Microsoft Unveils Surface Pro 3

So the speculations were correct: Microsoft’s event yesterday did not yield a Surface Mini but a larger Surface Pro 3. The event was centered on the newest version of the company’s tablet, which is indeed a 12-incher.

The average person has separate devices for specific uses. If you’re like me, I have a laptop mainly for work and a tablet for play (that ranges from games to reading to surfing to watching videos). And, we’re probably part of Microsoft’s target audience for the larger Surface Pro 3, which they have officially touted as what can be a replacement for one’s laptop.

Microsoft is banking on the fact that, while other tablets like the iPad are great for entertainment purposes, they are not as efficient when it comes to work; that is, working with documents and spreadsheets – even presentations. That is not to say that you cannot do those things with current tablets. It’s just that they are not optimized for that kind of work.

And that’s why the Surface Pro 3 was built.

Microsoft says that the 12-inch display will make a huge difference in using work-related applications, allowing users to look at more than one application at any given time. Basically viewing multiple windows on your screen. Indeed, with the size of the Surface Pro 3, there is more screen real estate to make this possible. At 1.7 pounds, though, it’s not too handy if you’re used to smaller tablets.

Having used a 10-inch netbook for some years in the past, I do think that 12 inches opens up the possibility of the Surface Pro 3 to become a work device more than the smaller tablets.

However, there is the question of combining work and play in one device. Do we really want that?

The Surface Pro 3 starts at $799 for the 64GB/Intel i3 model. The 512GB/Intel i7 model goes for a whopping $1,949.

The Surface Pro 3 is available for pre-order here and will start shipping on June 20 (depending on the exact model).

[Image via Microsoft Store]