Though Microsoft has attempted to bridge the gap between portability and full computing power in the past, the Surface Pro 3 promises to be one device to rule them all. The perfect mobile computing solution is no longer simply about choosing the best laptop. Often times a laptop is too clunky and not portable enough; tablets, portable as they are, may not have the processing power to get the job done. Combining the best elements of both a laptop and a tablet, the Surface Pro 3 could very well be the flexible mobile device that you’ve been longing for.
For this review, we took the Core i7 model and put it through its paces. This model comes with a 1.7GHz Intel Core i7 Haswell processor, 256GB of storage, and 8GB RAM. Included with the Surface Pro 3 is the Bluetooth, two-button Surface Pen – an amazingly useful tool when paired with the tablet (prior to this review I admittedly wasn’t sold on using a stylus, more on this later). Microsoft also makes an optional TypeCover accessory that doubles as shield for the gorgeous 12-inch touch-screen display and optional keyboard. We definitely recommend you consider picking one up when purchasing.
If there’s one thing that I learned in the week and a half I spent with the Surface Pro 3, it’s that one week is enough to get you hooked. Microsoft set out to make a device that was fully capable to handle everything from spreadsheets to more processing intensive work (or play) and the Surface Pro 3 delivers. After familiarizing myself it not only integrated well with my workflow, but in some way improved how I work.
The 12-inch display is crisp, bright, and has great color representation right out of the box (but you should still color calibrate your display if you’re doing any professional work); you’ll quickly realize just how much screen real estate 12-inches actually is. The multi-touch display is responsive and very accurate using your fingers (our natural stylus); but the option to use the pen to navigate and edit opens up a new world of possibilities. The Surface Pro 3 was primarily used for editing images in Adobe’s Lightroom 6 and Photoshop CC, the option to make fine, detailed adjustments with the pen was boon to my work flow. The display on the Surface Pro 3 was responsive and smart enough to distinguish between a palm resting on the glass and the pen that was actually inputting commands on the display.
I was not only able to edit our photos on the go, I was editing full RAW images with the freedom of a tablet interface. No clunky keyboards; no need for a laser mouse or any other input device. The pen worked marvelously for these applications allowing substantial creative control without having to work with mobile apps that may not have the capability to edit RAW images or provide smooth, controlled edits.
Importing and transferring large files were a breeze on the Surface Pro 3; with the standard USB 3.0 port I was able to transfer over short H.265 4K video without any hiccups (though the larger the file the longer the transfer). It’s the ease in which the Surface Pro handled “real work” applications that truly makes it game changer.
There’s a lot more to the Surface Pro 3 than just getting the job done. Microsoft has included a bundle of tablet optimized apps that make it a joy to use for all your non-work related applications. The Outlook/Mail app is bright, clean and elegant looking. The integration with Microsoft’s Office 365 suite is by far the most impressive integration of both mobile and traditional software by any company. It’s worth mentioning in specific, the OneNote app for the Surface Pro 3 easily became my favorite way to jot notes, ideas, and even share screenshots, links, and just about anything else. Pen integration is also flawlessly executed – a click on the pen’s top button will open a new note in OneNote automatically; no need to fumble through touch or traditional menus to access. It’s these minor details that made using the Surface Pro 3 a dream.
Microsoft’s “People” tile keeps you connected to all your social circles – Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn from a central location. A simple swipe to the right opens up the option to quickly share information, access the system settings, or take you back to the main menu. Share an update, get back to an open app, or even split the screen so you can truly multi-task, Microsoft has made navigation easy and relatively intuitive even if you’re not a PC person.
On the fun side of things, the Surface was able to handle my photography demands, but also my need to decompress – Netflix streaming was handled without much lag or more importantly, heating up our laps to the point of discomfort. There are some bundled games that show off just how natural using the pen is (The New York Times Daily Crossword app is a prime example that uses your natural handwriting and correctly transposes it onto the screen). Microsoft also included tons of integration into their own entertainment properties like Xbox Live Games, Music, and Movies – if you’re already subscribing to these services it’s a seamless experience. If you haven’t yet subscribed, the beautiful UI and content availability may help you dive right in.
For the user looking for a machine that will power through multimedia design/creation we highly recommend the model in this review (Core i7/256 GB SSD/8GB RAM) with a Type Cover and screen protector. If you’re in the market for an all-around laptop and tablet replacement consider the Core i5 model; it gets the job done with plenty of room to grow.
In short, the Surface Pro 3 has a lot to offer – it’s built to work, and it’s built to play. It truly is an all-in-one experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Whether you’re a photographer looking for a portable workstation, a college student looking to take notes and type papers, a corporate exec that’s on the go, or if you’re just looking for the best Windows experience for both fun and the serious stuff, the Surface Pro 3 has exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Key Features:
Windows 8.1
Pro Dimensions: 11.50 x 7.93 x 0.36 in (292.10 x 201.42 x 9.14 mm)
Weight: 1.76 lbs (0.79kg)
Display: Screen: 12″ ClearType Full HD Display, Resolution: 2160 x 1440, Aspect Ratio: 3:2,
Touch: Multitouch input
Full-size USB 3.0, microSD card reader, Headphone jack, Mini DisplayPort, Cover port,Surface Pen
Pre-installed Apps: Flipboard, Skype Wi-Fi, Skype, OneNote MX, Solitaire, Mahjong, Sudoku/Microsoft Number Puzzle, Fresh Paint
