Microsoft’s Surface 3 is their latest attempt at the tablet market.
YES, we know. The term ‘iPad killer’ has been around for a while. But this really could be the first device to live up to the name. Maybe not in the sense that everyone will flock out and buy one instead of an iPad, but feature to feature, it knocks the stalwart out of the park.
Meet Microsoft’s new Surface 3.
Not to be confused with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3, which is a lot more expensive and a rival to the MacBook Air.
Priced at $699, Microsoft’s Surface 3 works perfectly as a tablet but can also run full desktop apps and operate as a laptop, full-size USB port and all.
It measures 8.7 millimetres thick and weighs just 622 grams. While it’s not as impressively thin or light as the iPad Air 2 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S, it’s still light enough to pop in your bag or use on the train.
The premium magnesium design features an integrated kickstand, while the new Intel Atom chip set works without requiring a fan. Battery life is just as good as the best, allowing 10 hours of video-playback alongside a full-HD display and front-facing Dolby tuned speakers.
It comes preloaded with the full version Microsoft’s Windows 8.1, but you can upgrade for free to Windows 10 later in the year. This means it is capable of running any program you have installed on your computer.
The screen is a 10.8-inch full-HD screen that’s crisp, and scales well in both tablet and laptop mode.
Having two modes is the reason you want a Surface. Microsoft has made it incredibly easy for users to effortlessly transition between the traditional desktop of Windows to a more tablet centric user-interface which allows you to play games and have a media device.
While the processor inside is an Intel Atom which is traditionally slow and laggy, the Surface 3 handles most tasks with ease. While you won’t want to edit 4K videos or play Crysis on it, you’ll be covered for basic photoshopping, web browsing and HD videos.
The keyboard is a must. And it comes at a price.Source:News Corp Australia
Unfortunately, the keyboard which completes the devices is a $179 add-on, which really makes the Surface 3 nearly a $900 device. And that’s its one problem. It’s a brilliant device that does it all, but is stuck in no man’s land when it comes to pricing.
Most people who want a media consumption tablet will still opt for the iPad because it’s cheaper and an excellent product. But if you’re after a do-it-all tablet/laptop hybrid, Microsoft is selling its Surface Pro 3 with a keyboard included for only $150 more than the iPad at the moment so get in quick.
