Microsoft today introduced a new Surface, the Surface 3. Like Surface Pro 3, it's a tablet that can replace your laptop but is thinner, lighter and even more affordable. Starting at $499, the Surface 3 is optimized to run full Windows and Office and features long battery life. It can run Windows apps and comes equipped with a pen for taking notes or marking documents. A 4G LTE-ready version, Surface 3 (4G LTE), will be also available.

The device is powered by the new quad-core Intel Atom x7 processor and offers efficiency with up to 10 hours of video-playback battery life. It has a 10.8-inch ClearType HD multi-touch display featuring 3:2 aspect ratio, stereo speakers with Dolby Audio-enhanced sound, packed into a magnesium design. The three-position kickstand can be used while working at a desk, sitting on a couch or holding in the palm of a hand as a writing surface.

Other features in Surface 3 include a rear 8-megapixel camera and a 3.5 megapixel front camera. Users can select 64GB or 128GB of storage.

Both the Surface 3 and Surface 3 (4G LTE) ship with full Windows 8.1 and can be upgraded to Windows 10 for free when available. They also come with a one-year subscription of Microsoft Office 365 Personal, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, plus OneDrive cloud storage.

The new devices can be paired with new accessories: Surface 3 Type Cover ($129.99) is offered in a variety of colors and features an improved trackpad and keyset. The Surface 3 Docking Station ($199.99 ) lets people connect to an external monitor and all their desktop devices, and Surface 3's full-size USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, microSD card reader and Micro USB charging port make it compatible with the Surface Pro line.

Surface 3 and new accessories will be available for pre-order starting March 31 through microsoftstore.com, Microsoft stores and retailers in the following markets: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Availability starts May 5. Microsoft will offer Surface 3 (4G LTE - $599) through T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless in the U.S. later this year.