Today, Microsoft has announced the the Surface 3, which comes with Windows 8.1. The Surface 3 is a separate product to the Surface Pro 3. Despite having similar names the new Surface 3 has a less powerful processor and smaller screen. The Surface 3 has a quad-core Intel Atom chip, whereas the Pro 3 has the i3, i5 and i7 processors on offer. The base model comes with 64GB of storage, 2GB of RAM for $499, but for $100 more you can get double the storage at 128GB and 4GB RAM for $599. While the Pro 3 starts at $799.
The Surface 3 is designed to be the option you go for if you don’t need the power (and price) of the larger Surface Pro 3.
In terms of screen and ports the Surface 3 has a large 10.8-inch screen at 1920 x 1280. Also included is one full USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, microSD card reader, headphone jack and a micro USB charging port. The Surface 3 also comes with a fully fledged version of Windows 8.1, but will be eligible for the Windows 10 upgrade this summer.
The base models of the device are shipping in May, but are now up for pre-order.
