As speculated, the Microsoft Windows 10 event unveiled the Surface Book i7 and the Surface Studio. But fans were also looking forward to another device, the Surface Pro 5, which was not announced. It Is now speculated that the hybrid tablet will be released in early 2017 instead.
The latest rumors suggest that Microsoft is holding back the device so that it could have the seventh-generation Intel Core processor, the Kaby Lake. It is expected to have additional features that the Kaby Lake chips offer. The next-gen chip is anticipated to be released later this year.
The new Intel chip is said to contain a new graphics architecture that aims to improve the performance in 4K video playback and 3D images. It will also natively support USB 3.1 Gen 2 without the use of third-party chips. This is in addition to a faster clock speed and a higher Turbo speed. With these in mind, the alleged device may then take a similar path like the Surface Book i7, only the internals were upgraded and nothing was changed on its outer skin.
Another factor that affects the release of the next-gen tablet is its operating system. Microsoft is said to be targeting a Redstone 2 release version for its device, which will only be completed by next year.
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 may also arrive with an improved Surface Pen, a bigger option for its RAM, and additional storage size options. A 4K display could also come along for the higher model, while the lower model will retain its 2K resolution.
Meanwhile, the Surface Book i7 is offered with three options for its RAM and storage, but will all contain the sixth-gen Intel Core i7. All models will also contain an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M with 2 GB GDDR5 VRAM. Price starts at $2,399, and the device will be released on Nov. 10.
On the other hand, the Surface Studio is an ultra-thin 28-inch device that can be used like any other desktop, with its display of an upright position, or it can also lay flat like a drafting table. There are also three models to choose from with different processors and configuration, starting from i5 with 8 GB RAM/2 GB GPU/1 TB storage. The highest model contains an i7 chip with 32 GB RAM/4 GB GPU/2 TB storage. Price starts at $2,999, and the Surface Studio will be released on Dec. 15.
