Just got a newly released Microsoft Surface 3 tablet which is next in line from the Surface 2.

The Surface 3 is slightly larger, uses a different power connection, and most important of all is an Intel platform vice an ARM platform.  For the first time, the “low” end Surface device can run any software from the x86 (and x64) software base.  In the old Surface 2, applications could only be loaded from the Windows Store…not bad, but running Firefox, Photoshop Elements, etc. were not available on the ARM-based Windows RT operating system.  Now, with the Surface 3, a full Windows 8.1 environment exists…and all my favorite software can run.

Once set up, I installed my favorite Firefox browser and a few other tools.  I took the Surface 3 on a trip recently and used it as time permitted.  One noticeable problem was with the TYPE keyboard…it appears the SPACE-bar doesn’t always respond to depressing the bar – especially at the very end of the bar.  It appears that there may be slightly too much flex in the bar and the two points of switch contact toward the center of the bar don’t receive enough “depress” to create the space character.  I’ll have to try some other TYPE keyboards to see if a similar problem exists…it didn’t on the Surface 2 with either the first or second generation Type keyboard.

Another interesting challenge is the power connection…the Surface 3 uses a micro USB.  This means it can only go in one way vice the two way alignment of the Surface 2 and Surface RT.  I am concerned that the USB plug could be damaged/broken if too much front/back pressure is applied by non-delicate handling.  Additionally, the Surface 2 used a 12v power brick with a more flexible wire…since the Surface 3 uses a 5 volt (actually 5.2 volt) power at higher current, the wire size is larger and consequently stiffer.  This is a challenge in wire handling and storage.

The Surface 2 came with the full suite of Office installed.  Surface 3 comes with a year’s free Office 365.  Nice, but after a year, an additional $70 or so will be needed for another year’s subscription…considering Home and Student is about $140 and it works for multiple years…the perceived “cost” of the Surface 3 is significantly more than the Surface 2.

In general, I like the Surface devices and don’t need the powerhouse of the Surface PRO line.  The Surface 2 was a very good device, small, lightweight, and very functional.  It appears the Surface 3 is the same and even better in that I can load some software I really like.

Best deal in town…I pre-ordered the COSTCO package…Surface 3, black type keyboard, pen…savings over $80.  Loss of color of keyboard and pen, but no big deal considering the savings.

 Overall I like the Surface 3.  My rating for the Microsoft Surface 3 — 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

• It runs Windows 8.1 software…yea!
• It can run my favorite Firefox!
• Pen capable (I haven’t tried it yet)
• Expandable micro SD storage
• No detectable speed/performance problems for my use

Cons:

• Type keyboard SPACE-bar is a challenge to composing any material without paying attention to space character insertion
• USB power connection may be subject to breakage, and the stiffer wire doesn’t afford the flexibility of previous Surface devices.

Note: Any names/trademarks used are NOT an endorsement of those items…but are provided for reference only and are owned by their owner.