Microsoft Surface 3 4G (4GB + 128GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The Microsoft Surface 3 is a portable 10.8-inch tablet featuring a high-quality PixelSense display, a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis, and an integrated three-stage kickstand. Unlike earlier RT models, it runs a full version of Windows 8.1, allowing for standard desktop software, and offers a versatile, high-end design at a lower price point than the Pro series. Performance is driven by an Intel Atom x7-Z8700, which handles daily office tasks and web browsing well, while offering solid battery life. However, the base model’s 2GB of RAM can lead to lag, and the 64GB storage is limiting. The inclusion of a full-size USB 3.0 port and microSD slot adds necessary flexibility for expansion. Key drawbacks include the high total cost of ownership, as the Surface Type Cover and Pen are sold separately, along with the device's sometimes uncomfortable, squared-off edges. It is best suited for users prioritizing portability, such as students or travelers, rather than heavy-duty computing. For more details, visit Computerwoche.

In a May 2015 review, Der Spiegel characterizes the Microsoft Surface 3 as a robust, premium-built device, featuring a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis and running full Windows 8.1. Pros highlighted include the versatile three-stage kickstand for enhanced usability and a high-quality 10.8-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, although the essential Type Cover keyboard is sold separately. Powered by a fanless Intel Atom x7, the tablet operates silently and avoids overheating, yet it lacks the processing power for heavy tasks or gaming, often resulting in sluggish performance. Ultimately, with added accessories, the cost approaches that of more powerful laptops, making it a compromised, albeit versatile, notebook alternative.

The Microsoft Surface 3 is a 10.8-inch tablet featuring a high-quality 3:2 aspect ratio display, a premium magnesium chassis, and a fanless, silent design. It offers full Windows 8.1 capability and a versatile three-position kickstand, making it a portable alternative to the "Pro" series. While the build is excellent, the device is limited by an Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, making it suitable only for light productivity rather than heavy multitasking. Further, its reliance on slower eMMC storage and the high cost of essential accessories, such as the Type Cover and stylus, are significant drawbacks. Ultimately, the Surface 3 provides a full Windows experience in a light, 622-gram package, catering to users prioritizing portability over raw performance.

The Microsoft Surface 3 functions as a compact, premium-built, and more affordable alternative to the Pro model, featuring a high-quality 10.8-inch display, a magnesium body, and a three-stage kickstand. Powered by a fanless Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor, it operates silently and offers around 8-10 hours of battery life, running full Windows for both productivity and media consumption. Limitations highlighted include the exclusion of essential accessories like the Type Cover from the base price, slower eMMC storage compared to SSDs, and reduced flexibility of the kickstand compared to the Surface Pro 3.

The Microsoft Surface 3 offers a premium magnesium chassis, fanless design, and a full 64-bit Windows experience as an affordable alternative to the Pro line, though it is limited by a lower-power Intel Atom x7 processor. Its 10.8-inch, 3:2 display is highly praised for brightness and readability, and it features convenient micro-USB charging. However, the experience is hindered by the extra cost of essential accessories like the Type Cover and a kickstand that only offers three fixed angles.

The Hardwareluxx review highlights the Microsoft Surface 3 as a versatile, non-pro tablet that shifts to a standard Windows 8.1 OS, replacing the restricted Windows RT. It features a premium, lightweight magnesium alloy chassis and a 10.8-inch display, though it utilizes a simplified three-position kickstand rather than the fully adjustable hinge found on the Pro model. Key pros include the bright, high-resolution 1920x1280 PixelSense display with excellent contrast. The fanless Intel Atom x7 processor enables completely silent operation, complemented by practical connectivity options like a full-size USB 3.0 port, microSD slot, and roughly 7.5 to 10 hours of battery life during mixed usage. Conversely, the review notes significant cons, specifically the Atom processor's struggle with heavy, demanding applications and gaming. Additional drawbacks include extremely long charging times (up to 6 hours) and high total costs, as essential accessories like the Type Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately.

The Microsoft Surface 3 features a premium magnesium alloy chassis and a high-quality 10.8-inch 3:2 display, supporting full 64-bit Windows 8.1 for desktop applications. Its Intel Atom x7-Z8700 processor allows for fanless, silent operation suitable for daily tasks, though it struggles with heavy multitasking. While the Micro-USB charging is advantageous for portability, the required Type Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately, and the kickstand is limited to three fixed positions.

The Microsoft Surface 3, reviewed by Welt.de, marks a significant shift for Microsoft by replacing restrictive Windows RT with full Windows 8.1 on a 10.8-inch display, enabling desktop applications in a 10-inch form factor. The device is lauded for its premium magnesium body, fanless silent operation, and a 3:2 aspect ratio screen, while providing versatile connectivity through a full-size USB 3.0 port and solid 7-10 hour battery life. However, the Intel Atom X7 processor struggles with heavy multitasking and gaming, and the essential Type Cover keyboard is sold separately, significantly increasing the total cost. Additionally, users must contend with a very slow charging process (5.5 to 6 hours) and limited, three-position kickstand angles.

The Microsoft Surface 3 is characterized as a premium, fanless netbook with excellent build quality, a high-quality 10.8-inch 3:2 display, and the advantage of full Windows 8.1 functionality along with micro-USB charging. While praised for portability, the device is considered an expensive "kit" because the essential Type Cover and Surface Pen are sold separately, increasing the total cost significantly. Performance is adequate for office tasks, but the Intel Atom x7 processor struggles with heavy multitasking, making it best suited for students or travelers needing a mobile, premium device.

The Microsoft Surface 3 offers a premium, fanless design with a high-quality 10.8-inch, 3:2 PixelSense display, transitioning to a full 64-bit Windows experience for improved productivity. Powered by an Intel Atom x7-Z8700, the device delivers solid performance for daily tasks and 9-10 hours of battery life, though it struggles with heavy workloads. Key compromises include the added cost of essential accessories and a limited three-position kickstand, but its portability makes it a strong choice for mobile users. Pros: Premium build, full Windows OS, silent fanless operation, micro-USB charging, and good battery life.Cons: High added cost for accessories, limited performance, only three kickstand angles, and small trackpad.

The Microsoft Surface 3 is a compact, premium-built tablet featuring a high-quality magnesium alloy body and a productive 10.8-inch, 3:2 display, effectively bridging the gap between tablets and full Windows PCs. Key strengths include its portability, lightweight design, and the capability to run full desktop applications, making it suitable for light office work or on-the-go usage. However, the device is constrained by an Intel Atom x7 processor, resulting in limited performance for demanding tasks and rendering it unsuitable for heavy multitasking or modern gaming. Furthermore, the review highlights the kickstand's restricted three-position adjustment as a drawback, along with a slow battery charging process. Ultimately deemed "expensive, but good," the Surface 3's value is hindered by high total costs due to the necessity of purchasing the Type Cover and Surface Pen separately. It is recommended as a well-crafted, portable, and versatile option for users who prioritize design over top-tier, heavy-duty processing power. For more details, visit n-tv.de. Ntv