Mar 07, 2017 10:32 AM EST By Lucy McClaren, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 rivals the upcoming iPad Pro 2 and Galaxy Book, but it has one thing that sets it apart from the competition and that is the Windows 10 Creators Update with its powerful enhancements in gaming and creativity. The Surface Pro 5 is expected in April following the release of the newest Windows OS, the Microsoft HoloLens, and the latest Pro 4 product page revisions now selling without the Surface Pen for the first time in the U.S.

The latest Microsoft product page posting of the Surface Pro 4 lists an entry-level SKU, the Core m3 model without a Surface Pen, retailing for around $917. A standard SKU with Surface Pen has earlier been posted but has now disappeared from the site, Neowin has learned. Other markets like the U.K. still have the SKU with Surface Pen but the product is currently unavailable and only an "email me when available" button is on hand. The Surface Pro 4 has also been having price cuts early this year with price dropping from $917 to $745, which suggests an inventory clearance for the coming of a newer product, the Surface Pro 5.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 has been highly anticipated amidst new devices getting major spec bumps in processor, storage, and connectivity. The latest tablet from the Redmond-based giant will most likely have powerful specs but it is still the Windows 10 Creators Update releasing next month that will be its biggest competitive advantage. The Pro 5 will have the new OS out-of-the-box with features like the Game Mode, which allocates the processor and graphics cards resources to whatever game is currently at play. In this way, all opened software will not cause the game to freeze, lag or stutter.

Other notable Windows 10 Creators Update features bring 3D Paint and beefier support for mixed reality experiences. All these new features require a more powerful hardware that the 18-month old Surface Pro 4 cannot meet. A new iteration the Surface Pro 5 with a powerful processor like the Intel Kaby Lake chips will bring desktop power into a portable tablet.

The ARM processor will most likely be in the non-Pro lineup following a Microsoft's demo of an ARM chip running Windows 10 desktop apps. The tablet will also have the USB-C port and not the Pro 4's USB 3.0 to be used for charging since proprietary charging connections have been deemed by users as bothersome, according to PC Advisor. Other new features a 4K display, a wirelessly charging stylus pen, and the 4G LTE Connectivity.

A LinkedIn job posting of Microsoft product designer Toby Fitch last month fueled the rumor of what new features will be seen in the Surface Pro 5. Fitch indicated that he has been part of a dedicated team working on products like the Microsoft HoloLens, Xbox and the Surface Pro 5 according to WinCentral. This suggests that Microsoft may have assembled a team to work on the Surface Pro 5 borrowing a technology from the Xbox One, which is the Windows 10 Game Mode feature. Moreover, the tablet will also be supporting the Microsoft Hololens, which is expected to be released on March 30 and further validating the April release of the Surface Pro 5.

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