Great comparison. The only thing I would add is, while the MBA's display is decent the Pro 3 is phenomenally better. I recently sold my 13.3 MBA and just picked up the Pro 3 with no regrets at all. The Pro 3 is such an amazing product.
Danny Shin I haven't picked up the keyboard yet, but from my experience with the Pro 2 I practically never found myself needing to rest it in my lap. So far I'm pretty much using it as a tablet, but next week at work I'll give it a good run in Visual Studio, Photoshop etc... if it performs as well as the 2 then I will be super happy.
Danny Shin i have the 8gb ram 256gb ssd model, the keyboard is good and it never fell off. The only issue is the trackpad. its much better than the surface pro 2 type cover but still compared to other laptops, its very bad. I use a separate mouse for it.
Danny Shin I bought the i5 128gb ssd w/ a blue keyboard and sold my 11" Air in the process. The kickstand/keyboard situation is actually a non-situation. I haven't run into an instance where it was a problem. This may be TMI but I can use it just fine on the toilet. The biggest disappointment is the trackpad...way worse than the air but WAY better than most HP pads I've used.
Apple doesnt need to make a non sense 12 inch MacBook Air. What they need to do is get rid of this damn frame that makes the 13" larger than all the others 13" laptops on the market. I know this is why they get to put a bigger battery but it also why people buy other laptop because it makes it bigger than every 13" ultra book. Not to mention that every 13" ultra book today is full hd and the air isn't even retina or touchscreen friendly yet!
I finally decided to purchase a surface and its the best decision ive ever made. I use this for everything. It didnt just replace my macbook and iPad, it also replaced my iMac. I realized the only thing i used my macbook for was playing league, watching videos, and checking mail. I absolutely love this device and recommend it to everyone especially college students, 3 of my friends have already bought one with my recommendation and love it. This product definitely deserves so much more attention than it gets. Its truly amazing. I play league on it, take my notes, i can watch a lecture and take notes on the side with split screen. I can watch netflix while doing an assignment and the list goes on and on. I love this thing, i rarely do reviews but the surface really deserves one and ill post it on all surface vids i can because this truly deserves more praise than it gets. If you want more than a pretty aluminum toy, get a surface. As an apple user for the last 10 years, you've truly caught my attention Microsoft.
Irene Arlet i don't really see the use in the surface 3. it's inferior to any notebook and tablet-wise there is no real use in my opinion. i mean yeah if it could replace your macbook and your ipad you have to ask yourself: what did you use the ipad actually for? there is no useful function in tablets, really. Notebooks these days are so thin and light, that you can put them into a bag just as easy as a tablet. So all thats left is a half-notebook with your surface 3. Windows 8.1 is not really nice to use on tablets, i don't understand this cross-device OS-thing. the only thing the surface 3 can be nicely use as, is as a notebook. and notebook-wise there are many other notebooks that are much better than the surface.
Price, battery life (13 hours), Mac OSX (unix based, more stable and fast), apple hardware and software support in store, icloud, imessage, appstore, i can go on and on.
Ok people, the Surface Pro 3 is the same things as buying a MacBook Air & An iPad.... If you are in the market for a new tablet & laptop, the surface pro 3 is a great option to fulfill both of those needs. If all you want is a laptop, there are a lot of amazing windows machines that will destroy the MacBook air in a direct comparison. If all you want is a tablet, then there are a lot of tablets that you can look at
I have a Pro 2 and cannot afford to replace it just 9 months after I bought it. However, I love the machine and see no point in replacing it at this point. I will wait a few years and then get another Pro. I love the job MS is doing with its tablets.
To people who complain about the keyboard on SP3. I tend to prefer using the SP3 even if I have a laptop sitting right next to it. And I just can't help but feel sad for people who still buy Mac. The truth is, many of them aren't actually aware of SP3. SP3 is just far more useful than Mac. Just imagine being able to just pick up the SP3 and go to bed or whatever and keep using it as a tablet while you type in those last few words of your assignment. No need to turn off 1 device, and search for a tablet and find all the stuff you want to do on it all over again. I would totally give away my laptop + wacom tablet and ipad for an SP3. People who can't see the value in having all that in one package are simply ignorant. Or lying to back up their beloved Apple.
How do find the quality of the keyboard for the SP3 to be? I heard there are two kinds. (Haven't done much research) which one would u recommend if u were a college student.? Thank u
Gloria A Typing will obviously not feel as good as on a Chiclet keyboard. But I'd not bad. I personally didn't mind. It's also backlit, so there's that. I would totally recommend the type cover for a student.
cameron whitton Perhaps you should consider washing Your hands once in a while. Because if that's Your concern, then you've really got nothing to worry about. My touch screen is as clean as Your MBAs screen will ever be.
I am a huge Apple fan and own several Apple products, but the Surface Pro 3 looks fucking awesome. It seems Microsoft is finally catching up to Apple. I bet Apple will come up with something like this later on as well though, we'll see. But in the meantime, I got to admit I would definitely buy a Surface Pro 3 if I had the money and didn't have a laptop at the moment.
The surface is powerful but can't replace all laptops for instance my laptop would punch the surface out of the ring. You could also find laptops 2x more powerful than the surface. It is more compact but I would rather have the power than the space. Trust me you're entering the world of pc and when it comes to choices you have alit to choose from.
The MacBook Air is a better notebook by far - you're better off with a MacBook Air and dedicated tablet (iPad, Nexus 7, Xperia Tablet Z2 etc.) Surface Pro 3 is full of compromise, it's not a great a tablet or a great notebook. As a tablet, it's heavy, runs hot, fans, has poor battery life, a schizophrenic operating system that constantly throws you into a fiddly desktop and (to top it off) a poor app selection. As a laptop, you get an fiddly little keyboard, poor battery life (again), a poor selection of applications that properly scale on the display and an awkward form factor (e.g. try using the type cover while flaked out on your sofa).
The argument against Win 8 is pretty groundless, although it's fair to criticize the SP3 for its poor thermal management and average battery performance. But for the compromises, you get a greatly capable device that has one of the best displays, best aspect ratio for productivity, pen and touch interface and excellent portability. I would never criticize the MBA for what it is because it's an excellent laptop, but for those of us who need pen input and prefer Windows OS in an amazing form factor, the SP3 is the top choice.
"it's not a great a tablet or a great notebook." I beg to differ. Its the first tablet that is actually worth buying. All the other tablets are just big phones, period. "it's heavy" - its 800 grams, lol, speak for yourself. "runs hot" - no, just no. For the things that you use your phone... sorry, tablet for, it will not. "schizophrenic operating system that constantly throws you into a fiddly desktop" - haha, it does not unless you choose to. "poor app selection" - well, it probably doesn't have all the flappy birds copycats and millions versions of angrybirds but it does have the rest. And btw if you have a smartphone what exactly are you missing? Nothing. "fiddly little keyboard" - has the same key travel and dimensions as Air. "poor battery life" - The same as MBA 11 inch, if that's bad I guess not all MBA have great battery. "poor selection of applications that properly scale on the display" - well, unless you run a lot of XP era software, the rest have an options for scaling. "try using the type cover while flaked out on your sofa" - exactly how I wrote this comment.
Btw spending more than 400$ for a device with TN panel at sub 1080p in 2014 is not wise. Put retina display on that and battery will perform just as SP3.
uncaringbear Re: Windows 8 -- I use a Lumia 2520 and find I need the desktop more than I should. E.g. you can only change the default search provider for IE from the desktop version of IE, you can only view battery percentage from the desktop taskbar, you can only clear apps from memory from Task Manager etc.
Aaronage man, how often do you use that? It happens like 5-8% of times. Think of it as a settings. Which I actually prefer since you can customize there much more.
I just can't understand what Microsoft wants. If it is a laptop why i need to pay for the keyboard? But if it is a tablet, then why it is so big and why they call it laptop?
pixelthec Microsoft's campaigning for a tablet AND laptop alternative. You'd have a point if their campaign was a tablet OR laptop. If you want just a laptop... get just a laptop, but if you want just a tablet... get just a tablet. The beauty of the SP3 that people don't see is that it's combining the two into practically a new device (ultrabooks do offer the laptop and tablet alternative, I'm typing on one now, but it just isn't as slim as a SP3, and awkward to use as a tablet).
I really hope everyone pays attention to Lisa's conclusion: the machine that is right for you really depends on what your requirements and preferences are. If you prefer one OS over the other, then the choice is obvious. If you have a need for pen and touch input, you know which one to pick. If battery performance is your top priority, one clearly outperforms the other. If flexible portability is a determining factor, it should be clear which one is better. It's a pointless exercise to claim that one is clearly better than the other, because both units have very unique strong benefits.
To get correct display scaling in Photoshop CC 2014 for Surface Pro 3, go to [Photoshop] drop down menu > [Preferences] > [Experimental Features] and click on the "Scale UI 200% for high-density display." It works well and makes Photoshop usable on Surface Pro 3.
People who take notes, like in a meeting or in a classroom, would benefit from having a stylus... people who do professional drawing would too... a touch screen is really useful for when used as a tablet, it is perfect for reading, better than scrolling with a mouse or touchpad.... it is a matter of preference but I think that a macbook should have at least the touchscreen because that becoming a necessity now days... the pen, not so much, but the Touchscreen it is really a must have.
For everyone confused about Microsoft's SP3, I've got a little explanation here. So everyone is used to the laptop, tablet separation, and now that there's an alternate for both all in one device, people are still a little confused. People are asking why they need to buy the keyboard if it's a tablet, but also why does it need to be so big if its also a tablet. This is because Microsoft is practically creating a whole new segment in the portable device competition. I have replied to two comments on this video, but I'll restate myself here. Microsoft is campaigning for a laptop AND tablet alternative. You won't need a laptop or tablet anymore, just a SP3. (From someone else's reply to one of my comments), it's like the smartphones, now your phone can be an MP3 player, GPS, etc. This can be your laptop, by flipping open the keyboard cover and typing away, or tablet by either flipping the keyboard on the back side or taking it off altogether. For those of you concerned with the price of getting the SP3, keyboard, pen, and the other accessories, I did a little research. To get a MacBook Air 13" with 256 GB and an Intel Core i5 AND an iPad Air 2 with 128 GB, you're spending $1,900, without a mouse or any accessories, but with the Surface Pro 3, with 256 GB and an Intel Core i5, keyboard cover, pen, and an arc touch mouse, you're spending $1,520. Don't reply to my thread saying "Yeah, but the MacBook air costs less than the Surface Pro 3, so why did you make the SP3 cost less?" I'm pricing it this way because that's what the SP3 essentially is, a laptop and a tablet. And if you want to have just a laptop, get just a laptop and if you want to get just a tablet, get just a tablet. But if you want the convenience of having both in one, like a smartphone does with MP3 and GPS, get the SP3. I had a Surface 2, wanting a tablet, and a Dell XPS 17" monster laptop before I swapped them out for a 13" Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro, which is an ultrabook 2 in 1, and about 2 months ago I was eager to get a Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet that can connect to 4G LTE, like the iPad, because the Lenovo just feels awkward in tablet mode. So I would have had another device to use as a tablet, as well as a laptop that can also be used as a tablet, and have to take notes on pen and paper in school without being able to use OneNote and see it on my phone, like I could do with the SP3 with the pen, (which works so seamlessly with it's palm rejection capability). Now I'm looking to swap out my Lenovo for a SP3, and finally Get Productive!
Bueno.. yo hablo español.. tu hablas español?? puedo decirte muchas cosas por las que la Surface es mejor que MBP pero no usare traductor porque podria distorsionar mi punto de vista (el traductor no funciona bien) entonces crees que puedas entenderme?? respondi solo "Surface is better"porque es fácil para traducir, si quieres que te diga todos mis razones, tendras que leerlas en español ok?
Please do a smackdown comparison between the Surface Pro 3 and the Retina Macbook Pro 13. with Core i5, 256 SSD, 8gb ram for both devices. They both cost exactly the same here in the UK (including Surface Pro 3 keyboard).
I bought a surface pro 3 in 2015 Feb for $1500 in Australia and I have to say, this is the best computer I've ever used, its got a really good display and the pen makes it so much easier to take down notes, however the kickstand falls down sometimes the screen never cracks because that but it still is annoying. But that's the only disadvantage in the surface, comparison with the Mac Book air 13 inch its way lighter and way better!!!! And the keyboard is really cool as well. So is the Surface pro 3 worth foe $1500, i'd say hell yeah. YOU SHOULD BUY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please like if you agree only
SP3 is horrible. I am a uni student and I used it for 2 months and mannnnnnnnn, it'd start heating up after 2 hours of light use and then the fan would turn on and it'd be so LOUDDD. By the end of the third month,I had to return it and luckily I was able to. Main issues with this laptop/tablet hybrid is it's keyboard (the type cover sucks!), small screen(can become very hard to read sometimes and you'd have to constantly zoom in and out), and the stylus sucks aswell, it stops responding after like using it for an hour. Other than these faults, everything else seemed fine but again, if I had known these faults earlier, I would have never went opted for the SP3.
Nick Police well windows compatible soft: almost 5,000,000 OSX soft: less than 500,000. Its not just engineering. Every sector, with small exceptions of music industry are ruled pretty much by Windows. Even video sector is now not dominated by OSX since adobe now produces, and have been producing for some time now, their soft for windows. Difference of almost 1000% of compatible software is not some minor difference. They suck? Lol, you know what sucks? not having any)))
Great review! Though, you should have stated the typical price of a 10"+ ARM tablet ($500 for 16GB of storage, $700 for 64GB of storage) and a 10"+ digitizer-pen drawing board ($350+) when comparing the prices. The Surface Pro 3 already has a more justifiable price tag than any Laptop-only ultrabook, especially them MacBooks. For a fair price comparison, add a 64GB iPad ($700) + Large Intuos 4 Wacom Board ($450) to the MacBook's price ($1000) AND a Type Cover keyboard ($130) + 64GB MicroSD ($40) to the Surface Pro 3 price ($1000), now tell me which is more priced fair...
Benchmarks show that SP3 is 1.4 % better in Adobe suite because of CPU U4300 vs U4250 in MBA. Which soft are you using from Adobe? If you have seen the presentation Adobe are personally backing SP3 with their software.
MayorMcCheese78 If you are into PhotoShop, Lightroom and Premier Pro, you will love the digitizer + Touchscreen + virtual keyboard for shortcuts = amazing experience. Going back to keyboard and mouse will feel like going back in time. This is my personal experience.
Nice comparison, but using the photo shop as an example for scaling was a little to out of place since..... No actually you would be able to use or on the surface pro 3 with its digitizer/pen. But I don't think it'd be much of a problem when using the pen with a the pin point accuracy that even smaller icons are easily pressed.
Im a college student and have owned an iMac for 5 years and a MacBook Air for 2. I currently have an iPad 2 which I carry alongside my MBA since i can use my stylus to take notes on my iPad and they transport directly into my MBA with the Notability app. My iPad has served me well but its killing my back since its almost as heavy as my MBA so i was thinking if i should get an iPad air for 450 or a Surface pro for about 6-700. I can use windows fairly well even though all my products are apple. I love the idea of being able to take notes and have a full blast PC capable of playing video games all in one (although i currently league perfectly on my MBA). What do you think i should do? How has your experience been with the SP2?
Another fantastic comparison illustrating the clear differences between the two devices. Ultimately, as Lisa says, the decision will be made based on OS preference and whether you desire the tablet form factor. Personally, I want maximum flexibility and portability. The Surface Pro 3 offers state of the art design, power, and portability in a tablet. It really is the best of both worlds. Sure, there are better laptops if that's all you want. But no laptop offers all the features and flexibility of the SP3.
Is this a full on Microsoft laptop? meaning do i have to use the microsoft store to get all of my apps, or is it the same as an ordinary windows PC? I have lots of codecs i install for video editing, and some 3rd parry programs so i want to be sure i can install those like i can on a Mac
Just a tip for macbook pro and air owners. You can get something called Nifty Drive, which is an adapter for micro sd. Advantage is that it sits in completely, so it's kinda like having a permanent extra 64 GB ... that you can swap out with a paper clip or the included tool.
Just bought the macbook air yesterday. The not 1080p screen was disappointing, but this type of laptop isn't meant for super high end things and a higher resolution screen would use more battery. The screen still look pretty good and at the distance a normal laptop is gonna be away from your eyes you can't really notice anyway. The colors don't look very saturated however. I am however used to a Samsung phone so my brain now thinks everything is less saturated lol. These devices are for two totally different things. You just have to think about your life and which features work best for you. The thing I hate the most about the Surface is they talk so much about the keyboard and how that is the main thing that sets it apart from the rest and it's not even included... Without the keyboard it's gonna suck as a full computer. I'm just imagining trying to press the tiny icons in photoshop and adjust the small sliders with my finger lol.
i still cant figure out why they keep pointing out that you cant remove the keyboard from the MacBook Air... what sense would that make? what other laptop can you remove the keyboard from????? Its not a tablet.. it doesnt have a touch screen.. being able to remove the keyboard would be pointless, you might as well get an Imac.
Jon Lindsey tons of android, tons of windows AND THEY ALL HAVE TOUCH SCREENS Yoga 2 13 by lenovo aspire switch 10 by acer yoga 2 11 by lenovo thinkpad by lenovo yoga pro by lenovo Pro 3 (ofcourse) Hp elite book dell XPS 11 Vaio tap 11 #dumbass
Jon Lindsey laptops with a touchscreen? toshiba satelite deill inspiron hp ENVY smart touch dell xps (Lap edition) Kirabook THE LIST GOES ON, and if you meant a non touch screen that is detachable, my android tablet does that, the screen may or may not be busted, but I need attachments in order to use it, one of those is a keyboard. It does not say what type anywhere on the device
no moron, I said name a laptop (WITHOUT) a touchscreen, if it has a touch screen and it has a removable key board, its a 2 in 1. I didnt say a laptop that is also a tablet, and btw... your android TABLET isn't a laptop is it? Ok... let me try to make this clear for you... the MacBook Pro isnt a tablet, it isnt a touch screen, it's a LAPTOP, so what sense would it make to make the keyboard removable? What other LAPTOP... not touch screen, not tablet... you know what, lol.... never mind.. I can't continue this conversation with you because you are obviously a fucking moron. just drop it, lol #fuckingretard
I recently purchased the Microsoft surface pro 3 but ultimately decided to return it. It is a great device but I just simply felt that it was too small for me. I reverted to a 15 inch laptop with a top of the line refreshed i-7 Haswell processor along with maxed out specs and I couldn't be happier. With the money I saved, I will buy a solid state hard drive and still have some leftover.
Yea, back in 2010 we used our iPad for college and I rocked! I don't know why college students not grabbing this. It must be the high price! I wish they could lower it. It's heavy and bad for you legs (not a good lapto). But on a desk, you can play games, read your email, write on it (very challenging), view face book, and type up your paperwork. Same thing we did with the iPad...
Positive thought has a positive impact. Everyday you visualize yourself holding and owning one of these devices, save towards it and you'll be surprised how quickly the money will appear. *Trust me on this and it doesn't hurt to try*
To be honest, it doesn't matter. There are plenty of computers with comparable hardware for a much smaller price. I have a mac myself, a macbook pro, and tbh, it's not that special. I was just as happy with my previous $600 windows laptop.
Paratrooper 6 Only reason I love about mac products are their build quality. You may be able to get same specs for few to couple hundreds of dollars less but you won't find anything like macs where it has that beautiful aluminum chassis. Well, this all comes to their own decision, if you like the build quality and don't mind paying the premium, you can't go wrong with it.
Paratrooper 6 I have a MacBook Pro, too. But I just hated my previous Windows Laptop and now I nearly love my Macbook. The System is just running so much more stabile.
Jun Jung I am bilingual when it comes to operating systems. But I like the cutting edge factor that Lisa mentioned at the end concerning the Surface Pro 3. I can't wait to see what Apple finally comes up with when they come out of hibernation.
Hello. Wish you can reply to my comment. I own a SP3, ans i have a issue with the kickstand. It isn't as hard as i expected. Precisely, when i push It near to its limits bottom point, It tend to push It down to the end after 5 minutes or so. I'd like to know if yours does the same. Cuz i'm gonna return It and take ajouter one to compare.
I have a MacBook Pro 15" and just don't see how the price is justified for the surface. Yeah it's cool and convenient but it just doesn't compete with it. My mac is a monster thing would work circles around a surface and I feel like an air would do the same. I had a touchscreen laptop and returned it and got my Mac. Macs just make sense and the software you need comes with it and updates are free. I will always say Mac is better than the typical laptops you can pick up at bestbuy for my needs. I stand by my Mac and laugh every time I see the surface commercial.
SP3 competes with the MBA + iPad air, not just a MBA. SP3 serves the purpose of laptop and a tablet. I don't understand why their commercials don't mention that specifically
Someone please help me! I currently have a MacBook Pro 13in. Im not a big tech guy, meaning I cant tell you nor do I care much about what programs/processes it has. Im a college student and mainly use it for typing papers, doing some internet research, youtube, netflix, etc. i don't really use it for "cool" or "geeky" or "apple only" things. Im considering getting the surface mainly bc i love the pen/notes thing it has. It would help me a lot in school and in lectures (im a math major, and i cant use my mac for notes bc of all the figures we use). So that being said, is it worth selling my mac and buying a surface pro 3?
I know people say the i3 version wouldn't be best for a true laptop replacement, but for my needs it seems like it would be a good one. the only fault is the 64 gigs, but can't I use an sd card or an external hard drive to cover that? or should I really just save up for the i5? I hear the battery life is a little worse and heats up quicker than the i3. please help!
I don't understand why people are buying SP3s for the pen for note taking. Why spend $1000 when you could spend $10 for a big fat notebook and a pencil.
I love it when people say you shouldn't run Windows 8.1 on a MacBook... has it occurred to you that some people need to have both OS? Ever tried working with android phones on OSX? Ever tried Microsoft certification on OSX? Or a hundred other reasons. Parallels running on OSX is superb. And I would like to see you running OSX on a Windows laptop! The Surface 3 looks really nice, but for me personally, I think the MacBook Air is the better choice as I am a writer and I just can't imagine the surface on my lap. I may check it out though; touch screen, removable keyboard and pen isn't to be sniffed at, even though it is considerably more than an 11" Air here in the UK.
Regretted having bought a surface pro. it was neither a laptop (to put over lap while using) nor tablet to comfortably hold in one hand. Now very happy with macbook & ipad mini.
It is up to you to interpret was I typed as you wish and makes you happy. It was just a little joke. I've had my SP2 for a year and what the other commenter wrote I never had a issue with. Im not a big and tall person so that would be why it has been a comfortable ride for me. It all depends on the persons needs. I am a university student and for my needs the SP2 is beyong better than a non touch screen. Again, just my needs, not everyones else's.
***** it feels great taking notes with the SP2. No paper, no pen, no heavy notebooks to break my back when walking around school. I use my surface for everything. MATLAB, AutoCAD, note taking, hw, pdf books, keep it coming...All i put in my backpack is the surface pro 2, well and a mech pencil for exams.
These are two splendid devices. I use the Surface 3 for OneNote and its very useful for writing school work and any notes. If you like to draw as well it is very good. The reaction of the pen to the surface 3 and pro 3 is real-time and I would recommend it for artists as well. Personally, the screen on the surface pro 3 is huge and the surface 3 is a bit smaller, which I prefer. The MacAir is very good as well. When it comes to typing, I prefer to type on the MacAir in oppose to the surface tablets in general, even with the keyboards. The MacAir is easy to understand once you get a hang of it and the operating system runs a bit better than windows. I also prefer to read on the surface by far, in oppose to that of the Mac. The devices have their use, its all up to your satisfaction. Mac Air battery life is awesome. The surface pro 3 and surface 3 have battery lives much better than the surface pro 2.
The main reasons I didn't get the SP3 is the kickstand and price. I type when I sit away from a desk or table a lot, so the SP3 just looks like a balancing act. I say looks like because there's no way to test that out in the store.
I'm having trouble picking one of these...A Macbook Pro would be awesome for video editing, but on the other hand, the windows go pro has a touch screen and all that goodie..What would you recommend and why?
You can do everything you can do on a mac on a surface pro 3 but the surface is more portable and has better features mac is only good because of the logo on the back of it to people.
Salaam, Namastay. Honestly, i perfer the Macbook Air/Pro over the Surface anyday. If you have a budget to get a Macbook Pro, get a Air and a iPad. Then, you can have two fancy toys to play with and work on.
comparing anything mac os and windows was always going to be apples and oranges, but you did a great job reconciling the various features of the two. def earned my sub!
What are the price comparisons when compared to the specs. MBA cost how much? How does that compare to the Surface Pro 3 i3, i5, i7 versions? Also, how much will the Surface cost compared to MBA when you add the keyboard dock? Which devices offers more battery life which for me is very important for mobile computing.
MBA would have much better battery life. MBA 128GB $999 MBA 256G $1199 SP3 256GB i5 $1300 SP3 256GB i7 $1550 SP3 512GB i7 $1950 i didn't add in the 128gb version or the i3 versions of the pro 3. if you were to get a pro 3 i'd recommend one of the ones i included :) I heard the display on pro 3 owns the display on the MBA you will need to add $130 for the keyboard as well. Plus a bit extra for other accessories such as case, mouse, speaker etc :) I believe the pro 3 to be worth it, though i do think they should lower the price by at least a few hundred dollars AND include the keyboard
Shark Babe I doubt anybody buying a SP3 *_needs_* a monitor as an additional accesory. Heck, I'm sure you could even save yourself a couple hundred bucks by just getting a case and any third-party wireless keyboard. Problem solved.
although i got a retina mpb i would go for the Surface, seems like a better deal to me. Well, just in this case! A retina air would change the game a little bit.
Between the 2 I would prefer the Surface pro, but the Lenovo Yoga pro 2 i have with i7 processor and far better screen resoloution then both. It literally load up my windows 8.1 pro in 10 seconds.
Howdy, I am a landscape architecture student and I am looking for a computer that will run AutoCad, Sketchup and Photoshop smoothly. Does anyone have any suggestions? something that is affordable too, and it possible not more than 4.5 lb. I have been looking into a lot of computers but its hard to find one that doesn't go over $650. Thank you
If someone could guide me in the right direction :D I need a device that can fulfill all my computing needs. It must have 3g/lte built in connectivity, a keyboard would be nice and furthermost it must have an operating systems which can be installed on my pc. :D i have to do work, school, fun and little games all with one device. What is the device i should buy?
Surface PRO 3 is absolutely amazing ultrabook. You can hardly find a better ultrabook when you travel a lot. Light, thin, powerful with touchscreen and stylus support. I have i5,256GB SSD, 4GB of RAM What do u wanna more ? On everything else (gaming, video editing, etc.) I have PC.
You seem to be incapable of getting past the fact that the keyboard is optional for the SP3. Really, get over it. I think you might take note that a pen won't work all that well on the MBA screen. I wonder why that is?
The aluminum on the new ones are used to absorb heat to stop overheating and less use of the fans, plus the plastic ones yellow over time and are now not an Apple standard, every apple product today uses aluminum for the exterior parts
tl;dr: Need a pen for writing or digital art? You can't do that on the MacBook Air, so go with the Surface Pro 3. Don't need the pen and just want a laptop? Both are capable of this, but the MacBook Air is more ergonomic (easier to use as a laptop, longer battery life, better keyboard and trackpad).
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Great comparison. The only thing I would add is, while the MBA's display is decent the Pro 3 is phenomenally better. I recently sold my 13.3 MBA and just picked up the Pro 3 with no regrets at all. The Pro 3 is such an amazing product.
Danny Shin I haven't picked up the keyboard yet, but from my experience with the Pro 2 I practically never found myself needing to rest it in my lap. So far I'm pretty much using it as a tablet, but next week at work I'll give it a good run in Visual Studio, Photoshop etc... if it performs as well as the 2 then I will be super happy.
Danny Shin i have the 8gb ram 256gb ssd model, the keyboard is good and it never fell off. The only issue is the trackpad. its much better than the surface pro 2 type cover but still compared to other laptops, its very bad. I use a separate mouse for it.
Danny Shin I bought the i5 128gb ssd w/ a blue keyboard and sold my 11" Air in the process. The kickstand/keyboard situation is actually a non-situation. I haven't run into an instance where it was a problem. This may be TMI but I can use it just fine on the toilet. The biggest disappointment is the trackpad...way worse than the air but WAY better than most HP pads I've used.
Apple doesnt need to make a non sense 12 inch MacBook Air. What they need to do is get rid of this damn frame that makes the 13" larger than all the others 13" laptops on the market. I know this is why they get to put a bigger battery but it also why people buy other laptop because it makes it bigger than every 13" ultra book. Not to mention that every 13" ultra book today is full hd and the air isn't even retina or touchscreen friendly yet!
would you say its worth it upgrading to the pro 3 from the 1st pro? or should i just wait for a bit since I havent had this one long
I finally decided to purchase a surface and its the best decision ive ever made. I use this for everything. It didnt just replace my macbook and iPad, it also replaced my iMac. I realized the only thing i used my macbook for was playing league, watching videos, and checking mail. I absolutely love this device and recommend it to everyone especially college students, 3 of my friends have already bought one with my recommendation and love it. This product definitely deserves so much more attention than it gets. Its truly amazing. I play league on it, take my notes, i can watch a lecture and take notes on the side with split screen. I can watch netflix while doing an assignment and the list goes on and on. I love this thing, i rarely do reviews but the surface really deserves one and ill post it on all surface vids i can because this truly deserves more praise than it gets. If you want more than a pretty aluminum toy, get a surface. As an apple user for the last 10 years, you've truly caught my attention Microsoft.
Irene Arlet i don't really see the use in the surface 3. it's inferior to any notebook and tablet-wise there is no real use in my opinion. i mean yeah if it could replace your macbook and your ipad you have to ask yourself: what did you use the ipad actually for? there is no useful function in tablets, really. Notebooks these days are so thin and light, that you can put them into a bag just as easy as a tablet.
So all thats left is a half-notebook with your surface 3. Windows 8.1 is not really nice to use on tablets, i don't understand this cross-device OS-thing. the only thing the surface 3 can be nicely use as, is as a notebook. and notebook-wise there are many other notebooks that are much better than the surface.
someone please tell me what is so good about a macbook? please?
The price. Oh wait no thats pretty shit as well.
Price, battery life (13 hours), Mac OSX (unix based, more stable and fast), apple hardware and software support in store, icloud, imessage, appstore, i can go on and on.
The logo on the back lol
***** ahahahah thank you, is windows really that bad? people act like windows is terrible but i love it :S
LizardanNet . hmm extra battery life would be nice!
Ok people, the Surface Pro 3 is the same things as buying a MacBook Air & An iPad.... If you are in the market for a new tablet & laptop, the surface pro 3 is a great option to fulfill both of those needs. If all you want is a laptop, there are a lot of amazing windows machines that will destroy the MacBook air in a direct comparison. If all you want is a tablet, then there are a lot of tablets that you can look at
I have a Pro 2 and cannot afford to replace it just 9 months after I bought it. However, I love the machine and see no point in replacing it at this point. I will wait a few years and then get another Pro. I love the job MS is doing with its tablets.
To people who complain about the keyboard on SP3. I tend to prefer using the SP3 even if I have a laptop sitting right next to it. And I just can't help but feel sad for people who still buy Mac. The truth is, many of them aren't actually aware of SP3. SP3 is just far more useful than Mac. Just imagine being able to just pick up the SP3 and go to bed or whatever and keep using it as a tablet while you type in those last few words of your assignment. No need to turn off 1 device, and search for a tablet and find all the stuff you want to do on it all over again.
I would totally give away my laptop + wacom tablet and ipad for an SP3. People who can't see the value in having all that in one package are simply ignorant. Or lying to back up their beloved Apple.
Very true
How do find the quality of the keyboard for the SP3 to be? I heard there are two kinds. (Haven't done much research) which one would u recommend if u were a college student.?
Thank u
Gloria A Typing will obviously not feel as good as on a Chiclet keyboard. But I'd not bad. I personally didn't mind. It's also backlit, so there's that. I would totally recommend the type cover for a student.
I personally far prefer the MBA keyboard and I enjoy the responsive touchpad over my screen getting dirty.
cameron whitton Perhaps you should consider washing Your hands once in a while. Because if that's Your concern, then you've really got nothing to worry about. My touch screen is as clean as Your MBAs screen will ever be.
I am a huge Apple fan and own several Apple products, but the Surface Pro 3 looks fucking awesome. It seems Microsoft is finally catching up to Apple. I bet Apple will come up with something like this later on as well though, we'll see. But in the meantime, I got to admit I would definitely buy a Surface Pro 3 if I had the money and didn't have a laptop at the moment.
Me too, I'm a apple fan too and I would change my mac air to surface pro 3 soon.
I love your comment
The surface is powerful but can't replace all laptops for instance my laptop would punch the surface out of the ring. You could also find laptops 2x more powerful than the surface. It is more compact but I would rather have the power than the space. Trust me you're entering the world of pc and when it comes to choices you have alit to choose from.
*a lot. Yeah I fix my own grammar
The MacBook Air is a better notebook by far - you're better off with a MacBook Air and dedicated tablet (iPad, Nexus 7, Xperia Tablet Z2 etc.)
Surface Pro 3 is full of compromise, it's not a great a tablet or a great notebook.
As a tablet, it's heavy, runs hot, fans, has poor battery life, a schizophrenic operating system that constantly throws you into a fiddly desktop and (to top it off) a poor app selection.
As a laptop, you get an fiddly little keyboard, poor battery life (again), a poor selection of applications that properly scale on the display and an awkward form factor (e.g. try using the type cover while flaked out on your sofa).
The argument against Win 8 is pretty groundless, although it's fair to criticize the SP3 for its poor thermal management and average battery performance. But for the compromises, you get a greatly capable device that has one of the best displays, best aspect ratio for productivity, pen and touch interface and excellent portability. I would never criticize the MBA for what it is because it's an excellent laptop, but for those of us who need pen input and prefer Windows OS in an amazing form factor, the SP3 is the top choice.
"it's not a great a tablet or a great notebook." I beg to differ. Its the first tablet that is actually worth buying. All the other tablets are just big phones, period.
"it's heavy" - its 800 grams, lol, speak for yourself.
"runs hot" - no, just no. For the things that you use your phone... sorry, tablet for, it will not.
"schizophrenic operating system that constantly throws you into a fiddly desktop" - haha, it does not unless you choose to.
"poor app selection" - well, it probably doesn't have all the flappy birds copycats and millions versions of angrybirds but it does have the rest. And btw if you have a smartphone what exactly are you missing? Nothing.
"fiddly little keyboard" - has the same key travel and dimensions as Air.
"poor battery life" - The same as MBA 11 inch, if that's bad I guess not all MBA have great battery.
"poor selection of applications that properly scale on the display" - well, unless you run a lot of XP era software, the rest have an options for scaling.
"try using the type cover while flaked out on your sofa" - exactly how I wrote this comment.
Btw spending more than 400$ for a device with TN panel at sub 1080p in 2014 is not wise. Put retina display on that and battery will perform just as SP3.
uncaringbear Re: Windows 8 -- I use a Lumia 2520 and find I need the desktop more than I should. E.g. you can only change the default search provider for IE from the desktop version of IE, you can only view battery percentage from the desktop taskbar, you can only clear apps from memory from Task Manager etc.
Aaronage man, how often do you use that? It happens like 5-8% of times. Think of it as a settings. Which I actually prefer since you can customize there much more.
why would I spend 1130 on a tablet with a cheap looking keyboard? Give me the macbook
Im with you
agree
I just can't understand what Microsoft wants. If it is a laptop why i need to pay for the keyboard? But if it is a tablet, then why it is so big and why they call it laptop?
Thank you, totally what I was thinking.
pixelthec Microsoft's campaigning for a tablet AND laptop alternative. You'd have a point if their campaign was a tablet OR laptop. If you want just a laptop... get just a laptop, but if you want just a tablet... get just a tablet. The beauty of the SP3 that people don't see is that it's combining the two into practically a new device (ultrabooks do offer the laptop and tablet alternative, I'm typing on one now, but it just isn't as slim as a SP3, and awkward to use as a tablet).
I was about to get a SP3 but with Broadwell just months away, I think I'll wait for the next generations.
I really hope everyone pays attention to Lisa's conclusion: the machine that is right for you really depends on what your requirements and preferences are. If you prefer one OS over the other, then the choice is obvious. If you have a need for pen and touch input, you know which one to pick. If battery performance is your top priority, one clearly outperforms the other. If flexible portability is a determining factor, it should be clear which one is better. It's a pointless exercise to claim that one is clearly better than the other, because both units have very unique strong benefits.
To get correct display scaling in Photoshop CC 2014 for Surface Pro 3, go to [Photoshop] drop down menu > [Preferences] > [Experimental Features] and click on the "Scale UI 200% for high-density display." It works well and makes Photoshop usable on Surface Pro 3.
I see the Microsoft commercial comparing these two all the time, and I honestly don't get why Microsoft keeps picking them, they're pretty different.
You don't remember the Mac vs PC ads or were you not even born yet?
TheMusketITuckedIt Yeah, and those ads were discontinued for a reason, cause they were stupid.
People who take notes, like in a meeting or in a classroom, would benefit from having a stylus... people who do professional drawing would too... a touch screen is really useful for when used as a tablet, it is perfect for reading, better than scrolling with a mouse or touchpad.... it is a matter of preference but I think that a macbook should have at least the touchscreen because that becoming a necessity now days... the pen, not so much, but the Touchscreen it is really a must have.
For everyone confused about Microsoft's SP3, I've got a little explanation here. So everyone is used to the laptop, tablet separation, and now that there's an alternate for both all in one device, people are still a little confused. People are asking why they need to buy the keyboard if it's a tablet, but also why does it need to be so big if its also a tablet. This is because Microsoft is practically creating a whole new segment in the portable device competition. I have replied to two comments on this video, but I'll restate myself here. Microsoft is campaigning for a laptop AND tablet alternative. You won't need a laptop or tablet anymore, just a SP3. (From someone else's reply to one of my comments), it's like the smartphones, now your phone can be an MP3 player, GPS, etc. This can be your laptop, by flipping open the keyboard cover and typing away, or tablet by either flipping the keyboard on the back side or taking it off altogether.
For those of you concerned with the price of getting the SP3, keyboard, pen, and the other accessories, I did a little research. To get a MacBook Air 13" with 256 GB and an Intel Core i5 AND an iPad Air 2 with 128 GB, you're spending $1,900, without a mouse or any accessories, but with the Surface Pro 3, with 256 GB and an Intel Core i5, keyboard cover, pen, and an arc touch mouse, you're spending $1,520.
Don't reply to my thread saying "Yeah, but the MacBook air costs less than the Surface Pro 3, so why did you make the SP3 cost less?" I'm pricing it this way because that's what the SP3 essentially is, a laptop and a tablet. And if you want to have just a laptop, get just a laptop and if you want to get just a tablet, get just a tablet. But if you want the convenience of having both in one, like a smartphone does with MP3 and GPS, get the SP3.
I had a Surface 2, wanting a tablet, and a Dell XPS 17" monster laptop before I swapped them out for a 13" Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro, which is an ultrabook 2 in 1, and about 2 months ago I was eager to get a Nokia Lumia 2520 tablet that can connect to 4G LTE, like the iPad, because the Lenovo just feels awkward in tablet mode. So I would have had another device to use as a tablet, as well as a laptop that can also be used as a tablet, and have to take notes on pen and paper in school without being able to use OneNote and see it on my phone, like I could do with the SP3 with the pen, (which works so seamlessly with it's palm rejection capability). Now I'm looking to swap out my Lenovo for a SP3, and finally Get Productive!
Sorry Apple , but microsoft did a better job, Surface pro 3 is much better.
Yeah, it was made specifically to rival the MBA. But seriously, i get 64 gb of drive space?
Surface is better
Miguel Andres Pozos Alvarado Do you have one to make your opinion, miguel? explicar por qué es mejor
Bueno.. yo hablo español.. tu hablas español?? puedo decirte muchas cosas por las que la Surface es mejor que MBP pero no usare traductor porque podria distorsionar mi punto de vista (el traductor no funciona bien) entonces crees que puedas entenderme?? respondi solo "Surface is better"porque es fácil para traducir, si quieres que te diga todos mis razones, tendras que leerlas en español ok?
Miguel Andres Pozos Alvarado My Spanish is decent. I've taken four Spanish classes in school. por favor hable.
Please do a smackdown comparison between the Surface Pro 3 and the Retina Macbook Pro 13. with Core i5, 256 SSD, 8gb ram for both devices.
They both cost exactly the same here in the UK (including Surface Pro 3 keyboard).
I bought a surface pro 3 in 2015 Feb for $1500 in Australia and I have to say, this is the best computer I've ever used, its got a really good display and the pen makes it so much easier to take down notes, however the kickstand falls down sometimes the screen never cracks because that but it still is annoying. But that's the only disadvantage in the surface, comparison with the Mac Book air 13 inch its way lighter and way better!!!! And the keyboard is really cool as well. So is the Surface pro 3 worth foe $1500, i'd say hell yeah. YOU SHOULD BUY ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please like if you agree only
SP3 is horrible. I am a uni student and I used it for 2 months and mannnnnnnnn, it'd start heating up after 2 hours of light use and then the fan would turn on and it'd be so LOUDDD. By the end of the third month,I had to return it and luckily I was able to. Main issues with this laptop/tablet hybrid is it's keyboard (the type cover sucks!), small screen(can become very hard to read sometimes and you'd have to constantly zoom in and out), and the stylus sucks aswell, it stops responding after like using it for an hour. Other than these faults, everything else seemed fine but again, if I had known these faults earlier, I would have never went opted for the SP3.
Wow, I had no idea MacBook Airs had TN panels. I was almost completely set on the SP3 but now I'm completely sold.
@Will BA Nit really... Not all people think like that, having a Hybrid has its own advantages, just like unified Hard Disc, more apps, tightens, etc
Why in the world would someone buy a Macbook Air to run windows on it??? Isn't the beauty of a Mac being able to use OS X?
Because of software people need to get work done.
Apple has amazing software and hardware, but engineering and other jobs require a windows operating system. It sucks though.
Nick Police well windows compatible soft: almost 5,000,000
OSX soft: less than 500,000.
Its not just engineering. Every sector, with small exceptions of music industry are ruled pretty much by Windows. Even video sector is now not dominated by OSX since adobe now produces, and have been producing for some time now, their soft for windows.
Difference of almost 1000% of compatible software is not some minor difference.
They suck? Lol, you know what sucks? not having any)))
Nick Police How does it suck?? If it sucked then no one use it...
I like macs but I like windows as well.
Israel Ruelas no one would use it.*
Great review! Though, you should have stated the typical price of a 10"+ ARM tablet ($500 for 16GB of storage, $700 for 64GB of storage) and a 10"+ digitizer-pen drawing board ($350+) when comparing the prices.
The Surface Pro 3 already has a more justifiable price tag than any Laptop-only ultrabook, especially them MacBooks. For a fair price comparison, add a 64GB iPad ($700) + Large Intuos 4 Wacom Board ($450) to the MacBook's price ($1000) AND a Type Cover keyboard ($130) + 64GB MicroSD ($40) to the Surface Pro 3 price ($1000), now tell me which is more priced fair...
Lisa are you going to review the new shield tablet?
Lisa, which one of these machines is better to run Adobe CS6 Suite? Im debating which one to get for art school.
Benchmarks show that SP3 is 1.4 % better in Adobe suite because of CPU U4300 vs U4250 in MBA. Which soft are you using from Adobe?
If you have seen the presentation Adobe are personally backing SP3 with their software.
Alikapups I have all the creative suites from Adobe. I am leaning more towards the SP3.
MayorMcCheese78 If you are into PhotoShop, Lightroom and Premier Pro, you will love the digitizer + Touchscreen + virtual keyboard for shortcuts = amazing experience. Going back to keyboard and mouse will feel like going back in time. This is my personal experience.
Damn 1.4% that must instantly make the surface look like a workstation PC compared to the mba
Does the surface pro 3 heat up quickly ? Does it get too hot? since it has a i5 processor?
Do a review of the sony vaio flip 15 and surface pro 3 please and compare the pen on the two . Thanks
Nice comparison, but using the photo shop as an example for scaling was a little to out of place since..... No actually you would be able to use or on the surface pro 3 with its digitizer/pen. But I don't think it'd be much of a problem when using the pen with a the pin point accuracy that even smaller icons are easily pressed.
Im a college student and have owned an iMac for 5 years and a MacBook Air for 2. I currently have an iPad 2 which I carry alongside my MBA since i can use my stylus to take notes on my iPad and they transport directly into my MBA with the Notability app. My iPad has served me well but its killing my back since its almost as heavy as my MBA so i was thinking if i should get an iPad air for 450 or a Surface pro for about 6-700. I can use windows fairly well even though all my products are apple. I love the idea of being able to take notes and have a full blast PC capable of playing video games all in one (although i currently league perfectly on my MBA). What do you think i should do? How has your experience been with the SP2?
Another fantastic comparison illustrating the clear differences between the two devices. Ultimately, as Lisa says, the decision will be made based on OS preference and whether you desire the tablet form factor.
Personally, I want maximum flexibility and portability. The Surface Pro 3 offers state of the art design, power, and portability in a tablet. It really is the best of both worlds. Sure, there are better laptops if that's all you want. But no laptop offers all the features and flexibility of the SP3.
Is this a full on Microsoft laptop? meaning do i have to use the microsoft store to get all of my apps, or is it the same as an ordinary windows PC? I have lots of codecs i install for video editing, and some 3rd parry programs so i want to be sure i can install those like i can on a Mac
+Jose Pasillas Yes, is a full pc.
Just a tip for macbook pro and air owners. You can get something called Nifty Drive, which is an adapter for micro sd. Advantage is that it sits in completely, so it's kinda like having a permanent extra 64 GB ... that you can swap out with a paper clip or the included tool.
Just bought the macbook air yesterday. The not 1080p screen was disappointing, but this type of laptop isn't meant for super high end things and a higher resolution screen would use more battery. The screen still look pretty good and at the distance a normal laptop is gonna be away from your eyes you can't really notice anyway. The colors don't look very saturated however. I am however used to a Samsung phone so my brain now thinks everything is less saturated lol. These devices are for two totally different things. You just have to think about your life and which features work best for you. The thing I hate the most about the Surface is they talk so much about the keyboard and how that is the main thing that sets it apart from the rest and it's not even included... Without the keyboard it's gonna suck as a full computer. I'm just imagining trying to press the tiny icons in photoshop and adjust the small sliders with my finger lol.
Should have gone pro, pro v pro is the only battle
i still cant figure out why they keep pointing out that you cant remove the keyboard from the MacBook Air... what sense would that make? what other laptop can you remove the keyboard from????? Its not a tablet.. it doesnt have a touch screen.. being able to remove the keyboard would be pointless, you might as well get an Imac.
Jon Lindsey tons of android, tons of windows AND THEY ALL HAVE TOUCH SCREENS
Yoga 2 13 by lenovo
aspire switch 10 by acer
yoga 2 11 by lenovo
thinkpad by lenovo
yoga pro by lenovo
Pro 3 (ofcourse)
Hp elite book
dell XPS 11
Vaio tap 11
#dumbass
Jon Lindsey laptops with a touchscreen?
toshiba satelite
deill inspiron
hp ENVY smart touch
dell xps (Lap edition)
Kirabook
THE LIST GOES ON, and if you meant a non touch screen that is detachable, my android tablet does that, the screen may or may not be busted, but I need attachments in order to use it, one of those is a keyboard. It does not say what type anywhere on the device
no moron, I said name a laptop (WITHOUT) a touchscreen, if it has a touch screen and it has a removable key board, its a 2 in 1. I didnt say a laptop that is also a tablet, and btw... your android TABLET isn't a laptop is it? Ok... let me try to make this clear for you... the MacBook Pro isnt a tablet, it isnt a touch screen, it's a LAPTOP, so what sense would it make to make the keyboard removable?
What other LAPTOP... not touch screen, not tablet... you know what, lol.... never mind.. I can't continue this conversation with you because you are obviously a fucking moron. just drop it, lol
#fuckingretard
I recently purchased the Microsoft surface pro 3 but ultimately decided to return it. It is a great device but I just simply felt that it was too small for me. I reverted to a 15 inch laptop with a top of the line refreshed i-7 Haswell processor along with maxed out specs and I couldn't be happier. With the money I saved, I will buy a solid state hard drive and still have some leftover.
Yea, back in 2010 we used our iPad for college and I rocked! I don't know why college students not grabbing this. It must be the high price! I wish they could lower it. It's heavy and bad for you legs (not a good lapto). But on a desk, you can play games, read your email, write on it (very challenging), view face book, and type up your paperwork. Same thing we did with the iPad...
Great comparison but can you make a video about the new Mac book pro vs the Microsoft surface pro 3.
First thing every single person has ever said "It doesn't come with the keyboard?" as their enthusiasm for the surface plummets.
Nice review and well presented.
I just got a SP3, the screen is great, very vivid colours.
I also like drawing with it, cheaper alternative to s contiq companion.
can't afford any of these :(
Positive thought has a positive impact. Everyday you visualize yourself holding and owning one of these devices, save towards it and you'll be surprised how quickly the money will appear. *Trust me on this and it doesn't hurt to try*
To be honest, it doesn't matter. There are plenty of computers with comparable hardware for a much smaller price. I have a mac myself, a macbook pro, and tbh, it's not that special. I was just as happy with my previous $600 windows laptop.
Paratrooper 6 Only reason I love about mac products are their build quality. You may be able to get same specs for few to couple hundreds of dollars less but you won't find anything like macs where it has that beautiful aluminum chassis. Well, this all comes to their own decision, if you like the build quality and don't mind paying the premium, you can't go wrong with it.
Paratrooper 6 I have a MacBook Pro, too. But I just hated my previous Windows Laptop and now I nearly love my Macbook. The System is just running so much more stabile.
Jun Jung I am bilingual when it comes to operating systems. But I like the cutting edge factor that Lisa mentioned at the end concerning the Surface Pro 3. I can't wait to see what Apple finally comes up with when they come out of hibernation.
Hello. Wish you can reply to my comment. I own a SP3, ans i have a issue with the kickstand. It isn't as hard as i expected. Precisely, when i push It near to its limits bottom point, It tend to push It down to the end after 5 minutes or so. I'd like to know if yours does the same. Cuz i'm gonna return It and take ajouter one to compare.
Will you review the nvidia shield tablet
Great as usual, can't wait for my SP3, not long now.
I have a MacBook Pro 15" and just don't see how the price is justified for the surface. Yeah it's cool and convenient but it just doesn't compete with it. My mac is a monster thing would work circles around a surface and I feel like an air would do the same. I had a touchscreen laptop and returned it and got my Mac. Macs just make sense and the software you need comes with it and updates are free. I will always say Mac is better than the typical laptops you can pick up at bestbuy for my needs. I stand by my Mac and laugh every time I see the surface commercial.
A screen graphics tablet alone is 300 to 2000 :D
SP3 competes with the MBA + iPad air, not just a MBA. SP3 serves the purpose of laptop and a tablet. I don't understand why their commercials don't mention that specifically
Great review! Thanks!
Someone please help me!
I currently have a MacBook Pro 13in. Im not a big tech guy, meaning I cant tell you nor do I care much about what programs/processes it has. Im a college student and mainly use it for typing papers, doing some internet research, youtube, netflix, etc. i don't really use it for "cool" or "geeky" or "apple only" things. Im considering getting the surface mainly bc i love the pen/notes thing it has. It would help me a lot in school and in lectures (im a math major, and i cant use my mac for notes bc of all the figures we use).
So that being said, is it worth selling my mac and buying a surface pro 3?
Wouldn't it make a little more sense to compare the SP3 to the Macbook Pro 13"?
I know people say the i3 version wouldn't be best for a true laptop replacement, but for my needs it seems like it would be a good one. the only fault is the 64 gigs, but can't I use an sd card or an external hard drive to cover that? or should I really just save up for the i5? I hear the battery life is a little worse and heats up quicker than the i3. please help!
Excellent review Lisa. I trust all of your opinions on such matters. I'm completely sold on Surface Pro 3...
Just got my MacBook Air love it, would not go back to windows ever, even if I get it for free
I would choose the Surface Pro 3, but because of the high price of the accessories (Keyboard, Office, etc) I choose the macbook Air.
Now you need to buy a good screen tablet for 300+
***** Nobody "needs" to buy a tablet...
Macbook Air Is Better
I don't understand why people are buying SP3s for the pen for note taking. Why spend $1000 when you could spend $10 for a big fat notebook and a pencil.
I love it when people say you shouldn't run Windows 8.1 on a MacBook... has it occurred to you that some people need to have both OS? Ever tried working with android phones on OSX? Ever tried Microsoft certification on OSX? Or a hundred other reasons. Parallels running on OSX is superb. And I would like to see you running OSX on a Windows laptop!
The Surface 3 looks really nice, but for me personally, I think the MacBook Air is the better choice as I am a writer and I just can't imagine the surface on my lap. I may check it out though; touch screen, removable keyboard and pen isn't to be sniffed at, even though it is considerably more than an 11" Air here in the UK.
Can you run programs from the internet such as itunes, fl-studio, minecraft, and jailbreak on the surface pro 3?????
Yes
Of course not ;) its not like its a pc
can you run far cry 4 on the mba????????
Yes you can run it on both surface pro 3 and MBA
yes you can and yes you can run far cry four on microsoft pro 3
I'm a photographer who uses photoshop to edit my photos, I also use my laptop to design websites which of these would be best and why, thanks!
Great review!
Regretted having bought a surface pro. it was neither a laptop (to put over lap while using) nor tablet to comfortably hold in one hand. Now very happy with macbook & ipad mini.
And yes, I can run the cool windows 10 on my macbook. windows 8 sucks ... made me move over to mac osx.
samann95014 You lost soul, I will pray for you.
It is up to you to interpret was I typed as you wish and makes you happy. It was just a little joke. I've had my SP2 for a year and what the other commenter wrote I never had a issue with. Im not a big and tall person so that would be why it has been a comfortable ride for me. It all depends on the persons needs. I am a university student and for my needs the SP2 is beyong better than a non touch screen. Again, just my needs, not everyones else's.
***** it feels great taking notes with the SP2. No paper, no pen, no heavy notebooks to break my back when walking around school. I use my surface for everything. MATLAB, AutoCAD, note taking, hw, pdf books, keep it coming...All i put in my backpack is the surface pro 2, well and a mech pencil for exams.
These are two splendid devices. I use the Surface 3 for OneNote and its very useful for writing school work and any notes. If you like to draw as well it is very good. The reaction of the pen to the surface 3 and pro 3 is real-time and I would recommend it for artists as well. Personally, the screen on the surface pro 3 is huge and the surface 3 is a bit smaller, which I prefer. The MacAir is very good as well. When it comes to typing, I prefer to type on the MacAir in oppose to the surface tablets in general, even with the keyboards. The MacAir is easy to understand once you get a hang of it and the operating system runs a bit better than windows. I also prefer to read on the surface by far, in oppose to that of the Mac. The devices have their use, its all up to your satisfaction. Mac Air battery life is awesome. The surface pro 3 and surface 3 have battery lives much better than the surface pro 2.
The main reasons I didn't get the SP3 is the kickstand and price. I type when I sit away from a desk or table a lot, so the SP3 just looks like a balancing act. I say looks like because there's no way to test that out in the store.
Have you tried going to a Microsoft store to check it out? They'll let you walk around/sit down with one there.
The nearest microsoft store is about an hour away.
***** one hour away... you better go pack your travel bag! :D
I am getting the mac for Christmas but I was contemplating which one to get and I decided on the mac because I already have a iPad
Very nice review.
Please do a review of the Logitech G502
PROTEUS CORE
Tunable Gaming Mouse
They both are incredible products. Just comes down to what OS you like more :)
Great Review like always.
I am totally confused b/w MacBook Air and surface pro 3 .can anybody help me ?
Brilliant video! I needed this :)
I'm having trouble picking one of these...A Macbook Pro would be awesome for video editing, but on the other hand, the windows go pro has a touch screen and all that goodie..What would you recommend and why?
You can do everything you can do on a mac on a surface pro 3 but the surface is more portable and has better features mac is only good because of the logo on the back of it to people.
Darkermind You read my mind, I completely agree.
Sweet...I'll be getting one soon!
Salaam, Namastay. Honestly, i perfer the Macbook Air/Pro over the Surface anyday. If you have a budget to get a Macbook Pro, get a Air and a iPad. Then, you can have two fancy toys to play with and work on.
Shahzad Khan why buy two things when you can have a tablet and laptop in one with touch screen usb ports and a pen your logic makes little sense.
Nice, where did you get that Nvidia shirt?
great review.
seriously tho. which one wold u rather have? something good powerful and is light? or somehting like a pice of shiit that is from appl? right?
comparing anything mac os and windows was always going to be apples and oranges, but you did a great job reconciling the various features of the two. def earned my sub!
What are the price comparisons when compared to the specs. MBA cost how much? How does that compare to the Surface Pro 3 i3, i5, i7 versions? Also, how much will the Surface cost compared to MBA when you add the keyboard dock? Which devices offers more battery life which for me is very important for mobile computing.
MBA would have much better battery life.
MBA 128GB $999
MBA 256G $1199
SP3 256GB i5 $1300
SP3 256GB i7 $1550
SP3 512GB i7 $1950
i didn't add in the 128gb version or the i3 versions of the pro 3.
if you were to get a pro 3 i'd recommend one of the ones i included :)
I heard the display on pro 3 owns the display on the MBA
you will need to add $130 for the keyboard as well. Plus a bit extra for other accessories such as case, mouse, speaker etc :)
I believe the pro 3 to be worth it, though i do think they should lower the price by at least a few hundred dollars AND include the keyboard
Shark Babe I doubt anybody buying a SP3 *_needs_* a monitor as an additional accesory. Heck, I'm sure you could even save yourself a couple hundred bucks by just getting a case and any third-party wireless keyboard. Problem solved.
I have the pro 1 but don't have a monitor. Chill. it was just another example.
Not in need of a chill, dear Catfish Babe. I was just putting emphasis on a word.
catfish? you have confused me haha
Why did she tap that button at 6:35
I was surprised how balanced Lisa was here, she's usually very biased for any Mac products.
Thank you this helped a lot
although i got a retina mpb i would go for the Surface, seems like a better deal to me. Well, just in this case! A retina air would change the game a little bit.
I can't decide what I should get. I'm a yr 7 student that like to make electro music and play games. I can only afford to get a Mac or a surface.
Didn't Intel release a fanless CPU like a week after the SP# came out? It seems like they're trying to tear down the Surface line
Between the 2 I would prefer the Surface pro, but the Lenovo Yoga pro 2 i have with i7 processor and far better screen resoloution then both. It literally load up my windows 8.1 pro in 10 seconds.
Howdy, I am a landscape architecture student and I am looking for a computer that will run AutoCad, Sketchup and Photoshop smoothly. Does anyone have any suggestions? something that is affordable too, and it possible not more than 4.5 lb. I have been looking into a lot of computers but its hard to find one that doesn't go over $650. Thank you
Isn't the Surface Pro 3's resolution 2048x1440 rather than 2560x1440?
I think she said 2160x1440.
asdfrozen ah I got mixed up. I was thinking about the HTC Volantis' resolution. And I heard her wrong too. Its been a long day.
Definitely wait for the upcoming 12 inch MBA
I have chosen the macbook air. Bought it. And i love it. I would go for surface pro if they include the keyboard.
1 thing I absolutely love about the SP3 is that it may just force Apple to step up its game with the MBA.
Shouldnt it be a Surface Pro vs a Macbook Pro?
is there really big difference from 4 gigs+i5 to 8 gigs +i7 aside from gaming ..
Huge
only if you are doing processor intensive stuff. if you are browsing the web and using office you wont notice the difference
If someone could guide me in the right direction :D I need a device that can fulfill all my computing needs. It must have 3g/lte built in connectivity, a keyboard would be nice and furthermost it must have an operating systems which can be installed on my pc. :D i have to do work, school, fun and little games all with one device. What is the device i should buy?
@Nathan Jones She is probably the most impartial reviewer on YT! ... I'm sure most would agree with me
Surface PRO 3 is absolutely amazing ultrabook. You can hardly find a better ultrabook when you travel a lot. Light, thin, powerful with touchscreen and stylus support. I have i5,256GB SSD, 4GB of RAM What do u wanna more ?
On everything else (gaming, video editing, etc.) I have PC.
You seem to be incapable of getting past the fact that the keyboard is optional for the SP3. Really, get over it. I think you might take note that a pen won't work all that well on the MBA screen. I wonder why that is?
Surface Pro 3 wins this easily. And I am a Mac user. :)
I m 14 year should I buy surface pro 3 for school propuse
Better take the Surface 3. It's smaller and lighter but just does your work right ;) (A 15 Year Old with a Surface 3)
Apple needs to bring back the normal macbook. (the plastic white ones) (they could be different colours this time) They were more cost friendly, etc.
Yup. Just update the specs, make it a lil bit thinner, add more colours and give it a new OS- BOOM. A new macbook.
The aluminum on the new ones are used to absorb heat to stop overheating and less use of the fans, plus the plastic ones yellow over time and are now not an Apple standard, every apple product today uses aluminum for the exterior parts
macbook air 11 inch 9 hour battery life not 12 hour... 12:30 ... enjoyed this video
My Surface Pro 3 is just Amazingggggggggggggg
orrrr you could buy the surface and install osx mavericks by using virtual box :D
tl;dr:
Need a pen for writing or digital art? You can't do that on the MacBook Air, so go with the Surface Pro 3.
Don't need the pen and just want a laptop? Both are capable of this, but the MacBook Air is more ergonomic (easier to use as a laptop, longer battery life, better keyboard and trackpad).
I've been using Apple and will continue to us Apple because of what it does for me.
You look and talk like Leslie Winkle from Big Bang Theory. :P But, do an amazing job at the reviews. Keep it up. :)
To be fair you need to add $500 for a hires, 12" digitizer to the MBA.