Hands On: Surface Pro 3

Pro

Microsoft's Surface Pro 3. (Image: Microsoft)

Specs
The specification options and prices are as follows:

• Core i3, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD – €819
• Core i5, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD – €1,019
• Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD – €1,329
• Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD – €1,579
• Core i7, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD – €1,989

This does not make the SPro3 particularly cheap, especially when a Type cover, mouse, HDMI or VGA adapters, and docking station are added, but when compared to other ultrabook formats with i5 or i7 options, the SPro3 is competitive at least.

By comparison, our test unit, the i5 4300U with 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD, is about 25% faster than the previous model, the SPro 2 with i5 4200U with 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD. In direct comparison, CPUBenchmark.net scores the former at 3756 and the latter at 3301, which is about 24% faster, but when combined with the newer RAM and SSD of the SPro3, the margin is about 25% or more, which is a very reasonable jump from one generation to the next. However, when taken with the new screen size and display area, the pen input and the lower weight, the overall package comprehensively outclasses the older siblings. While some SPro2s did get a 4300U processor in later inventories, again, the combination of the new architecture, RAM and SSD would still likely yield a significant performance improvement, as well as the other package advantages.

Definitive solution
In conclusion, the SPro3, with its official accessory list, definitively answers the question of whether a tablet can replace a laptop — for an even larger variety of task and knowledge based workers, from Word and Excel jockeys and now data analysts and graphic designers, yes it most certainly can. Compared to ultrabooks or MacBook Pros and Airs, it can easily compete and in many cases exceed — Microsoft was keen to point out that the SPro 3 is 30% thinner and 26% lighter than an 11” (280mm) MacBook Air.

Microsoft is still ploughing a tough furrow in this niche but the SPro3’s clear direction of a productivity device that performs in highly mobile situations, as well as pure entertainment mode for downtime, means that it is easier for the market and IT managers to understand, especially when looking at potential fleet devices. With all of the expected manageability advantages, including TPMs for full device encryption and flexible business support plans, combined with all the accessories needed now, the SPro3 defines the solution for a tablet as a sole work device.

www.Microsoftstore.ie

TechCentral Reporters

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