Surface 3

The older, original Surface (also known as Surface RT) and Surface 2, with their ARM-based processors and Windows RT operating system, were designed to compete with the iPad and other tablets. The first Surface was criticized for performance issues, which were reduced in the succeeding Surface 2. Due to the differing processors, these devices were incompatible with the vast number of Windows programs written for x86-based computers, running only those written and compiled for Windows RT, loaded from Microsoft's application store.

Released prior to Surface 3, the Surface Pro 3 – featuring a more powerful Intel Core processor, and running the standard version of Windows 8 – became a profitable product for Microsoft in late 2014.[6] It had a starting price of $799, featuring a larger display, and competed with high-end ultraportable laptops.[7][8][9]

With the introduction of the Surface 3, Microsoft aimed to make a product more affordable than the Surface Pro 3, at the expense of screen size and performance, while retaining the broad software compatibility.

The Surface Pro 3 was replaced by the Surface Pro 4, but the Surface 3 was discontinued after a year and a half, with no similar successor. Another year and a half later, the Surface Go – with similar characteristics, but improved performance – was introduced, followed by successor models.

Surface 3 received generally positive reviews from computer critics. They praised Microsoft's shift from ARM architecture toward x86, and therefore from Windows RT to a regular Windows OS. Most noted a well designed chassis and accessories produced of quality materials, and overall premium feeling of use. While less powerful, the Surface 3 was a lighter and cheaper alternative to the Surface Pro 3. More importantly, the Surface 3 could compete at the high-end of Android and iPad tablets, with the advantage of being a device running a full desktop OS instead of a mobile OS for a similar price.[16] Reviewers also note that 37 GB[3] of the total storage space in the low-end Surface 3 is available to the user, while its close competitor, the low-end iPad Air 2, has only 12.5 GB of user-available storage space for the same price.[10][17]

The most common downsides are relatively low battery life, slower performance compared to devices with Intel Core processors[17][18] and a high price since accessories like Surface Pen and Type Cover are not included.[17][19][16]

• Official website