The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is a bestselling 2015 12-inch tablet that received positive reviews for its thin and light design, new kickstand mode, high-res display, fast performance, and digital pen optimization. On the downside, it doesn’t include the keyboard cover in the base price, it doesn’t have a proper slot for the digital pen, and many users have reported an uncomfortable design for laptop use despite the new design improvements. All in all, the Surface Pro 3 is an excellent Windows 8 tablet packing sufficient features to compete with powerful laptops, although to become a proper productivity machine it needs a better keyboard.
Pros
- Thin and light design
- New kickstand mode
- High-res display
- Fast performance
Cons
- Doesn’t include the keyboard cover
- Lacks a proper slot for the digital pen
Bottom Line
Packing high-end components in a slim frame, the 12-inch Surface Pro 3 is one of those tablets that can actually replace your mid-range laptop, but it will need a better keyboard to do so.
- Weight: 1.76 lbs
- Processor: Intel Core i3-4020Y 1.5GHz
- Display Size: 12
- RAM: 4GB
- Operating System: Windows 8.1 Pro
- Battery Life: 9 hours
Critic Reviews
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Engadget May 23, 2014
The Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's biggest and best tablet yet, but it needs a better keyboard to truly replace your laptop.
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Cnet May 22, 2014
While the new Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's best PC to date, it's more successful as a tablet than a laptop replacement.
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Techradar March 30, 2015
It's worth reiterating the point that the Surface Pro 3 is not only Microsoft's most striking and versatile device to date, but the most convincing poster child for the hybrid category yet.
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Full Specifications
| RAM | 4GB |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro |
| Weight | 1.76 lbs |
| Battery Life | 9 hours |
| Connectivity | 1 x USB 3.0, 802.11ac/802.11a/b/g/n |
| Internal Storage | 64GB |
| Removable Memory | microSD card reader |
| Display Size | 12 |
| Display Resolution | 2160 x 1440 |
| Display Type | IPS |
| Display Technology | ClearType |
| Front Camera | 5 MP |
| Rear Camera | 5 MP |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4200 |
| Additional Features | microSD card reader |
| Dimension (LxWxH) | 11.50 x 7.93 x 0.36 |
| Warranty | 1 year |