Microsoft’s Surface Pro to go on sale 30 May

16 May 2013

The Microsoft Surface Pro

Microsoft’s next computer, the Surface Pro – a machine that looks like a tablet computer but has the full power of a Windows 8 notebook computer – will go on sale in Ireland and the UK on 30 May.

Prices for the new computer start at €879 for the 64GB configuration and €979 for the 128GB configuration.

Surface Pro, powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, is equivalent to a full-blown Windows 8 laptop that also boasts tablet capabilities.

Accessories for device include Touch Cover, a super-thin, spill-resistant cover with a pressure-sensitive keyboard that comes in a variety of colours, as well as a Type Cover, one of the thinnest mechanical keyboards available, HD AV and VGA adaptors, and the Wedge Touch Mouse Surface Edition.

The Surface Pro also comes with a Surface pen device that enables users to handwrite onto the screen.

The machine comes with an ultra-light durable casing and an integrated kickstand and cover that allow users to be productive anywhere, as well as a full-sized USB port and microSDXC card slot for adding additional storage and a 16:9 widescreen high-definition display.

“Surface Pro is a unique Windows 8 device which provides an amazing entertainment and business experience,” said Patrick Ward, Windows Business group lead at Microsoft.

The machine will be available to buy on Microsoft’s online store and at various Harvey Norman stores on 30 May.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com