Microsoft Now Selling Surface Pro 3 with i3, i7 Processors
Microsoft's Corporate Vice President for Surface Computing, Panos Panay, announced on Friday that the Core i3 and Core i7 versions of the Surface Pro 3 are now available in the United States and Canada. These two configurations join the Core i5 model, which can be purchased at Microsoft Stores, Best Buy and other retailers and resellers.
"Surface Pro 3 is the first generation of Surface Pro for which we've offered this range of configurations," Panay said. "This is the tablet that can replace your laptop, and we know that laptops and tablets are used differently by different people. The new range of products accommodates this with a different processor, memory and storage of options and price points."
The Surface Pro 3 tablets include a 12-inch ClearType display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio. Depending on the configuration, the tablet will have 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM, 64 GB to 512 GB of internal storage, Wireless AC or Wireless N connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, and a microSD card slot for additional storage. The specifications also reveal a 5MP camera on the front and a 5MP camera on the back, USB 3.0 connectivity, DisplayPort, and support for a stylus.
Panay adds that the Core i3 version is perfect for students who take notes and do research on the Internet and won't necessarily be running demanding applications. However, he uses the Core i5 variant as his "daily machine," which has been on the market since May. He even states that the Surface Pro 3 outperformed the laptops he has used in the past, but doesn't provide any hardware details. As for the Surface with the zippy Core i7, he says it's the fastest Surface Pro 3 tablet to date.
"If you are the person who uses your device for complex tasks such as photo, video, or music editing, then a Core i7 Surface Pro 3 will be brilliant for you," he said. "It will keep up with you when you're working your hardest, whether that's in the office connected to multiple monitors and peripherals or traveling. It will save you the trouble of carrying a separate tablet when you want to read a magazine, watch a movie, or play a game."
The Core i3 model with 64 GB costs $799, the Core i5 with 128 GB is $999, the Core i5 with 256 GB costs $1,299, the Core i7 with 256 GB will run you $1,549, and the Core i7 with 512 GB is $1,949.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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anthony8989 You're essentially paying a little more than twice the price of a laptop with equal specs plus a dedicated GPU. A %200+ increase of price because it's easier to carry around ? I can't wrap my head around these units.Reply
Effectively losing serviceability and a dedicated GPU and incurring a higher cost . -
jupebobpete I would spend the money on a laptop, but my wife cares enough about form factor that she finds the Surface Pro appealing. Her comparison is to the MacBook Air and its ilk. I wouldn't buy one but I see the market.Reply -
jupebobpete I would spend the money on a laptop, but my wife cares enough about form factor that she finds the Surface Pro appealing. Her comparison is to the MacBook Air and its ilk. I wouldn't buy one but I see the market.Reply -
TechyInAZ Great tablet, but really $2000 for the top of the line model? I'd get dual gtx 780 tis, i7 4790K, Asus Formula VI for that price.Reply -
RazberyBandit ReplyGreat tablet, but really $2000 for the top of the line model? I'd get dual gtx 780 tis, i7 4790K, Asus Formula VI for that price.
Don't forget to stop by Home Depot to buy a gas generator to power it and a couple hand-trucks to move everything so you can use it "on the go." -
anthony8989 ReplyI would spend the money on a laptop, but my wife cares enough about form factor that she finds the Surface Pro appealing. Her comparison is to the MacBook Air and its ilk. I wouldn't buy one but I see the market
I could definitely see it's value if it were priced a little more modestly. Although I'm sure eventually they will be. -
edogawa It's best to stick with the i5 due to thermal throttling of this device. The i7 isn't really worth the investment.Reply
You don't like the cost for the form factor? Tough shit, this isn't the product for you. The Surface Pro 3 is an amazing device that can handle everything you need from a PC and more with the exception of gaming and heavy encoding. At least this isn't an iPad with very limited functionality. This device is perfect for students, people in the medical field, and people who travel a lot.
Honestly, I don't understand why someone would even make the statement that you could build a better rig for 2000, no-shit, this device is not for gaming, but for mobility and high utility. This device is for a certain market segment, and damn useful, and MS has done a fantastic job improving it every generation.
I suspect with the next generation of Intel integrated there will be a substantial improvement for energy savings, and increase for iGPU performance so that you can handle light gaming at 1080P, 60FPS easily. The Haswell chip is the main concern right now for this device.