The next iteration in Microsoft's line of premium laplets is speculated to arrive the earliest next month, though there are predictions eyeing an October 2016 or even an early 2017 appearance. Because the Surface Pro 4 delivered numerous improvements from its predecessor, prospects are excited to peek at what the next convertible might offer.
Word on the grapevine has it that the Surface Pro 5 will start selling from $899, but this remains to be seen. For its 128GB, Intel Core m3 version, the Surface Pro 4 costs the same, featuring a 12.3-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, 4GB of RAM and the Surface Pen.
Here are five things expected to come with the new Surface Pro:
1. Kaby Lake
Kaby Lake is Intel's next-generation processor. Alleged benchmarks have leaked recently, revealing the supposed Core i7-7700K. As per Digital Trends, the processor is reportedly capable of 118.71 GOPS (giga-operations per second) across eight threads, 313.84MP per second multimedia processing, 5.59GB per second cryptographic processing, a DDR4 latency of 23.2 nanoseconds and a GPU performance of 37.41MP per second.
According to the outlet, the new Core i7-7700K will be joined by Core i7-7500U "Kaby Lake-U" chip and Core M7-7Y75 "Kaby Lake-Y" chip. The new processors are touted to launch next month at Computex 2016.
2. USB Type-C Port
CNET says a USB C port is possible to pack in the next Surface Pro. As told by the outlet, this would complement those found in its predecessor, such as the lone USB 3.0 port, microSD card slot, Mini DisplayPort and audio jack.
3. 4K Display
The Surface Pro 5 is rumored to sport a 4K UHD display, the Daily Express notes. This equates to a stunning resolution of 3840 X 2160 pixels, which is actually enough for the eyes. The earlier Surface Pro comes with a 2736 x 1824 resolution.
4. Longer Battery Life
Many customers have lamented the Surface Pro 4's battery life, TechRadar says, regardless of its "Sleep" mode issues. The outlet expects to see at least 7 hours of battery life in the next laplet, which would place it roughly at par with the iPad Pro.
5. New Surface Pen
The Surface Pro 5 is believed to pack a new Surface Pen, which comes with a rechargeable battery. Reportedly, this stylus is partnered by a magnetic charging dock, which could well be linked to a revamped Surface Dock unit.
While these Surface Pro 5 details are exciting, they best taken with healthy pinches of salt. Official information is expected to come from Microsoft soon.
What do you want to see in the next Surface Pro?
