Microsoft still has some convincing to do if it is to persuade consumers that its Surface Pro devices have what it takes to replace laptops, but incremental improvements in each releases are helping its case. While the Surface Pro 4 doesn’t overhaul the Pro 3’s general design, it does make some tweaks.

The Surface Pro is essentially a laptop with a detachable keyboard, without which the device functions as a tablet. The Pro 4 runs full Windows 10 and its screen size of 12.3 inches is slightly bigger than the Pro 3, without changing the device’s overall dimensions. Screen resolution has also been upped to 267ppi, slightly better than Apple’s new iPad Pro (264ppi), not that you’d really tell.

The Pro 4 is slightly thinner than its predecessors, at 8.45mm and weighing either 766g or 786g depending on the model, excluding the keyboard and stylus weight.

What's New

The Pro 4 sees improvements to its Type Cover and Surface Pen. The latter is more responsive and better weighted, while the Type Cover – a keyboard that snaps onto the device – has better-spaced keys and an improved track pad.

In Association with

The Pro 4 retains the highly adjustable kickstand at the back, and the device now has a slightly better 8MP rear camera, while the front 5MP lens remains unchanged. It also has no problem switching automatically from laptop to tablet mode and back when you detach/attach the keyboard.

Inside, Microsoft gives users the option of kitting the Pro 4 out with a sixth-gen Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processor, and with either 4GB, 8GB or 16GB RAM.

It’s as you were for the Pro 4’s ports, which preserve the same setup as that on the Pro 3: one full-size USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, a MiniDisplayPort and an audio jack.

Pre-release models of the Pro 4 had weak batteries but Microsoft says that this has been remedied for the device’s launch proper. The company claims the Pro 4’s battery is good for nine hours of video playback.

The Surface Pro 4 is a slick machine but it costs a pretty penny. If you purchase it through Microsoft’s online store, the entry-level version (128GB with an Intel Core m3 processor and 4GB RAM) will set you back €1,029. That’s with the Surface Pen but not the Type Cover – buying the latter will cost you an extra €155.