Microsoft's Atom Based Surface 3 Tablet is Available to Pre-Order Starting at $499

[[Coi] Mr.CLuBBeR]

Slimmer, slower, and cheaper than a Surface Pro 3

Microsoft just expanded its Surface line with the Surface 3, a less expensive version of the Surface Pro 3 that's also smaller and less powerful. Other than size (10.8-inch display, 8.7mm thin) and weight (1.37 pounds or 622 grams), the physical design is the same as the Surface Pro 3, as both use premium materials and sport the adjustable kickstand that Microsoft is so fond of.
There are four versions of the non-Pro Surface 3 that, two of which are available to pre-order immediately. They include:

• Intel Atom x7-Z8700, 2GB RAM, 64GB storage, Wi-Fi: $499
• Intel Atom x7-Z8700, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, Wi-Fi: $599

So for $100 extra over the base model, you get double the RAM and double the storage. There are also 4G LTE versions of both Surface 3 tablets, though Microsoft isn't yet taking pre-orders on those, nor did it say how much those models will cost.
Other specs include a 1920x1080 resolution, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, full-size USB 3.0 port, mini DisplayPort, microSD card reader, micro USB charging port, headset jack, cover port, 8MP rear-facing camera with autofocus, 3.5MP front-facing camera, built-in microphone, stereo speakers with Dolby audio, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, and Windows 8.1 64-bit. You also get a year of Office 356 Personal with OneDrive cloud storage.
As with the other Surface offerings, a Type Cover costs an additional $130. If you want a Surface Pen, add another $50 to the tally.
Regarding the Atom chip, it's a 64-bit quad-core CPU (1.6GHz to 2.4GHz, 2MB cache) part based on Intel's Cherry Trail architecture.
If interested, you can place your pre-order here.
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