New Microsoft Surface 3 Now Available For Preorder At $499: Features 10.8-Inch Display, Office 365, 4G LTE, 8MP Camera And MicroSD Slot

Continuing the success of Surface Pro 3, Microsoft has now released a brand new tablet dubbed “Surface 3.” It is worth noting that, the 2-in-1 Surface Pro 3 tablet has unanimously been applauded for the capability to double as a laptop. And Phone Arena says, this tablet was one of Time magazine's top 25 inventions of 2014. With such a strong backing, Microsoft has apparently built the Surface 3 with many popular features handpicked from the Surface Pro 3.

Surface 3 Price, Office 365 And Storage Option

According to official Surface Blog, the Surface 3 price has reportedly been set to start from $499. Adding a cherry on top, this device apparently comes with one year Office 365 Personal subscription. This means, the Surface 3 users will be able to access full versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and OneNote, pre-installed on the tablet. Furthermore, potential buyers will also receive 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage space from Microsoft. It is worth noting that, the Surface 3 comes equipped with a microSD card slot for further expansion, notes Phone Arena.

Surface 3 Release Date And Preorder Details

The Surface 3 preorder window is live now at the Microsoft Stores, online Microsoft Store and selected retailers. And notably, the Surface 3 release date is set for May 5 and the device will reportedly be made available in 26 regions by May 7, says official Surface Blog.

Surface 3 Key Features And Variants

Two stand-out features of the Surface 3 are the full Office experience and an optional Pen/Stylus. Plus, the device will reportedly be released as two variants, one with Wi-Fi connectivity and the other with 4G LTE support. In addition, both models will apparently run full Windows and supports desktop apps, notes Phone Arena.

Surface 3 Specifications

Official Surface Blog says, the Microsoft Surface 3 features a 10.8-inch display complemented by 1,920 x 1,280 pixels resolution. Under the hood, the tablet is apparently powered by a quad-core Intel Atom x7 processor. And the device houses an 8 MP rear-facing camera unit, in addition to a 3.5 MP front-facing shooter. Speaking of battery life, the device will reportedly be able to run for 10 hours at a stretch and there is also a USB 3.0 charging port included on the tablet. As one would expect, Windows 8.1 comes pre-installed on the device, however, Windows Pro can also be availed in the case of business usage. Plus, it is worth noting that, as the Windows 10 release date nears close, the Surface 3 will apparently be updated to the upcoming OS for free, once it releases.

Surface 3 Accessory

In order to convert the tablet to laptop, the Surface Type Cover can be availed from Microsoft. Plus, the Surface 3 Docking Station reportedly allows the user to connect a HD monitor, optical mouse and printer to the slate. However, the Pen or Stylus that comes as an optional accessory is reportedly the same one used by Surface Pro 3. And the Pen can apparently be availed in silver, blue, red and black hues.

Interested readers can check out the Surface 3 promo video:

(Credit: YouTube/Surface)

To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail: p.rathinavel@ibtimes.com.au.