Microsoft Announces Intel Atom-Based Surface 3 With Windows 8.1 for $499

Tuesday March 31, 2015 6:32 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Microsoft on Tuesday announced the Surface 3 tablet with Windows 8.1, available in May for a starting price of $499. The latest iPad competitor is designed to be a complete laptop replacement, running full Windows, including desktop applications, and delivering all-day battery life. Surface 3 also includes a quad-core 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, a significant shift from ARM processors used in previous models.

Microsoft Surface 3
Surface 3 comes with 64GB storage and 2GB of RAM for $499, while a 128GB option with 4GB of RAM costs $599. Both Wi-Fi only and 4G LTE models are available. The tablet also features a 10.8" Full HD display at 1,920×1,280 pixels resolution, full-size USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, microSD card reader, headphone jack, cover port, micro USB charging port, Bluetooth 4.0 and three-position kickstand. The tablet will receive a free upgrade to Windows 10 when available and includes a one-year Office 365 subscription.

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The base model Surface 3 in 64GB and 128GB options is available for pre-order now through Microsoft's website for delivery starting the first week of May, while the 4G LTE models are listed as shipping by June 26th. The tablet includes a 1-year limited hardware warranty. Type Covers are a $130 add-on, and Surface pens are available in blue, red, black, and original silver.

Microsoft's new Surface 3 joins the existing Surface Pro 3, starting at $799. The professional tablet rivals the MacBook Air with a 12" Full HD display at 2,160×1,440 pixels resolution, Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor, up to 9 hours of web browsing, full-size USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, microSD card reader, two 5-megapixel HD cameras on the front and back, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop and more.

Tags: Microsoft, Surface 3, Windows

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Top Rated Comments

Sandstorm

151 months ago

I really really like Microsoft lately.

Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Kissaragi

151 months ago

Impressive price point.

Score: 46 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Belmont31R

151 months ago

2gb of RAM running a full desktop OS. No thanks.

Score: 42 Votes (Like | Disagree)

SteveJobs2.0

151 months ago

With Apple's ipad largely failing to meet the productivity needs of professionals, a device such as this can fill the void for those of us needing full-fledged software. iPad's are still the superior choice for families and casuals.

Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)

prowlmedia

151 months ago

Let me admit my bias up front: I despise Microsoft. I literally passed up the chance to walk across the street and hear Bill Gates speak.

That said, I have to admit: These folks are persistent.

I guess I can admire the marketing tenacity without admiring the product or the company.

Well that's equally as insane as hating or loving Samsung or Apple or whoever. they genuinely don't give a monkeys about you.

Why waste your energy in hating a company that make and pushes technology forward even if you don't want to buy that particular brand / tech. I don't like Windows, but I love the xBox. I don't like Samsung phone interfaces but love their chips in my iPhone or the chips in my Fridge Freezer.

Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)