Microsoft introduced the Floor three on Tuesday, a lighter, cheaper various to its Floor Professional three, which was launched final yr. In contrast to Microsoft’s different non-Professional tablets, this one will run a full model of Home windows eight.1. And its worth level places it squarely in competitors with the iPad Air 2 — each begin at $499.

Microsoft

Microsoft touts the gadget’s vibrant removable keyboard, kickstand, Floor Pen and 10-hour battery life as a cause to make use of the Floor three as each a pill and laptop computer. It comes with Home windows eight.1, with a full improve to Home windows 10 when the brand new working system is launched. The Floor three additionally comes with a yr subscription to Workplace 365, which provides customers entry to on-line storage, Skype calls, and packages like Phrase, Excel and PowerPoint. Whereas much less highly effective than the Floor Professional three ($799), the Floor three’s lower cost tag might entice some individuals who would in any other case have bought an iPad. The Floor three is out there for pre-order now and ships Might 5 in america.

IN-DEPTH

• Microsoft Hawks Floor Professional three As Pill to Substitute Your Laptop computer
• Apple Unveils iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini three
• Microsoft’s Floor three is a $499 Pill That Might Be a Full Home windows Laptop computer (The Verge)

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