14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just confirmed in an AMA session on Reddit that it will launch an unlocked version of the newly released Surface 3 tablet specifically aimed at the European market and at buyers who do not want to get the device with a contract.
Specifics have not been provided, but the Surface team has explained that such a version of the tablet is indeed in the works, but the company is still discussing availability details with retailers across the world.
"We are doing an unlocked LTE version. can't say where it will be available yet, but we hear you and in many markets we will have it available. Stay tuned for more!" the team says.
Americans can already pre-order the tablet
While Microsoft is still working to make the Surface 3 available in other regions of the world, the company is already taking pre-orders in the United States, with first units to be shipped in early May.
The Surface 3, often described as a more affordable successor to the Surface Pro 3, comes with a 10.8-inch screen and a resolution of 1920x1280 pixels, a Quad Core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, and 2 GB or 4 GB of RAM, depending on the configuration you choose.
There are two different storage versions available, with 64 GB or 128 GB of space, and all devices feature a brand new microUSB port for charging, instead of the previous magnetic port that has been used for all the other Surface models.
The Surface 3 also comes with a kickstand, just like its bigger brother, and also borrows its digital pen, which is available separately for about $50 (€35).
Pricing for the new device starts at $499 (€450) and goes all the way up to $699 (€560) for the top-of-the-range model with LTE connectivity.
Other details and pricing information regarding the unlocked LTE model of the Surface will be provided at a later date, possibly during the BUILD developer conference that kicks off later this month.