Microsoft Surface 3 - Affordable Tablet-Laptop Hybrid

Microsoft's Surface 3 Review

Microsoft has launched the Surface 3, the tablet-laptop is not so different from its earlier model known as Surface Pro 3. If we compare the prices of both the models then Surface Pro 3 starts at 639 pounds and goes up to 1,549 pounds whereas Surface 3 the lower model starts from 419 pounds and goes up to 499 pounds if you increase the specs. Surface 3 is available for pre-order on Microsoft's website. Currently it runs on Windows 8.1 and ready for Windows 10.

Microsoft Surface 3
Microsoft Surface 3

If you have used the other Surface tablets before than Surface 3 will be very much familiar to you, its build is almost like Surface RT and Surface 2. Microsoft is competing with Apple's expensive, the device is sleek looking just like Macbook. We can say it as a "Surface Pro Mini". Lets have a look on its features and specifications:-

  • It has grey metal body and similar kind of kickstand but the difference is that its limited to three positions. You will miss the extra adjustments.
  • Its thinner and lighter than its predecessor, 8.7 mm thick and 622 g in weight. But when compared to iPad Air 2 - 6.1 mm thick and weighs only 437 g. Whereas Surface Pro 3 is 9.1 mm thick and weighs 800 g.
  • Display of Surface 3 is 10.8 inch with the resolution of 1920*1280 Full HD Plus.
  • It has the smaller screen size of 267*187*8.7 mm 
  • Surface 3 has magnesium alloy chassis and premium ceramic finishes which makes it as stylish as Surface Pro 3.
  • It comes in two configurations : lower model comes with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable SSD storage and the upper model comes with 4GB and 128GB.
  • comes with Quad Core Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor which makes surface 3 fanless, no gaps are there in the chassis.
  • A USB 3.0 jack, a MiniDisplay port and a microSD slot.
  • The proprietary magnetic charger in favor of high-power Micro USB port. This means you only need one charger for your Surface and phone more over two USB ports are also there.
  • Easy to carry anywhere coz of its lightweight and inch difference in screen size.
  • You can watch 1080p video, color accuracy and viewing angles are amazing. 
  • If we talk about the sound quality of Surface 3 then you will get a surprise out of it as it has Dolby certified drivers, stereo separation is very much impressive.
  • S3 has 8 megapixel rear facing camera with auto focus microphone and 3.5 mega pixel front facing camera.
Surface 3 Front
Surface 3 Front

  • Microsoft has provided the detachable keyboard ($129.99) as the most important accessory in its Surface line range. S3 also has this feature with improvements, the type cover is now more stiffer and you will experience the solid typing. The keys are of same size like SP3 but some have became more short, but when you will use then you will find the touchpad more responsive and clicky.
  • The model has the Surface Pen, which comes in three colors - red, blue, black. Its worth for its cost i.e. $50. The Wacom technology has been used in the pen, N-Trig digitizer is excellent for note-taking and photo editing. The excellent Drawboard PDF comes pre-installed too. One limitation it has that there is no proper place for putting pen while you are using the keyboard. But you can buy the pen holder for $5.
  • As per Microsoft 10 hours of battery life for video playback is there. If you use the Modern UI apps then you are able to work for a full day but if you go for desktop apps then no. While using Chrome battery life was close to 6-7 hours.
  • As per the reviewers Surface 3 is the first non-Pro device you can use as your sole computer.
Surface 3 Vs Surface Pro 3
Surface 3 Vs Surface Pro 3


Both Surface Pro 3 and Surface 3 are very good devices to opt for but you will find Surface 3 consumer focused and Pro 3 business machine. Surface 3 is a cheap option with full fledged functions. Pro 3 will remain superior to Surface 3 but it will provide you great value for your money. S3 will release on May 5th, 2015 - pre orders are available on its website. With the device you will get a year of Office 365, 1 TB of OneDrive storage and 60 monthly minutes of worldwide Skype calling.

Surface Pro 4
Surface Pro 4

We are already hearing rumors of Surface Pro 4 release in next few months, obviously we are going to get much better in it. May be the company Is planning to offer pro 3 affordable version. You never know what Microsoft has in it's kitty. After viewing both Surface Pro 3 and Surface 3, I found S3 the best and affordable option right now.

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I'm a full time blogger making a living from TechFools blog. I have recently started writing about new technology, gadgets and upcoming devices. I like connecting with real people and helping them to know about new technology and updates related to it.
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