Microsoft’s new Surface Pro tablet can diagnose your illnesses but won’t work well with Google

MICROSOFT’S latest tablet is just two weeks away from its Australian launch. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know it could do.

SOFTWARE giant Microsoft is poised to launch a new tablet in Australia later this month, with pre-orders for its $2279 top model selling out online yesterday.

But the Surface Pro 3, due in stores on August 28, is different to other computers of its kind and less well known than its Apple and Samsung rivals.

Below are 10 facts about Microsoft’s latest tablet computer you may not know.

1. It can diagnose ailments

Within the tablet’s Bing Health and Fitness app is something called Symptom Checker. Users can tap on the part of the body that is sore, select a range of symptoms, and the app will list possible conditions. It’s worth noting this app is not always correct, however. The symptoms of tennis elbow also match that of a snake bite, for example.

2. It doesn’t work with Google any more

Yes, you can use Gmail as your mail provider in the Surface, but don’t expect Microsoft to add birthdays and appointments from your Google Calendar to this device. Microsoft’s official explanation is that Google stopped supporting Exchange ActiveSync. To overcome this, you can transfer your Google appointments to an Outlook account, or download an ad-supported app like Gmail Calendar even though it won’t add appointments to the official Windows Calendar.

3. The new Surface wants to deplete Apple’s Air

Microsoft is opening an old wound with the Surface Pro 3 by pitting it against Apple’s MacBook Air. To its credit, the Pro 3 is lighter and thinner than the smallest Air, has a better front-facing camera, and a screen with more pixels, but it has fewer USB 3.0 ports and, with the optional keyboard, costs more.

4. It can be paired with one of the best tablet keyboards around

Use a wireless keyboard with your tablet? It’s probably not as good as Microsoft’s Surface Pro Touch Cover. This mechanical keyboard is 2.17cm thin and acts as a cover for the tablet. Its keys are generously spaced, no button is out of place, and it offers a row of handy function keys. Best of all, this Cover is a touch typists’s friend, as you can confidently tap away without looking down. Some caveats: it will only work with the Surface Pro, it’s sold separately, and it costs $149.99.

5. Personalised news

The Bing News app delivers news stories in a magazine-style layout, and it can also be customised to your liking. Want to read more about smartwatches? Add “smartwatches” as a topic and Bing will search the web for you and deliver pertinent results. You can also add a wider range of news services (including this website) in Settings.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 tablet computer comes with a touchscreen-friendly pen.

6. It still doesn’t have a Start menu

Microsoft has promised to return the Start menu to Windows 8, a full version of which runs on Surface Pro 3. Unfortunately, the old favourite has yet to arrive in an update, which could leave Windows fans wanting. Rumours hint at an imminent arrival.

7. It’s more powerful than most other tablets

The Surface Pro 3 is designed to stand in for a laptop computer and, as such, users can add a lot of computing grunt to this tablet. If money is no object ($2279), you can order a new Surface with 8GB RAM, an Intel Core i7 chip, and 256GB storage.

8. You can use it as a notepad

This tablet comes with a pen, but not one loaded with ink. Instead it connects with Bluetooth, features three buttons, responds to on-screen pressure, and will let you write on the touchscreen even if your palm is resting on it. The pen is also useful in the tablet’s Desktop mode, where icons can be small.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 tablet computer, due in stores on August 28, 2014.

9. It doesn’t come with Microsoft Office

If you buy a Microsoft tablet for Microsoft Office, you will be disappointed. It doesn’t come with the software — that’s an additional download — and owning a Surface doesn’t give you a free licence to use the Office software. That will cost you $12 a month.

10. It’s designed to sit on your lap

Unlike other computers, Microsoft has designed this device with your lap in mind. Its Touch Cover keyboard now features an extra magnet strip to prop it up against the screen, and its kickstand can now sit at multiple angles so you can read it from a desk-free position. Its vents are situated along the top of the machine so you won’t cook your legs.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 tablet computer is due in Australian stores on August 28, 2014.

Originally published as Microsoft’s new Surface Pro tablet can diagnose your illnesses but won’t work well with Google