Microsoft has touted the new Surface Pro 3 as the tablet to replace all laptops and the truth is when you go through all the specs that this new hybrid comes with, you can’t help thinking they may indeed be right after all. The Surface Pro 3 combines both tablet and laptop in a combo that is both ingenious and intriguing. With the type cover and kickstand, this table stands ready to compete with the iPad and the 13 inch Macbook Air on any good day.
First off, the looks
The Surface Pro 3 comes in a Magnesium silver colored case that’s glossy and spells class in every curve. The hybrid comes with a kickstand which enables smooth conversion from tablet to laptop in a quick switch. The design is thin and the effect gives you the image of a lightweight laptop that would be the envy of everyone else at the board meeting.
Size and weight
The Surface Pro weighs an amazing 1.76 pounds or 0.7 kg which makes it lighter than the 13 inch Macbook Air, the width of the Surface Pro 3 is 0.36 inches as compared to the Macbook Air which is 0.68 inches at its thickest point and it comes in at 12 inches width also. These measurements however, do not account for the optional type cover.
Performance
With the ability to run all your Windows PC apps including iTunes, Office, Photoshop and gaming software such as Elder Scrolls Online, League of Legends, Civilization V etc. it sports a 256GB or 512 GB option with 8GB RAM (or the cheaper 4GB RAM with 64GB or 128GB on the memory), TPM chip for enterprise security, the superfast 4th generation Intel Core i7-4650U 1.7o GHz with Turbo Boost for up to 3.3 GHz with Intel HD Graphics 5000, so you know you mean business. Display is 12 inches of ClearType Full HD, with res at 2160×1440 and an aspect ratio of 3:2 compared to the 13 inches Macbook Air at 1440×900 with a 16:10 aspect ratio you can tell that this is a laptop with solid display quality.
Surface Pro 3 Type Cover and Surface Pen
The type cover is an optional addition to this laptop, and though it costs an extra $168 it definitely is worth it. It comes with the new Microsoft magnetic stability option so you can work both on your lap and on the desk with the same level of comfort and steadiness. The Surface Pen is the most natural writing and drawing tool available. Clicking the Surface Pen also opens a blank OneNote Document so you can easily capture ideas. This works even when the device is in sleep mode.
The clincher
The features which make the Surface Pro 3 stand its ground as the true hybrid and perhaps, the laptop of the future include the full size new generation USB 3.0 port, microSD card slot and a Mini DisplayPOrt, so you can connect to monitors while using an optional AV adapter or VGA to project your presentations to a much larger screen.
The Surface Pro 3 is handy, touchscreen, lightweight and has the very awesome Surface Pen, which is unlike most laptops, and then it can run any program or app that runs on Windows, added to Wifi, Bluetooth 4, rear and front 5MP cameras, rear and front microphones and Dolby Audio speakers, slots for peripherals, and up to 9 hours of web browsing, you know what you have is a fully functional laptop replacement and then so much more.
