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What makes the Surface Pro 3 special? Microsoft's Panos Panay explains

In a video released today, Microsoft's Panos Panay discusses some of the innovations in the Surface Pro 3 and the thinking that helped to define its development, to set it apart from the competition.

The Surface Pro 3 went on sale today, and as we discovered in our in-depth review of Microsoft's new tablet, it's quite an impressive piece of kit. From its stunning high-resolution 12-inch display and versatile kickstand, to the excellent Pen and much-improved Type Cover, there's certainly a lot to like about the device. 

Even so, not everyone is clear on what sets the Pro 3 apart from its rivals. Is it just a bigger tablet, or a wannabe laptop? Is it just good for watching movies and playing games, or is it a true fully-capable PC in a slim, light form factor? 

Today, Microsoft released a video in which Panos Panay, the corporate vice president in charge of Surface, explains some of the innovations that make the Pro 3 such a remarkable device. 

"The power of the Surface is the power of a PC," he explains. "I think that's what gets lost sometimes. It is a tablet for sure, and we call it the tablet that can replace your PC. You can ask the question, 'Why haven't others done this? I don't get it - how do you have a tablet and still have the full power of a PC. Why isn't this just happening everywhere?' I think that's a good way to think of the innovation that's happened in this product." 

He also explains the thinking that defines the whole Surface line through its kickstand. "We had to find a way to transition people from, grab a tablet, and when you're done consuming, put it down, and then grab a laptop when you want to create. The transition wasn't 'put the tablet down, pick up a laptop'; the transition became the kickstand." 

Throughout the video, Panay manages to summarize many of the key aspects of the Surface Pro 3 that make it such a compelling device. It's only three minutes long, so sit back and enjoy: 

Source: YouTube 

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