Preview: Microsoft Surface Pro

Before we begin, let us clarify one very important fact: Microsoft Surface Pro is not officially available in Malaysia just yet nor it will be launched at the official Malaysian launch of Surface RT later this month. There might be some possibilities that it will be eventually released here (the Singapore’s Surface website has a dedicated section for Surface Pro, if you want to take that as a sign) but definitely not at this moment according to our sources.

This particular unit was flown to our HQ from United States, in case you are curious about its origin. Now that we already got that covered, let’s begin our first look at the Microsoft’s Surface Pro through the Read More link below.

In essence, the Microsoft Surface Pro is an Ultrabook-spec Windows 8 tablet that weights at around 0.9kg (2lbs) and with a thickness of around 13.5mm. It is equipped with a 10.6-inch full HD 1080p ClearType display that support up to 10 simultaneous touch points at the same time and also features an integrated kickstand. As per its namesake, the Surface Pro comes pre-installed with Windows 8 Pro.

Within its VaporMg casing, lies the Intel Core i5-3317U processor that runs at a base speed of 1.7GHz and able to go up to 2.60GHz. The processor also features the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 that acts as Surface Pro’s GPU. In terms of memory, the Surface Pro comes standard with dual-channel 4GB DDR3 RAM and the option of either 64GB or 128GB solid state drive. Being a recently produced unit, our 128GB Surface Pro is equipped with a Samsung mSATA drive while the earlier batch of Surface is equipped with one from Micron instead.

As you can see, there are not much I/O ports on the Surface Pro as it is equipped with only a single USB 3.0 port together with a mini DisplayPort, 3.5mm audio port and a microSD slot that supports card with capacity of up to 64GB. Together with them are a built-in microphone, stereo speakers, volume rocker, power/lock button and two 720p cameras. Not to forget, the Surface Pro also comes with non-removable 42Whr battery.

As shown in our video teaser earlier, the Surface Pro (as well as Surface RT) are equipped with a magnetic docking port that mates together with specially designed optional covers that also act as keyboard. These covers are available in two type: the Touch Cover which features pressure sensitive keyboard and the Type Cover (shown above) that is essentially a slim-profiled classic tactile keyboard.

Apart from that, the Surface Pro’s charging port is also magnetic and doubles up as a stylus pen holder that is included together with the tablet. It comes standard with a 48W power supply that is also equipped with an integrated USB port that allows users to charge their USB-based devices while the power supply in operation.

In United States, the Surface Pro is priced at RM 2735 (USD 899) while the 128GB edition goes for RM 3039 (USD 999). Stay tuned for our full review of Surface Pro coming your way very soon but at the meantime, enjoy a closer look at the tablet as well as its Type Cover through the gallery below.