Up until now, we have relied on rumors and leaks to get even the slightest bit of information about the Microsoft Surface Pro 5. The Surface Pro 4 was released in 2015 so we expect to see its successor this year; however, Microsoft has not made any announcement about the device despite a rumored Spring 2017 release.
Since nobody but Microsoft really knows anything definite about the much-awaited hybrid, perhaps some have grown tired of waiting for the ultra-secret device. For those who are already impatient, Tech Times has listed down five great alternatives that can rival the Surface Pro 4's technical specifications, and perhaps even come close to the Surface Pro 5.
Take a look at the gadgets below, listed in no particular order.
Apple iPad Pro
We're starting off with Microsoft's biggest competition, Apple. The Apple iPad Pro comes in 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch models that are both powerful enough to attempt becoming a laptop substitute.
The iPad Pro has a 2,048 x 1,536 and 2,732 x 2,048 screen resolution for the 9.7- and 12.9-inch models, respectively, and a four-speaker audio system. It is equipped with Apple's A9X chip with an M9 coprocessor and runs on iOS 10. Price starts at $599 for the 7.9-inch model and $799 for the 12.9-inch version.
Google Pixel C
Google is not falling behind when it comes to developing a high-end hybrid to compete with the most favored devices. The Google Pixel C is basically an Android 2-in-1 device that attempts to rival the technical specifications of the Surface Pro 4.
The Google Pixel C has a 10.2-inch display with a 2,560 x 1,800 screen resolution, stereo speakers and quad microphones, an Nvidia Tegra processor, 3 GB3 LPDDR RAM with 64 GB of internal storage, and a USB-C charger. Since the Pixel C is a Google creation, it already runs on Android 7.0 Nougat and is always one of the first to receive software updates. Price starts at $599.
Acer Aspire Switch 12
Acer markets the Switch 12 as more of a 5-in-1 than a 2-in-1 and for good reason. The Switch 12 can be transformed into the five following modes: desktop, notebook, tent, pad, and display.
The 12.5-inch hybrid device boasts a 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD screen resolution and is equipped with an Intel Core M5 dual core processor, a 4 GB LPDDR3 RAM with 128 GB SSD hard drive, and an Intel HD graphics 5300 with shared memory. Price starts at $649.
Huawei Matebook
The Huawei Matebook is a newcomer in the 2-in-1 market but is already a good alternative to the Surface Pro 4. The basic Matebook with 4 GB RAM and an Intel Core M processor is available starting $399, but if you want something more than the basic, you can always opt for the signature edition.
Starting at $499, the Huawei Matebook signature edition has a 12-inch Full HD IPS touch screen display with a 2,160 x 1,440 resolution. It is equipped with a 6th-generation Intel Core M3 processor with Turbo Boost Technology, a 4 GB LPDDR3 RAM, 128 GB SSD hard drive, Intel HD Graphics 515 with shared graphics memory, and dual Dolby Audio speakers.
Asus Transformer Book T100
The Transformer Book T100 comes close to the basic Surface Pro 4 model. Though it cannot compete with the Surface Pro 4 head-on, it is able to make up for what it lacks in terms of price.
The 10.1-inch Asus Transformer Book T100 has a multi-touch screen IPS HD display at a 1,366 x 768 screen resolution. It is equipped with an Intel Quad Core Cherry Trail processor, Integrated Intel HD graphics, two built-in speakers using the Asus SonicMaster Technology, 4 GB RAM, and 64 GB internal storage. Price starts at $255.
