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amazon Microsoft Surface 3 Tablet reviews
May be replace the laptop:
For integrated kickstand, the ability to run desktop software and communications applications, and a full-size USB port, Surface 3 is a perfect combination of innovation and practicality. As thin and light, you will be surprised at all that you can achieve with this device.
Best for a tablet: the Surface 3 is designed with magnesium around the machine. It the durable, extremely lightweight, and thin, so you will feel confident using it anywhere. A beautiful display of 10.8 inches, and an integrated kickstand, Surface 3 is perfect for hands-free entertainment wherever you go. Works as a laptop when you need it:
Equipped with a fast Intel processor, touch software applications, and Windows desktops as iTunes and Photoshop Essentials continuous work. Click on a backlit keyboard for typing faster on screen and connect easily with your accessories with a full-size USB 3.0 port. Run Windows and Office:
With Windows 8.1, you can multitask by running two apps side by side.
Experience great pen: stylus you use that feels like an actual pen; this is a most natural writing experience on a tablet. With one click of the cell, white paper is available for notes, even when the surface is asleep. Easily mark up presentations, sign documents, or enjoying the art applications.
where can you get a Microsoft Surface 3 Tablet online
Microsoft Surface 3 Tablet (10.8-Inch, 64 GB, Intel Atom, Windows 10): Buy it now
Introduction
The Microsoft Surface 3 tablet, released in May 2015, represents Microsoft’s commitment to providing a more affordable, yet versatile, tablet that aims to bridge the gap between casual use and productivity. As the successor to the Surface 2 and a more budget-friendly alternative to the Surface Pro 3, the Surface 3 comes with a host of features designed to appeal to students, professionals, and casual users. This comprehensive review delves into various aspects of the Surface 3, including its design, display quality, performance, software, battery life, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface 3 carries forward the signature design aesthetics of the Surface series, boasting a sleek and modern look. It features a magnesium alloy body that feels premium and sturdy, yet it remains relatively lightweight at 1.37 pounds (622 grams) without the Type Cover. The dimensions of 10.52 x 7.36 x 0.34 inches make it portable and easy to carry around, fitting comfortably into most bags.
A key design element is the integrated kickstand, which offers three fixed positions. While not as flexible as the fully adjustable kickstand found on the Surface Pro models, it still provides a good range of viewing angles suitable for typing, drawing, and watching videos. This built-in kickstand is a significant advantage over many other tablets that require separate cases or stands for similar functionality.
The Surface 3 also features a magnetic connector for the optional Type Cover, which transforms the tablet into a more traditional laptop-like device. The Type Cover, available separately, includes a full keyboard and a trackpad, enhancing the device’s productivity potential. Although the Type Cover adds some bulk and weight, it significantly improves the user experience for those who need to type frequently.
Overall, the build quality of the Surface 3 is impressive, especially considering its price point. The magnesium alloy construction feels robust and durable, and the design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The combination of the integrated kickstand and the optional Type Cover makes the Surface 3 a versatile device that can adapt to various use cases.
Display Quality
The Surface 3 features a 10.8-inch ClearType Full HD Plus display with a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels and a pixel density of 214 PPI. This high-resolution display delivers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for a wide range of tasks, from reading and writing to watching videos and browsing the web.
The display’s color accuracy is commendable, with bright and vivid colors that enhance the overall viewing experience. The screen also supports the sRGB color gamut, making it suitable for basic photo editing and other tasks that require accurate color reproduction. The contrast ratio is decent, providing good differentiation between light and dark areas.
The touch capabilities of the ClearType display are responsive and precise, supporting 10-point multitouch. This makes it easy to navigate the Windows interface, use touch-optimized applications, and draw or take notes with the Surface Pen. The display’s touch sensitivity and accuracy are particularly beneficial for creative professionals and students who need to annotate documents or sketch ideas quickly.
Another notable feature is the display’s 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical space compared to the more common 16:9 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio is particularly beneficial for productivity tasks such as reading, writing, and web browsing, as it reduces the need for scrolling and allows more content to be displayed on the screen at once.
Overall, the display quality of the Surface 3 is excellent for its class. The high resolution, accurate colors, and responsive touch capabilities make it a versatile and enjoyable screen for both casual and productive use.
Performance and Hardware
The Surface 3 is powered by the Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, a quad-core chip based on Intel’s Cherry Trail architecture. This processor is designed to balance performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for a device aimed at both casual users and professionals on a budget. The Atom x7-Z8700 is paired with either 2GB or 4GB of RAM, depending on the configuration, and storage options include 64GB or 128GB of eMMC storage.
In everyday use, the Surface 3 performs adequately for a range of tasks. Basic activities such as web browsing, email, and document editing run smoothly, with the device handling multitasking reasonably well. Applications like Microsoft Office run without issues, making the Surface 3 suitable for productivity tasks.
However, the Atom processor does have its limitations. Performance can lag when running more demanding applications or multitasking heavily. Intensive tasks such as video editing or running large datasets can push the device to its limits, leading to slower performance and occasional stutters.
The integrated Intel HD Graphics (Gen 8) offers sufficient performance for casual gaming and media consumption. While the Surface 3 is not designed as a gaming device, it can handle less demanding games and streaming HD video content without significant issues. More graphically intensive games and applications, however, will struggle to run smoothly.
The Surface 3 includes a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand the storage capacity easily. This is a valuable feature for those who need more space for their files and applications but do not want to invest in the higher storage model.
Overall, the performance of the Surface 3 is suitable for its intended audience. It offers a good balance of power and efficiency for everyday tasks, though users with more demanding needs may find its limitations restrictive.
Software and User Interface
The Surface 3 runs on Windows 10, providing a full desktop operating system experience in a tablet form factor. This is a significant advantage over many other tablets that run on mobile operating systems, as it allows users to run the same software and applications they use on their desktop or laptop.
Windows 10 offers a range of features that enhance the Surface 3’s usability. The Start Menu provides quick access to applications and settings, while the Task View feature makes it easy to manage multiple open applications. The integration with OneDrive ensures that files are synchronized across devices, enhancing productivity for users who switch between different computers.
One of the key advantages of the Surface 3 is its compatibility with the Microsoft Office suite. Applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint run smoothly, providing a familiar and powerful set of tools for productivity. The Surface Pen, available separately, further enhances the software experience by allowing users to annotate documents, take notes, and sketch with ease.
Windows 10 also supports a range of touch-optimized applications available from the Microsoft Store. These applications are designed to take advantage of the Surface 3’s touch capabilities, providing a more intuitive and engaging user experience.
Overall, the combination of Windows 10 and the Surface Pen makes the Surface 3 a powerful and versatile device for productivity, creative work, and casual use. The ability to run full desktop applications in a tablet form factor sets the Surface 3 apart from many other tablets on the market.
Battery Life
Battery life is an essential factor for any portable device, and the Surface 3 offers a respectable performance in this area. The device is equipped with a 28 Wh battery, which Microsoft claims can provide up to 10 hours of video playback. In real-world usage, the battery life can vary depending on the tasks being performed.
For light to moderate use, including web browsing, email, and document editing, the Surface 3 can typically last around 8 to 9 hours on a single charge. This makes it suitable for a full day of work or school without needing to recharge. However, more demanding tasks, such as video streaming or gaming, can significantly reduce the battery life.
Charging the Surface 3 is straightforward, with a micro-USB port that supports fast charging. This is a convenient feature, as it allows users to charge the device with the same charger used for many smartphones and other portable devices. However, the charging speed is not as fast as some of the latest devices with USB-C charging.
Overall, the battery life of the Surface 3 is adequate for most users’ needs, providing a good balance between portability and performance. While it may not match the battery life of some ultrabooks or larger tablets, it offers sufficient longevity for a device of its size and class.
Camera Quality
The Surface 3 is equipped with two cameras: a 3.5-megapixel front-facing camera and an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera. The front-facing camera is optimized for video calls and works well with Skype and other video conferencing applications. It delivers clear and sharp images, making it suitable for professional video calls and casual video chats.
The rear-facing camera is capable of capturing decent photos and videos. While it may not match the quality of dedicated cameras or high-end smartphones, it is sufficient for everyday use, such as scanning documents, taking quick snapshots, and recording video when needed. The rear camera also supports autofocus, enhancing its usability for capturing detailed images.
Both cameras perform well in good lighting conditions, but their performance can degrade in low-light environments. Overall, the camera quality is more than adequate for a device that is primarily designed for productivity and casual use.
Audio Quality
Audio quality on the Surface 3 is another area where the device performs well. The front-facing stereo speakers deliver clear and rich sound, making it suitable for watching videos, listening to music, and participating in video calls. The audio output is surprisingly good for a device of its size, providing an enjoyable multimedia experience.
The placement of the speakers ensures that the sound is directed towards the user, enhancing the overall audio quality. The built-in microphones are also of high quality, making it easy to use voice commands with Cortana or participate in clear, hands-free calls.
While the Surface 3 may not replace a dedicated audio system, its audio performance is more than adequate for most users’ needs, providing a good balance between size and sound quality.
Connectivity Options
The Surface 3 offers a decent array of connectivity options, though it falls short in some areas. The device includes a full-size USB 3.0 port, a micro-USB charging port, a microSD card reader, a Mini DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. These ports cover most basic needs, from connecting peripherals and expanding storage to connecting to external displays.
The inclusion of a full-size USB port is particularly beneficial, as it allows users to connect a wide range of peripherals, such as external hard drives, keyboards, mice, and USB flash drives, without needing an adapter. The microSD card reader is another valuable feature, providing an easy way to expand the device’s storage capacity or transfer files from other devices.
However, the lack of USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports is a notable omission, especially given the increasing prevalence of these standards in modern laptops and tablets. This limitation may pose challenges for users who rely on these ports for faster data transfer, connecting to multiple external displays, or using newer peripherals.
Wireless connectivity is robust, with support for the latest Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.0. The device maintains a strong and stable connection, ensuring smooth online experiences. The Surface 3 also includes an LTE option for those who need mobile data connectivity, making it an even more versatile device for on-the-go use.
Overall, while the Surface 3’s connectivity options are adequate for most users, the lack of modern ports like USB-C may be a limitation for some. However, the inclusion of a full-size USB port and a microSD card reader helps mitigate this shortfall to some extent.
Accessories and Additional Features
Microsoft offers a range of accessories to enhance the Surface 3 experience. The Surface Pen, available separately, is one of the most notable accessories, providing an intuitive and responsive tool for writing, drawing, and navigating the interface. The Surface Pen integrates seamlessly with the Surface 3, offering pressure sensitivity and low latency that make it feel like using a traditional pen on paper. The pen’s button functions can be customized, adding to its versatility and functionality.
The Type Cover is another essential accessory, transforming the Surface 3 into a more traditional laptop-like device. It features a backlit keyboard with well-spaced keys that offer a comfortable typing experience and a large precision trackpad that supports multi-touch gestures. The Type Cover attaches magnetically to the Surface 3, ensuring a secure and stable connection. Although it adds some bulk and weight, it significantly enhances the device’s usability for productivity tasks.
Microsoft also offers the Surface Dock, an accessory that expands the connectivity options of the Surface 3. The Surface Dock includes additional USB ports, an Ethernet port, audio input/output, and mini DisplayPorts, turning the Surface 3 into a desktop workstation when needed. This accessory is particularly useful for users who require more ports for peripherals and external displays.
Other accessories, such as protective cases, sleeves, and external storage devices, add further value to the Surface 3, catering to different user needs and preferences. These accessories help users get the most out of their Surface 3, enhancing its versatility and functionality.
Price and Value
The Microsoft Surface 3 is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Surface Pro series, making it accessible to a wider range of users. The price varies depending on the configuration, with the base model being relatively affordable and the higher-end models offering more performance and storage. The Surface 3 offers good value for money, particularly for students, professionals, and casual users who need a versatile and portable device.
For its price, the Surface 3 delivers a well-rounded package, including a high-resolution display, solid build quality, decent performance, and the ability to run full Windows applications. While it may not match the performance of the Surface Pro series or other high-end ultrabooks, it offers a compelling balance of features and affordability.
The Surface 3’s value proposition is further enhanced by its versatility. The ability to switch seamlessly between a tablet and a laptop, combined with the optional Surface Pen and Type Cover, makes it a flexible tool for various tasks. This versatility makes the Surface 3 a suitable choice for students who need a device for both note-taking and writing papers, professionals who need a portable productivity tool, and casual users who want a device for media consumption and light computing tasks.
While the initial cost of the Surface 3 may be higher than some other tablets, the long-term value is evident in its build quality, performance, and versatility. The regular updates from Microsoft ensure that the device remains relevant and capable for years to come.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable 2-in-1 design: Offers the functionality of both a laptop and a tablet at a more accessible price point.
- High-resolution ClearType display: Delivers sharp, vibrant visuals with good color accuracy and touch responsiveness.
- Integrated kickstand: Provides three fixed positions for versatile viewing angles.
- Decent performance: Powered by Intel Atom x7-Z8700, suitable for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
- Full Windows 10 experience: Runs full desktop applications, enhancing productivity.
- Surface Pen support: Enhances usability for note-taking, drawing, and annotation.
- Lightweight and portable: Easy to carry around and fits comfortably in most bags.
- Expandable storage: Includes a microSD card slot for easy storage expansion.
- LTE option: Available for users who need mobile data connectivity.
Cons:
- Lack of USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports: Missing modern connectivity options that are becoming standard in other devices.
- Limited performance for demanding tasks: May struggle with intensive applications and heavy multitasking.
- Fixed kickstand positions: Less flexible than the fully adjustable kickstand on Surface Pro models.
- Type Cover and Surface Pen sold separately: Adds to the overall cost if needed for full productivity.
- Battery life could be better: Adequate for most tasks but can be shorter during intensive use.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface 3 is a versatile and affordable tablet that offers a compelling balance of performance, portability, and productivity features. It successfully bridges the gap between a traditional tablet and a laptop, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of users.
Its sleek design, high-resolution ClearType display, solid performance, and seamless integration with the Windows ecosystem make it an excellent choice for students, professionals, and casual users. The Surface Pen and Type Cover accessories further enhance its usability, transforming the Surface 3 into a powerful productivity and creative tool.
While the lack of USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports and the higher price point for the full accessory suite may be drawbacks for some users, the overall value and capabilities of the Surface 3 make it a standout device in its category. It offers a unique blend of performance, portability, and versatility that is hard to match, making it a worthy investment for those who need a device that can adapt to their varied needs.
Ultimately, the Surface 3 represents an excellent option for those seeking a budget-friendly, yet capable, 2-in-1 device. Its ability to run full Windows applications, combined with its lightweight and portable design, makes it a valuable tool for productivity, creative work, and casual use. Whether you’re a student looking for a versatile study companion, a professional needing a portable work tool, or a casual user seeking a flexible device for media consumption and light computing tasks, the Surface 3 has something to offer. It is a device that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of a modern computing device, providing a compelling solution in the crowded market of tablets and 2-in-1 devices.
