Microsoft combines the portability of a tablet and the performance of a laptop with the Surface Pro 3 256GB 12" Multi-Touch Tablet. Weighing just 1.76 pounds and measuring just 0.36" thin, the Surface Pro 3 packs 4th-gen Haswell Intel Core processing power into a magnesium casing with a silver finish.
The Surface Pro 3 features a 12" ClearType Full HD Plus widescreen display with a 2160 x 1440 native resolution, which allows you to play Full HD content with ease. The display is also a touchscreen so you'll be able to take full advantage of the multi-touch gestures incorporated into Windows 8.1 Pro. If you want to output video to an external display, you can use the mini DisplayPort.
The system is powered by a dual-core 4th generation Haswell 1.7 GHz Intel Core i7-4650U processor. It also has 8GB of RAM, 256GB of flash storage, a microSDXC media card slot, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two 1080p cameras, and integrated dual microphones. There are also built-in stereo speakers with Dolby audio. Windows 8.1 Pro is the installed operating system.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Dual-Core 4th-Gen Haswell Intel Core Performance
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 houses a 4th-gen Haswell Intel Core i7-4650U processor. Its dual cores can reach a stock speed of 1.7 GHz. The processor can also be overclocked up to 3.3 GHz, thanks to Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology. The Haswell processor also uses low voltage for energy efficiency and improved battery life. With a dedicated 4MB L3 cache, 8GB of RAM, and Intel Hyper-Threading technology, you'll be able to push the dual cores into four virtual threads for efficient multitasking.
12" ClearType Full HD Plus Touchscreen
Featuring a 2160 x 1440 native resolution, the 12" ClearType Full HD Plus display provides a high-res, clear viewing experience. Use the multi-position Kickstand for a hands-free way to watch movies. The display is also a touchscreen so you'll be able to utilize the multi-touch gestures incorporated into Windows 8.1 Pro. You can also output video to an external display via the mini DisplayPort.
Intel Dual-Band 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Featuring Intel dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, the Surface Pro 3 delivers faster Internet access, broader coverage, and longer battery life. The Surface Pro 3 is also backwards compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi networks. The Surface Pro 3 also comes with Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy technology so you'll be able to connect wirelessly to Bluetooth-compatible peripherals and accessories.
The Portability of a Tablet
Weighing in at 1.76 pounds and measuring 0.36" thin, the Surface Pro 3 can be used in classes, at meetings, or on the road. The bright, responsive touchscreen and the high quality speakers with Dolby audio provides an immersive viewing experience while the two 5-megapixel cameras allows you to video chat with friends and family in high resolution.
Surface Pen
The included Surface Pen feels like an actual pen and provides a natural writing experience. Use the Surface Pen to mark up presentations, sign documents, or enjoy art apps. You can also open a blank OneNote document with a click of the Surface Pen to instantly capture your next idea, even if your Surface Pro 3 is in sleep mode.
Windows 8.1 Pro
The Return of the Start Button
After many requests from Windows users, the Start button makes its triumphant return in Windows 8.1 Pro. While it may not be exactly the same as its predecessor in Windows 7, the Start button has two core functions. A left click on the Start button will take you to the Start screen. A right click on the Start button brings up an advanced menu where you can access the Device Manager, Control Panel, Network Options, and more.
Boot Directly to the Desktop
Windows 8.1 Pro gives you the choice of booting to the Windows 8.1 Pro Start screen with live tiles or booting to the familiar desktop screen of Windows 7. Users can also boot directly into an app or app view if they choose to.
Seamless Integration of Multi-Touch Gestures
Windows 8.1 Pro supports multi-touch gestures. Now, you can use your keyboard, mouse or the touchpad using simple gestures. Whether you're browsing apps, reading a book or typing on the go with touch, you'll be able to seamlessly switch between all three interactive components. With the touchpad, Windows 8.1 Pro allows you to use multi-touch gestures, such as swipe, drag, tap, slide, pinch-to-zoom, and more.
Windows Store
In the Windows Store, you can search for or browse thousands of apps. Choose from the featured apps or grab one of the most frequently downloaded apps to see what all the hype is all about. You can also see how other people rate apps. For certain apps, you can try it out before you buy it so you can make sure you absolutely want an app before you spend your hard-earned money on it.
BitLocker
BitLocker drive encryption helps protect corporate data on mobile PCs that include a trusted platform module (TPM) chip. BitLocker now encrypts hard drives more quickly, helping to keep your data safe without interrupting your productivity. BitLocker also supports encrypted drives.
SmartScreen
SmartScreen services help protect you from malicious sites and software on the Internet. It checks the reputation of any new app or website in order to keep you safe no matter what browser you're using. This helps prevent malware and other viruses from infiltrating your PC or your corporate network.
DirectAccess
DirectAccess allows remote users to more securely and seamlessly access resources inside of a corporate network without having to launch a separate virtual private network (VPN) connection.
Windows Media Center
Windows Media Center lets you turn your PC into a home entertainment system that can play and record high-definition TV (if you have additional tuner hardware), DVDs and CDs. It also has a software DVR that can play photo slideshows and Internet TV content.