Microsoft Surface gets battery boost, better viewing angles

FIFTH-GEN DEVICE

Before, the kickstand was limited to just two angles.

Meanwhile, other companies have made their own 2-in-1 devices running Microsoft’s Windows 10. That success contributed to a 26 per cent revenue decline in the Surface business in the most recent quarter. And competition is growing; Samsung released new Galaxy Book models this week, while Huawei announced one Tuesday in Berlin.

Microsoft promises about 13.5 hours of battery life, or about 50 per cent more than the nine hours on the previous device, the Surface Pro 4. The processors inside will be faster, and lower-end models will ditch the fan.

The Surface’s stylus will now mimic pencil shading when tilted, much like the Apple Pencil for iPad Pro tablets. Along with this, Microsoft plans upgrades to its popular Office software with new pencil-like features.

Microsoft will sell the stylus separately for US$100. The new Pro will start at about US$800 and will be available June 15 in about two dozen countries, including the U.S., China, Japan, South Korea and much of Europe. A keyboard cover starts at about US$130, or about US$170 for a version that feels like fabric rather than plastic. That brings the cost to more than US$1,000.

Microsoft will have a version with cellular capabilities this summer, but didn’t immediately disclose the price. Samsung already has one out through Verizon in the U.S. for US$1,300, a price that includes the keyboard and the pen. A comparable Wi-Fi-only model, out this week, costs US$1,130.

Microsoft also recently announced a laptop — without a detachable screen — aimed at students. That also comes out on June 15, starting at about US$1,000.