Although Microsoft has dropped the VaporMg branding, it still boasts the same sturdy magnesium casing as its predecessors, and not a hint of flex exists anywhere on the unit as a result. No matter how you describe it, the Surface Pro 3 undoubtedly makes a statement. We’ll also be testing the Type Cover ($130), since (although it isn’t included in the package), we consider it a must-have accessory for (again) a device which purports to be a laptop replacement.
To determine whether that’s the case, we’ve obtained a review unit sporting a Core i5-4300U ULV CPU with 4 GB of dual-channel RAM and a 128 GB SSD-a configuration which retails for $999 MSRP currently. All this, and it still promises a better battery life, even with an identical chipset and configuration. And thus, the Surface Pro 3 answers the call, with a weight that’s over 10% lighter, a screen that’s 1.4 inches diagonally larger (with 33% higher resolution, in a 3:2 aspect ratio to boot), and completely redesigned ergonomics. Perhaps a more useful evolution, then, would be one which addresses the greatest deficits of previous models: namely, portability and usability (pricing notwithstanding). In light of this, we ask ourselves: What makes a perfect Surface? While better performance is invariably a valuable proposition, Microsoft’s cleverly-designed tablets have always been able to go toe-to-toe with their Ultrabook counterparts in that department. Finally, no Surface to date has ever been a great device for use on the lap-which is arguably a pretty important trait for anything gearing to replace the laptop. We never fell in love with the keyboard Type Cover, either, with its limited feedback and key travel. However, we found a few sticking points chief among them, the somewhat heavy weight, the uncomfortable heat under load, and the price (especially when accessories are considered). It was just eight months ago that we reviewed the Surface Pro 2, which we lauded for its many strengths: versatility, performance, display and build quality, and its included digitizer pen, to name a few.
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