Summary: The Core i5-based Surface Pro combines ultrabook components with a (chunky) 10.6in. tablet form factor to deliver decent performance and excellent build quality. However, a few design issues, missing features and, above all, disappointing battery life suggest you'd be wise to wait and see...

Solid; elegant hardware design; Runs Windows 8 Pro and legacy software; Ultrabook-level performance; Supports pressure-sensitive pen input

Disappointing battery life; Kickstand isn't adjustable; No desktop or keyboard dock available; Desktop scaling issues when used with a large external monitor; Lacks GPS and NFC; No mobile broadband option; Stylus needs a storage location within the chassis

A portable powerhouse – but the Surface Pro's keyboard, grunt and battery life don't quite measure up to its Ultrabook rivals

The Surface Pro is perfect for my needs with work. I had a surface 2 sometime ago. The issue with this delivery was the machine didn't work... there was an issue with the battery/ A quick call to Microsoft agreed with this a authorised a return.... no comments on the return procedure yet.

Overall built quality is good, however if you get a 4gb ram version, then performance wise its not good, there will be alot of high disk and ram usage, i will now go for 8gb ram version,

Microsoft Windows-based tablets have been tried dozens of times before. Tried and failed, as a matter of fact. Now, with Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to "reimagine" the whole concept of the desktop operating system, and in doing so has come up with a new generation of tablets that can do more in...

I take it everywhere to work with me. It's small, lightweight, and easy to operate. I ordered a mouse for it and have to say "I Just Love My Surface".

Microsoft's Surface Pro was already an excellent mobility product but the addition of 4G conductivity has made this an even more compelling choice.

Microsoft's says its Surface Pro is the company's shot at the tablet market, and aimed specifically at the business sector. While the latter may be true, we think that this device is more of a PC squeezed into a tablet with an under-$1000 price tag.

Back then, we were told the Intel Core i5-powered, Windows 8 Pro-toting tablet would be released around three months after Windows 8 itself . In mid-January, Microsoft announced the release date of the Surface Pro, but only for North America .

Brilliant design; Great touchscreen display; Excellent add-on keyboard connector

Significant; inescapable compromise inherent in form factor; Mediocre battery life for a notebook; terrible for a tablet; Frustrating power connector

Good things come to those who wait, or so the saying goes, and Microsoft has finally brought its premium Windows 8 device – the Surface Pro – to Australia. It's been available in the US since February, but Microsoft's 10.6in tablet looks to have been worth waiting for.