Microsoft calls it “the tablet that can replace your laptop,” and with every update of their Surface series, they are getting closer and closer to that goal. If you are in need of a full-sized laptop, you should probably still buy one; however, if you need/want something lighter and more portable with the benefits of a laptop, the Surface Pro 3 is that something different. It can function as a complete PC with a full Windows operating system, currently available in Windows 8 and Windows 10 models, but it’s not a complete PC all of the time because it also has tablet capabilities. It’s perfect to use for both home and work; the Surface Pro is as adept at watching Netflix in bed as it is working on-site and on-the-go.
Boasting a 12 inch display, it is comfortable to watch movies and shows as well as to view webpages, compose emails and edit spreadsheets – all while staying light and thin at 9.1 mm thick and under 2 lbs. The standout feature of the Surface series is the kickstand, and with the Pro 3 there comes a new and improved more flexible one; it offers nearly every angle between upright to almost flat to give you the optimal viewing angle for any lighting situation. For those that need the physical feel of a button, the Surface offers the flip out keyboard – flexible enough to fold over the screen as a cover, and durable enough to handle typing out the next great novel…. or at least the next great email!
On the specs side, the Surface Pro 3 can definitely keep up. Boasting a standard 4Gb ram and also offering an 8Gb option, running the Intel Core series of processors (i3, i5 and i7 in order of speed) and internal memory ranging from 64Gb to 256Bg, it can overpower the traditional tablet and is on the heels of a lower-end, full functioning laptop. It also offers one USB port (which is one of its few areas of opportunity since there could be two) and a microSD slot. Ranging from $700 to $1,300, there are combinations for everyone. Overall, the Surface Pro 3 rides the gray area between tablet and laptop beautifully and is a great option to consider for anyone wanting to work on the go.
Contributions to this article were made by Zola Sam, Tech Helpline Analyst. Image courtesy Microsoft.
