Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 has officially gone on sale in New Zealand.

The vendor has previously dubbed the Pro 4 as ‘the new tablet that can replace your laptop'.

It comes with improved processsing power, upgraded cameras and up to an Intel Core i7 processor and up to 16GB Ram.

The new Surface Pen is also included with 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity and reduced latency.

A type cover remains an optional extra, with the new Surface Pro 4 Type Cover featuring backlit keys and a larger trackpad.

Microsoft says the combination of type cover and pen gives the Surface Pro 4 ‘unmatched versatility as a tablet or a laptop'.

“Powerful, portable and designed to maximise productivity, Surface Pro 4 brings the best of a laptop and the best of a tablet together in one sleek device,” Microsoft says.

The device runs full Windows 10 Pro, enabling the use of apps and desktop programmes like Microsoft Office to be run side by side, and providing enterprise-level security.

It weighs in at under 800 grams, and includes a larger 12.3-inch PixelSense display and the popular kickstand which also featured on the Surface Pro 3.

Research company Telsyte says the stage is set for a  battle between professional devices as the Surface Pro 4 goes head to head with Apple's iPad Pro, and other devices.

The arrival of the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro are expected to bolster tablet/two-in-one sales for the second half of 2015.

Pricing for the Surface Pro 4 starts at $1599 for a 128GB Core m3 with 4GB or Ram, while a top end 512GB Core i7 version with 16GB of Ram will set you back $3999.