Microsoft announces new Surface Pro, starts at $799

Microsoft has announced the new Surface Pro. Despite the confusing name, it is a successor to last year's Surface Pro 4. The new model comes with a new design, new display, new hardware, some new software, and new accessories, making it one of the more comprehensive overhauls in the series so far.

The new Surface Pro is completely redesigned and is the thinnest (8.5mm) and lightest (1.7lb) Surface yet. On the back is a new hinge that allows 165-degree of movement for a near flat angle, ideal for writing or drawing.

The new Surface Pro has a 12.3-inch, 2736x1824, PixelSense Display with 267ppi and 3:2 aspect ratio. Like with the Surface Studio, the new Surface Pro will have color switcher profiles that are Microsoft's poor substitute for system wide color management.

The new Surface Pro will be available in a choice of 7th generation Intel "Kaby Lake" Core m3, Core i5, and Core i7 variants. The Core m3 and Core i5 variants are completely fanless, a first for a Core i5 system. However, Intel doesn't market its mobile chipsets separately so it's likely the Core i5 featured here is a mobile version (Microsoft doesn't mention the exact CPU models).

The Core m3 model comes in one configuration with 4GB RAM, 128GB flash storage, and Intel HD Graphics 615.

The Core i5 model comes in two configurations, with a choice or 4GB RAM and 128GB storage or 8GB RAM and 256GB storage with Intel HD Graphics 620.

The Core i7 model comes in three configurations, with a choice of 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, and 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, all with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640.

Other specs include 1x USB 3.0 connector, 1x Mini DisplayPort, microSDXC card reader and headphone jack. Microsoft left out a USB-C connector or Thunderbolt in favor of its own proprietary Surface Connect. On the back is an 8 megapixel camera and on the front is 5 megapixel camera, both with 1080p video. There are also dual microphones and new 1.6W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium.

Microsoft also designed a new Surface Pen to go with the new Surface Pro. it has 4096 pressure points, reduced 21 milliseconds latency and tilt functionality. This time, however, the Surface Pen will not be provided with the new Surface Pro and will be sold separately, much like the Apple Pencil. It is priced at $99.

Microsoft also announced new Signature Type Covers, with a scissor mechanism and 1.3mm key travel and wrapped in Alcantara like the Surface Laptop. It will be available in Platinum, Burgundy, and Cobalt Blue. It is priced at $129.

There is also a new Surface Dock with support for two 4K displays and four USB ports. It plugs via the proprietary Microsoft Surface Connect port.

You can also use the Surface Dial with the new Surface Pro, also sold separately for $99.

Microsoft also updated its Office 365 apps with new inking features to take advantage of the new Surface Pen. These changes will be available across all platforms the Office 365 is available on. Microsoft also announced Whiteboard, an app available exclusively for Surface users to do simultaneous collaborative multi-device inking on.

The new Surface Pro pricing starts at $799.99 for the base model. It's available for pre-order starting today.