Tested In-Depth: Microsoft Surface Pro 3

Will and Norm sit down to discuss the new Microsoft Surface Pro 3. We compare it to previous Surface Pro devices and how it fares as both a laptop and tablet alternative. The one thing we like the most about it: note-taking with the pen digitizer is a lovely experience.
#SurfacePro3 #Microsoft

[@tested]

Enjoy tech? Check out Projections, our series about AR and VR: bit.ly/2ufaYr2

[@path-etic]

I'm an undergraduate student studying biology. I have to say the stylus component and the ability to mark up pdf's- be they textbooks or science journal articles, is HUGE! i can't express how much it has helped my academic life. I have downsized my entire backpack to just the microsoft surface pro 3 (and a pad of paper for doodling notes). I have all of my expensive textbooks torrented as free PDF's and ready for full annotation and marking up. Also all of my in class note taking has become a mixture of typing, copying and pasting images and graphs, and natural feeling hand writing that can all be seamlessly executed REAL TIME in class along with lecture. That feature with the ability to have half the screen dedicated to PDF annotating and the other half of the screen open with some kind of word processor (microsoft 365 with onenote or just google docs) is a GODSEND to the student. As a college student, i give the microsoft surface a 10/10 (full laptop replacement for me)

[@bonnielyn]

John von reusner what model did you get? (i3, i5,? And storage?)

[@friggetyfuck]

I like how Will raises a question that tries to make Microsoft look stupid, and then Norm gives a completely rational answer that makes perfect sense. Will - "I don't understand why they'd sell this without the keyboard frankly" Norm - "So they can sell it for $800 for the base model"

[@tested]

Yes, but that's disingenuous as hell on Microsoft's part. It's basically unusable as a laptop alternative without a keyboard. You could buy a cheaper one, but it wouldn't be as portable.

[@friggetyfuck]

Tested Is the on-screen keyboard that bad? Don't recall seeing it in the video :)

[@ThePsykokud]

icestationzebra I had the original and if you didn't have a flat surface it is really awkward to hold and type with one hand, the kickstand wasn't all that great you couldn't really have it upright and type, but I did use it on my lap with the touch screen keyboard. I think the Surface Pro 3 is much nicer than the previous two models, unlike the 2, I would actually buy it at a better price point. I am curious to see how the 4 ends up, could be essentially a 3 but with small fixes, like the mentioned hitting the touch sensitive windows logo while drawing, or like the major jump from 2 to 3.

[@shanealvarez527]

icestationzebra The onscreen keyboard on my original surface is actually very useable as it is and I can only imagine that the SP3, with its larger screen and better aspect ration, only makes improvements on it. Plus, if you have the screen tilted all the way down, it gives you a nice typing angle. It's not perfect, but it will get you though most all typing situations. I still use my type cover regularly, but I've don't mind using the on-screen when I'm feeling lazy.

[@edwardjames419]

Team Chan! Suck it Vernon Smith

[@terryallen4407]

I remember watching this video a long time ago wishing I had one! My my how fast time goes by! I'm typing this from my surface pro 3 i7 and couldn't be happier!

[@philthomas4187]

How is the display? I want one, but I've heard the blacks aren't great.

[@terryallen4407]

The display is one of the tablets better traits!

[@philthomas4187]

Terry Allen yeah that's what I'm reading everywhere, but this one person who's usally pretty reliable was giving it so much shit. Maybe she had a faulty device.

[@derbob1234]

funny how everyone complains about the price but then an iPhone 6+ with 128gb of storage costs almost as much as the Surface which has a core i5, the same amount of storage and is actually a fully functioning PC when you need it to be...

[@6644pmr]

I just picked this up on cyber monday for $499 with the keyboard for free. bad ass deal.

[@alwaysstudying5309]

6644pmr Damn

[@loldoctor]

Beard guy needs to shut the hell up. The one dude trying to actually explain what's there is getting cut off and spoken over by the dude who's talking about what's not... Asking questions about a product =/= telling me that it's not a MacBook over and over. It doesn't even make sense, if he's there to get the other guy to address certain topics then doesn't cutting him off and not letting him talk just so he can make his own snide comments, like, the complete opposite of his purpose?

[@zazamospanapolus]

I cannot stand him. I'm thoroughly researching this product because I might get one for my sister and the bearded guy seriously needs to stop talking like a condescending idiot and let the other man explain some actual specs and observations about the tablet. Whenever he talks I just tap the right arrow on the keyboard until he stops talking. Annoying.

[@loldoctor]

zazamospanapolus i just got mine on monday, there are a lot of issues stemming from windows not being designed to be a tablet. for example the lack of mouseover makes it really hard to use a lot of dropdown menus/flash players/etc. as a tablet, it's mediocre--i found myself returning to my android tablet to watch videos/etc because it runs smoother and is more easily navigated (also i watch foreign TV w/ subtitles and it's easier to read on a smaller screen). however its a great laptop and this makes up for its shortcomings as a tablet imo

[@KenHeslip]

Michael Ian Ross Windows 10 may fix these issues....when it's officially released in a few months.

[@khalilsouthern1352]

Let the people do there job man

[@Bluesky_skyblue]

Well sir, you need to "calm the hell up" before you can make any sane statement.

[@thoyo]

love the question and answer format. you guys did a good job putting it through the wringer

[@JasonPatz]

Great review guys! I've been waiting for this since you announced you were going to do one. I really appreciated the Photoshop and Lightroom demos. I am strongly considering this for on-the-go initial editing of images.

[@DecxmberDxrnell.]

I've been wanting a tablet that I can actually draw on and that do what I like them to do. For ages I've stuck with Apple. Apple phone, Apple MacBook, etc. etc. but after seeing this im giving Microsoft a second chance

[@israelruelas5756]

***** same here. Im on my 2012 macbook pro but I want to give this to my mother and buy me a surface pro 3. Just waiting to see when Windows 10 will be available for it. I know regular pc Windows 10 updates have already been released.

[@MrMatttrow]

you guys are really in depth and show cool features. best review so far. Thanks!

[@AgonLohaj]

By far these are the best reviews I've ever seen for laptops (ultrabooks, stuff), period. You actually share information that I 100% care about. Keep up the awesome, awesome job!!

[@AbsoluteXero]

Keep up the great reviews, guys! I get annoyed when all reviewers do is read off the specs, I want to know what it's like to use it for extended periods and what the quirks of a product are.

[@DSDMovies]

Seems like MS are actually getting closer towards making a convincing argument for why the Surface should exist, although, the ultrabooks still seem better.

[@asdfrozen]

The Surface Pro concept isn't a new one. Similar products have existed for years, but no one but artists, architects, engineers, etc. used them. IMO this doesn't compete with the MacBook Air or other ultrabooks. This is a niche device, which Microsoft is trying (and failing) to sell to the general consumer. Can it do all the things a MacBook Air can? Yeah, but why would you pay extra for features you wouldn't use? I have a Surface Pro predecessor, and I love it because I use the pen a lot, but if you don't, I don't see the point of getting something like this.

[@MurrayWebber_AU]

***** Agreed. Microsoft have never made a secret of this. This is a "see what we did here, now come and beat us!" device, just like the Nexus line. In both cases, OEMs got greedy and lazy, and innovation practically stopped. In both cases, the devices have reinvigorated their specific market segments and spawned all sorts of new competition and improvements. Job done, I guess ;)

[@chrischoy9]

asdfrozen Artist use pencil and paper, not a bloody pressure sensitive touchscreen

[@asdfrozen]

chrischoy9 Yeah, because pencil and paper is great for digital art ...

[@chrischoy9]

asdfrozen Pencil and paper =/= digital art

[@AI3Dorinte]

good review, love the fact you guys cover a lot of aspects, subbed and pls keep them coming!

[@asgarhaider246]

this is the best in depth video... thanks for pointing all the details.

[@Granite]

too expensive for me..

[@Granite]

btw norm has a t shirt with testicles on it.

[@tested]

Granite it's actually the anatomy of a bee!

[@nudl3Zz]

it even makes apple products seem reasonable :-D

[@Granite]

Tested oh hahaha

[@AndrewBitting]

nudl3Zz No, still not

[@djbware757]

You could just flip the surface over if you bump the windows key with your hand, the screen will rotate no matter what orientation you have it in.

[@djbware757]

If he is an artist. Inking , hé wouldnt have the keyboard connected while drawing

[@CWSSje]

***** But luckily the kickstand goes over a hundred degrees, so if you flipped it over, it'd still stand, somewhat :D

[@djbware757]

Yes it does, i brought one 4 days ago

[@djbware757]

+Daniel Bentley i have one, it does

[@nukeclears]

Cant you force the fan to go at max speed and THEN start rendering the video? Through drivers or something like speedfan?

[@music108108]

Totally great review. Thanks guys. Huge amout of very practical and experience based comments. Cheers

[@WeekendsOnAWednesday]

No matter how much he tries, Will still seems to have that "perceived bias" or condescending thought process when it comes to anything Microsoft that he's apparently been trying to avoid. Always thinking worst-case scenario rather than the solution that's right in his face. Anyone would know you're not going to hold the Surface from the keyboard and expect it to sit up like a laptop...using common sense would show you don't have a perceived bias. Also, the jab at Windows phones was anything but necessary. Aside from Will's comments on the Surface it was a really thorough review and extremely well done!

[@jasminehoegh2711]

I agree with you. He should have just said "you can charge your phone." If you have a SP3 you probably wouldn't have a separate iPad at the same time...

[@Chickeny]

holy crap. i've had my surface pro 3 for a couple of months now. didn't know it had an sd slot. neat! (this is why i watch reviews of things i already own. haha)

[@AdrianClavijo]

Hahahahahahaha

[@Chickeny]

for real, though: super-excited to find this out.

[@jasminehoegh2711]

You aren't the only one I just found that out 2 weeks ago and I had it since it was first released.

[@jjss488]

@@AdrianClavijo - STFU

[@cro508]

can this version of PS be installed on the SP2? it's impossible to work at a 100% size because everything is tiny.

[@MrDebauch]

im curious to know how this thing runs audio programs and DAWs.. how would this thing perform with maschine, fl studio, cubase, etc.. and latency with external midi controllers etc... with the integrated audio card as well as an external USB one.

[@jathomas0910]

I find it interesting that this is exactly the product that I have been looking for for years, since the years of Tablet PCs, and I know many other techies too but today people really like to beat this product down... there was a time when I was grateful for windows xp on a tablet that got 2hrs of battery life and 16gig hd so to me this is a dream come true lol....i feel like the only one who actually likes the surface line lol...

[@mmwerner92]

Haha, not by a long shot. People love to bash this device because it does more than most of them are even aware of. I've never had someone walk away unimpressed after actually showing them how these work.

[@jasminehoegh2711]

I absolutely love this. This is what i've been asking for, for a long time and one of the reasons I dumped my iPad. It didn't do what I wanted effectively. I think a lot of people are wanting Apple to come out with a device like this and will bash anything they "perceive" as a threat.

[@alwaysstudying5309]

Jasmine Hoegh rite the ipad recording sucks i spent $100s on music apps...when i couldve just gotten fl studio surface pro 3 256 gb and have a portable studio smh...bouta get it off ebay with the keyboard and pen

[@thirsten55]

He is incorrect at 12:56 you can use your old type cover, I have a SP3 and it works fine with my old keyboard. also off the Microsoft store "Does Surface Type Cover and Type Cover 2 work on Surface Pro 3? A: Surface Pro 3 works best with Surface Pro Type Cover, however your Touch and Type Cover 2 will click in and work with Surface Pro 3." www.microsoftstore.com/store/msca/en_CA/pdp/Surface-Pro-3-256-GB--Intel-Core-i5/productID.300194700#surfacepro3vsmacbookair

[@abrahamknowlton9171]

I'm using a iPad with a Clamcase and I have it jail broken to use a mouse. I like this one but i want an iPad Air. Which should I get?

[@aldot1532]

how long should the battery last? is a lost of 30% in one hour normal or may I have a problem with my battery?

[@DakumaMusic]

LMAO at Will's disclaimer

[@Deuce7Off]

you shouldn't compare weight with two different hands...besides that great video thanks!

[@pietman28]

Hi guy's, do you know how to view mobile sites on the surface? Kind of annoying to use touch on non mobile optimized sites. Any advice is much appreciated :)

[@ryanspooner092]

Can you please share details of a mini-displayport to dual-displayport adapter to allow the connection of two monitors to the single port on this or the dock? I'm having trouble finding one.

[@ryanspooner092]

p.s. Good review thanks. Was kinda moot as I've already got an i5/256GB/8GB one pre-ordered, but it's good to know what I'm getting :)

[@Tesssst666]

JESUS PEOPLE! How are people not understanding that this is not overpriced junk, it's genus. It is the perfect thing for college and careers like engineering, medical, and ect. If u want a a high performance laptop, then buy a ASUS ROG laptop, but this is a hybrid. It combines features of a tablet and a laptop, allowing for features u can't get in just your normal laptop. And for the price, it's actually cheap for what you get. Remember every screw is not going to use the same screwdriver.

[@Mikie1959]

Ill take that surface pro if you don't want it

[@DimitriosGACCA]

Is it normal when i press the button to switch on it takes 2-3 secs to switch on?

[@michaelryalls9168]

my Microsoft surface pro 3 is reasonably new, but this morning the unit when turned on will only go to the screen that days surface, and will not open any further, can anybody help me.

[@LuisGonzalezConrad]

Dude who are you kidding! Only took me one minute to now you hate Microsoft and their products. You are the last person to give an unbiased opinion.

[@Newhbish]

Opposed to someone who LOVES windows products.... Every review will be biased that's just how they work.

[@Newhbish]

TBH attempting to find flaws is what I want to see in a review, that way I don't find any obvious flaws if/when I buy a product.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Adam from Mythbusters killed this review with his annoying and forced 'questions'. As if buddy doesn't know or understand the specs.... Just let Norman handle it, please.

[@TheRealMystermaN]

Are you blind, or just low on iq?

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Granum Of Life My vision, like my intellect, is outstanding.

[@TheRealMystermaN]

Propfrwrd But you can't see the difference between Will and Adam?

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Granum Of Life Of course I can. The comment was was tongue-in-cheek. Satire, based on the fact that there is a resemblance. An exaggeration, if you will. Sort of like how your comments show that you don't understand satire and sound like Dwight Schrute, HAL or iRobot. It must be hard to live in a binary world.

[@sunnyvalejedi]

Propfrwrd my apologies... the 2001 computer speaking to Hal.

[@fretfulsumo0484]

I didn't get to watch it all, so you 2 could of talked about it later, but can the surface pro 3 take pictures, or only download, or bluetooth pictures?

[@DocHogan]

Best non-biased review of the Surface I've seen! Nice job!

[@derrickwilliams2903]

It's getting to the point where I can't watch any of the tested videos where Will is a major contributor. His hyperactive energy grates on my nerves. Norm is a better presenter and tends to be more knowledgeable as well. Will starts off by saying he is going to ask questions as an unbiased party to help get Norm's opinion of the product. He proceeds to comment on each and every thing Norm says. When there is an actual question, it's often presented as if he knows the product or can guess at answers. Annoying. If you don't know, don't infer. Listen, digest, and ask good questions. Give Norm time to answer and shut the hell up.

[@Shadowx011]

Agreed...I even notice that Norm actually makes an annoyed looking gesture towards Will every once in a while especially when he is trying finish a sentence that Will keeps interrupting him with. Norm is obviously a much more intelligent person and it really shows when he is asking product questions. Just saying I can really do without Will.

[@Gravage]

I know. The whole time, I was thinking "That bearded guy needs to STFU". If I was trying to give a presentation and maintain my focus on delivering the material and some asshat kept interrupting me like that, I'd punch him in the face. He literally detracted from the video way more than he contributed.

[@camsayshello]

YES this is so accurate. I seriously can't with that guy.

[@DaveDavis1]

Yup. I had to stop watching because of this.

[@imhungryasfucktbh5601]

Exactly. Thank you.

[@Tahakey22]

R u kidding me? $800? Im good. I'll stick with a normal laptop.

[@bluedragonfire4960]

Not only that but you have to pay extra money for the keyboard as well.

[@angieromero9110]

P

[@mistamaog]

Blame Intel

[@Mutantcy1992]

Fox Player Well, I don't think it's pretending to be a gaming computer...

[@tnsvictory]

Fox Player is this where everyone says you and your first world problems at Christmas???

[@Funkadelic-Freak]

Can you convert MKV Large File (Above 8 GB) on Surface Pro 3 (i5, 256 GB, 8 GB) with Handbrake to MP4 for tablet and smartphone. How about the battery life?

[@briyah334]

Can you use any 10inch tablet for the case

[@trucomtipi]

Shut that guy in the pink and let the guy using the device talk FFS!

[@kendon81]

its soooo over priced for what it is.....its like they saw how much Apple products go for and thought lets get in on this.......but its way over priced you can buy a decent spec laptop for the same money and my Samsung Note 10.1 204 edition does about the same and its costs half the price.

[@Greenleaf_]

Yeah but I'd take that over an iPad any day. Yes it's expensive, but I don't think their market is people who are low on money.

[@walkerdarin2003]

GreenleafFPS Not even the same price point. Double to triple the cost?

[@Greenleaf_]

Darin Walker No it isn't.. 128GB ipad is $700, 128GB surface is $1000. Also there's no device that can do as much as it, and if you have money to blow and you want the best of the best, why not.

[@kendon81]

It's too expensive for a tablet too limited to be a true laptop replacement what it does it does grate but for the price I could get a new laptop that would handle work and play don't get me wrong it's a grate idea and the top spec one does everything you would need but the price is too much.

[@walkerdarin2003]

GreenleafFPS best of the best is the macbook air. clearly everyone has it wrong lol

[@jonewelle4288]

dose surface pro 3 play sap2000 programme??

[@bonnielyn]

Hi, have you ever experienced dust gathering on the vents?

[@Fox420]

1:40 "a traditional laptop like a macbook pro" fucking facepalm

[@pkmnFanNr1]

?

[@Fox420]

um. no

[@MikeDye86]

All track pads are a joke. Sure, some are better than others, but you can not be getting serious work done without a mouse.

[@ilikepieism]

I used to play quake 3 arena with a trackpad. I can't use trackpads any more. They physically hurt my fingers

[@cameronw6259]

The only good ones I've found that I could do work on if I don't have a mouse handy is the Mac/magic trackpad

[@robertcooper4467]

Can the Pen write in Word - or does it have to be One Note ? Can your writing convert to TEXT and then save into a document to be read by WORD ?

[@Viti]

the screen grab works on other windows devices, you only hav to hit (window) + N and then S for screen clipping. Then you can select the area with the mouse

[@darrenly3388]

Guy in the pink/red "yeah into the trash" Asian dude be like yeet " into the closet"

[@Soccercrazyigboman]

My wishlist for SP4 so that I can finally buy a Surface Product Make a 12" and 14" or 13" version and a Mini version for all the moms out there Same weight Go back to Wacom but if they're gonna be dicks about it, fuck em. Help Ntrig get to Wacom level MAKE THE KEYBOARD PART OF THE PACKAGE See if it is possible to make it be able to be hard docked like Thinkpad Helix 10 hours battery life.

[@Ropetable]

surface pro 4 will be 14''

[@bibhusluitel6540]

dont forget about thunderbolt 3.0 which should be included in the sp4

[@Jesus4Karen]

with the yoga pro 3 out or coming out which one is better? I do engage writing SO that is the deal breaker for me. I bought a Samsung galaxy note pro 12.2 for the writing experience. I Can still return it so my question this or the note pro 12.2? Him aware its Android vs Windows OS

[@NautyEskimo]

lol thanks for clearing the whole bias thing up Will. I was one of the people who commented about that and sometimes it has appeared to me that you may not like the predict that you guys review but in all i really enjoy these and everything you guys do!

[@koernercw]

Why do you compare everything to Apple? Not everyone is a soy latte sip'n Mac user

[@ashkonhakimi5372]

That's a non fat latte. Get it right lol jk

[@nyancat134]

Does the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 come with a keyboard or do you have to buy it?

[@alexmazer899]

Thanks for making this awesome and comprehensive review! Definitely helped me make a better decision as a consumer!

[@LoSkoopA]

@tested I was wondering about the high end version. the i7 would you be able to play games on that decently or no? in your opinion. or stream on twitch ?

[@marketingpro8161]

Like your review. What brand would you recommend buying functioning first as a laptop and tablet secondary? I have an online marketing business and travel quite a bit. So prefer to have something 13" or less. I have a Lenovo 15" Thinkpad which is too heavy and big for traveling. Thanks!

[@overtheedge23]

how much is a latest gen ultrabook plus latest gen ipad? or latest generation macbook plus latest gen ipad in total? both together cheaper than this one device?

[@merpmeep5756]

Would the Surface Pro 3 work well with coding webpages and designing?

[@fall0rn]

Importand question: when you are in the pdf/pen writing mode, can you change the colours and style of your pen? Or is it always going to be this sorta pencil style? Would be nice if you could also change it to a textmarker style for example, featuring lots of bright neon colours and the such

[@mmwerner92]

If you print the pdf into a OneNote page, you'll get all those options for sure.

[@darius9518]

Fantastic overview. Thanks.

[@CHARLENE1013071589]

No matter what I do to try and get my screen to display tried the power ,tried power and up volume , everything and wont come on.

[@brianwillson7373]

The mini displayport on the Surface Pro 3… what kind of signal can it send out? Is it a mini displayport 1.1, 1.1a, or 1.2? Can it send out a 4K signal at 60 hz or just at 30 hz? Thank you.

[@melias67]

Should i get this or an Asus 2 in 1 laptop that folds into a tablet, the Asus also has a GT840m GPU.

[@benrampolla1415]

How well woul this with the i5 128 gb handle moderate gaming

[@illestdestroyz]

How annoying is the fan on this? I was looking at the i3 64GB version for note taking at school and I want to know if the fan will be distracting.

[@13D00_]

does the screen respond on your hand when using the pen?

[@EndGameEnt]

It seems like a flawless device with the new accessories coming out and the ability to connect it to almost anything.

[@stanlyjarvis4347]

Is that a keyboard for surface 3 or the surface 4? I have a surface 3 and I want to buy the keyboard for the 4 I wonder if its a flush fit.

[@evanmedi6144]

found this really great deal on SP3 including all the original accessories except the pen, in a decent shape for 200$ its the 4Gb 128gb version with an i5 4300u should i go for it as i'm a bit heavy user i use programs such unity android studio and photoshop/ullistrator is this laptop capable or i'm better off with a normal heavy laptop

[@b.Ivey85]

I got the 2nd wanting to play apps on it but couldn't. Does this version play apps?

[@dubbelgamer064]

Yes it will play everything even gta 4

[@jamvng]

you can actually zoom in onenote if you turn on the setting

[@CovertBazinga]

Best review of the Surface Pro 3 yet....great job, guys!

[@robertcooper4467]

Does Cubase work well on Surface Pro 3 ? What spec would you need i3, i5, i7 ? What sort of memory would you need please.

[@caesar5555]

Does it have any competitors and how does it compare?

[@gamingwithrob1762]

Can I play clash of clans on this and use it like a tablet because I want to play apps on it for the tablet part and edit videos and stuff with the laptop part! Please some one reply!

[@diegoleao]

Very through and "realistic" review, I love Tested for doing this kind of videos, because they are a fit for the hosts. In the "Cave", you kinda feel the absense of Adam when he is not there, but not in these. And I just love Will and Norm. Great work!

[@Rctdcttecededtef]

Tested Does the keyboard have to be attached to be able to use it?

[@xxthreedaysgrace2xx]

You can zoom in using OneNote, I believe you have to change the setting however, but once you do you can zoom is as easily as anything else and you can write smaller.

[@abm4952]

One quick question, when you fold back the keyboard, are the keypad and mousepad deactivated? If they are not, they might interfere with writing in onenote if you are putting the system on a table to write. Please let me know, thanks, Amir

[@mmwerner92]

They do get deactivated. There's no issue with keyboard interference when folded back and using the stylus.

[@abm4952]

Michael Werner Alright cool.

[@adnanshafin]

Please can you suggest me about Alienware 17 inch laptop.

[@thefabfourdancers8975]

can you print on the surface pro 3

[@LibraGamesUnlimited]

I got the mid range one as a birthday present to myself in October and, once I got it set up the way I liked it, I totally stopped using my HP laptop (so much so I gave it to a friend who has wanted a laptop for awhile but couldn't afford one). My only issue with it so far have been that sometimes I accidentally push the power button when putting it in the case I got for it. I also don't use the pen much and sometimes I'm still getting the hang of the touch screen (as I've never really used touch screen before).

[@zuman1531]

so just wondering, Surface pro 3 or the macbook? as art student i really like the functionality of the surface, it work similar like the Wacom which i like but for a first laptop, i dot know what i should go for. if i get macbook i have to spend extra to get drawing tablet but, but if i get surface i dont have to spend any since the pen is there n i already have bluetooth keyboard. Decision ! : S

[@albertyounglantau]

I have been using P30 Pro for 4 years. Detachable keyboard is really handy. My only complaint is their hardware quality. Keyboard failed (connectivity problem) recently and I have to replace it with a new one. Power button needs to be pressed hardly for a while to turn on and not always working. The material of the blue keyboard gets dirty soon and after using for a couple of years, it started peeling off.

[@georgelalic2965]

I am a high school student and need my own laptop any suggestions I have a budget of he surface pro price and lower.

[@AbzArt]

could some of you peeps who know more about this stuff help me out? I want to use a tablet for drawing (adobe illustrator/photoshop mainly) and graphic design, not for gaming or anything much else. Would a surface pro or wacom cintiq/companion/intuous be more suitable (or something else)? I'd like it to be portable and easy to carry, draw on the screen and not have to depend on being connected to a computer/laptop. I've done some research but just want some more opinions :) cheers

[@overheardatthepub1238]

Thanks for the honest review. Thanks to Will for being super critical.

[@lsdave]

One thing i do not like on the surface pro is the speakers output level. I often find it too quiet. Has that been improved on the Surface pro 3? And another thing that is an issue is the wake up speed on the surface pro can be inconsistent and sometimes you are not sure if the device is waking up or not. Hopefully the resume on the Pro3 is improved.

[@OwenPrescott]

Can I connect this to my PC (Win 7) as a 3rd screen? I would like to use the power of my PC and the stylus functionality to draw on Photoshop etc.

[@aaeraag5724]

Yes.

[@liamkay7890]

Please let us know if you get the answer Owen, that's really important for me to know.

[@abm4952]

Hey, so for a few times I noticed you tried to zoom in by double-finger expanding and it didn't work in onenote! Did you have multitouch disabled or was there another problem?

[@mmwerner92]

They might have been using an older version of office? double finger zoom totally works in the most recent iteration of OneNote.

[@theDudeOfDudes]

Amir Bashiri I think it was because he was using the metro version, which is horrible compared to the desktop onenote. I use it on my SP2 every day and zoom in and out constantly.

[@TheCrazyStats]

Im thinking of getting this. Can I replace the SSD on the Surface Pro 3?

[@xxGLhrMxx]

Nope.

[@OriginalDeathpill]

This is the most unbiased review I've seen yet. Good job. You guys should teach the writers at The Verge how to review products.

[@UntakenNick]

One question.. how usable is it without the keyboard..? I'm planning on buying one using every cent of my savings but €130 for the keyboard seems way too much. Will the absence of the keyboard render it an ordinary $500 andorid tabled or can it still be used at it's full potential? And as a side comment, with this new 4G thing available everywhere, wouldn't one expect the SP3 to have a sim card slot? I don't think it's a deal breaker but I'm just saying..

[@Mivaxx]

which type of surface pro 3 is this? i5 i7?

[@JoshBroadhurst]

does the type cover have a backlight?

[@brandongaber5217]

Josh Broadhurst yes