Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 12.3″ Tablet (7th Gen Intel Core, up to 16GB RAM, up to 1TB SSD)

The 2017 version of Microsoft’s Surface Pro doesn’t bring any revolutionary change to the world’s most popular Windows-based tablet series. As the most notable improvement, Microsoft has upgraded the Surface Pro’s computing platform from the 6th Generation Intel Core technology to the 7th Gen. The 7th Generation Intel Core chips are slightly faster than their 6th Gen counterparts and enable a longer battery life. There are also some improvements in regards to the kickstand and separately sold pen and keyboard cover, but overall the Surface Pro remained to be a sleek and powerful 12.3-inch 1.7-pound tablet.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 retains display resolution of 2,736-by-1,824 pixels and productivity-optimized 3:2 aspect ratio. Besides finger-touch input, the panel supports active digitizer input using the Surface Pen. Pen has been upgraded. It now supports up to 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity instead of 1,024, as well as tilt sensitivity.

Furthermore, the updated kickstand can now hold the tablet at a greater angle – up to 165 degrees, which is convenient for pen use on a desk.

The entry level Microsoft Surface Pro processor choice is the Intel Core m3-7Y30 with Intel HD 615 integrated graphics. The mid-range CPU option is the widely adopted Intel Core i5-7200U with Intel HD 620. The most powerful Surface Pro processor option is the Core i7-7660U with Iris Plus 640 GPU. System memory size options are 4, 8, and 16 Gigabytes. Storage choices are 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

The Surface Pro starts at $799. Here’s a breakdown of configurations available on the market:

Surface Pro SKU	CPU / Graphics	RAM	SSD	Price
FJR-00001	m3-7Y30 / HD 615	4GB	128GB	$799
FJT-00001	i5-7200U / HD 620	4GB	128GB	$999
FJX-00001	i5-7200U / HD 620	8GB	256GB	$1,299
FJZ-00001	i7-7660U / Iris Plus 640	8GB	256GB	$1,599
FKH-00001	i7-7660U / Iris Plus 640	16GB	512GB	$2,199
FKK-00001	i7-7660U / Iris Plus 640	16GB	1TB	$2,599

You can buy these on the official Microsoft Store and other places.

As same as the previous version, the 2017 Surface Pro features Windows 10 Pro operating system, stereo speakers, 802.11AC wireless, Bluetooth, an 8-Megapixel rear and 5MP front camera, a standard-size USB 3.0 port, mini DisplayPort video output, microSD memory card reader, and a combo mic/headphones audio jack. The tablet supports Windows Hello facial-recognition sign-ins and features a TPM chip for enhanced security.

Update: The device is now also available with optional 4G LTE mobile network connectivity.

According to Microsoft, the device can provide up to 13.5 hours of video playback on a single battery charge.

Alongside the new Surface Pro, Microsoft has released a new keyboard cover for it. It’s the 159-dollar Surface Pro Signature Type Cover with Alcantara luxury soft-touch material. The Signature Type Cover is available in Platinum, Cobalt Blue, and Burgundy colors.

The Surface Pen costs $99.

Specifications of the Microsoft Surface Pro 2017

Here are the specs of the Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 with descriptions of its features. For comparison against other laptops, you can use the "Compare Specs" button.

Brand	Microsoft
Laptop Type	2-in-1 convertible laptop PC 2-in-1 means the laptop can convert itself into a tablet PC. Tablet PC The device can be used as a tablet, without a keyboard connected to it. Ultraportable (small laptop) The light weight and small dimensions make this ultraportable laptop easy to carry around or travel with.
Screen Size	12.3-inch This is a very small display size, given the most frequently used laptop screen size is 15.6".
Screen Resolution	2736x1824 pixels This screen resolution provides a good picture sharpness and a lot of space on the display for the user interface and apps. It's better than the popular Full HD but not as good as the premium-class 4K and similar.
Touchscreen	Finger multi-touch input The screen supports finger touch input, including multi-touch gestures. Active digitizer pen input The screen supports active digitizer pen input, besides the common finger multi-touch input. In comparison to simple capacitive pens you can use on any touchscreen, active digitizer pen input provides advanced features like pressure sensitivity. Check with the laptop seller whether the active pen is included in the package.
Other Display Specs	IPS type Displays based on IPS technology provide much wider viewing angles than the budget-class TN screens.
Processor (CPU)	Intel Core i5-7200U 7th Gen (enables smooth everyday computing) Intel Core i7-7660U 7th Gen (older higher-end home and office CPU) Intel Core M3-7Y30 (older power-efficient low-mid-range CPU)
Graphics (GPU)	Intel HD 615 integrated graphics This is an entry-level graphics processor. It’s capable of running only the lightest PC games. Intel HD 620 integrated graphics of 7th Gen Core i3, i5, i7 (for light gaming) Intel Iris Plus 640 integrated graphics (for light gaming, but with improved smoothness)
System Memory (RAM) Size	4GB RAM 4GB is a small RAM size for computing in 2023. For smooth operation of a laptop during everyday tasks, at least 8GB is recommended. 8GB RAM The 8GB RAM size is the standard one in 2023. It provides comfortable multi-tasking for the most home and office users. 16GB RAM 16GB and greater RAM sizes are recommended for heavy multitasking, gaming, and specialized programs that require a lot of RAM.
Data Storage	128GB SSD 128GB is a relatively small storage space. However, it is usable if you don't store a lot of large files like movies and don't install a lot of programs. 256GB SSD 256GB is a decent capacity. If you tend to download and store a lot of large files like movies and install many programs, 512GB or more is a better choice. 512GB SSD 512GB storage capacity is recommended if you store a lot of large files and install many programs. 1000GB (1TB) SSD 1TB is an excellent storage capacity. The sizes above 512GB, including 1TB, are recommended for those who store a lot of large files.
DVD Optical Drive	None
Keyboard & Input	Backlit keyboard without number pad (optional) This computer optionally comes with a keyboard deck. The optional keyboard has backlit keys for easier typing in the dark. There's no separate numeric pad you can typically find on the right side of the keyboard on many laptop models. Touchpad with click buttons built into the surface (optional) The keyboard deck with touchpad featuring left and right click buttons built into the surface is optional on this model. Touchscreen Active digitizer pen (optional)
Speakers & Audio	Stereo speakers As usual, the device features a pair of built-in stereo speakers. Combo microphone and headphones audio jack This laptop has the ordinary 3.5mm combo audio jack that supports both headphone output and microphone input simultaneously.
Camera	Front + rear Laptops usually feature a frontal webcam located on the display bezel. This device additionally has a rear camera. 5MP front + 8MP rear Besides the usual frontal camera, this device features a rear cam as well. The cameras feature 5 and 8 Megapixel sensors, respectively. Face-recognition camera The dedicated infra-red face recognition cameras in laptops are used for Windows Hello log-ins, without password typing.
Wi-Fi Wireless	802.11AC The 802.11AC is the previous-generation wireless networking standard. It's also known as Wi-Fi 5. 802.11AC is succeeded by 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6 with data transfer speed and multi-device connectivity improvements.
Ethernet Network Port	No This laptop has no Ethernet LAN port for wired internet and networking connectivity.
Mobile broadband (4G LTE)	Yes (Optional)
Bluetooth	Yes This laptop has a built-in Bluetooth module. It enables you to connect the computer to Bluetooth mice and other Bluetooth peripherals, smartphones, and other Bluetooth-equipped devices.
USB Ports	1 x USB 3.0 A standard full-size USB port.
Video Output Ports	1 x mini DisplayPort DisplayPort is a digital video output port. It is not as widely used as HDMI. The laptop has a compact "mini" version of DisplayPort on its side.
Media Card Reader	MicroSD card reader The laptop has a slot for MicroSD memory cards. These are small SD cards commonly used in smartphones.
Other Features	TPM (Trusted Platform Module, a security feature)
Battery	"Up to 13.5 hours of video playback"
Weight	1.7 pounds
Height	0.4"
Width	11.5"
Depth	7.9"
Windows Version	Windows 10 Pro Windows 10 Pro version adds some business-specific features in comparison to the standard Windows Home. Windows 10 Pro upgradeable to the latest Windows 11 Pro for free.
Warranty	1-year A typical laptop warranty.