As promised, Microsoft today began to take Surface Pro 3 pre-orders. Introduced yesterday, Microsoft bills it as the “tablet that can replace your laptop.”
Both Microsoft Canada and Microsoft U.S. are offering the Surface Pro 3 in five different configurations through their respective websites:
- Intel Core i3 and 64GB of storage: CA$849 (US$799)
- Intel Core i5 and 128GB of storage: CA$1049 (US$999)
- Intel Core i5 and 256GB of storage: CA$1349 (US$1299)
- Intel Core i7 and 256GB of storage: CA$1599 (US$1549)
- Intel Core i7 and 512GB of storage: CA$1999 (US$1949)
The Surface Pro Type Cover, available in five colours, will set you back an additional CA$129.99 while an additional Surface Pen will cost CA$49.99
Here is a reminder of the Surface Pro 3 specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 configurations
- Operating system: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro
- Cellular connectivity: None
- Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
- Display: 12.0-inch (2160×1440) ClearType
- RAM: 4GB or 8GB LPDDR3
- Internal storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB/512GB
- External storage: MicroSD cards
- Rear-facing camera: 5MP
- Front-facing camera: Yes
- Connectors: 3.5mm audio jack, USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, Cover Port, charging port
- Sensors: Ambient light, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer
- Dimensions: 292.1 × 201.4 × 9.1 millimeters
- Weight: 800 grams
- Colours: Silver
- Other: Magnesium casing
If you want to get your hands on a Surface Pro 3, you will need to be patient. The two Intel Core i5 models currently show shipment dates of June 20 whereas the other three all show shipment dates of August 31 in both countries.
Sources : Microsoft Store Canada // Microsoft Store U.S.
For something going up against the MacBook Air, I’m not sure I’d get a Surface Pro 3.
MacBook with i7, 512 gb storage, 8 gb RAM, a REAL keyboard = $1849 Cdn.
Surface Pro 3 & Type Cover = $2130.
The Surface may have a better screen (currently), but typing on the Type Cover isn’t great. Especially over a long period of time.
It’ll be interesting to see what the real-world reviews are like. Tablets and laptops are different beasts, I’m not sure if one can completely replace the other despite what Microsoft is telling us. They’ve tried many times to put the full Windows experience on a tablet with only marginal results. The Surface Pro 3 doesn’t really change the game much other than a spec refresh.