14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 3 last week and everyone can pre-order a model right now, with shipments projected to begin next month or even in August, depending on the version you choose.
Redmond, however, is planning to give everyone considering the purchase the chance to try out the device by simply visiting a Microsoft store in the United States. A short memo posted on the online Microsoft store page reveals that Surface Pro 3 will be available for testing starting June 6.
The Surface Pro 3 is not a tablet per se, but a device supposed to replace your laptop, as it offers similar features and very powerful hardware to help you perform almost the same tasks.
The device is available in multiple hardware configurations, starting with an Intel Core i3 model featuring 64 GB of storage space and ending with the top-of-the-range Intel i7 unit that offers up to 512 GB of space.
The Surface Pro 3 also boasts up to 8 GB of RAM depending on the version you choose, and while no battery details have been provided, Microsoft claims that it can offer up to 9 hours of web browsing.
At the same time, Microsoft equipped the new 12-inch tablet with two 5 megapixel HD cameras, full-size USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader for even more storage space, a digital pen to make drawing and writing a breeze, and Bluetooth 4.0.
The biggest problem in Surface Pro 3's case seems to be the price, as it remains a very expensive device despite the aforementioned hardware specifications. Microsoft claims that it's a full laptop replacement, so the pricing more or less makes sense.
Here are the full pricing details for the United States:
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 64 GB with Intel i3 - $799 (585 euros) Microsoft Surface Pro 3 128 GB with Intel i5 - $999 (730 euros) Microsoft Surface Pro 3 256 GB with Intel i5 - $1,299 (950 euros) Microsoft Surface Pro 3 256 GB with Intel i7 - $1,549 (1,130 euros) Microsoft Surface Pro 3 512 GB with Intel i7 - $1,949 (1,425 euros)
The Surface Pro 3 is available for pre-order in the United States and several other markets, but shipments will only begin in 30 days or more, depending on the market you choose. The top-of-the-range model has a shipment date of August 31, so you might have to wait more than 3 months to get the tablet.