Microsoft Surface 3

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Reviews for the Microsoft Surface 3

80% Everything you need to know
Source: It Pro Archive.org version
The Surface Pro 3 is a significant improvement over its predecessors, which were three-star products. We love the design, the pen input is superb and we can't fault the quality of the display. Unfortunately, software doesn’t allow you to get the best out of the screen and battery life is sub-par when contrasted with standalone tablets.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/28/2016
Rating: Total score: 80%

Windows or iOS 9… which tablet is best?
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
When we reviewed the Surface Pro 3 - almost a year ago - we concluded that it was the best yet. It's the most portable of laptops and an acceptable tablet. Nothing has changed with the update to Windows 10. The Surface Pro 4 is an evolution and, apart from the higher screen resolution and new chips, doesn't offer too many compelling reasons to buy one over the cheaper Pro 3, or upgrade if you already have one. With the iPad Pro, it's the best yet in some ways - it's the most powerful iPad and has the highest resolution screen - but it may not be the best choice for everyone who wants an iPad.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/19/2015

Surface 3: My best purchase of 2015 (hands on)
Source: Zdnet.com Archive.org version
The Surface 3 with the Type Cover is a world class laptop and stellar tablet. It can easily replace a laptop with few, if any, compromises. It is a tremendous value for the relatively low base price. This is the best purchase I've made this year.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 08/11/2015

70% Three Months with the 2GB Microsoft Surface 3 (review)
Source: Ultrabook Review Archive.org version
I've been using the base model of the Surface 3 as my daily driver for the past 3 months. It's beautifully crafted, decent to type on, and won't break the bank. However, the Surface 3, and especially the most basic model, has a few shortfalls.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 07/18/2015
Rating: Total score: 70%

80% A blueprint for small and light 2-in-1 tablets?
Source: T3 Archive.org version
The Surface 3 is a worthy addition to Microsoft's tablet line that would make a good second device for most people. From its impressive display to its handy Surface Pen and classy design, there's a lot to like. It's powerful enough to carry out basic tasks, and it could chew through more demanding ones too - just don't expect it to do them very quickly.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/16/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

75% Microsoft Surface 3 Review
Source: Techspot Archive.org version
The full metal body of the Surface 3 makes it one of the best designed, most attractive Windows tablets on the market. Throw in great features like the three-position kickstand, the hidden microSD card slot, the full-sized USB port, the 3:2 display, and Microsoft has nailed the design of this tablet.
Comparison, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/06/2015
Rating: Total score: 75%

Capability And Compromises
Source: Hot Hardware Archive.org version
Microsoft's Surface 3 is a tough one to judge. For starters, the operating system onboard at the time of this review won't be the one that most buyers see. In a few weeks, Windows 10 will make its debut, sliding right atop Windows 8.1 as a free upgrade. We anticipate that the user experience will get a bit better, but major system updates generally eat up additional system resources as well.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/19/2015

Tested In-Depth: Microsoft Surface 3 Review
Source: Tested Archive.org version
We loved using the Surface Pro 3 as a primary laptop, though it was a little too big to use with the stylus as a portable digital notepad. The new Surface 3, though, hits a lot of sweet spots for power and portability. We sit down to discuss its use of Intel's latest Atom processor, the new form factor, and how it stacks up against dedicated laptops and tablets.
video review
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 06/17/2015

60% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Digital Versus Archive.org version
With the success of the Surface Pro 3, Microsoft is bringing out a 'non-pro' version. The Surface 3 is a well-built convertible laptop-tablet that, when coupled with the (sadly expensive) optional keyboard, makes for a great user experience, provided s/he sticks to simple tasks (Office, internet browsing and light photo touch-ups).
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/12/2015
Rating: Total score: 60% performance: 20% display: 100% mobility: 80%

80% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Comp Reviews Archive.org version
Microsoft's Surface 3 tablet may have come out wuite late compared to the pro model but it is a good step forward for those wanting a function and well built Windows tablet. The performance may be a bit limited but it offers some surprising features and expansion possibilities that most tablets lack.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/10/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

Testing: Microsoft Surface 3 Laptop
Source: Tested Archive.org version
And that's ultimately what brings the Surface 3 down, despite how much I like it as a travel and meeting computer. The base price of $500 doesn't get you all that much, aside from the nice formfactor and screen. You have to spend an additional $100 for the RAM upgrade (which I think is necessary), $130 for the keyboard, and $50 for the Surface Pen. I wouldn't even want to consider the $200 dock, which just acts as a port extender to add three USB ports and a wired Ethernet jack. All-in, a Surface 3 kit costs almost $800, which is the price of a fine entry-level Core notebook.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/29/2015

Microsoft's Surface 3 is sweet – but I wouldn't tickle my nads with it
Source: Reg Hardware Archive.org version
Should you buy this? I have nothing against Surface 3 – indeed, as with Pro, there’s some nice touches inside that Soviet shell that make Surface 3 a pleasure. It’s up there, too, in terms of audio visual and, yes, it surfs the web well. Just, are such touches where the market is now – would you put this machine down your pants and risk dropping or crushing it, or sweating into it? If this were another tablet the choice would perhaps be straightforward but Microsoft has made considering Surface 3 harder than it should.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/18/2015

75% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Mobile Tech Review Archive.org version
The Surface 3 is undeniably the best non-Pro Surface model yet--it handily wins that title simply because it runs full Windows 8.1 rather than RT. Beyond that, the display is brighter with better color fidelity and it's 0.2" bigger. It works with a pen-- that's a first for a non-Pro Surface and it's still a relatively rare feature on Windows tablets.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/13/2015
Rating: Total score: 75%

70% Microsoft Surface 3 review: cheaper but not better than the Surface Pro 3
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
Objectively, the Surface 3 is the best compromise between a laptop and tablet. It's a highly portable gadget which can run full Windows programs and it costs less than the Surface Pro 3. It's not exactly cheap by the time you've added the keyboard and stylus, though. It's also only good for lightweight duties - it's less powerful than laptops costing the same - and some people will find the screen is too small for 'proper' productivity. It's a better work tool than an iPad and Bluetooth keyboard, it has to be said, and if you only need to use office apps and a web browser, it could be exactly what you're after. Most people are better off spending more on the Surface Pro 3 or, if you don't need a touchscreen, a Core M laptop such as the Asus UX305F.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/12/2015
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 60% performance: 50% features: 70% workmanship: 80%

Review: Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Gizmag Archive.org version
The Microsoft Surface 3 is available now, starting at $500 for the tablet only (that's only 64 GB storage, but it does have a microSD slot). The keyboard ($130) is an essential addition to your purchase, and we think the Surface Pen ($50) is almost essential. So consider its starting price to be $680.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/11/2015

80% Microsoft Surface 3 review
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
Last year’s Surface Pro 3 was something you could really imagine replacing a full laptop, and while I probably wouldn’t say the same of the Surface 3, that’s not really the idea of a device this size. At £250 less than the Surface Pro 3, it’s a much easier sell as something you won’t necessarily use every single day. The design has its ups and downs, but they even out. The end results is a device that’s flexible in quite an unusual way. Now that it has shed all the tablet-taming problems with the old Windows RT devices, namely not being able to run full Windows apps, it has become something more usable, flexible and covetable.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/10/2015
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 70% display: 80% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90%

Surface 3 vs Nexus 9 comparison review: The best tablet for getting things done - but which one?
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
The Nexus 9 is the cheaper option here and will suit those who a tablet for enjoyment but also need to do the occasional bit of light work. However, the Surface 3 is the better package for working with a more suitable design comprised of the kickstand and Type Cover. A larger screen, more storage and useful ports are all big benefits.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/07/2015

80% Microsoft Surface 3 review
Source: PC Pro Archive.org version
Compared to the slew of budget-priced Windows tablets on the market currently, the Microsoft Surface 3 looks expensive – stratospherically so considering it’s only powered by an Atom CPU. However, this device is in a completely different class to your average budget Windows tablet. Everything – from the display to the cameras, the build to the battery life – is a cut above. No two ways about it, the Surface 3 stacks up against the best premium tablets from any manufacturer, Apple included.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/06/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

90% Surface 3 review
Source: Trusted Reviews Archive.org version
It’s not for everyone, but the Surface 3 is a great option for students or anyone who’d like a tablet that can serve their basic computing needs as well. Think of it like a phablet. People like phablets because they fill the gap between owning a phone and a separate tablet, and the Surface 3 does the same for tablets and laptops.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/05/2015
Rating: Total score: 90% price: 80% performance: 70% display: 90% mobility: 90% workmanship: 90%

100% Microsoft Surface 3 review
Source: Expert Reviews Archive.org version
When you add in all the various accessories, the overall cost of a Surface 3 can quickly feel like it's ballooning out of control, but it's by far one of the most capable and attractive Windows hybrids we've seen in quite some time. We much prefer it to Asus' Transformer Book hybrids, and its display is one of the best around. Likewise, the free subscription to Office 365 Personal adds a lot of extra value to the device and the Surface 3's minute size certainly beats carrying around a bulky laptop when you're travelling. It may not have the speed or staying power of the larger Surface Pro 3, but if you're looking for a more wallet-friendly way of replacing your old laptop, the Surface 3 is a great choice.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/05/2015
Rating: Total score: 100%

80% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: It Pro Archive.org version
The Microsoft Surface 3 is comfortably the best of the lower-cost Surface hybrids to date. The sum of improvements made to the hardware, both in the tablet part and the keyboard, and full Windows 8.1’s flexibility make it a very workable portable companion to a more powerful desk-bound laptop or desktop.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

70% Microsoft Surface 3 review: cheaper but not better than the Surface Pro 3
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
Objectively, the Surface 3 is the best compromise between a laptop and tablet. It's a highly portable gadget which can run full Windows programs and it costs less than the Surface Pro 3. It's not exactly cheap by the time you've added the keyboard and stylus, though. It's also only good for lightweight duties - it's less powerful than laptops costing the same - and some people will find the screen is too small for 'proper' productivity. It's a better work tool than an iPad and Bluetooth keyboard, it has to be said, and if you only need to use office apps and a web browser, it could be exactly what you're after. Most people are better off spending more on the Surface Pro 3 or, if you don't need a touchscreen, a Core M laptop such as the Asus UX305F.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 60% performance: 50% features: 70% workmanship: 80%

80% Microsoft Surface 3 review: Sensible, affordable, but still on the fence
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
And yet it's a perfectly good product. A solid construction with Full HD screen front and centre, ample processor and resulting battery life, added Surface Pen compatibility (sold separately), and with full Windows 8 on board (that'll be Windows 10 come the summer), there's little amiss. Yet despite ticking all those boxes, it's just not going to be the product to suit everyone. For those it matches, though, we have no doubt there will be lots of happy customers.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

80% Surface 3 review
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The Surface 3 is everything the Surface 2 should have been, and a sensible alternative to the Surface Pro 3 if you don't need full Core-series processing power. Featuring a bright, clear display, an alluring magnesium-alloy build, excellent Surface Pen support and just enough juice to run your programs if you temper your expectations, Microsoft's latest tablet just about hits the spot.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

80% Surface 3 review
Source: V3.co.uk Archive.org version
Featuring a robust, productivity-focused design, above average display and close to untouched version of Windows 8.1, the Surface 3 is a great tablet and will serve the needs of most businesses. However, with the 64GB, 2GB RAM (WiFi only) Surface 3 costing £420 and the 128GB, 4GB RAM (WiFi only) version costing £500, the tablet is more expensive than many competing Atom-powered convertibles.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

Surface 3 vs iPad Air 2 comparison: Microsoft's new, powerful Windows 8 tablet & Apple's slim, speedy flagship compared
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
Overall, the Surface 3 and iPad Air 2 are very different devices, and deciding between the two is all going to depend on what you plan on using your tablet for. It's difficult to beat the iPad Air 2 when it comes to design, portability and its user interface, but there's no split-screen mode, and you won't be able to get full versions of desktop applications to help with your work. That's where the small but powerful Surface 3 comes in, offering full apps, split screen, an excellent keyboard and pen (though they come at an extra cost) and lots of power that'll mean working on presentations, essays, designs and more while out and about has been made possible without needing to lug around a laptop.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/29/2015

80% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
The Surface 3 combines a truly premium design with a gorgeous screen, a colorful camera, rich audio and a really snappy keyboard. However, when you add in the $129 Type Cover, you're paying at least $630. If you're looking for a full-fledged laptop for serious work or a media-consumption tablet, you can find either of those for less.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/29/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

80% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
A couple of things stand out about this tablet for us: its high-res screen, and the built-in kickstand. These features alone make it a very good product to consider if you’re after a basic Windows tablet. Furthermore, we feel as though Intel’s Cherry Trail Atom, while not being super-fast, contributes to an overall enjoyable experience because it allows the tablet to run without making any noise, and without getting warm.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/28/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

80% Review: Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Gadgetguy Archive.org version
These are all important qualities, and Microsoft’s Surface 3 is now representing, offering a solid middle ground for a price that could be improved just a bit. That said, if the Surface Pro 3 was tempting you but you don’t need the Core, Microsoft’s Atom-powered Surface looks like it could do the job nicely. Recommended.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/28/2015
Rating: Total score: 80% price: 70% performance: 70% features: 80% workmanship: 90%

70% Surface 3 review: This is the one worth recommending, though it’s no bargain
Source: PC World Archive.org version
The Surface 3 is a much nicer tablet than its predecessors, and that alone makes it worth recommending. But it feels a bit expensive to be a “bargain” version of the Surface Pro 3. For a few dollars more, you could have the $699 Asus ZenBook UX305, an ultrabook that’s actually a step up in terms of performance and battery life. Microsoft seemingly wants to establish the Surface 3 as a sort of premium low-end device, and that’s a tricky proposition in this day and age.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/27/2015
Rating: Total score: 70%

70% Review: Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Wired Magazine Archive.org version
But the device at the center of our digital lives isn’t a Surface—it’s a smartphone. And soon, it won’t be any hardware at all. It’ll be our personal clouds, our always-in-sync web apps and storage services. It’ll be cloud first, mobile first. Who coined that phrase, again?
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/24/2015
Rating: Total score: 70%

Surface Pro 3 vs Surface 3 comparison
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
We remain truly enamoured of the Surface Pro 3, a staggeringly impressive piece of engineering. On the face of it the Surface 3 is a cheaper, but less good version. Without testing it we cannot say for sure, but it feels to us as though the Surface 3 is more of a compromise, albeit at a lower price. If you can afford it, and you can live with the bigger screen, get the bigger, better device.
Comparison, online available, Length Unknown, Date: 04/23/2015

80% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
The Microsoft Surface 3 does several things quite well, packaging the features of the Surface Pro 3 into a smaller, more affordable tablet. Some of these attributes really shine, like the premium magnesium-alloy construction, the refined design, and the mix of tablet portability and laptop functionality offered by the Surface with the Type Cover. But while there's a lot to love about the Surface 3, it's up against devices that offer similar features at lower prices, and that makes it a good product in a category with plenty of good products.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/14/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

Microsoft Surface 3: 10.8-inch HD screen, full Windows 8.1, 50% cheaper than the Pro 3 (hands-on)
Source: Pocket Lint Archive.org version
We've been following Microsoft Surface - the laptop-meets-tablet hybrid device - since its conception, cumulating in the Surface Pro 3 towards the end of 2014. Now it's new year, new gear: with the brand new Surface 3, a 10.8-inch edition to the line-up, due from 7 May.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 03/31/2015

Foreign Reviews

80% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Telecom Handel - Heft 13/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 07/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Allround-PC.com DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/17/2015

Microsoft Surface 3
Source: MobiFlip DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/17/2015

Microsoft Surface 3 (128 GB)
Source: c't - 15-06-2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 06/15/2015

83% Abgespeckt, aber hochwertig
Source: Gamestar DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/05/2015
Rating: Total score: 83% performance: 70% features: 85% display: 90% ergonomy: 80%

89% Microsoft Surface 3 (128 GB)
Source: Computerbild - Heft 12/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 06/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 89%

Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Pocket Navigation DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/30/2015

Die kleine Version des Notebook-Tablets
Source: Tom's Hardware DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/27/2015

85% Top Windows-Tablet zu Fabel Preisen
Source: Tabtech DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/26/2015
Rating: Total score: 85% price: 60% performance: 70% display: 100% mobility: 80% workmanship: 100%

85% Endlich lüfterlos
Source: Netzwelt DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/10/2015
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 50% features: 80% display: 90%

96% Das beste Windows 8.1 Tablet
Source: Notebookinfo DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/10/2015
Rating: Total score: 96% performance: 95% display: 95% mobility: 90% workmanship: 100% ergonomy: 100% emissions: 95%

88% Microsoft Surface 3 (64 GB)
Source: Stiftung Warentest - Heft 6/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 05/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 88%

Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Computerbild - Heft 09/2015
Single Review, online available, Length Unknown, Date: 04/16/2015

80% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: e-media - Heft 09/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 04/16/2015
Rating: Total score: 80%

85% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Android Welt - Heft 5/2015
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 04/01/2015
Rating: Total score: 85%

Review: Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Hispazone ES→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Beautifully constructed; decent performance; long battery life; lightweight. Negative: Expensive.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/06/2015

67% Microsoft Surface 3: waardige notebookvervanger?
Source: Techzine NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/22/2015
Rating: Total score: 67% performance: 60% features: 60% display: 80% mobility: 70% workmanship: 80%

60% Surface - Tablet-laptop-compromis
Source: Computer Totaal NL→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/05/2015
Rating: Total score: 60%

Microsoft Surface 3 review: eindelijk gewoon Windows
Source: Hardware.info NL→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Fine size with low weight; long battery life. Negative: High price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/24/2015

85% [TEST] Surface 3 4G avec Windows 10 : le point de vue d’un utilisateur Mac
Source: Mobi France FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/23/2015
Rating: Total score: 85%

76% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: Hitek FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 06/15/2015
Rating: Total score: 76% price: 60% performance: 80% display: 90% mobility: 80%

60% Test : Microsoft Surface 3, il lui manque encore une bonne batterie... et Windows 10
Source: 01Net FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/22/2015
Rating: Total score: 60%

70% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: CNet France FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/07/2015
Rating: Total score: 70%

70% Microsoft Surface 3
Source: CNet France FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/22/2015
Rating: Total score: 70%

Test Microsoft Surface 3, ordinablette ou tablinateur ?
Source: Zone-Numerique FR→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Useful backlit keyboard; good autonomy; good design. Negative: High price.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 05/18/2015

Microsoft Surface 3 – Меньше, Тоньше, Дешевле
Source: Notebook-Center.ru RU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Excellent premium design; screen is clear, bright, with excellent colors; very good speakers. Negative: High price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/15/2015

Comment

Model: The Microsoft Surface 3 is the successor of the Surface tablets and is finally running on Windows 8.1 instead of Windows RT. More applications and tasks that were previously incompatible with the Windows RT can be run on the Windows 8.1 OS. The design of the Surface 3 is no different from its predecessors with its smooth magnesium alloy body and its iconic kickstand which now clicks into three position angles of 22, 44 and 60 degrees. Additionally, without a fan, the Surface 3 is thinner and lighter, weighing in at 180 grams (0.40lb). It also features a 10.8 inch (27 cm) multi-touch ClearType display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Microsoft claims that this aspect ratio allows a more natural feel in portrait mode, much like writing on paper.

The Surface 3 also runs on a 14 nm Intel Atom x7-Z8700 quad core SoC clocked at 1,6 GHz (up to 2.4 GHz with Intel Burst). The resolution of the Surface 3 display is of 1920 x 1280 pixels and it comes with either a 64 or a 128 GB SSD and 2 or 4 GB of RAM. The battery capacity of the Surface 3 is also expected to enable up to 10 hours of video playback. The tablet features a 3.5 MP front and 8.0 MP rear camera, both capable of recording videos at 1080p. The connectivity consists of Bluetooth 4.0, standard 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi and a micro-USB charging port (no more proprietary magnetic charger).

Series:

Both the Microsoft Surface RT and the Surface Pro never really made it big and couldn't compete with its Android and iOs counterparts. A large reason for its low sales figures was due to the unpopularity of the tablet-notebook hybrid category itself. However it is important to note that the Surface Pro 2 is actually a full blown laptop acting as a hybrid. For a start, it comes with Windows 8.1 backed up with an Intel Core i5-4300U ultrabook class processor, 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB SSD. It looks and has the same dimensions as the first version making both their accessories compatible with each other. However, there's also the new optional Type Cover 2 which adds backlighting but is on the heavy side and is rather pricey.

The good thing about the surface is of course its ultra portability and undeniable performance. With its specs, it will quite likely outperform many other ultraportable laptops and hybrids. Also not to forget is the fact that it comes preinstalled with Windows 8.1 and has all the necessary built-in ports making it an actual laptop and not just a replacement. The primary I/O, the FHD screen is also accompanied with an included active stylus. The downside to all this is definitely the asking price for the tablet and detachable keyboard combination. There may be some serious competitors giving almost if not the same kind of specs for a lower price. Its kickstand, although improved, is still a letdown as it doesn't conveniently sit on a lap despite being a laptop. All in all, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 is worthy laptop if budget is not an issue.

Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail): Integrated graphics card in the Cherry-Trail SoCs. Based on a Broadwell GPU (Intel Gen8) and supports DirectX 11.2. Depending on the SoC offers 12 or 16 EUs.

Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

Z8700: Soc with an integrated quad core Atom processor clocked at 1.6 - 2.4 GHz, an Intel HD Graphics GPU and a dual channel LPDDR3-1600 memory controller.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

10.80":

This is a standard display format for tablet computers or small convertibles. You see more on the screen than on a smartphone but you can't use big resolutions well. On the other hand, mobility is not a problem.

Microsoft:

Microsoft smartphones and tablets have been tested since 2012. There are many reviews with average ratings. The reader's interest is quite given, but the market share is not big enough for the Top 5 smartphone manufacturers (as of 2016).

78.39%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

Devices with the same GPU