Hands-on with the Microsoft Surface 3

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

While it isn't coming to market until May 7th, anyone interested in the new Surface 3 can go check one out in their nearest Best Buy or Microsoft Store. This is Redmond's third try at an iPad-comparable consumer-focused 2-in-1 tablet. I chanced upon the unit above at my local Best Buy and had to check closely because it totally resembles the larger Surface Pro 3.

As with its larger brother, the third time is the charm for the Surface 3. While it is still as thin as the Surface 2 and also features a three-angle kickstand, the big update is the switch from an ARM processor to a proper quad-core Intel Atom Processor, which means that the Surface 3 is a bona-fide PC, capable of running thousands of Windows apps and is no longer lingering in the walled dungeon that was Surface RT.

In terms of size and weight, the Surface 3 is now one of the lightest 2-in-1 devices. It features the same slim yet robust VaporMG finish from its predecessor and looks to be durable and scratch resistant. Like all other Surfaces before it, the Surface 3 ships with no Type Cover and no stylus. The Type Cover is a must-have accessory that completes the Surface's design as a productivity tool.

Microsoft has stubbornly refused to sell Type Covers bundled with Surface tablets, which is a pain for consumers because the two really do go together (notice how there aren't any Surface ads without the keyboard? The ads also fail to note that the Type Cover will cost another $159.99 the pen is around $50.00.

My brief hands-on with the 64 GB store model showed a relatively quick notebook/tablet that runs Windows 8.1 very well and should handle Windows 10 efficiently. 10.8-inch display is bright and responsive, the 1.37 pound weight is impressive for what is essentially an ultrabook, and the 1920 x 1280 resolution is great for a device of this size. The Surface 3 boasts a 10 hour battery life, ships with Full-size USB 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, a microSD card reader, Headset jack Cover port and the new Micro USB charging port.

Surface 3 is an ideal multi-touch tablet/notebook for students who need pen input. It can be an artists tool as well as a multifaceted productivity device for a range of users and applications. I'm looking forward to reviewing this new device in the coming weeks.