Microsoft's Surface Pro 4, New Surface 3 Release Date 2015: Specs and rumors

Surface 3 and Surface Pro 4
Surface 3 and Surface Pro 4

Microsoft's Surface 3 release date arrived amidst speculation concerning the Surface Pro 4, which is rumored to have specs surpassing that of the Surface Pro 3. In the mean time, the new Surface 3 is now available at the official Microsoft Store and Best Buy. Staples is also offering the Surface 3, though there is limited availability for in-store pick up. Be advised, the starting price for the Surface 3 is $499.

Surface 3 Specs and Features

Though it lacks the Surface Pro 3's performance, the Surface 3 still packs a powerful quad core 1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU. Depending on the users' preference, the Surface 3 has either 2GB or 4GB of RAM. The device is more than adequate for the average web browsing, work, and entertainment.

Other features include 64GB or 128GB of internal memory. Also, the Surface 3 has USB 3.0, microSD, and Mini Display ports. The Surface 3 runs on the current Windows 8.1 OS. Even so, Microsoft will allow complimentary upgrades to Windows 10 when the OS launches this summer.

Surprisingly, the Surface 3 outperforms the Surface Pro 3 in connectivity. The Surface 3 can access the 4G (LTE) network, which is something the Pro 3 lacks. In addition, the device has 802.11ac WiFI and Bluetooth 4.0. Unlike the Surface Pro 3, the Surface 3's pen is sold separately.

Being the thinnest Surface model to date, the Surface 3 is only 8.7mm thick. Its 267 x 187mm dimension allows for easier one-hand operation. The only drawback to the Surface 3 is that its kickstand only has three positions, while the Surface Pro 3 is adjustable at virtually any angle.

Still, the Surface 3 is comparatively lighter - weighing in at just 1.37 lbs. This makes the device very compact and transportable.

Surface Pro 4 Rumors: Mid-May Release?

Though Microsoft has not confirmed its existence, the Surface Pro 4 is expected to be a worthy successor to the Surface Pro 3.

It is more than likely that Surface Pro 4 will have the same Intel i3, i5, and i7 processor options as the Pro 3. Currently, the market trend is pushing toward thinner and lighter devices. Hence, the Surface Pro 4 may be much thinner than the Pro 3. However, Microsoft will need to do this without significantly sacrificing performance. Regarding operating systems, the Surface Pro 4 may come installed with Windows 10.

However, the release date is uncertain. Based on an anonymous source, Geek Snack suggested a mid-May launch. Even so, the publication admitted that this information is odd considering that the date comes just after the Build 2015 conference. Simply put, there may not be sufficient time to push out the Surface Pro 4.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.