Today's issue of TL NewsWire covers Microsoft's new hybrid laptop/tablet (see article below), a Word add-on that analyzes your documents for grammar and style and makes suggestions, a gadget that converts a traditional desk into a height-adjustable desk, and a Mac note-taking app. Don't miss the next issue.
MORE SURFACE AREA
Not many people realize that Microsoft shipped Windows 1 and 2. Windows 3 achieved success. Microsoft has a long history of hitting a home run on a 0-2 count. Yesterday, Microsoft unveiled its the third attempt at a hybrid laptop/tablet. With iPad growth slowing, Microsoft still has an opportunity to woo lawyers. Let's take a look under the hood to discern Microsoft's strategy.
Surface Pro 3 … in One Sentence
Announced yesterday and shipping on June 20, Surface Pro 3 is an Intel-based laptop and tablet running Windows 8.1.
The Killer Feature
Microsoft has given up on the concept of a consumer tablet for the time being. The company seems focused on business users only. It didn't announce a new Surface running on an ARM chip (the Surface Pro uses Intel chips) nor did it announce a 7- or 8-inch Surface.
In fact, the Surface Pro 3 has a 38% larger screen than its predecessor at 12 inches with a 2160 x 1440 pixels resolution (that's 50% more pixels). It also has a redesigned continuous kickstand — use it at a high angle to create a laptop-like experience or at a low angle to use as a notepad with the accompanying Surface Pen stylus. You can even buy an Ethernet adapter.
Perhaps most telling is the fact that Microsoft still hasn't shipped a touch-optimized version of Office for Windows like it has for the iPad. Surface Pro 3 runs the standard Office 2013.
Other Notable Features
Surface Pro 3 weighs 28.3 ounces, measures 11.5 x 7.93 x 0.3 inches, and has 9 hours of battery life. You can choose from an i3, i5, or i7 processor, 64, 128, 256, or 512 GB of storage, and 4 or 8 GB of memory. Other features include a full-size USB 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, and a microSD card reader.
The optional Surface Pro Type Cover ($129.99) transforms Surface Pro 3 into a keyboard. It comes in five colors.
Also optional is the above-noted Surface Pen ($49.99). Thanks to Bluetooth, clicking the pen opens OneNote for taking handwritten notes. Bluetooth also powers a digital eraser, more than 250 levels of pressure sensitivity, and Palm Block technology.
What Else Should You Know?
Pricing for Surface Pro 3 starts at $799 for the base version with an i3 processor and 64 GB of storage. Pricing tops out at $1,949 for the version with an i7 processor and 512 GB of storage. Learn more about Surface Pro 3.
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