Hands-on with the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (pictures)

Microsoft's latest tablet is available for pre-order May 20, starting at $799. Here's an initial hands-on, in photo form.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

Shown here is the optional Touch Cover ($130).

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

The biggest improvement is a larger screen that measures 12 inches, with a 3:2 aspect ratio.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

"Lapability" was one of the buzzwords Microsoft used to describe using the Surface Pro 3.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

Aiding lapability is a redesigned kickstand.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

A front view of the kickstand in action.

Check out the  Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

The tallest kickstand position gives the Surface the most laptop-like feel.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

Side view of the tallest position.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

The in-between position is more laid-back.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

A new position, dubbed "canvas mode," lets the Surface really lounge.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

Canvas mode angles the screen back to 150 degrees.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

The cover also has a holder...

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

... for Microsoft's new pen.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

The pen is designed to feel -- both on screen and in the hand -- like a real pen. With 256 points of pressure, writing on the Surface Pro 3 promises to react just as if you're writing on paper.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

From taking notes to doing the New York Times Crossword or writing and editing a screenplay in the app Final Draft, pen input is a major part of the Pro 3. And all you have to do to start writing is click it to unlock.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

Back to the display: it has a 2,160x1,440 resolution that Microsoft calls "Pixel Free."

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

To get the body so thin but still allow the power of an Intel Core i7 processor, cooling fans were redesigned for the Pro 3 so that it seems fanless.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

A peek at the main camera.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

Thanks to a close partnership with Intel, it's 9.1mm (0.36-inch) thick, which is the thinnest Intel Core PC ever made. It weighs 800 grams (1.8 pounds) and has 10 percent better "performance" than the Surface Pro 2.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

Despite the thin body, you'll still find a full-size USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, and a Mini DisplayPort.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.