Surface 3 Tablet (Photo : Reuters)
Microsoft's Surface 3 is a tablet that can compete with existing devices on the market, including the coveted Apple iPad.
Redmond's new tablet is powered by the powerful quad-core 1.6GHz Intel Atom x7-Z8700 that can be clocked up to 2.4GHz with the turbo boost, coupled with 2GB of RAM.
For additional memory, there is also a microSD card reader. However, the Surface 3 itself has 64GB of internal storage. It also has a fast USB 3.0 port.
Both selfie takers and photography lovers will be interested to know it has a decent 3.5 MP front camera and an 8 MP rear camera.
Photos, videos and games will be viewed on the Microsoft tablet's 10.8-inch ClearType Full HD Plus display at 1920 x 1280 pixel resolution.
All of that Surface 3 goodness is supported by Microsoft's own Windows 8.1 operating system and a battery with 10 hours of life, according to ZD Net.
Microsoft managed to follow Android tablet makers on how to deliver devices that are on the same par as Apple gadgets, but for a significantly lower price.
With a tiny five percent of the global tablet market, Microsoft is slowly creeping up between Google Android and Apple iOS tech giants. The IDC estimates that the number will grow up to 14 percent by 2020.
Unlike Apple, the Surface 3 will not be supporting the USB-C port. One advantage of that, however, is that it can be charged using a normal charger.
In addition, Microsoft will be shipping an LTE model of the Surface 3 starting at $599. It will also have support for micro-SIM cards and new Windows 10 upgrade will also be rolled out, according to The Verge.
Surface 3 is ideal for web surfing and watching videos. Microsoft markets the tablet for students who are either on a budget or do not need an overpowered device.
