Today, Microsoft is very likely to officially unveil the new Surface Pro 4 at the event they've organized in New York City this afternoon, but we've been testing and thoroughly analyzing the new Surface 3 , the predecessor to the device we'll see today, and it's left us with a great impression.
I know you might be wondering how it took us so long to get our full review of the Surface 3 (the Redmond company has given time to introduce the Redmond-based company a new member of the Surface family), but in Sometimes not everything works as fast as we would like. Luckily, and even if it's a little late, today it's time to fully enjoy the Surface 3.
In case anyone is still unsure what this device is, we can tell you that all Surface devices are a hybrid between a laptop and a tablet , presenting themselves as the perfect solution for those who need to use both devices daily. Unfortunately, you should keep in mind that this Surface 3 doesn't have the power of a laptop, nor the lightness of a tablet. That said, Microsoft has managed to combine some of the best features of a laptop and a tablet into a single device.
Design, a continuous commitment by Microsoft
Since Microsoft launched the first Surface device, we have seen very little design change. It is true that the finishes with premium materials have been improved, the spectrum of positions in which we can use the Surface has been expanded and accessories are increasingly sold in greater numbers, but the essence remains intact.
Finished in a gray metal, this Surface 3 has become slightly narrower and lighter than the previous Surface 2 , although these changes go completely unnoticed by any user.
Many voices have criticized the designs of Surface devices, but gray is a very elegant and above all discreet color since let's not forget this is a device that is largely oriented to the business sector. In addition, whenever we want, we can give it a touch of color with the keyboards, which also act as a cover and are sold in very cheerful colors.
Characteristics and specifications
Next, before we delve into the processor and some technical aspects of this Surface 3, let's review the main features and specifications of this device ;
- 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 and power
Inside this Surface 3, we find an Intel Atom X7 processor, a quad-core chip running at 1,6 GHz. To be honest, it left us with mixed feelings. On the positive side, most users could perform everyday tasks without any problems. We tested it with several browser tabs open, Microsoft Office running at full capacity, and music playing via Spotify, and it passed the test with flying colors.
However, there are some things this Surface isn't ready for , which was something we expected. For example, it's not equipped to handle some of the latest games hitting the market. After spending hours installing NB2K14, we couldn't even launch it. The games we were able to start ran slowly, and sometimes it was impossible to play them at all.
Let us remember that we are facing an outstanding device, but that it does not reach the height of some of the best laptops on the market where you can enjoy the best games on the market. We can play, hundreds of games, but not ask this Surface 3 impossible.
Positive aspects of this Surface 3
Without a doubt, one of the best things about the Surface 3 is its portability; you can carry it in any backpack or bag and use it in the most unexpected places . Weighing more than a tablet but much less than a laptop, it can easily become your inseparable companion for class.
Another of the great advantages that I have found when working with this Microsoft device is the simplicity it offers us when working thanks to the fact that we can use the stylus or the keyboard and also connect a mouse with which we are accustomed to work.
Negative aspects of this Surface 3
Unfortunately, the space of negative points is not going to be empty on this occasion and is that due to the lack of power to be able to enjoy some applications or last generation games, we must also point a finger at the Surface 3 in some aspects.
The design of the keyboard and the Surface 3 in general makes it impossible to work with it just anywhere . For example, it's impossible to cover an event sitting in a chair without having to use a table or something to lean on. For those who don't believe me, I can tell you about the terrible experience I had at a Microsoft event, trying to write an article while balancing the Surface on my lap.
Its price that we will talk about later is another of the aspects that I liked the least about this Surface 3. And it is that after spending more than 600 euros to acquire it you realize that having a keyboard or a stylus will mean spending 200 euros more, which makes this device a luxury available to very few users.
Can it do the e-book functions?
This answer has an easy answer and is a resounding no. Being this a blog related to digital books, I should try to read with the Surface and it is not that it is not possible since we can perfectly read any eBook and even install some of the multiple reading applications that are available. The big problem comes from its weight and especially from the brightness of the screen, something that happens in almost all tablets.
The Surface 3 is a hybrid between a tablet and a laptop, but it bears no resemblance or similarity to an eReader.
Personal opinion
Ever since Microsoft introduced the first Surface, I've been a huge fan of these devices, and I've been lucky enough to try several. While they've all left a very good impression, none have ever pushed me to buy one for my daily work. Perhaps their price, which I find exorbitant, or their differences from a laptop are some of the reasons why I still don't own a Surface.
I have loved and fallen in love with this Surface 3 in equal parts, although I do not stop recognizing that it is a very expensive device and that it is also not capable of offering me everything I am looking for in a device of this type, but I am not a user any dedicating myself to writing day after day.
Price and availability
The Surface 3 has been available for some time now, with a starting price of €599 for the most basic version . Unfortunately, this price isn't entirely realistic, as you have to add the cost of accessories, most of which are essential. For example, the keyboard costs €149,99 and the stylus €49,99. These two accessories cause the price of the Surface to skyrocket to a level that, sadly, few users can afford.
If you want to buy a Surface 3, you can do so easily and quickly through Amazon, using the following link: No products found.
What do you think of this Surface 3 after reading the review?