With the Surface Pro 3, Microsoft tried yet again to build a tablet that can replace your laptop, but critics found it fell just shy of that goal. Engadgets own Dana Wollman said that despite being easier than ever to use as a tablet, the Surface still has some serious usability flaws, including a keyboard that offers a subpar typing experience and a frustrating trackpad. CNET liked the keyboard, but says that the Pro 3 still doesnt fit perfectly on the lap and that its more successful as a tablet than a laptop replacement. But despite these issues, theres still plenty to like about the Surface Pro 3, as evidenced by the readers who added the Pro 3 to their have list and wrote a user review recounting their experiences. The size and shape of the Surface Pro 3 were generally well-liked by users, with eca637 calling it very thin, light, and sturdy feeling, while nerva2940 says I hardly feel it in my shoulder bag. But comfort proved to be a contentious issue, as hkh222 says its sharp edges make it uncomfortable to use on the lap, though nerva2940 found the Pro 3 more comfortable and adjustable on the lap than any laptop. Users were okay with the keyboard, with gorbay calling it the most satisfactory piece although it feels flimsy. The trackpad on the Type Cover was a bigger hit with users, with ajcosgro noting how it senses your finger better and is slicker to slide across than the trackpad on its predecessor. Siri325, meanwhile, goes so far to say its just as good as the Macbook Airs mouse pad. The star of the show was the Surface Pro 3s pen input, which Siri325 says is like writing on a sheet of paper, though he will miss the ability to just flip the pen to erase. Its so good for note taking that nerva2940 says I no longer carry paper in class because OneNote 2013 is an incredible program for compiling information and writing notes. However, not everyone was pleased with the switch in pen technology from Wacom to an N-trig digitizer, with gorbay saying it doesnt compare since the pen can act weirdly depending on where your hand is positioned and with the insufficiently calibrated pressure curves right now, all you end up doing is [pressing] harder and harder, which pushes the glass down so much that you start seeing the ripples on the LCD. But, though nerva2940 feels it performs flawlessly in most categories and geeky says its faster than my laptop with a gorgeous screen, is anyone ready to actually replace their laptop with a Surface Pro 3? The answer is an emphatic yes for nerva2940, who uses it as a full desktop replacement and says unless youre a hardcore gamer, youll be able to use it as a full desktop replacement at home as well. On the other hand, gorbay quickly gave up on the hope that I can have only one device. The form factor is everything for tablets and MS seems to forget that a lot. It is very light for a laptop but not light and small enough for a tablet. My work device and my leisure reading/web surfing device can still be separate for now.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 05:42:37 +0000
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