Microsoft debuts 12″ Surface Pro 3, its super-slim laptop-killing tablet

The Surface Pro 3 is now official, after Microsoft launched its self-proclaimed laptop-replacing tablet at its Surface Event in New York.

All specifications leaked earlier this week hold water, including the use of Intel’s Haswell chipset, thinner bezels, relocated Windows button and a larger form factor. Microsoft reckons that the average user will eke out nine hours of web browsing and enjoy crisper sound thanks to Dolby Audio. The 12″ Full HD display, the press release notes, will be housed in “a beautiful package that is 30 percent thinner than an 11-inch MacBook Air.”

There’s no doubt what company Microsoft is gunning for here. Redmond’s pricing is right up Apple’s alley too, with the Surface Pro 3 ranging from US$799 to a rather steep US$1 949. In comparison, a 128GB Apple iPad will currently set you back around US$799, around US$200 less than its closest 128GB Surface equivalent.

Panos Panay, corporate vice president of Microsoft Surface, added his opinions regarding Redmond’s new iPad/laptop-killer.

“Surface Pro 3 is the tablet that can replace your laptop — packing all the performance of a fully powered laptop into a thin, light and beautifully designed device. You’ll love being able to carry a single device for your next class, workday or weekend getaway knowing you have all the power you need.”

Something Panay failed to announce though was the Surface Mini. Allegedly, Microsoft shirked the smaller ARM-powered device’s announcement due to a last minute change of heart, according to CNET.

The Surface Pro 3 and a host of accessories however, is available for preorder including Surface Pro Type Cover (transforming the tablet into a laptop, Surface Pen, a Docking Station and a Surface Ethernet Adapter. These will be available to customers in Canada and the US by 20 June, and other nations “by the end of August.” Expect to pay over US$2000 for the full set with the most amount of memory.