Introduction
Microsoft entered the laptop/tablet market a while ago with mixed success and to be honest, it was a little deserved and a very late entry to boot. Microsoft are not a new company and indeed very good at coming back from the dark side, just look at Windows Vista and Windows 7.
With massive advertising campaigns you are probably already going to know about the Microsoft Surface, likewise, you will already know about the iPad and other touchscreen tablets that can be used as very convincing netbook or laptop alternatives. So with the third generation of the MS Surface out and infiltrating society, has Microsoft done enough to ensure the Surface is a serious contender?
Let’s find out with the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.
Microsoft describe the Surface Pro 3 as the “tablet that can replace your laptop” and that’s probably the biggest statement or claim we will challenge.
Technology
Technology-wise it’s pretty good, and where most laptops should be, and with SSD’s, 4th generation Intel Core processor family (i3, i5, i7) Series CPUs, touchscreen and other high end features, it is not going to be a slouch.
Specification
- Size 11.5” x 7.93” x 0.36” (292.1mm x 201.4mm x 9.1mm)
- Weight 1.76lbs (800 grams)
- Display Screen: 12” ClearType Full HD Plus
- Resolution: 2160 x 1440
- Multi-touchscreen
- Digital Compass
- Battery Life Up to 9 hours of web browsing
- 64GB or 128GB storage with 4GB RAM
- 256GB or 512GB storage with 8GB RAM
- 4th generation Intel® Core™ processor family (i3, i5, i7)
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac/802.11 a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth® 4.0 Low Energy technology
Ports
- Full-size USB 3.0
- microSD™ card reader
- Headset jack
- Mini DisplayPort
- Cover port
Software
- Windows 8.1 Pro
Cameras, Video and Audio
- 5.0 megapixel rear-facing camera
- 5.0 megapixel front-facing camera
- Stereo microphones
- Stereo speakers with Dolby® sound
Sensors
- Ambient light sensor
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
Product Shots
The Surface Pro’s packing design is very stylish and feels like a premium product.
The Surface Pro’s packing design is very stylish and feels like a premium product. It’s heavy too, and feels like a thousand pounds worth so far.
We are reviewing the 256Gb/i5 processor model, currently the middle offering in the model range. Next, we need something to type on, other than the touchscreen.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Review
Package - 8.5
Performance - 9
Price - 7.1
Consumer Experience - 7
7.9
It's a piece of nerd porn, though it's expensive. It won't replace your laptop or tablet completely, and if you are happy to put up with a non mature product and have deep pockets, you may end up loving this. It is not quite there yet though.
