Microsoft Surface Pro 3 PS2-00001 with Intel i5, 256GB

If you want to have the long anticipated Microsoft Surface Pro 3 now, you have two models to choose from: the MQ2-00001 with 128GB of internal storage and 4GB of system memory and the PS2-00001 with 256GB storage and 8GB RAM. Both are based on the mid-tier Intel Core i5-4300U dual-core processor and can be purchased now, while the lower-end i3 and higher-end i7 based configurations will arrive by the end of August and can be only pre-ordered at the time of this writing.

The Surface Pro 3 PS2-00001 is noticeably pricier than the PS2-00001. Their prices are $1,299 and $999 respectively. The larger storage and RAM pretty much justify the higher price, especially given that these aren’t user-upgradeable.

As you probably already know, the Surface Pro 3 (and PS2-00001 itself) is a 12-inch Windows 8.1 tablet with 2160-by-1440-pixel display resolution, pen input support, and adjustable kickstand. The kickstand provides more angle positions than one on the previous-gen Surface Pro, so the new version is better optimized for use as a laptop. However, the keyboard isn’t included. It can be purchased separately for $130.