Microsoft has released a new model to the Surface line, the Surface 3, which is smaller and lighter than the previous model, and at a lower price.
Many are comparing the Surface 3 to the iPad Air 2, which is somewhat of a flawed comparison, given the fact that the Surface 3 runs Windows 8.1, a desktop operating system, while the iPad Air 2 runs iOS, a mobile operating system.
Nonetheless, for those who are considering purchasing either the Surface 3 or the iPad Air, it's important to take all things into consideration.
Microsoft has long been hailed as a king in the business market, and the Surface 3 is no exception. It features a full version of Windows 8.1 with a year free of Microsoft Office 365. It also features an Intel quad core Atom processor, a USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, and an 8MP rear-facing camera with a 3.5MP front-facing camera, all for only $499.
Microsoft has also taken mobility into consideration with this tablet. It is not only sleeker, but it is also far lighter, and is the perfect size to throw in a backpack for students or into a briefcase for work. It also comes with a keyboard, and while iPad's can certainly connect to a keyboard, they are not built to be keyboard-centric, especially since the width of the iPad makes using a keyboard with it a little uncomfortable for some. The Surface 3 is a little wider than the iPad, giving keyboards more room to be used.
The iPad Air 2, however, is somewhat aimed at a different market. While many argue that the iPad is getting better at being for the business-minded, it's still better off as a content consumption device rather than a content creation device.
All things considered, the Surface 3 is a far more powerful tablet than the iPad Air. Not only that, but it is a more powerful tablet for the same price.
Not everyone, however, is concerned with power. Many who buy the iPad Air buy it for the iOS experience rather than the power behind the operating system. iOS is certainly a powerful operating system, however as mentioned it is far more geared towards content consumption except for in some media applications. As a business tablet, it is certainly not the best tablet on the market. In fact, that title could be given to the Surface 3.
The Microsoft Surface 3 launches on May 5.
