Microsoft Surface 3 review

Will it be third time lucky for Microsoft's Surface?

IT Pro Verdict

The Microsoft Surface 3 is comfortably the best of the lower-cost Surface hybrids to date. The sum of improvements made to the hardware, both in the tablet part and the keyboard, and full Windows 8.1’s flexibility make it a very workable portable companion to a more powerful desk-bound laptop or desktop.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Good screen quality; greatbattery life; strong removable keyboard

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Low CPU and storage performance; limited RAM; Fiddly to use on lap

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The design does not lend itself to lone tablet use, which makes Microsoft's website marketing of the device as a solo tablet a little confusing. Clearly the draw of being able say the Surface 3 sells From 419' was too strong to resist.

However, the 529 bundle actually offers far better value. It includes a Type Cover keyboard, plus effectively free' upgrades from 64GB storage to 128GB and from 2GB to 4GB RAM. Any buyers picking the entry-level 419 version have made the wrong choice.

Hardware

Both have the same external features, though. The frame is metal, and a kickstand holds the screen at three different positions. It gives a laptop-like setup with the keyboard attached, or something closer to the world's smartest picture frame without.

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The combination of multi-angle hinge and removable magnetised keyboard base still offers a form of flexibility not offered elsewhere, though. Not even in most other hybrids tablet-laptops.

The more expensive Surface Pro 3 has the edge here, though, with a stand designed to hold the screen at almost any angle. It uses a more advanced, stronger hinge, one that would presumably be too expensive or difficult to incorporate in a tablet this size and weight.

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