With the Surface Pro 4 starting to show a bit of age since its release 2015, the Surface Pro 5 has been a long time coming. Too bad you’ re not getting one. Instead, say hello to the new Surface Pro. Yep, just as…
With the Surface Pro 4 starting to show a bit of age since its release 2015, the Surface Pro 5 has been a long time coming. Too bad you’ re not getting one.
Instead, say hello to the new Surface Pro.
Yep, just as rumored, Microsoft is dropping the numbering system from the Surface Pro line, taking a more MacBook -like approach of simply differentiating its devices by release date. But while rumors suggested the new device would simply be a Kaby Lake refresh, we’ re actually getting a surprisingly robust upgrade.
Most notably, Microsoft says it’s increased the battery life up to 13.5 hours of video playback – way up from the 9 hours claimed for the Surface Pro 4. It’s done so in part by integrating the SSD on the motherboard, as on the Surface Laptop. It’s also improved standby time and addressed issues with the tablet entering and exiting sleep modes, according to The Verge.
Battery life has been one of the most common complaints about Surface Pro series since its inception, so here’s hoping that number translates decently into real-world usage. Either way, an improvement seems likely.
Then there’s the new alcantara Type Covers to match the Surface Laptop in cobalt blue, burgundy, gold, and grey. It’s cool to see Microsoft adopt the material as the primary option; pretty two-tone look aside, it’s more durable and easier to maintain than the old felt-like material.
Artists will be happy to see the updated Surface Pen – also in fancy new colors – now supports tilting motions, while pressure sensitivity has quadrupled to 4096 levels. Meanwhile, Microsoft says it’s also revamped the hinge to sit lower for drawing, as well as improved the speakers and display. Oh, and you can use the Surface Dial on-screen now too, just like the Surface Studio.
On the outside, it looks pretty similar to the Surface Pro 4, but Microsoft has removed the fan vents on the core m3 and i5 models, and made it lighter overall. This resemblance isn’ t a bad thing – the Surface Pro 4 was excellent and holds up to the test of time. That is, except for the lack of USB-C, something which hasn’ t changed on the new Pro – * sighs *.
The new Surface Pro will be available on June 15 starting at $799. The usual caveat applies: the Type Cover isn’ t included in the price – it’s $159 for the alcantara covers, or $129 for a plain black one.
There’s another caveat this time though: The Surface Pen is now a separate, $99 purchase. Boo.
On the other hand, Microsoft is offering an LTE model for the first time, though the company isn’ t announcing pricing for that one at this time.
Developing. Refresh for updates…
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