Surface 3 Vs. Surface Pro 3: Picking The Right Tablet
The Surface 3, the newest hybrid from Microsoft, packs the hallmarks of Surface Pro 3 into a thinner and lighter device.
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Microsoft is aiming to broaden the scope of its Surface customer base with the arrival of Surface 3, which was announced in March 2015 and will ship in May. The device certainly has potential for universal appeal, with full Windows functionality packaged in a thinner and lighter design.
The Surface 3 was developed as a smaller, more accessible version of its predecessor, the Surface Pro 3, intended for students and mobile professionals who don't need the Pro's extended capabilities. It comes with a thinner screen, a more lightweight structure, and a lower price. Surface 3 will run you $500 to start, about $300 less than the Pro.
If you want to take full advantage of the Surface 3 capabilities, however, you'll have to shell out a bit more. External accessories include the detachable keyboard, or Type Cover, for $130, and the Surface Pen, for $50.
Personally, I don’t understand why the Type Cover has to be separate. I can't imagine using either Surface without a keyboard, and isn't this supposed to be a laptop replacement anyway? But I digress.
[Microsoft Zero-Day Bug Being Exploited In The Wild]
A big chunk of the inspiration for Surface 3 came from customers. "[They said,] 'Give me everything that's in the Pro 3 but make it even thinner, even lighter and even more portable,'" said Microsoft's Brian Eskridge, senior manager for the Surface line, in an interview with InformationWeek earlier this month.
On the surface (zing!), there isn't much difference between the two. The Surface 3 has a 10.8-inch display, which is noticeably smaller than the 12-inch Pro screen but offers a 1920x1280 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The screen has also been revamped to improve digital pen use, Eskridge explained.
Other hardware features were taken directly from the Pro, including USB 3.0 port, micro-USB 2.0 port, microSD slot, and mini DisplayPort. Its type cover has a shorter key-throw, said Eskridge, and comes in a wider range of colors including red, slate gray, burgundy, purple, and light and dark blue.
Surface 3 is a bit slower than the Pro, with 85% of its performance, which isn't a bad trade. I found it to be pretty speedy. It does offer 10 hours of battery life on video playback, said Eskridge, which is more than the Pro can handle.
Microsoft is killing Windows RT with the Surface 3, which will ship running Windows 8.1 with the promise of Windows 10 upgradability later this summer. The less expensive model has 2GB of RAM for $500, but you can upgrade to 4GB of RAM for a $600 device. An LTE version is expected to launch later this year.
Right now, it's time to take a closer look at the Surface 3, both on its own and next to the older Pro model. After you are done with the InformationWeek review, let us know what you think in the comments section.
For its target audience, the Surface 3 is a great size. It's easy to hold in one hand. I couldn't even feel its weight in my bag. I can see it being a hit among students and mobile professionals like retail workers and flight attendants. Eskridge mentioned that customers in both education and travel have expressed interest in the device. That said, some might find the screen too small. I'd have a hard time using Surface 3 for daily productivity because I always have a bunch of apps running at once.
As a tablet, it's also speedy and functional, though thick (8.7mm) compared with others on the market. The kickstand is a nice add-on, even without the keyboard.
The kickstand is another trademark of the Pro that made its way to Surface 3, but it doesn't have the same continuous movement. The Surface 3 kickstand has three set positions: propped up for desktop use, flatter for lap use, and a compromise between the two that could lend itself to either (but that I found great for typing on my lap). I didn't think the lack of continuous hinge was a big drawback for the Surface 3.
The Surface pen, which is the same model used with the Pro, is a neat little tool. Eskridge explained how the Surface 3 developers minimized the gap between the screen's glass and touch panels to improve the pen's functionality. It's likely to be more of a worthy investment for artists or creative Surface customers who prefer drawing over typing. I found that the pen provided a smooth experience on the Surface 3, though there isn't a slot or holder to stow it after use (problematic if you have a tendency to misplace things).
It is worth noting that the Surface 3, at 1.4 pounds, is a wise choice for people looking for a device to suit their on-the-go needs. I could easily hold it in one hand for extended periods of time. Without the Type Cover, it's like carrying around a binder or notebook. You can also see the comparison of kickstand height in this photo. The Surface 3 on the left is in desktop position, which is comfortable for typing.
So if you're in the market for a Surface, which should you choose? Like all devices, it depends on what you're using it for. Students across grade levels or professionals looking for a basic mobile device might find the Surface 3 (left) appealing, especially given its lower price-point. You can use it as you would any other Windows PC. Professionals who use more intensive apps and need greater computing power might lean towards the Pro (right).
Although many Windows users find fault in Windows 8.1, the promise of Windows 10 (technical preview on the Pro) might boost demand.
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