A rumour circulated the web at the end of March that Microsoft would launch a new Surface tablet sporting 64-bit Windows 8.1, rather than Windows RT. Lo and behold, the Surface 3 was announced on the 1st April.
The new tablet ditches the ARM processor used on the original Surface RT and Surface 2 in favour of a quad-core Intel Atom device (the X7, code-named Cherry Trail). Windows 8.1 means that the tablet can run full Windows apps – a first for a Surface tablet that is not part of the Pro line.
Unlike the Surface RT/Surface 2, the Surface 3 has a 10.8″ display with a 3:2 aspect ratio (compared to 10.6″ and 16:9). The kickstand has several pre-set positions, but is not adjustable like the Surface Pro 3. The tablet will also work with the stylus used on the Pro line – another first. Microsoft claims that the tablet will reach 10 hours of battery life.
The product features a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, and WiFi connectivity. A cellular version, the Surface 3 (4G LTE), will be available.
Microsoft has not announced full specifications yet, but we do know that the Surface 3 will be launched worldwide on the 5th May, starting at $500.
