Microsoft unveils Surface Pro 4: Same size, bigger screen, starting at $899

Microsoft today unveiled the Surface Pro 4, starting at $899. The biggest highlight: The device’s bezels have been reduced to cram a slightly larger screen (12.3-inch versus 12.0-inch, 267 ppi versus 216 ppi) into a tablet that is still the same size.

The Surface Pro 3, which Microsoft says is recommended by 98 percent of the people who own it, launched in June 2014. After refreshing the device on an annual basis, Microsoft waited a bit longer this time, and came out with something slightly bigger.

If you upgrade it to the max, you can get up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Microsoft also offered a few comparisons: The Surface Pro 4 is 30 percent faster than the Surface Pro 3 and 50 percent faster than the MacBook Air.

The Surface Pro 4 also comes with a new Surface Pen. It comes with all-year battery life, features 1,024 points of pressure, and has an “eraser” on the back. If you hold the button, Cortana in Windows 10 pops up (clicking once still launches OneNote like on the Surface Pro 3). Best of all, the pen loop is no more. The Pen simply magnetically attaches to the Surface Pro 4.

Microsoft also detailed the new Type Cover, which is lighter, thinner, and “more sturdy.” The trackpad is 40 percent larger and is made of glass. The integrated backlit keyboard includes a scissor design, which is quickly becoming the standard for new tablet keyboards, and includes a fingerprint reader just right of the trackpad.