Surface Pro 3 Continues Microsoft’s Attempt to Replace Your Laptop and Desktop With a High Powered Tablet

Surface Pro 3 Continues Microsoft’s Attempt to Replace Your Laptop and Desktop With a High Powered Tablet

Microsoft has been pushing their new line of tablets for a couple years now and they seem to be learning from their mistakes. Starting with the Surface RT and Surface Pro, Microsoft set out to challenge the iPad and also challenge the entire laptop form factor. The first generation did not succeed nearly as well as Microsoft had hoped and before the end of the year, the first generation had been scrapped and the second generation was released. The Surface 2 and Pro 2 improved on the specs of the first generation and also improved the novel kickstand that had proved interesting but not universally functional. For the third generation Surface Pro, Microsoft has gone all out. What makes it so different from the previous generations?

Microsoft-SURFACE-Pro-3-fresh-paint

The Hardware

First of all, the entire tablet has been enlarged by 2 whole inches to bring the screen size up to a full foot. The giant touchscreen is beautiful and responsive and will satisfy even the most insatiable of touchscreen users. With the multi window function still being included, the window sizes have obviously been increased due to the extra available pixels.

On the inside, the changes are even bigger. The available options for the Pro 3 compared to all previous generations is extensive. You can choose from the i3, i5, and i7 processors with various memory options available from 64 gigabytes all the way up to 512 gigabytes. With the included microSD card slot that supports up to 128 gigabyte cards, you can get an astounding 640 gigabytes of storage on your tablet. With the attachable keyboard, you get everything your laptop could do in a smaller package. Throw in the included pen and you actually get more functionality out of the Pro 3 than you would out of your tablet.

surface_pro_3_portrait

The (Not So) Little Things

The other things that have changed are seemingly tiny improvements that actually changes so much about how the Pro 3 can be used. First of all, the kickstand can now bend to a ridiculous 150 degree angle so you can use the Pro 3 at any conceivable angle you could need. This creates a whole new realm of situations where the Pro 3 can truly replace a laptop and even outshine a laptop due to its comparable performance but smaller form factor. Another key change is the aspect ratio. Previously, the Surface was so much wider than it was tall that using it in portrait mode just seemed odd and silly. Now that the screen has expanded to the full 12 inches, the Pro 3 is actually easy and nice to use in one hand in portrait mode. The final thing I will mention is the added magnetic strip in the keyboard that allows you to fold the top part of it up against the screen for easier typing when on your lap. Hard to explain in words but I promise you that this feature really helps you be productive on the go. The Pro 3 is available in many configurations ranging from the lowly $799 model all the way up to the $1999. Go check it out!

Weston is our professional gadget reviewer. Nothing thrills him more than being able to get his hands on the latest and greatest in electronics.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

These AI cleaning robots keep your home spick-and-span

These AI cleaning robots keep your home spick-and-span

Who doesn’t love a sparkling-clean home? And with the advancements in AI technology, maintaining a spick-and-span living space has never been easier. So, in this roundup, we’ll introduce you to some of the top AI cleaning robots that take the..
Stay on top of your game with this luxury water-resistant briefcase

Stay on top of your game with this luxury water-resistant briefcase

Stay organized wherever work takes you with the xBriefcase water-resistant briefcase. With 19 smart pockets, drop protection, and a luxury-grade design, it protects your work essentials and keeps you looking professional. It’s important to choose the right briefcase. Yes, the..
The Century Jacket is the last jacket you ever need to buy

The Century Jacket is the last jacket you ever need to buy

Stop buying a new jacket every 1–2 years and get the LIVSN Designs Century Jacket. Designed to last 100 years, this sustainable jacket is wind-, water-, fire-, and abrasion-resistant and uses all natural materials. It’ll last you for life. Tired..
This emergency backup light keeps working even during blackouts

This emergency backup light keeps working even during blackouts

Stay safe during power outages with the Surge emergency backup bulb. This light keeps working during a blackout, helping you and your family avoid accidents and injuries. Imagine this—you’re at home eating dinner with your family when the power goes..
3 Ways fleet maintenance software saves you money

3 Ways fleet maintenance software saves you money

Before sinking money into any software for your business, you want to know if there will be a return on investment (ROI). That’s what you get with fleet maintenance software. Buying vehicles for your company’s needs takes a tangible investment...
The best affordable headphones for under $100

The best affordable headphones for under $100

Need good headphones but don’t want to spend half a month’s paycheck to get them? We hear you. And that’s why we’re diving deep into the world of affordable headphones for under $100. These headphones deliver mind-blowing sound and other..