Microsoft has been keeping fans waiting a long time for their next Surface Pro device. While its predecessor was called the Surface Pro 4, the new variant will not be called the Surface Pro 5, but will contain a feature that previous Surface Pro models before have not – LTE.
Models powered by the Intel Core i5 processor will be the first in the line-up to receive LTE capabilities. But LTE will still be a limited offering to Surface Pro models with 4GB to 8GB of RAM, 128GB to 256GB of storage and Intel HD Graphics. The i7 line on the other hand can go all the way up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage.
Up until now, only the ARM based Surface models have come with LTE capabilities. But those models ran on Windows RT and not the complete Windows 10 that the new models will come with. The addition of LTE to the new Core i5 Surface Pro devices will offer more flexibility to users who are going for a portable power-house.
Microsoft announced the new Surface Pro device at an event that was held in Shanghai. The upcoming release by Microsoft is expected to launch next month in London, where the Future Decoded event will be taking place.
In fact, last week, retailers in the UK already began offering pre-orders for the device, which will only be offered with a Core i5 processor only. The device will be available in two variants – a 4GB RAM with 128GB of internal storage and 8GB RAM with 256GB of internal storage. With the Ignite sessions having taken place recently, a spokesperson for the company had announced that the new Surface Pro would be available for purchase starting December 1.
Tech Radar reports that the prices of the devices will start from $1,510 and go all the way up to $1,870 respectively. While there may not be an i7 version of the device available at launch just yet, but there is a possibility that it may make an appearance later.
It has been four months since the last Surface Pro release, and Microsoft will be looking to expand on its hybrid line-up to increase competition against the iPad Pro. The launch event being held in London will also feature a keynote speech from the man behind the Surface Pro, Panos Paney.
COMMENTS