Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Yesterday Microsoft presented the renewal of its tablet, Surface Pro 3, and today we were able to have a first contact with her in Madrid. This new version makes the Surface an even better choice than before to be our only (or almost) device, the perfect tablet/laptop hybrid.

The first thing that strikes you is that the look of the Surface Pro 3 isn't all that different from its predecessors. The chassis is still the characteristic VaporMg with the ventilation slots on the edges and the Surface logo on the Kickstand. On the front only the two Dolby speakers (very subtle) and the start button, which happens to be on the side, are added.

Size-wise, despite gaining two inches of screen, the Surface Pro 3 doesn't look much bigger Microsoft has changed the format (from 16:10 to 3:2) and has reduced the borders, in such a way that they make better use of the available space. It is surprising, of course, when you have it in your hands: the sensation of lightness contrasts greatly with the heavy appearance of the tablet. Unfortunately, it's still too heavy to hold in your hands for long - or at least that's the impression it gave us.

Face to face, Surface Pro and Surface Pro 3

The thickness reduction 9.1 millimeters is quite an achievement considering the processor it carries, an Intel Core It gets much hotter than other ARM models. In this case, we hardly noticed an increase in the temperature of the tablet during the demo, although it is also true that we have not been able to use really intensive applications.

Surface Pro 3 and its new input methods

If one of the major changes to the Surface Pro 3 is size, the other is improved pen input methods and the new Type Cover. The pen pretends to be that: a pen, not a stylus, not a pen or anything. The idea is that the feeling is as natural as possible, and from what we've been able to test it does it quite well.

The pen is pressure sensitive, very precise and with a very pleasant weight and feel to write with. Precisely to more emulate that natural sensation, they have gotten rid of the magnetic connector to hold it to the tablet. Instead we have a traditional clip, so we can clip it to the Type Cover or stick it on a little ribbon that we can put anywhere on the keyboard.

The best thing about this pen, though, is the integration with Surface software.A single click opens a new note in OneNote, even when the tablet is locked, so you can take notes just like on a paper pad. Two clicks, and the note is uploaded to the cloud. One of those extremely simple ideas that can be extremely useful at the same time. Response is almost instantaneous, although the demo prototype did not always turn on.

Microsoft bets on the Type Cover

The Touch Cover does not arise for this model. The Surface Pro 3 is a replacement for the laptop, and as great as the touch keyboard's response is, they can't emulate the physical keys.

The Type Cover suits the increased screen size well. The keyboard itself remains the same size appropriate for typing - it's the trackpad that wins. In addition to being bigger, the material is different (much nicer and more comfortable) and with a much faster and more controllable response.

Conclusions: the change is not only in the tablet

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Surface Pro 3 is a very nice step forward. Microsoft has responded to press and user feedback on things like the kickstand, display and trackpad, and while still adding new things, like the pen. However, the biggest change I&39;ve noticed comes from Microsoft&39;s approach to it. In this third version, the message is very clear: Surface Pro 3 is the device that combines tablet and laptop. Until now, the Surface Pro was the tablet with laptop stuff. Now it&39;s the replacement for both, the only device you&39;ll ever need."

We need a more detailed analysis to see battery, temperature, performance, keyboard effectiveness and, above all, to respond to the eternal question of whether Surface Pro can replace the tablet and the laptop at the same time.The preliminary answer that I would give is that it can be that almost perfect substitute. What do you think?

See complete gallery » Surface Pro 3 - First impressions (22 photos)