Microsoft Surface 3 Release Date, Specs News: With Full Windows 8.1 OS, Device Offers Strong Challenge to Apple

Microsoft recently launched the budget version of its tablet-laptop hybrid, a device that could provide stiff competition to Apple's iPad Air. Dubbed the Surface 3, the latest in the Microsoft series is a smaller sibling of the company's top-of-the-line Surface Pro 3 model.

The device comes loaded with the full Windows 8.1 OS and a 64-bit Intel Atom x7 processor.

The inclusion of these two new features in the Surface 3 was considered a major improvement over the Surface RT and Surface 2. The shift to an Intel Atom x7 (Cherry Trail) processor from the previous ARM-based versions on its predecessors means that the device is now compatible with Win32 apps.

As an added come-on, those who purchase the device will get a free subscription to Office 365 Personal, which is currently priced at $70 per year.

As for the size of the device, it is actually lighter than its predecessor, the Surface 2, weighing just 1.37 pounds. However, its screen size has increased to 10.8 inches and it now has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,280 pixels, which is akin to that of its costlier sibling, the Surface Pro 3.

Another major improvement in the Surface 3 is that it also supports input from a pressure-sensitive pen with a N-trig pen digitizer similar to the one used in the Surface Pro 3. These pens will become available in May at $50 each and will come in four colors: blue, silver, black and red.

Users who have a Surface Pro 3 pen can use it on the Surface 3 as well.

As for the Touch Cover keyboard, it is not included in the net price of $499. The keyboard is priced separately at $130. However, any existing Surface Pro 3 Touch Cover can be used with the device even though it will not fit perfectly.

The Microsoft Surface 3 has two models with prices starting at $499. The 64GB onboard storage model comes with 2GB of RAM, while the 128GB on board storage model has 4 GB RAM.