Microsoft Surface 3 vs Surface pro 3

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When Microsoft first said they're unveiling Surface 3. some people immediately thought about Windows RT version. However, windows RT versions of surfaces were failure so far. Why would Microsoft make that mistake again?

The answer is, Surface 3 actually has Windows 8.1 and comes with free 1 year of office 360. Then what are the differences?

Here's the truth.


NameMicrosoft Surface 3Microsoft Surface Pro 3
 
Lowest Price   

$599.00
$1,090.00
Dimensions10.52 by 7.36 by 0.34 inches7.93 x 11.5 x 0.36 inches
Weight1.37 lb1.76 lb
Processor Speed1.6 GHz1.9 GHz
RAM4 GB8 GB
Storage Capacity (as Tested)128 GB256 GB
Storage TypeSSDSSD
Screen Size10.8 inches12 inches
Screen Resolution1920 x 1280 pixels2,160 x 1,440 pixels
Wi-Fi (802.11x) Compatibility2.4GHz/5GHz2.4GHz/5GHz
Battery Life9 hours 52 minutes8 hours 55 minutes


So, looking at the price and size, surface 3 is most likely targeted for ipad users that want to work. Surfafce 3 is more like square shaped tablet verses Surface 3 Pro's wide screen tablet. Surface Pro 3 has 12 inches of screen while Surface 3 has 10.8 inch, almost like Letter sized paper.

There's differences in Kickstand, too. Surface pro 3 users can stop the kick stand any time for their convenience between 22 to 150 degrees. Surface 3 users only have 3 locking positions. In my opinion, I'd probably good with 3 options anyways, but it's different feeling when I have to think that there are only 3 options. 

Also, there's difference in performance. You don't notice the difference when using this tablet to write some notes, letters, make a small spread sheets, but things are quite different when trying to use Photoshop, working with large sized database and spread sheets. Surface Pro 3 is almost good enough to be replace your laptop, but Surface 3 is not. You need to keep in mind that it's targeted for ipad users. Most ipad users already own dependable desktop and/or laptop that they use for heavy task and sync the tablet to.

One area where less expensive Surface 3 is better than Surface Pro, is the Camera.  surface 3 has rear facing 8MP camera, and front facing 3.5MP camera. Surface Pro has 5MP camera in front and back. 

Now, let's talk about Accessories.

Surface Pro 3 comes with Surface Pen, but it doesn't include keyboard cover. When they're selling the tablet for more than $1000, I think they should include cover, but it is what it is.

Surface 3 doesn't come with Pen, and keyboard is not included. Pen is $50 and Type cover is $130 so it's about $780. If you think that's too expensive, Microsoft is pointing finger at Apple. Ipad doesn't come with Keyboard or stylus, in fact, people spend more than $50 for bluetooth stylus to write notes in fine point because Ipad doesn't come with something like Wacom digitizer.

There's no winner or loser when it comes to tablet. If you need something lighter, portable, and cheap: Surface 3. 

if you need laptop replacement (Not desktop replacement) computer, still easy to carry, want to do more things with it, surface pro 3.


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