The new Surface Pro (2017) tablet is here with updated specs, but it’s not called the “Surface Pro 5”. Instead, Microsoft is dropping the numbering scheme from the name, and it’s just calling the Surface Pro 4 successor “Surface Pro.”

What’s new on the Surface Pro? Although at first glance, the device looks identically to its predecessor, Microsoft says that there more than 800 new custom parts.

These new parts introduce a lot of refinements that makes the Surface Pro lighter (1.69 pounds), thinner (8.5mm) with rounded edges, and more powerful than before. As for the tech specs in the 2017 model of the tablet, Microsoft is adding Intel’s 7th-generation Kaby Lake (U-series) processor, and while some of the models, including those featuring a Core m3 and Core i5 have completely fan-less design, the Core i7 model will have fan, but very quiet ones according to Microsoft.

In comparison, the new Surface Pro is 1.7 times faster than the iPad Pro and 2.5 times faster than Surface Pro 3.

There is also an improved kickstand that folds down a little further (165 degrees) than before allowing the device to go into “Studio Mode”, which makes it easier to use the Surface Pen and Surface Dial. The company also claims that this device will get 13.5 hours of battery life (unlike the current 9 hours with the Surface Pro 4) thanks to new power features in Windows 10, the Kaby Lake processor, and to a technique to integrate the SSD storage into the motherboard.

Surface Pro (2017) tech specs

Here’s a closer to look at the tech specs for the Surface Pro (2017) model.

The 12.3-inch display is the same found in its predecessor, but it’s now powered by Intel’s HD Graphics 615 for the Core m3 model, HD Graphics 620 for the Core i5 model, and Iris Plus 640 for the Core i7 model.

The new Surface also includes all the same ports as before, including the same proprietary power plug, USB Type-A, and Mini DisplayPort. In addition, while there isn’t a USB Type-C port, Microsoft will be making available a dongle that plugs into the power port that provide USB Type-C to Surface Pro, and it’ll work for transferring data and charging.

Type Cover

If you’ve seen the Surface Laptop keyboard covered with Alcantara fabric, there is a similar option for the Surface Pro as well. It comes in basic black, but also fabric covered colored options, which are sold separately, and the colored versions will cost even more.

The black Type Cover will cost $129, while the colored Type Cover with the Alcantara fabric will be available for $159.

Surface Pen

Surface Pro also has a new Surface Pen that adds a support for 4096 points of pressure sensitivity. The force needed to activate the pen in the screen has been reduced, and now using digital inking in the screen feels more responsive and less laggy. The pen even feels different now that no longer includes pocket-protector clip.

The Surface Pen is now optional peripheral, and it’ll be sold separately for $99.

Surface Pro with LTE

Microsoft will also be offering a Surface Pro model with LTE connectivity. This model includes support micro SIM and eSIM, and it’ll cost a little more than the regular models, but the company hasn’t revealed the price or release date.

Pricing and release date

While this is a modest set of updates, the Surface Pro is still the best Windows 10 2-in-1 device, even though the company still doesn’t include the must-have keyboard in the box at no extra cost.

Surface Pro is available starting on June 15 with a starting price of $799 for the Intel’s Core m3 model. However, adding the Type Cover and Surface Pen will cost you $1027.

The Core i5 model with 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage starts at $1299, while the Core i7 model with 16GB of memory and 1TB of storage will go for $2699 — without the pen and keyboard, of course.

  • Surface Pro | See at Microsoft
  • Type Cover | See at Microsoft
  • Surface Pen | See at Microsoft

Originally published on May, updated on June 2017.