Microsoft Announces the New Surface Pro
Microsoft finally announces the new iteration for their Surface Pro lineup. Instead of naming it the Surface Pro 5, Microsoft has opted to drop the numbering and just called it “The New Surface Pro”. Now onwards, I guess everyone will just call it the Surface Pro 2017. Read on to find out what Microsoft have in store for the New Surface Pro?
What’s New in the New Surface Pro?
Subtle Redesign & New Kickstand
The new Surface Pro now has softer and rounded edges for cleaner handleability. While it might seem subtle, but it is a welcomed change. Microsoft also claims that the new Surface Pro is lighter than the previous generation. On top of that, the legendary kickstand also received an update where the hinge has a range of motion up to 165 degrees compared to the previous generation’s 150 degrees angle.
Updated Cores
As expected, the new Surface Pro is now powered by the Intel’s 7th generation Kaby Lake processors. Below are the available configurations:
- Intel Core m3-7Y30 (Intel HD Graphics 615)
- 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD
- Intel Core i5-7300U (Intel HD Graphics 620)
- 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD
- 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD
- Intel Core i7-7660U (Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640)
- 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD
- 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD
- 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD (PCIe NVMe)
What’s even impressive is that the Core i5 models are now completely fanless, joining the Core m3 in the silent computing club. Microsoft also states that the new processors other than providing the raw processing power, it also help to achieve 13.5 hours of battery life.
Updated Accessories
Surface Pen
The new Surface Pen has received a massive update where it now supports up to 4096 levels of pressure, which is double of the previous generation of Surface Pen. On top of that, it also supports tilt action where creative personnel would use it for shading as if it is the real pencil. Latency also drops from 45 ms to 21 ms for that fluid and real time inking experience.
Signature Type Cover
The Signature Type Cover also received the Alcantara treatment where Microsoft basically covered the keys in the fuzzy fabric, ala Surface Laptop style.
Availability
The new Surface Pro will launch on June 15, 2017, in 25 markets including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Preorder for the new Surface Pro and Surface Pro Signature Type Cover has already begun in select markets. The new Surface Pen will be available in the coming weeks.
The Surface Pen & Signature Type Cover will be sold separately from the new Surface Pro.
Stay tuned with us for the local Malaysia’s availability.
