In fact, rated it a petrifying 1/10 in this regard (the same as the SP2), and their technician even managed to break the device while opening it.Īnd there’s one other caveat of the design which still haunts the overall concept: lap-based operation.
The Surface Pro 3 hasn’t made (or even attempted to make) any progress here it’s just as implausible to ever consider repairing or upgrading as was its predecessor. If there’s one area which suffers under the oppression of the ultraportable movement, it’s maintenance. Everything is a constant reminder of the careful engineering which produced this impressive morsel of modern technology. A small strip of reinforced metal extending across and down to both ends of the kickstand’s base provides additional stability and protection for the metal edge, while well-positioned magnets hold it securely in place when closed. But rest assured, it’s by design, and the kickstand feels every bit as durable as the rest of the unit. It accomplishes this via an extremely rigid set of hinges which-upon first assessment-almost seem too rigid, as though the device isn’t meant to be opened so far. Whereas the Surface Pro and SP2 kickstands only supported a couple of different positions, the Surface Pro 3’s can operate at any angle from around 35 degrees to roughly 145 degrees. We’re also treated to a new kickstand design which is far more versatile than previously. The case has been completely redesigned to accommodate these dimensional revisions, and the first major difference is the exchange of the black metal color for a silvery grey that more closely resembles that of the iPad. Microsoft trumpets this accomplishment by calling the tablet the “thinnest Core product ever created.” Impressive. All in all, that boils down to 19.5% less volume even in spite of the larger screen. The SP3 bumps the H x W dimensions to 292.1 x 201.5 mm (SP2: 275 x 173 mm), but the thickness has been reduced substantially (by 35%) to just 9.1 mm (SP2: 14 mm). This implies a larger case, too-but only in terms of surface area (no pun intended). Whereas the SP2 featured a 10.6-inch 16:9 display, the SP3 actually packs a larger 12-inch 3:2 display.
From the subtle slotted exhaust trench lining the perimeter of the device to the precision-chiseled ports and buttons, it’s one of the most striking devices in its class.Īlthough it’s certainly more portable than the Surface Pro 2, the dimensions might surprise you at first. At 810 grams (versus the SP2’s 915 grams), it’s weighty enough to feel high-end from the very first moment of holding it in the hand, and the workmanship is absolutely flawless. Although Microsoft has dropped the VaporMg branding, it still boasts the same sturdy magnesium casing as its predecessors, and not a hint of flex exists anywhere on the unit as a result. No matter how you describe it, the Surface Pro 3 undoubtedly makes a statement. We’ll also be testing the Type Cover ($130), since (although it isn’t included in the package), we consider it a must-have accessory for (again) a device which purports to be a laptop replacement. To determine whether that’s the case, we’ve obtained a review unit sporting a Core i5-4300U ULV CPU with 4 GB of dual-channel RAM and a 128 GB SSD-a configuration which retails for $999 MSRP currently. All this, and it still promises a better battery life, even with an identical chipset and configuration. And thus, the Surface Pro 3 answers the call, with a weight that’s over 10% lighter, a screen that’s 1.4 inches diagonally larger (with 33% higher resolution, in a 3:2 aspect ratio to boot), and completely redesigned ergonomics. Perhaps a more useful evolution, then, would be one which addresses the greatest deficits of previous models: namely, portability and usability (pricing notwithstanding). In light of this, we ask ourselves: What makes a perfect Surface? While better performance is invariably a valuable proposition, Microsoft’s cleverly-designed tablets have always been able to go toe-to-toe with their Ultrabook counterparts in that department. Finally, no Surface to date has ever been a great device for use on the lap-which is arguably a pretty important trait for anything gearing to replace the laptop. We never fell in love with the keyboard Type Cover, either, with its limited feedback and key travel.
However, we found a few sticking points chief among them, the somewhat heavy weight, the uncomfortable heat under load, and the price (especially when accessories are considered).
It was just eight months ago that we reviewed the Surface Pro 2, which we lauded for its many strengths: versatility, performance, display and build quality, and its included digitizer pen, to name a few.