X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Hands-on with the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (pictures)

Microsoft announced today the Surface Pro 3 ($799), a new high-performance tablet designed to get rid of the "conflict" between owning a tablet and a laptop. Here's a photo tour of our first hands-on impressions.

David Katzmaier
David reviews TVs and leads the Personal Tech team at CNET, covering mobile, software, computing, streaming and home entertainment. We provide helpful, expert reviews, advice and videos on what gadget or service to buy and how to get the most out of it.
David Katzmaier
001microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
1 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

Microsoft's latest tablet is available for pre-order May 20, starting at $799. Here's an initial hands-on, in photo form.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

002microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
2 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

Shown here is the optional Touch Cover ($130).

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

003microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
3 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

The biggest improvement is a larger screen that measures 12 inches, with a 3:2 aspect ratio.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

024microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
4 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

"Lapability" was one of the buzzwords Microsoft used to describe using the Surface Pro 3.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

023microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
5 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

Aiding lapability is a redesigned kickstand.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

028microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
6 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

A front view of the kickstand in action.

Check out the  Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

022microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
7 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

The tallest kickstand position gives the Surface the most laptop-like feel.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

011microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
8 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

Side view of the tallest position.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

009microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
9 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

The in-between position is more laid-back.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

012microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
10 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

A new position, dubbed "canvas mode," lets the Surface really lounge.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

014microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
11 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

Canvas mode angles the screen back to 150 degrees.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

026microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
12 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

The cover also has a holder...

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

025microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
13 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

... for Microsoft's new pen.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

027microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
14 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

The pen is designed to feel -- both on screen and in the hand -- like a real pen. With 256 points of pressure, writing on the Surface Pro 3 promises to react just as if you're writing on paper.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

006microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
15 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

From taking notes to doing the New York Times Crossword or writing and editing a screenplay in the app Final Draft, pen input is a major part of the Pro 3. And all you have to do to start writing is click it to unlock.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

008microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
16 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

Back to the display: it has a 2,160x1,440 resolution that Microsoft calls "Pixel Free."

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

015microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
17 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

To get the body so thin but still allow the power of an Intel Core i7 processor, cooling fans were redesigned for the Pro 3 so that it seems fanless.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

018microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
18 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET
019microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
19 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

Thanks to a close partnership with Intel, it's 9.1mm (0.36-inch) thick, which is the thinnest Intel Core PC ever made. It weighs 800 grams (1.8 pounds) and has 10 percent better "performance" than the Surface Pro 2.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

021microsoft-surface-pro-3-product-photos.jpg
20 of 20 Sarah Tew / CNET

Despite the thin body, you'll still find a full-size USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, and a Mini DisplayPort.

Check out the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 first take.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos