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Microsoft Surface Pro Review: First Look

It’s been a long time coming, but for those underwhelmed by the diluted Windows experience on Microsoft’s Surface RT tablet, the newer full-fat version is now set to bring a full Windows 8 experience in the Surface guise with the launch of the Microsoft Surface Pro.

Over the existing Surface RT, the Surface Pro is bigger and better in ever way, save for size and weight. Despite the intentions Microsoft may have had with Surface RT, generally its reception was lukewarm with the limited nature of the existing Windows app store and the convoluted user experience being the biggest criticisms.

Although Surface Pro will for the most part offer a similar user experience, the fact that it’s built on an Intel i5 chipset, rather than ARM architecture and is able to run full desktop applications sets it way out in front.

Just as with the Surface RT, the Surface Pro utilises Microsoft’s VaporMg magnesium alloy body, features the distinctive kickstand with its signature ‘click’ and supports the same magnetically attached Touch and Type Covers. From here on out however, these two tablets are very different beasts.

To accommodate the full Windows 8 experience, the Surface Pro features a higher resolution Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 10.6-inch display, a Mini DisplayPort, a full size USB 3.0 port and double the storage capacity with both 64GB and 128GB options. There’s also a headphone jack, microSD slot and stereo speakers.

As a result of the uprated innards, the Surface Pro is over 200grams heavier than the RT and 4.2mm thicker (at 13.5mm) meaning it also isn’t as portable as its precursor.

Microsoft are promising consumers that they’ll be able to get their hands on the Surface Pro before the month is out – on May 23rd to be precise. The smaller 64GB model will cost a pretty rich £719, whilst the bigger 128GB version a cool £799.

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