The Surface Pro 3 established Microsoft as a company that had the chops to make it in the hardware business, with quarterly sales not only exceeding $1 billion - and sales of 3.5 billion in three years - but the immensely positive reception to the device also prompting Apple and Google to reveal their own devices in the image of the Surface line. Today, we see what Microsoft is envisioning for the future of Surface.

While the design has remained mostly similar to the previous generation, the Surface Pro 4's screen is slightly larger at 12.3-inches PixelSense display, compared to the 12-inch display on the Surface Pro 3. The dimensions, however, are unchanged, as Microsoft has significantly thinned the bezels on the device, allowing it to squeeze a much larger display in the same form factor. The device also has over 5 million pixels, for an overall 200+ ppi.

The kickstand that is now synonymous with the Surface line is obviously returning, making the device even more 'lappable' than before.

Powering the two-in-one is one of Intel's new Skylake processors, that is supposed to be 50% faster than the MacBook air. Microsoft also includes up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal SSD storage.

Now available in five different colours, the Surface Pen is also returning, this time with 1024 pressure levels and a year-long battery. Users will also be pleased to know that Microsoft will finally allow you to store the pen with the tablet using a magnetic connection. The new pen also features a tail eraser – and, Surface head Panos Panay could not help but mention a certain ‘Pencil’ which comes without an eraser.

The Surface Pro 4 also comes with a new G5 chip that allows you to ink even better, allowing for a thinner display stack and more responsive inking. Cortana is also integrated with the new Surface Pen. Holding down the eraser button allows you to call up Cortana and give her voice commands immediately.

The Type Cover has also been improved, making it their thinnest keyboard yet and featuring a 40% larger trackpad than the previous generation. What's more, Windows Hello support is also coming to both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro 3 through the integrated fingerprint reader embedded in the new keyboard.

With Microsoft's metric indicating that 98% of Surface users would recommend one to family and friends, the company likely has another success on its hands with the Surface Pro 4. The device starts at $899, with preorders starting tomorrow and general availability to follow on October 26.

Posted: Oct 06, 2015 12:21 pm
Related Forum: Mobile Devices

Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-announces-the-surface-pro-4-30-percent-faster-than-surface-pro-3