The Microsoft Surface 3 is a bestselling 2015 10.8-inch tablet that received positive reviews for its sharp display, premium design, sturdy build, long battery life and full Windows 8.1 functionality. However, its performance is weak compared to the Pro version and purchasing the keyboard cover significantly increase the price. If you mostly run tablet related tasks and work with light Windows PC programs, then the Surface 3 is a better alternative to the more expensive Surface Pro 3. Though it’s relatively underpowered, it packs adequate performance for day-to-day tasks and features the same luxurious chassis as the Pro 3.
Pros
- Sharp display
- Premium design
- Sturdy build
- Long battery life
Cons
- Performance is weak compared to the Pro version
- Optional keyboard accessory is expensive
Bottom Line
The Surface 3 runs a full version of Windows, packs enough power for casual use and has a very long battery life, and it sports the same premium design of the Surface Pro 3 without the hefty price tag.
- Weight: 1.37 lbs
- Display Size: 10.8 inch
- RAM: 2GB
- Operating System: Windows 8.1
- Battery Life: 10 hours
Critic Reviews
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CNet.com April 14, 2015
The budget-priced Surface 3 is a solid tablet that finally runs the real version of Windows, but it would be a much better value if the must-have keyboard cover was included.
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PCMag April 13, 2015
The Surface 3 offers a welcome price break from the pricey Microsoft Surface Pro 3, and it's well built, offers a full version of Windows, and boasts impressive battery life.
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Engadget April 14, 2015
Microsoft's Surface 3 is the purest distillation of its hybrid tablet/laptop concept yet. It packs in a healthy amount of functionality for its $499 price, though be ready to pay another $130 for its keyboard.
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TechRadar June 30, 2015
If you want the cheapest and most portable Surface tablet money can buy for lightweight computing tasks, the Surface 3 fits the bill. Power-hungry users should consider the low-end Surface Pro 3 instead.
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Full Specifications
| RAM | 2GB |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 |
| Weight | 1.37 lbs |
| Battery Life | 10 hours |
| Connectivity | 1 x USB 3.0, 802.11ac/802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Internal Storage | 64GB |
| Removable Memory | microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC |
| Display Size | 10.8 inch |
| Display Resolution | 1920 x 1280 |
| Display Technology | ClearType Full HD Plus |
| Front Camera | 3.5 MP |
| Rear Camera | 8 MP |
| Additional Features | microSD card reader |
| Dimension (LxWxH) | 14 x 8.6 x 1.6 |
| Warranty | 1 year |