Microsoft Expands Surface Pro 3 Availability to 25 Countries
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) recently announced that its Surface Pro 3 tablet powered with Intel’s (INTC) Core i3, i5 and i7 processors is now available in 25 more countries through its online store, authorized resellers and retailers.
Earlier, the device was available only in Canada, the United States and Japan.
Launched in May 2014, Surface Pro 3 is the thinnest, lightest and largest laptop-tablet hybrid to-date. It comes in three models that are priced within $799 to $2,000.
Surface Pro 3, as Microsoft claims, will serve the purpose of both laptop and tablet. It boasts the power and efficiency of a laptop and the portability and ease of a tablet. Powered with 4th generation Intel Core processor, it runs on Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 Pro operating system (:OS). Surface Pro 3 also features a 12-inch full high-definition screen, up to 8 GB RAM, click-in keyboards, 5MP front and rear cameras and a multi-position kickstand that shifts easily from movie mode to working and writing modes.
Moreover, Microsoft’s new Surface accessories such as Surface Pro Type Cover, Docking Station for Surface Pro 3, a Surface Ethernet Adapter and Surface Pen will enhance the performance of the tablet. The Surface Pro Type Cover will transform it into a laptop, the Surface Pen with stress sensitivity will allow a more natural writing experience and the Docking Station will turn the tablet into a proper workstation.
Furthermore, with Surface Pro 3, Microsoft is targeting the enterprise market where major companies are increasingly permitting their employees to connect their own smart devices to the business network, a practice commonly known as Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD. Technology companies like Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOGL) are already striving to build a position in the enterprise market.
Surface is a series of tablets launched by Microsoft to amalgamate its Windows OS with its own hardware. It has launched five Surface devices to date: the ARM-based Surface RT that was upgraded to Surface 2, and the Intel-based Surface Pro that was refreshed twice to Surface Pro 2 and Surface Pro 3. Recently, the company slashed the price of its Surface 2 tablet line-up by $100, representing a 22% cut, irrespective of the model.
However, these devices have generated lower revenues than the amount spent for their marketing. Even though the company is yet to register profits from the Surface devices, it is leaving no stone unturned to capture the imagination of customers. Microsoft is also offering its services and technology across a larger number of devices, which could help it protect its still-leading share of key applications markets.
Currently, Microsoft carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
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