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After its first release in October 2015, Microsoft has now launched the latest version of the Surface Pro. However, rather than changing its name to something like the ‘Surface Pro 2’, Microsoft has decided to keep it the same i.e. Microsoft Surface Pro.

First categorized as a hybrid PC (tablet + laptop), Microsoft is now referring to the Surface Pro as a “versatile laptop”. Even though it is the latest version, the laptop hasn’t changed much. Here’s a list of what’s cooking inside the new Surface Pro and what remains unchanged.

Also Read: iOS developers can now build apps directly in Windows 10

Still a  big tablet

The new Microsoft Surface Pro is exactly like the previous ones; a big tablet running Windows 10 which can be connected to a keyboard.

Lighter feel

Lighter than most full-size laptops, the Surface Pro is easy to carry around. However, it might not give that comfortable feeling of an ordinary notebook. In addition to that, the Windows 10 runs better on desktop-style platforms than tablet-styled ones.

Display

The total display specifications of the new Surface Pro are still the same. With a screen size of 12.3 inches, high resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio, the laptop delivers excellent quality graphics.

Physical display

Talking about the physical display, the corners of the screen are a bit more curved. However, the new Surface Pro looks almost exactly the same as the Surface Pro 4. It will be hard to distinguish between them if both of them are placed at the same table. Other than that, the magnesium look of the new Surface Pro gives a unique and smart feel.

Size

The size of the new Microsoft Surface Pro is exactly the same as of the Surface Pro 4. With dimensions of 11.50 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches, the new Surface Pro might look huge to you if you consider it as a tablet, but if you look at it as a laptop, you will find it to be lighter and more ‘handy’ than other laptops.

Read More: 7 best features of the Windows Creators update

More extensible

The new model of the Surface Pro can now be pushed more further to the back. Microsoft has increased the stretching limit of the laptop to as far as 165 degrees.

Fan-less

The new models are fan-less. This means that you won’t find any vent behind the new device. Business Insider shared that in the previous device models, there were little vents behind the laptop with fans which would make noise while using the laptop. However, the same is not the case with the new Surface Pro.

Upgraded Intel Chip

The new Surface Pro has jumped from a 6^th generation Intel Core Chip to a 7^th generation one. This means that the new laptop will provide better and stronger performance as compared to the previous devices. Moreover, the integrated graphics have also received an incremental upgrade.

Variants

The laptop has come with different variants in RAM and storage. The laptop is available with 4GB, 8GB, and 16 GB of RAM. Similarly, storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB are also available.

Powerful battery

Microsoft claims that it has increased the battery life of the new Surface Pro up to 13.5 hours. Whether the claim is true or not, is still unknown as the laptop was released just one day ago. However, expecting a new model to have an upgraded battery is pretty obvious.

Same hardware ports

Embedded with a charging port, a USB 3.0 port, a mini Display port, a headphone jack, and a microSD card port, all the ports are located at the same place they used to be in the previous models.

Quick Read: Microsoft’s fall creators update

USB-C Ports? Not yet!

If you were waiting for Microsoft to introduce USB-C ports in its new devices, you shall keep waiting. Microsoft suggested that it would use USB-C ports later this year as the devices aren’t ready to withstand that much power.

Upcoming LTE models

LTE enabled models of the Surface Pro will also be released which will enable users to connect to the internet on the go. However, these models won’t be released right away. It might take 4-5 months before the initial release of LTE enabled models.

Optimized and more precise surface pen

The surface pen has been tweaked and upgraded and is claimed to be four times more pressure sensitive than the previous models. This might come as a bonus for pen-users as it is a great tool for designers and artists. However, the new surface pen won’t be available with the device. Users will have to buy it separately for a price of $99. That is an additional purchase as the keyboard is also not available with the device. The price of the keyboard starts at $129.

Is it expensive? Pretty much so!

The starting price of the new Microsoft Surface Pro is $799. This is a bit expensive as the cheapest model at $799 comes with only a Core m3 chip, 4 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage. So, if you’re looking for the highest specs model, you’ll have to spend about $1,299 which will provide you a laptop with a Core i5 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage. Furthermore, you’ll have to spend an additional $129 for the keyboard. So, your all-around spending will be $1,430.

Eventually, the Surface Pro 4 will be phased out by Microsoft as it is currently being sold on a discounted price. For true Surface users, the only option they have left is to upgrade to the new Microsoft Surface Pro.

In the end, if you’re not contended with your Surface Pro 4 and are currently looking for a 2-in-1 laptop with an upgraded stylus, longer battery-life, and a more powerful processor, you should definitely upgrade to the new Surface Pro.