Microsoft changes direction with the latest Surface

The third version of Microsoft’s Surface tablet isn’t a simple upgrade. It’s a change in direction.

Don’t be mistaken. The third version of Microsoft’s Surface tablet isn’t a simple upgrade. It’s a change in the direction of what its consumer tablet can do.

The original Surface and Surface 2 were cursed with a version of Windows called RT. It was a rewrite of Windows that worked with 32-bit processors made by British company ARM Holdings.

But it also was a cut-down version. RT would run apps found in Windows Store, but not all the programs users have accumulated on their home PCs and laptops.

Unsurprisingly, it didn’t sell well and those wanting a consumer Windows tablet could easily buy the full monte Windows’ experience from Asian vendors at decent prices.

With Surface 3, Microsoft has switched to using standard 64-bit Windows 8.1 with a 64-bit Intel Atom processor. Those who bought a more powerful Surface Pro had the genuine Intel experience from day one, but not everyday consumers. Until now.

Regular Windows PC users can now port across their PC Windows programs and install them on Surface — at least in ­theory.

The caveat is that Surface 3’s Atom X7 Cherry Trail processor isn’t as fast as one would hope, at least according to the tests I conducted.

The Cinebench 15 benchmark tests returned scores of 15 frames per second for graphics and 141 cb for CPU performance. That’s not so flash if you want regular laptop performance.

If you need a faster machine, then raid the piggy bank and buy a Surface 3 Pro. But if you’re computing life revolves around emailing, creating Word documents, watching movies in the train or on a flight, or doing a bit of sketching, then Surface 3 can do it.

The tablet itself is well made and has an attractive aluminium alloy casing. It’s significantly lighter than Surface 2 (622g vs. 675.9g for Surface 2), and it offers decent connectivity, with a full USB3.0 port and mini DisplayPort.

There’s also a microSD card reader hidden underneath the kickstand.

Adding a Surface 3 Docking Station (which costs an extra $279.99) gives you two USB3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, another Mini DisplayPort and audio input/output.

That makes Surface 3 the king of connectivity.

Microsoft has ditched the 16:9 ratio wide-screen form factor of Surface 2 for a slightly squarer 3: 2 ratio 1920x1280 display.

I’m told that this isn’t to do with improving the movie-watching experience, but about being able to hold the tablet more comfortably in portrait mode.

As for battery life, Microsoft promises up to 10 hours of video playback. I got eight hours, 40 minutes playing video at 75 per cent display brightness, which is very good.

Playback quality is clear and colours strong. Its stereo speakers offer Dolby Sound. There’s also decently specced 8.0 and 3.5 megapixel 1080p cameras.

Finally, there’s the kickstand. Having the kickstand open and the keyboard attached makes it longer than using a keyboard that supports a tablet, such as some Logitech keyboards. It’s a fair size to put on your lap, or on a ledge as I sometimes do at media conferences. So I’m not a kickstand fan. But on desks, Surface 3, its keyboard and kickstand do the job.

In Australia, Surface 3 starts at $699 with 2GB of RAM and a 64GB solid state drive. A 4GB of RAM, 128GB storage Surface 3 costs $839. Purchasers also get a one-year Office 365 subscription and OneDrive storage.

But you will be up for more than that. The backlit Surface 3 keyboard costs an extra $179.99. I could type quickly and accurately on it, no problem. This should be included in an overall price.

A pressure-­sensitive pen costs $59.99 and the docking station another $279.99.

So you could be paying well over $1000.

For that you could buy a well-specced Asian-branded Windows notebook, but at least Microsoft is back in the race.

Surface 3 is currently available on pre-order at the Microsoft store.