Microsoft has again made its Surface Pro tablet running Windows 8 Pro available for purchase on its online store. The product has experienced stock issues since it was released. With the cheapest option starting at $899, Microsoft is certainly pinning the product as a premium experience with a rather expensive price tag. The original Surface tablet is already available with Windows RT, so what will consumers be getting with this new Surface Pro?
The highlight feature is of course the full installation of Windows 8 Pro. This tablet is a personal computer with all the capabilities of a desktop or laptop equivalent - no longer are consumers restricted to apps on the Windows Store. Fancy installing that game / software you had downloaded as an executable on an older machine? Now you can.
Packing an Intel CPU, the tablet is also quite the power house. Taking into account the entire specification readout, we're looking at a 3rd generation Intel Core i5 processor, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 4GB RAM, 64 / 128GB internal storage, 10.6" ClearType HD Display (1920x1080), USB 3.0, two HD cameras, Bluetooth 4.0 and a pen stylus. Not a bad bundle.
Here's what you'll be receiving with each price point:
- $899 - 64GB
- $999 - 128GB
The Surface RT starts at just $499, which is definitely the more cost-effective option should you not be requiring all the bells and whistles in a tablet solution. The Windows Store provides ample content for consumers and we can only see the catalogue improving over time. Microsoft has a fierce battle ahead in the market, but the Surface RT and Pro are solid entry products to get the ball rolling.
The 128GB version of the Surface Pro currently has a March 1st delivery estimation. Checking the UK online Microsoft Store reveals that the product is not yet available. We'll likely be seeing a similar launch to the first Surface tablet. Stay tuned for our hands-on and initial impressions of Microsoft's attempt to create a full-blown Windows experience on a small form factor.
Source: Microsoft Store; thanks everyone who tipped us!
Rich Edmonds is a word conjurer at Windows Central, covering everything related to Windows, gaming, and hardware. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a device chassis. You can follow him over on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.
