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110 Features Microsoft Should Offer With the Microsoft Surface Pro 5
At Microsoft’s Surface model introduction last year, the company unveiled new models in its computing line, including an all-in-one PC called the Surface Studio. But as Microsoft discussed its “Surface Family” of devices, the company made no mention of an update to the tablet in that lineup, the Surface Pro 4. It’s been a year and a half since Microsoft updated the slate, but several recent reports have suggested it could finally get attention sometime in the spring. Microsoft has kept its plans close to the vest, but there’s some indication that the predicted Surface Pro 5 will deliver better processing power, a slimmer design and longer battery life. This eWEEK slide show will look at the features Surface Pro 5 should offer to make it a hit this year.
2Include the Latest Intel Processors
According to several reports, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 5 will ship with new Kaby Lake processors, which deliver faster performance and better energy efficiency. The Surface Pro is one of the more powerful tablets on the market, but it needs to keep pace. A Kaby Lake-equipped version would help it do that.
3Tweak the Design—Just a Bit
Several rumors say Microsoft isn’t planning a big design update to the Surface Pro 5. The Surface Pro 4 is already thin and portable, so there isn’t much room for improvement. However, Microsoft should work to make it even lighter and thinner to be more appealing to enterprise users who often travel.
4Improve the Surface Pen
5The Storage Seems Sufficient
6The Display Quality Matters
A better and brighter display in the Surface Pro 5 would be welcome. The Surface Pro 4 features a 12.3-inch screen and a 2,736-by-1,824-pixel resolution. Microsoft should consider pushing the resolution to true 4K. And, with iPad Pro offering a 12.9-inch screen, a 13-inch display could make some sense.
7Bring on a Better Type Cover
8Longer Battery Life Is Always Welcome
9Keep the Windows 10 Pro Standard
10Don’t Underestimate Port Support
As a corporate-friendly device, Surface Pro 5 needs to come with an adequate number of ports to support external hard drives, displays and other accessories. Microsoft should boost the number of USB 3.0 ports in the Surface Pro 5 to at least two in its latest option. Adding another Mini DisplayPort option also might make some sense.
11Let’s Get Down to Pricing
The Surface Pro 4 isn’t cheap and signs point to the Surface Pro 5 being as pricey. However, Microsoft can’t increase the price. A starting price of $799 is reasonable, and those who want more and better features already can spend more than $1,000. At that price, the Surface Pro 5 will be competitive against other high-end slates.