An attendee wearing Google glass uses the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3
An attendee wearing Google glass uses the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3, during the event in New York May 20, 2014 Reuters/Brendan McDermid

Microsoft’s upcoming Surface Pro 4 is potentially a killer device on release date, going by the latest leaks and rumours on the Windows-powered tablet. Its specs and features will easily outperform Apple’s planned iPad Pro, even the popular MacBook, according to reports.

The Surface Pro 4, per The Fuse Joplin report, will unbox in two models and any of them will out-spec Apple’s biggest tablet to date, the iPad Pro that is, at 12.9-inch. The same goes for the MacBook, its latest build billed as the thinnest laptop ever.

Killer specs and features

The same report claimed that Microsoft plans to unveil the Surface Pro 4 in two major models. The 12-inch variant is touted as the mass-geared version that will be powered by Intel’s mobile M processing chip. Although it is the more affordable edition, it will have a 2K resolution screen, exactly at 2160 x 1440 pixels, that will be found too in the pricier model.

The latter will boast of a 14-inch panel and is fired up by both the Intel i5 and i7 processors. This suggests that Microsoft plans to offer the high-end Surface Pro 4 to segment with specific power needs.

Surface Pro 4-only features

The report added that certain features of the Windows tablet will differentiate it from the competition, providing an edge against the iPad Pro and the MacBook. For one, the Surface Pro 4 is packed with better, at least hardware-wise, The Fuse Joplin report said.

Another unique feature is the inclusion of stylus support. The report noted that Microsoft is bundling a digital stylus with its upcoming flagship tablet, underscoring the device’s main functionalities – ease of use and productivity.

There were recent reports, however, that Apple is adding stylus functions with the iPad Pro. Yet this remains unconfirmed and even when true, there were indications that the tool, which the late Steve Jobs had famously rejected, will be sold separately. That could add up the iPad Pro sticker price and could prove a turn off to would-be buyers.

Microsoft has yet to confirm if the Surface Pro 4 on release date will be the first mobile device to debut the overhauled Windows 10 operating system. What’s clear, however, is the OS is a free upgrade option upon its Summer 2015 launch, giving assurance to Surface Pro 4 buyers that they’ll have a taste of Windows 10 on availability.

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