The Surface Pro 3 was launched in May 2014

Dec 27, 2014 11:57 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 was launched in May this year, and despite the fact that it's quite an expensive device, sales results point to quite a strong performance in the second half of 2014.

Pacific Crest analyst Brendan Barnicle reveals in a note to investors that the Surface Pro 3 has experienced really strong sales until now, and most retailers across the United States explained that everyone was surprised by how well the device was selling.

The Surface Pro 3 was promoted as a laptop replacement because it comes with a 12-inch screen and offers powerful hardware and a full version of Windows 8.1 Pro, which means that you can run the exact same software as on your laptop.

Pricing, however, is one of the biggest setbacks, because the top-of-the-range Surface Pro 3 can be yours in the United States for $1,950 (€1,500).

Surface Pro 3 demand to grow bigger

In addition to the really good sales experienced until now, the Surface Pro 3 is expected to continue its growth in the first half of 2015, the analyst explains.

“Over the past week we spoke with more than 50 retailers across the United States. They reported surprisingly strong sales of Surface Pro 3. It is increasingly viewed as a laptop replacement for business users and students,” he says.

“Inventory levels are lean, with most retailers averaging six to eight days of sales on hand. Channel partners expect that Surface Pro 3 strength can continue into the new year as enterprise clients are showing more interest in the product.”

The Surface Pro 3 is currently available in several markets across the globe, but the United States continues to be the top priority for the Redmond-based technology giant, especially when it comes to companies that are seeking replacements for their laptops.

Top hardware specs

While it's still difficult to decide whether the Surface Pro 3 is indeed a worthy laptop replacement given the high price, there's no doubt that Microsoft's flagship tablet comes with top hardware specifications that allow you to perform most of the tasks you usually do on your laptop.

For instance, the top Surface Pro 3 model comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 512 GB of storage. The device runs the full version of Windows 8.1 pro and also features a new kickstand mode that makes it extremely easy to use in both laptop and tablet modes.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (4 Images)

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 tablet
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 tablet with keyboardMicrosoft Surface Pro 3 tablet keyboard
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