Microsoft Surface Pro 5 release date news: Finds rivals in new Asus Transformer models ahead of its release

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will not be available on the market until reportedly later this year, yet it seems that the upcoming Surface Pro has already found another competition courtesy of Asus.

The Taiwanese tech giant has just unveiled its new Transformer models. This has just put consumers in a conflicting situation of whether to get the new Asus laptop or not and wait for the launch of the Surface Pro 5 instead.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is rumored to take its appearance after its predecessor. Users can expect similarities with the Surface Pro 4 in terms of build and design. The new device will also have a tablet body and a detachable keyboard base which will be an optional feature. The Surface Pro 5 is rumored to be bearing a more striking screen display compared with the Surface Pro 4's 2736x1824 IPS LCD screen accompanied with a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch (ppi). If this rumor proves to be true, then the Surface Pro 5 will bear an even more excellent screen display, although its screen size will probably not differ too much from the Surface Pro 4's 12.3 inches.

Moreover, the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will run on Core M processor with Intel Core i series upgrades.

On the other hand, Asus has just uncovered its new line of Transformer models whose appearance and features remind consumers of the Microsoft Surface tablets. These new Transformer devices include the most advanced Transformer 3 Pro, the midrange Transformer 3 and the light Transformer Mini.

According to Engadget, both the Transformer 3 Pro and the Transformer 3 have a 12.6-inch display with 2880x1920 screen resolution with a pixel density of 275 ppi. They both feature USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 connections, Harmon Kardon speakers, and USB 3.0 and HDMI ports. In addition, the two Transformer variants are both compatible with ASUS accessories such as the Pen, a Universal Dock, a surround sound AudioPod, and the graphics dock called the ROG XG Station 2. Fans are given the color options of Icicle Gold and Glacier Gray for both models.

The third offering from the Asus Transformer line is the Transformer Mini which has a display of 10.1 inches, is relatively thin at 8.2 mm and weighs 790 g with the keyboard fastened to it and 530 g without it.

The prices of the new Asus Transformer variants range from $999 to $349. Hence, they will be selling more affordably than the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 whose price is rumored to be around $1,094.