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Surface Pro 3: Read Our Exclusive Report

By Neil J. Squillante | Wednesday, May 21, 2014

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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So many products, so little time. In each issue of TL NewsWire, you'll learn about five new products for the legal profession. Pressed for time? The newsletter's innovative articles enable lawyers and law office administrators to quickly understand the function of a product, and zero in on its most important features. The TL NewsWire newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.

Topics: Laptops/Smartphones/Tablets | TL NewsWire
 
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