(Telecompaper) Microsoft has unveiled the Surface 3, a new hybrid tablet/laptop aimed at consumers that comes with a starting price of USD 499. Unlike the Surface 2, the new model runs a full copy of Windows 8.1 and Microsoft is claiming that it's the lightest and thinnest tablet the company has ever released. The Surface 3 is powered by Intel's recently announced quad-core Atom X7 processor, which includes the Broadwell GPU, and comes with a ClearType HD multitouch display with 1920×1280 resolution. It also offers a full-size USB 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, a microSD card reader, and a Micro USB charging port. Microsoft is claiming "up to 10 hours" of video-playback battery life. The standard Surface 3 is priced at USD 499, while the Surface 3 with 4G costs USD 599. Both versions come with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, but 4GB RAM and 128GB storage versions are also available for USD 599 for standard Wi-Fi or USD 699 for 4G. The tablet is available for preorder today via the Microsoft Store and at select retail stores in 26 countries and will ship on 05 May. The company has also confirmed that the 4G version will be available through T-Mobile and Verizon in the US "later this year."