft has been continuously trying to topple Apple from the high-end tablet scene. So far, the company has failed to stop Apple's growing dominance in the premium tablet market. While many believed that Microsoft's Surface range might end up being the iPad killer, it didn't happen. And that was due to the fact that the Surface tablet range never connected well with buyers.

Microsoft introduced a new tablet, the Surface Pro 3, at an event on Tuesday in New York. The large screen version of one of its Surface tablet is powered by Intel-based processor. The much improved Surface Pro 3 measures 12-inch diagonally, when compared to the 10.6-inch featuring Surface 2. The tablet has thin bezels with a silver and black design.

Microsoft said they will start taking pre-orders on the Surface Pro 3 today starting at $799 (about Rs. 46,348 approximately). Users can purchase an extra keyboard that doubles as a device cover that will cost $129.99 (about Rs. 7428 approximately). The Surface Pro 3 will be launched in the US starting June 20, while the worldwide availability is pegged around August. The premium tablet will be available in three configurations: with an Intel Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7 processor. The i3 version will be on sale in June, with Core i5 and i7 coming in August.

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With the Surface Pro 3, Microsoft is aiming to target regular laptop users, instead of tablet buyers. The company dubbed the Surface Pro 3 as "the tablet that can replace your laptop". It would be apt to compare the Surface Pro 3 with Apple's MacBook Air, which now starts as low as $899 ( about Rs. 52,148 approximately).

"Surface Pro 3 is the tablet that can replace your laptop - packing all the performance of a fully powered laptop into a thin, light and beautifully designed device. You'll love being able to carry a single device for your next class, workday or weekend getaway knowing you have all the power you need," said Panos Panay, corporate vice president, Microsoft Surface.

On the spec front, Surface Pro 3 features a 12-inch FHD screen (2,160 x 1,440), 4GB of RAM, Intel Core i3 processor, Windows 8.1, a full-size USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader and Mini DisplayPort allow for quick file transfers and easy connections to a range of peripherals. Furthermore, the company has introduced a new premium Surface Pen with pressure sensitivity enables a more natural writing experience.

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So far, Microsoft has literally struggled to shift enough units of the Surface range, especially its Surface RT. Clearly, the company is gunning to take on the ultra-thin laptop market. Now, Microsoft is no longer interested to challenge insanely popular Apple iPad or Samsung's Galaxy Tab lineup. The software giant had a disastrous 2% share of the global tablet market in 2013, compared to Apple's 36% share with the iPad.

There's no update whether Microsoft will ever bring the Surface Pro 3 in India. Stay tuned to GizBot for more updates!

Source- Microsoft