The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 hit the market on June 20, 2014, marking a significant step forward in the world of 2-in-1 devices. Surface Pro 3 offered a larger screen than its predecessors and introduced a blended experience of a laptop and tablet in one sleek design. When it was first unveiled in May 2014 by Panos Panay, it promised and delivered substantial improvements in power and portability.
We remember the buzz when it hit the shelves of the Microsoft Store. The Surface Pro 3 was all anyone could talk about, available for pre-order in the US and UK. Prices ranged widely, from $800 to $1950, depending on the configurations and storage options users were looking for. It showed that Microsoft wasn’t just playing the game but redefining it.
One of the highlights of the Surface Pro 3 was its impressive battery life. PCMag tested it to last about 8 hours and 55 minutes, perfect for tackling our long workdays or endless browsing sessions. It came with Windows 8.1 Pro out of the box, but we were all quick to give it the Windows 10 update when it became available. The versatility of using a stylus or keyboard made it an all-around winner in our books. Don’t you just love it when tech improves life?
Contents
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Release Date
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 was a game changer when it hit the shelves on June 20th, 2014. This third iteration in the Surface Pro lineup set out to replace your laptop and did it with style. We remember watching the announcement and feeling that excitement.
The initial pricing started at $799 for the basic model. This came with an Intel Core i3 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It was perfect for those looking for a powerful tablet-laptop hybrid at a reasonable price.
Models with higher specs were also available, ranging up to $999 and beyond, depending on the configuration. It felt like a big commitment, but considering it was marketed as a laptop replacement, it made sense.
The pre-order phase began on May 21, 2014, and those who jumped in early were thrilled. We had to get one ourselves, and boy, did it impress! The packaging was sleek, and the device felt premium right out of the box.
The Surface Pro 3 didn’t just come out of the blue. It was released at a special Microsoft event, where they showcased its 3:2 aspect ratio display and all the features that set it apart from its predecessors. Its bigger screen size and thinner profile were highly anticipated.
Getting our hands on the Surface Pro 3 was like having the best of both worlds – a powerful laptop and a versatile tablet. It’s a memory that’s still vivid because of how it changed our daily tech routine.
Specifications And Features
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 offers standout features that strike a balance between laptop power and tablet flexibility. It combines powerful hardware with versatile software to suit varied needs.
Hardware Specifications
The Surface Pro 3 is designed with precision and top-notch materials. It has a 12-inch screen with a 2160 x 1440 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio provides more vertical screen real estate, which is great for productivity tasks.
Packing 4th Generation Intel Core processors, we get choices from i3, i5, up to i7. The Core i5 variant is among the popular picks. For memory, there are options ranging from 4 GB to 8 GB of RAM and storage options from 64 GB to 512 GB SSD.
In terms of ports, it includes a full-size USB 3.0 port, Mini DisplayPort, and a microSD card slot. Connectivity options such as Bluetooth® and standard Wi-Fi protocols (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) are supported. It doesn’t skimp on portability, weighing just 800 grams and measuring 292 x 201.3 x 9.1 mm.
The kickstand is adjustable, making it easy for us to switch from using it as a laptop to a tablet. Accessories like the Surface Pen and Type Cover add more functionality without adding bulk. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 9 hours of web browsing on a single charge.
Software Features
Running on Windows 8.1 Pro, the Surface Pro 3 offers features that cater to professional and creative tasks alike. Windows 8.1 is optimized for both touchscreens and traditional input methods, giving us the flexibility to choose how we interact with our device.
One key feature is the Note-taking functionality. The Surface Pen performs beautifully with the Note-taking app, OneNote, allowing handwriting and drawing with natural precision. The N-trig technology ensures sensitivity and accuracy.
Security is not overlooked. Features like Windows Hello offer advanced biometric security options. For audio and video, it includes front and rear-facing cameras and Dolby-enhanced speakers for clear and crisp sound. These features make it perfect for video conferencing and multimedia consumption.
Compatibility with the Surface Dock extends its capabilities further. It can connect additional devices, offering even more ports, including Ethernet and more USB ports, transforming our Surface Pro 3 into a full-fledged desktop setup effortlessly.
Comparison With Previous Models
The Surface Pro 3 brought several improvements over its predecessor, the Surface Pro 2, focusing on display size, performance, and design. These changes aimed to provide a more versatile and powerful device for both work and entertainment.
Surface Pro 2 Vs Surface Pro 3
The Surface Pro 3 features a larger 12-inch display compared to the 10.6-inch screen of the Surface Pro 2. This increase in size made it more suitable for tasks like drawing or watching videos. Additionally, the Surface Pro 3 adopted a 3:2 aspect ratio, enhancing its usability for documents and web browsing.
Performance-wise, the Surface Pro 3 is superior thanks to new 4th Gen Intel processors, offering up to Core i7, which is faster than the Surface Pro 2’s Intel Core i5 chips. This change significantly improved multitasking and running more demanding applications.
Design-wise, the Surface Pro 3 is thinner at 9.1mm and lighter at 800g, making it more portable than the bulkier Surface Pro 2. The Pro 3 also introduced a new Surface Pen that provided a better inking experience, ideal for note-taking and artistic work.
Finally, while both models support keyboard covers, the Pro 3’s Type Cover was redesigned for improved typing comfort, making it a more comprehensive laptop replacement than the Surface Pro 2.
User Reviews And Feedback
Our users have shared a variety of opinions about the Microsoft Surface Pro 3. Many appreciate its versatility and robust performance.
People love the 12-inch screen for its sharp display quality. Those using Adobe Photoshop enjoy the high resolution for detailed work. A user mentioned, “Editing photos on this is a blast!”
Some users highlight the Kickstand feature. It’s a hit for anyone using the Surface Pro 3 for productivity tasks. The adjustable kickstand makes it easy to find the perfect angle.
Our favorite comments come from students who use the device for studies. It’s handy for Sudoku puzzles during breaks, and note-taking has never been easier.
A downside is that it can get a bit warm during intense tasks. “It gets hot while I’m on a long Skype call,” said one user. Yet, this hasn’t deterred many from using it daily.
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
| Battery Life | Long-lasting | Heats up |
| Display | High Resolution | Reflective |
| Kickstand | Adjustable | None |
We’ve also received tips from frequent users. One of them said, “Keep a microfiber cloth handy for the screen. It’s a magnet for fingerprints.”
Professional feedback rates the Surface Pro 3 highly for productivity and creative tasks. Windows Central reviewers have given it a thumbs up for its well-rounded performance.