'Surface 3' Release Date, Price & Specs: Microsoft Unveils New Tablet To Compete with Apple's iPad

Microsoft recently unveiled the newest member of their tablet and hybrid line. The new Surface 3 is set to give users the full power of a laptop in a small body and reports came out that Apple's iPad finally found a match in the latest gadget offering from Microsoft.

The Surface 3 is the newest Microsoft device out in the market. The new tablet is equipped with the power of a laptop in such a compact size that did not compromise on the materials.

Unlike its predecessor, the Surface 3 now allows users to run Windows applications fully with its new processor and operating system, reported The Verge.

According to the Microsoft Surface Blog, the new device is powered by the latest system-on-chip technology offered by Intel, the Quad-core Intel Atom x7 processor. Aside from the speed and quality, this new chip allows users to maximize the performance of their devices when in use while working to save power as much as it can as well.

Unlike the previous models that require fans to cool the system after prolonged use, the new Intel Atom x7 ditches the fan. This allows the makers of the device to come up with a thinner, quieter and lighter gadget that is very easy to use and carry around.

The Surface 3 makes use of a 64-bit Windows 8.1 operating system. However, it could be upgraded to the newer Windows 10 once it is made available. The download is free so users need not worry about any additional expense.

Just like any other mobile device, this 10.8-inch gadget also boasts of dual cameras with an 8MP rear camera and a 3.5MP front shooter.

If one would prefer the use of a laptop over a tablet, one could simply attach the Surface 3 Type Cover which has a keyboard for typing purposes. It also makes use of a stylus, called the Surface Pen. However, this would not be included in the package when bought.

With all these exciting features and specifications, the newest gadget from Microsoft truly set itself up as a rival to Tim Cook's iPad which is one of the lightest and thinnest tablets out in the market, said Forbes.

The Surface 3 would be available at the starting price of $499, while the LTE version is at $599. The gadget is not officially out in the market yet, but is available for pre-order starting April 1.

Shipping of devices will start on May 5 for the United States and Canada markets and on May 7 for international markets.

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