Eighteen months have now passed since Microsoft unveiled its Surface Book and Surface Pro 4. Things have moved on a bit since then, and both devices are now facing greater competition from more rivals with newer features. Both Surface devices still seem to be selling well, though, no doubt aided by Microsoft"s near-constant barrage of deals and discounts.
Nonetheless, many are eager to know what Microsoft has in store for the next-generation of its popular devices, and a couple of tidbits have now emerged about the company"s plans for its new tablet.
Paul Thurrott revealed that Microsoft will not be replacing the proprietary Surface power connector on the new Surface Pro 5. He also said that there"s "nothing dramatic" about the new device, compared with its predecessor, but he"s heard that, as expected, the Pro 5 will feature Intel"s latest seventh-generation "Kaby Lake" Intel Core processors. The Surface Pro 4 - like the Book - uses Intel"s last-gen Skylake chips.
Those hoping for a substantial redesign for the Pro 5 may well be disappointed, as it sounds like Microsoft is keen to maintain compatibility of its existing Pro 3 and Pro 4 accessories - such as its desktop docking station, and Type Cover keyboards - with the new model. But the new tablet is likely to include other new features too, including USB Type-C ports, which are becoming more widely available on higher- and lower-end devices.
We shouldn"t have to wait too much longer to find out more about the new Surface tablet. Microsoft is expected to hold a Surface hardware event in the next few weeks at which the Pro 5 seems likely to make an appearance - but the Surface Book 2 isn"t expected to make its debut there. Last week, the company opened pre-orders for its more powerful Surface Book with Performance Base in thirteen markets, so it may be a while before it"s ready to announce an all-new model.