Well, talk about sweet surprises! Microsoft finally expanded their Surface family, by announcing the Surface 3, a new tablet that provides a more affordable alternative to the Surface Pro 3.

It is actually a successor to the new discontinued Surface 2.

But instead of that ARM powered device, this new slate runs the full version of Windows 8.1 — fully upgradeable to Windows 10 once the new operating system launches later this year). Plus, it comes with more advanced hardware than the old Windows RT model.

This video shows the device in action:

video

The new device features almost the same design as the fan favorite Surface Pro 3, including a digital pen that makes writing and drawing onscreen easier. However, this accessory is sold separately, in order to keep the price down.

A 10.8-inch ClearType display is the highlight here, along with a quad-core Intel Atom x7 Z78700 processor that runs at 1.6GHz but can be pushed all the way up to 2.4GHz thanks to Intel Burst™.

Depending on the versions, the Surface 3 comes with either 2GB or 4GB of RAM. And two storage configurations are available, namely 64GB and 128GB.

Battery time life is said to be up to 10 hours of video playback.

Here’s a look at pricing:

  • 2GB of RAM, 64GB of storage ($499)
  • 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage ($599)
  • 2GB of RAM, 64GB of storage with LTE ($599)
  • 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage with LTE ($699)

The new Surface 3 will go on sale in no less than 26 markets across the globe (basically all the countries where the Surface Pro 3 is already available). Availability is set to start between May 5 and 7.

Preorders, however, start from today.

Here’s a look at the full pricing:


  • 2GB of RAM, 64GB of storage ($499)
  • 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage ($599)
  • 2GB of RAM, 64GB of storage with LTE ($599)
  • 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage with LTE ($699)


And below is a full breakdown of the Surface 3 hardware specifications:


  • Operating System: Windows 8.1, with free upgrade to Windows 10
  • Display:8-inch ClearType touchscreen
  • Touch: 10 point multi-touch
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Pixel density: 214 ppi
  • Processor:6GHz Intel® Atom™ x7-Z8700 quad-core, up to 2.4GHz burst
  • RAM: 2GB, 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB, 128GB
  • Audio: Dolby® Audio-enhanced stereo speakers
  • Cameras:5 megapixel front, 8 megapixel with autofocus back
  • Video recording: 1080p
  • Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 low energy
  • LTE Features: GPS, Assisted GPS and GLONASS
  • Sensors: ambient light, proximity, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, digital compass
  • Battery: Up to 10 hours video playback
  • Power Supply: 13 watts microUSB charger
  • Dimensions:51 x 7.36 x 0.34 inches (267 x 187 x 8.7 millimeters)
  • Weight:37 pounds (622 grams)
  • Software: 1 year subscription to Office 365 Personal


Worth a mention here that while the Surface 3 has pen input, the accessory itself will be sold separately (for $49), with the obvious intention of keeping the price low.