The leaks were indeed true: Microsoft has finally introduced its new Surface Pro for 2017 earlier today and it looked like Surface Pro 4 that was launched in 2015. Despite the similarity in terms of physical design, the company has packed several new improvements into it with the help of more than 800 new custom parts.
Let’s start with the new processor options in which customers are able to choose for their Surface Pro. Subsequently, their choice of processor will also affect the integrated GPU, storage, and RAM configurations of their device as listed below:
Intel Core m3-7Y30: Intel HD Graphics 615, 4GB RAM, 128 GB SSD
Intel Core i5-7300U: Intel HD Graphics 620, 4GB RAM – 128GB SSD or 8GB RAM – 256GB SSD
Intel Core i7-7660U: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, 8GB RAM – 256GB SSD or 16GB RAM – 512GB/1TB SSD
Aside from improved horsepower, these new processors apparently help improve the battery life on the new Surface Pro which can now run as long as 13.5 hours – 50% more than the Surface Pro 4. Additionally, the Core i5 version of 2017 Surface Pro is actually a fanless device similar to the Core m3 version.
Despite looking almost identical to Surface Pro 4, Microsoft stated that the 2017 Surface Pro actually have more rounded edges. Furthermore, Surface Pro’s hinge has improved range of motion of 165-degrees as compared to 150-degress on Surface Pro 4.
Meanwhile, Microsoft also took the opportunity to introduce several new accessories for Surface Pro including the new Surface Pen which surprisingly will not be included together with the tablet as per previous Surface Pro models. The new digital pen now apparently has higher level of sensitivity and new tilting feature which we will discuss in a separate post shortly.
Other that, the company has also introduced several new Signature Type Cover keyboards that are covered with Alcantara fabric just like Surface Laptop. At the same time, the 2017 Surface Pro also supports on-screen interaction with Surface Dial that was introduced alongside Surface Studio last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwWs2jIy4js
While the 2017 Surface Pro comes standard with Windows 10 Pro, Microsoft stated that it will be made available with Windows 10 S soon. Users can also expect LTE-capable variants later this year.
At this moment, Microsoft has yet to reveal the release date and pricing of the new Surface Pro for Malaysia which is not part of the initial launch markets that will receive the new tablet in mid-June. In case you are curious of its pricing though, the 2017 Surface Pro starts at USD 799 (about RM 3,431) – not inclusive of Type Cover.
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