Microsoft’s Surface Pro (they’ve dropped the numbering scheme) looks impressive. In an interview with The Verge, Microsoft’s head of Surface, Panos Panay, claims there are about 800 new custom parts in the Surface Pro.
Battery life is up from 9 to 13.5 hours, it’s got the latest Kaby Lake processors, there are promised sleep/wake improvements (an issue that plagued many Surface Pro 4 users), and the device just looks and feels nicer with more rounded edges as well as a barely visible vent.
The Core i5 now joins the m3 in being fanless (the high-end i7 still has a fan). The new hinge allows the Surface Pro to lie almost completely flat at 165 degrees, which Microsoft calls Studio Mode (after the Surface Studio). This’ll make it easier to use with the Surface Dial.
The Surface Pen gets a sizable update as well: it now has 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt detection (only with the Surface Pro) for better shading and inking accuracy. Perhaps even more important is that it’s more responsive because of a reduction in minimum activation force. Though this time around, it’s a separate purchase.
There’s still no USB-C, and only one USB port (this accessory will help photographers import SD cards to an external drive without a hub, utilizing the Surface’s micro SD port). A new LTE option should be great for those one the go, though a release date for that feature hasn’t been announced.
The new Surface Pro is available for pre-order today starting at $ 799, with the Type Cover coming in at $ 129 and Surface Pen coming in at $ 99. Shipping starts June 15th.
Via: The Verge and Microsoft
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)