Microsoft is bringing the Surface Pro 3 tablet to more countries starting August 28. Twenty-five new markets will receive the tablet PC after its success in Japan, Canada, and the United States.
The software company confirmed it will sell the Surface Pro 3 tablet in these countries before the month ends: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
Pre-orders have started in most countries at the Microsoft Store online or in authorized retailers and resellers. In the UK, the tablet's starting price is £639. The UK model comes with an exclusive red type cover and of course, the Surface Pro 3 docking station.
The Surface Pro 3's great reception in the first three markets is reason enough to bring the tablet to more regions. Although Microsoft has reported no sales figure yet, the company must have sold a lot.
Shoppers in the countries listed should be able to receive their Surface Pro 3 orders by September. The tablet will come with Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors.
The tablet won't beat the iPad just yet but at least Microsoft is determined to bring it to more markets. According to analyst firm IDC, Apple's iPad is estimated to capture 32.5 percent of the tablet market worldwide.
In the US, the entry-level Surface Pro 3 is $799. It's AU$979 in Australia and at £639 in the United Kingdom. That's a bit more expensive than the iPad and the other leading tablets from Samsung but there is a demand.
Here is a rundown of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 specs: 12-inch ClearType touchscreen display, 2160 x 1440 resolution, Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 "Haswell" processor, 4GB/8GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics (4200 on Core i3, 4400 on Core i5, or 5000 on Core i7), up to 512GB internal storage, Wi-Fi, microSD card slot, Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy, 5 megapixel cameras, 1080p video recording capabilities, UWB 3.0, and mini DisplayPort. The Surface Pro 3 tablet also comes with a Surface Pen and runs Windows 8.1 Pro mobile OS.
The Surface Pro 3 Docking Station accessory Microsoft is releasing will be available on August 15 in the United States with a $199.99 price tag. The Type Cover keyboard is $129.99.
