Microsoft will almost certainly unveil the new Surface Pro 4 soon, which could be available on the market shortly, but in recent days we've had the opportunity to test the Surface 3 , the last device released before the launch of the highly anticipated Windows 10. As usual, this device hasn't disappointed almost anyone, and certainly not us.
Like previous devices in the Surface family, the Surface 3 aims to be a hybrid device, combining the features of a laptop and a tablet , and is the ideal solution for those who need the best of both worlds in one device. Of course, it's not all positive; it still lacks something to be a perfect hybrid device, and its price once again puts it out of reach for most users.
Next, we'll take an in-depth look at the Surface 3, reviewing several of its most important features. We'll also share what we consider to be the pros and cons of this Microsoft device. Ready to enjoy our Surface review?
Design, a commitment to continuity
Since the first Surface arrived on the market, Microsoft has introduced very few design changes to these devices. However, this Surface 3 is lighter, a bit more compact, and boasts a few additional features. With dimensions of 267 x 187 x 8,7 millimeters and a weight of 622 grams, it's thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the Surface 2.
However, the essence of the device has changed very little and of course the already characteristic color remains identical. The finished in premium materials continues to give a more than interesting aspect to the Microsoft device, which everyone usually likes, do you know someone who has not liked the design of any of the Microsoft Surface devices?
Characteristics and specifications
Next we are going to review the main features and specifications of the Microsoft Surface 3;
- Screen: 10 inches with 1920 × 1280 resolution, 3: 2 aspect ratio with up to 256 levels of pressure for the pen and protection for the palm
- Processor: Intel Atom X7 Cherrytrail
- RAM: there are currently two different versions on the market, one with 2 GB and the other with 4 GB of RAM
- Storage: 64 GB and 128 GB SSD, 32 GB version although only for the educational field
- Battery: up to 10 hours of video playback
- Connectivity: Mini DisplayPort, USB, WiFi, optional LTE
- OS.: Windows 8.1 upgradeable to Windows 10 with drivers for 32/64 bits completely free of charge
Processor
Taking a look inside this Surface 3, we find an Intel Atom X7 processor, a quad-core chip running at 1,6 GHz. One of its key features is that it doesn't require any external fans, eliminating the need for the noisy cooling systems found in most laptops.
Unfortunately from this processor perhaps we expected something more and that is that although it is not a bad brain for this Surface 3, it does not allow us to do anything we can imagine. One of those things that we will not be able to do, at least in a normal way, is to enjoy the latest generation video games.
For example, in our tests we were unable to enjoy NBA 2K14 , as after hours of installation we couldn't get it to work. Furthermore, some other games we tested ran quite slowly.
Some applications cannot be used in a normal way on this Surface 3 either, and that is, for example, the popular Photoshop, it took more than 50 minutes to install, and then it won't work.
The power of accessories
When we buy a Surface 3 we find that in the box there is only the device, which as we have said before is a hybrid between a laptop and a tablet. However, unless we acquire the accessories we will not have that device halfway between those two.
On the one hand, we can purchase the essential keyboard, which allows us to transform the Surface 3 into something very similar to a laptop and also functions as a cover. Its price, of course, isn't exactly cheap, especially considering the hefty price tag we've already paid for the Surface. The keyboard, available in various colors and key layouts at any specialty store, can be purchased for €149,90 , which undoubtedly increases the final price of the Surface considerably.
We can also purchase another series of accessories, among which a stylus would stand out, which depending on the type of users that we are we will use more or less frequently.
What I like about the Surface 3
After testing this Microsoft Surface 3 for a few weeks, I have to say that this device, like all the previous ones in this same family, continues to win me over with its size, its lightness, and the ease it offers for transporting and using it almost anywhere.
Although its price seems quite high to me, its keyboard is still a very important accessory that offers us hundreds of possibilities.
In general, I could say that this Surface 3 has convinced me in many things, being what it claims to be, that hybrid device halfway between a tablet and a laptop. Of course, unfortunately in my modest opinion it is far from being any of the devices, which can sometimes be a problem for many users.
What I don't like about the Surface 3
If you have read what I like about the Surface 3 you will have already realized perfectly what I do not like about this Microsoft device. Without a doubt, this Surface is an outstanding device, but it is indicated, in my opinion, for a small group of users. In many cases it is neither a laptop nor a tablet, which is a major problem.
Its price is undoubtedly another negative aspect of this Surface 3 , as to acquire it we will have to spend around 600 euros, to which we must add another good handful of euros for the accessories, which in most cases become essential.
Finally I want to point out in this section that this Surface 3 for someone who like me is dedicated to writing articles is a device that will not be able to replace a laptop. Although I have tried on more than one occasion to work with this device it is necessary to place it on a rigid surface. This makes working with the device on your lap anywhere completely impossible.
Personal opinion
Since Microsoft officially presented the first device in the Surface family, many users have fallen in love with this type of device. The Surface 3 has not been an exception for almost anyone, although for most users, including myself, it is more a whim than a necessity.
There is no doubt that this Surface 3 is an outstanding gadget , but it is specifically designed for users who need to combine design, power in certain aspects, and be able to move and transport it easily and simply.
In my opinion , this device is far too expensive for the average user . For practically half the price of this Surface 3, we can buy a laptop or a tablet, or even both, that perfectly meet our needs. Currently, owning a Surface doesn't solve, in my humble opinion, the problem of having both a tablet and a laptop. It's a hybrid device that can certainly offer the same functionality as a tablet, but I think it falls far short of being anything like a laptop.
Price and Availability
The Microsoft Surface 3 has been available on the market for a few months now and anyone can buy it for a price of 599 euros in its most basic version.
Of course later we will have to buy the keyboard, which is totally essential for any user and which has a price of 149,90 euros. The stylus can be purchased for a more affordable price, set at 49,99 euros. Buying these two accessories the price of the Surface shoots up to almost 800 euros.
If you want to buy the Surface 3 you can do it from the following link that will take you directly to Amazon.
What do you think of the Surface 3 after reading our review? You can share your opinion in the comments section of this post or through any of our social media channels.