Three years later, is the Surface 3 still worth your time?

The Microsoft Surface 3 is nigh iii years old, which is super old in technology time. Launched with Windows 8.1, the Surface 3 was Microsoft's true "entry-level" Surface aimed at college students and those who do more often than not lightweight tasks and web browsing. The Surface iii was special for 2 reasons; its size and price. At 10.6-inches, information technology was a smaller alternative to the Surface Pro, while likewise costing significantly less at only $499.

Information technology's Microsoft'south just Surface offering that could run Windows 10 and was available for under $500. It was an firsthand hitting amid Microsoft fans, students, and coincidental PC users looking for a lightweight device. The latest stats from AdDuplex say the Surface three is the fourth most popular Surface on the market right at present, sitting just backside the Surface Pro 2022 at xi.4 per centum Surface market share. The Surface iii is however in employ by a lot of people today.

As such, how is the Surface three holding upwardly in 2022? It'due south been over a year since nosotros last checked in on the Surface iii, and since then Microsoft has released two new Windows 10 updates, with a third simply around the corner. Has performance degraded? Has the kickstand given in yet? Allow's detect out.

See Surface three at Amazon

Surface 3 performance and software

I've endemic my Surface 3 since the day it went up for sale. I purchased mine with Windows 8.1 and afterwards upgraded it to Windows 10. My Surface 3 has always been an "around the house" blazon device. I use it like I would use an iPad, browsing the spider web, checking email, and sometimes playing a mobile game. Even with the latest version of Windows 10, the Surface 3 is still fantabulous at this.

I also own the Surface 3 Type Encompass, which unfortunately still hasn't been updated with the new Surface type encompass design. Still, it's a perfectly usable keyboard, and although the trackpad is a lilliputian pocket-size, it works well and is very precise. It uses precision touchpad drivers, which is a super nice bonus.

I mention the Type Embrace considering I apply it more than I thought I would. While the Surface 3 is keen for effectually the house procrastinating, it's besides withal a perfectly capable Role machine. I'll oft have documents come in via email that I accept to bargain with, and with the Surface 3 I can just flip out the kickstand, attach the Type Comprehend and start editing with ease.

I use the Word Mobile apps on the Surface 3 because they're much more than lightweight and doesn't drain your bombardment as much. The Office Mobile apps are superb on the Surface iii, and I prefer them over the full versions of Office. They're simple, straightforward, intuitive and even look nice with Fluent Design effects subtly implemented across the apps.

In fact, I ended up putting Windows 10 S on my Surface 3, because the Surface iii is the perfect kind of device for Windows 10 S. The Intel ATOM processor inside it isn't super powerful, but it's more capable for what the Surface three is intended for. That paired with Windows 10 S ways the Surface 3 should stay running well, and it has done.

Surface three hardware

The Surface 3 hardware is arguably the best function about the Surface iii. It'southward built well and substantially looks similar a mini Surface Pro. Even after 3 years, my Surface 3 has held up well. The kickstand is still potent, and the device has no dents or scratches that I can see. I've looked afterward my Surface 3 a lot, and as such the device still looks new.

One thing that has started falling autonomously e'er and then slightly is the Blazon Comprehend, even so. Oddly, the material has slowly started peeling away from the device. It's not the end of the world because the peeling is very pocket-sized, but it's an effect notwithstanding. Luckily you can find Surface 3 Type Covers on Amazon or eBay these days, so if it does fall apart, I can just supplant it.

The other issue I accept with the Surface 3 is the Micro-USB charging port, which is outdated for 2022. It's as well really finicky in the sense that the Surface three volition only charge with some Micro-USB cables. The i that came in the box no longer works for me, and y'all can't merely apply a normal smartphone cable, fifty-fifty with the power brick that comes with the Surface 3.

Other than that, the Surface 3 is still property up well. The tablet itself is doing very well, and I still accept my Surface 3 out and most with me when I'chiliad traveling when I know I'm not going to demand my Surface Laptop. Its size is its biggest advantage over any of the other Surfaces on the market today. I honey the 3:ii ten.six-inch display.

The display itself still looks cracking for 2022. It's 1920x1200, but since it's on a modest-ish screen, it looks very nice. Most sub $500 on the market today still transport with sub 1080p screens, which suck. The screen on the Surface three is more than fine. Besides, a rarity on sub $500 is pen support, which the Surface three has and support very well. You can even employ the new Surface Pen launched concluding year on the Surface three, and information technology works just like you would look.

Surface 3: Still suitable in 2022?

Is it possible to get past using a Surface 3 in 2022? Yes.

The Intel ATOM is more than than fine if yous're using the Surface 3 every bit a lightweight Function and spider web browsing machine, and the hardware is still super premium. You lot can get newer tablets for around the same toll, however, more often than not, they always compromise on something.

The ASUS Transformer Mini T102 is a $349 tablet that's about the same size as the Surface iii. Information technology has pen support, a keyboard, and even a premium feel to it. However, information technology has a 1280x800 resolution screen, which sucks so bad. When compared with side by side to the Surface 3, the Surface 3 screen blows the Transformer Mini out of the water.

Even though it'south three years old, the Surface 3 is however in a league of its ain in the 10-inch, sub $500 2-in-one category. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn't sell the Surface 3 anymore, so if you're interested in getting ane, you'll accept to look online.

I promise Microsoft hasn't given up on this sub $500 category because I'd love to come across a Surface 4 with updated internals erstwhile in the hereafter. What practice you call up?

Encounter Surface 3 at Amazon

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Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/surface-3-2018

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