Finally, it has staked a claim on the professional business market. This is the definitive hybrid device that runs ‘full fat’ Windows 8.1, has a 12” screen that is large enough to be productive, has a digitiser pen that really works for art, drawing, and handwriting, Dolby speakers, and a nine hour battery life. Options inclujde a competent click on keyboard/cover with larger touch pad area, a docking station with 4K video support, and Ethernet cable.

Launch price is from AU$979 and options include Intel 4th generation Core i3, i5, and i7. Pre-orders are available from Microsoft’s web site and delivery is expected to be 20 June in the US – later elsewhere. Retailers will have stock of the i5 version by the end of August.

The impressively specified device is billed as the ‘tablet to replace your laptop’

• Screen: 2160 x 1440 resolution, 3:2 ratio allows it to display 6% more than a typical 13" screen
• Dimensions: 292 x 201.3 x 9.1mm (just smaller than an A4 sheet of paper and impressively thin)
• Backlit keyboard type/cover is an additional A$149.99 and adds 5mm
• Weight: 798g
• New continuous adjustable kickstand for multiple angles from 0 to 150 degrees - see image below. Note that the Windows key is now on the right side for better use in portrait mode.
• 64/128/256/512GB storage options and micro SD card slot
• New Digitiser Pen with 256 levels of pressure sensitivity - looks and feels like a fountain pen - see more below
• Wi-Fi AC, Bluetooth 4.0, compass, Mini Display port with multiple monitor support
• Intel TPM chip for remote management and security
• Full sized USB 3.0 port
• 5MP front and rear cameras, stereo microphones and Dolby speakers with 40% more volume that the Pro 2
• 9 hours continuous web browsing - normal Office use should be similar.

Avaialable specifications include

• Intel Core i3, 64GB and 4GB RAM A$979
• Intel Core i5, 128GB and 4GB RAM A$1209
• Intel Core i5, 256GB and 8GB RAM A$1549
• Intel Core i7, 256GB and 8GB RAM A$1829
• Intel Core i7, 512GB and 8GB RAM A$2,279

It is a well-designed, powerful piece of kit that will entice business users – it is not a consumer tablet. Enterprise users including BMW, Coca-Cola, and Moet Hennessy Louis Vuton have committed to it being a core device for business. It runs all Windows programs and a growing number of consumer apps from Windows Store. It will be one of the better movie and music replay devices.

Should you buy it?

I spent a few months with a Surface Pro 2 and it was fantastic. My fond memories however were that it did not quite have enough screen space, the keyboard could be better, and it needed external Bluetooth speakers. It seems Microsoft have addressed all issues.

On the keybaord front the Type/Cover is good but not for touch typists. A variety of third party Bluetooth mice and keyboards address this.

On the screen front the 3:2 ratio ios a brilliant move allowing a 12" screen to display more than a typcial 13" notebook screen - yet the overall size is still less than an A4 sheet of paper.

I won't comment on price - this device is competitive for the premium market it wants to be in. Those on a budget will look at very competent Windows 8.1, Atom based, tablets from Acer and Toshiba starting from $399.

What about its OEMs

Microsoft designed and priced the Surface at the premium end of the market. There is nothing stopping Asus, Lenovo, HP, Dell, et al making a comparable product and selling it for less. OEMs can and will add value by offering more USB ports, different screens, keyboards, accessories, etc. What Microsoft has done is to blur the boundaries between a notebook and a tablet opening up more market for OEMs and hastening the demise of the traditional desktop PC.

Zero to 150 degree continuous tilt addresses the shortcomings of the two stage tilt on Surface Pro 2

Microsoft's goal was to be able to start writing with just the click of a pen. OneNote integration allows this to work with other digital platforms like iOS or Android as well. Upcoming software such as Adobe Photoshop CC, Final Draft, Drawboard and many CAD programs will support the additional features of the new pen.