The Newest Member Of Microsoft's Family

Earlier this week Microsoft announced the new 2015 Surface 3, which Microsoft markets as the “tablet that can replace your laptop”.

Earlier this week Microsoft announced the new 2015 Surface 3, which Microsoft markets as the “tablet that can replace your laptop”.

Although there is entry-level, mid-level, and high-level versions, the upgraded tablet line now runs more like software.

Powered by Intel’s powerful processors, it no longer has the slower, ARM-based chip built for tablets, as seen in the Surface 2.

Completely integrated with Windows 8 operating system, the original Surface Pro, from 2014, featured a 12-inch screen, but the new Surface features a 10.8-inch display. Based in Windows 8 rather than Windows RT means that when Windows 10 becomes available, it will receive a free upgrade.

Powered by Intel’s powerful processors, it no longer has the slower, ARM-based chip built for tablets, as seen in the Surface 2.

Targeted to those on a smaller budget, such as schools and students, it is also ideal for mobile workers. There are, however, some major differences in price. For those wanting the entry-level Surface 3 that has 64GB of storage, 2GB of RAM, and an Intel i3 core processor, the pricetag is $499, but after you add the Type Cover and Pen, the price comes to $630. This is still much lower than the Surface Pro 3, which costs $999, but is a bit more expensive than the Surface 2, which is priced at $449.

Then Pen is actually a really fantastic feature, which is also on the Surface Pro 3.

Powered by Atom, the newest tablet from Microsoft supports Photoshop, CoreIDraw, Spotify, World of Warcraft, etc. This makes it much more powerful than its predecessor, but is still not ideal for intensive programs, like video editors.

As it is now completely fanless, it’s also a bit thicker - but it has a USB socket.

The 2015 Surface 3 is set to be released on May 7.