Microsoft has apparently caved in and has created a cheaper version of their successful Surface 3 tablet, which is up for pre-order for $499.00. And while this isn’t the pro version of the Surface 3, it will be able to run the full version of windows (x86) as it is powered by an Intel Atom process0r (X7-Z8700) that runs at 2.4GHz.
As mentioned the tablet is currently up for pre-order for $499.99, however there hasn’t any released inf on when the tablet will be available either online or via Microsoft Stores. You’ll also be able to get an upgraded model that features 64GB / 2GB RAM / Wi-Fi + 4G LTE for $559.00. Though it’s pretty safe to bet that this will be released on or before Summer 2015, just in time for the release of Windows 10.
The specs of the new Surface 3 are listed below:
- Size: 10.52 x 7.36 x 0.34 in (267 x 187 x 8.7 mm)
- Weight: 1.37 lbs (622 g)
- Display: 10.8” ClearType Full HD Plus Display • Resolution: 1920 x 1280 • Aspect ratio: 3:2 • Touch: 10 point multi-touch • Surface Pen support
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Storage/RAM: 64GB storage with 2GB RAM • 128GB storage with 4GB RAM
- Processor: Quad-core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor (2MB Cache, 1.6GHz with Intel Burst technology up to 2.4GHz)
- Network: (Wireless and Cellular) Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) • Bluetooth 4.0
- Ports: Full-size USB 3.0 • Mini DisplayPort • microSD card reader • Micro USB charging port • Headset jack • Cover port
- Software: Windows 8.1 • 1-year of Office 365 Personal with OneDrive cloud storage
- Cameras, video and audio: 3.5 megapixel front-facing camera • 8.0 megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus • Microphone • Stereo speakers with Dolby audio
- Sensors: Ambient light sensor • Proximity sensor • Accelerometer • Gyroscope • Magnetometer
This definitely looks like a worthy upgrade if you’re looking to upgrade from a ARM powered Microsoft Surface 1 or 2. And at $499.99 for the starting point, if you’re looking for a decent Windows driven tablet, well looks like this is the sweet spot. And for those wondering about the Intel Atom performance, the X7-Z8700’s performance is actually pretty decent. You can see a benchmark of the processor here.
Looks like is the end of the road for my Dell Venue 11 Pro as I’m liking what I’m seeing for this new Surface 3.
