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One way the Surface Pro 4 might be more like the Retina MacBook

Published Apr 29th, 2015 7:45AM EDT
Surface Pro 4 vs. Retina MacBook
Image: Microsoft Corporation

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Microsoft is expected to launch a new flagship tablet/laptop convertible at some point later this year, a Surface Pro 4 model that’ll likely run Windows 10 out of the box. However, there are plenty of Surface Pro 4 rumors swirling, with Chinese publication 36kr.com claiming to be in possession of new information regarding the upcoming machine, which suggests the device will be somewhat similar to the Retina MacBook when it comes to certain features.

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According to the publication, the Surface Pro 4 will also ditch the fan like the new slim MacBook, but that doesn’t mean it’ll pack an Intel Core M processor that will also reduce the performance of this pure Windows 10 computers. The Retina MacBook has been criticized for not being able to deliver the same performance as other 2015 machines, as the Intel Core M chip isn’t on par with Intel’s more powerful, yet not nearly so energy-efficient, Broadwell chips.

Ditching the fan would allow Microsoft to make a slimmer Surface Pro model than the Surface Pro 3, although the fourth-gen device will be generally similar to last year’s Surface Pro when it comes to overall design.

Apparently, the device will have a similar heat signature as the Surface Pro 3, as well, as it’ll pack a fifth-gen Intel Broadwell processor. Moreover, the laptop is expected to feature a 12-inch display with 2160 x 1440 resolution (same as the Surface Pro 3).

A recent report said the new Surface Pro will be available in two models, sporting 12-inch and 14-inch 2K resolution displays and featuring Intel Core i5 and Core i7 options, and 16GB of RAM.

Images or clear details about the Surface Pro 4 have not been leaked, and it’ll be interesting to see whether Microsoft will mention the device in any capacity at its Build developers conference. The company has recently launched a more affordable Surface 3 model that’s already available to buyers.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.