iPad comes under fire from Surface 3 running full Windows 8.1 [feedly]

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iPad comes under fire from Surface 3 running full Windows 8.1
// Cult of Mac

Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft's early attempts to the tablet crown from Apple hasn't really gone according to plan. All the Surfaces from the original to the Pro 2 were flops, but Microsoft seems to have hit its stride with the Surface Pro 3. Now it's ready to take on the iPad with an even cheaper tablet.

Today, Microsoft unveiled its thinnest and lightest tablet ever, the Surface 3. At 1.37 pounds it's just a little bit heavier than the iPad Air 2, but boasts a bigger screen and price tag that starts at $499.

Unlike previous crippled versions of the Surface, the Surface 3 runs full Windows. This isn't just another crappy Surface RT — it runs desktop Windows apps — which is what might make it a better option than an iPad for someone looking to get stuff done on the go.

Microsoft has ditched ARM processors in favor of a more powerful quad-core 1.6Ghz Intel Atom processor. Other features include 2GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, 8MP rear-camera, 10.8-inch screen, and the Surface Pen. Microsoft is also tossing in a one-year subscription to Office 365.

The Surface has been advertised as a tablet that can also replace your laptop, but specs and software have really held the product line back from being able to truly compete with the iPad and MacBook Air. With the lower price tag and improved internals, this could be Microsoft's best bet in years to take some shine away from Apple.

The new tablets ship on May 5th with preorders opening today. Maybe the third time really is a charm?

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