The Microsoft Surface 3 (4G, 64GB) was easy to use for a wide variety of functions. It was easy to move from screen to screen using finger swipes, and to move app icons among screens.
The rear-facing camera performed well. Photos can be displayed full height without interference from the navigation bar. Turning from portrait to landscape while reading a book worked well. Websites open in full detail instead of simplified mobile view. A voice-typing feature lets you dictate emails and text documents. A built-in file manager app makes it easy to transfer files from a memory card.
The display quality was excellent overall. Colors were among the most realistic and natural-looking we've seen. The screen was brighter than on most tablets and readability in daylight was very good. Viewing angle was extremely wide in landscape orientation, making it easy to share viewing of photos or video with several people. Viewing angle was extremely wide in portrait orientation, making it easy to view by several people at one time.
Touch response was excellent. The capacitive touchscreen responds to a light finger touch, and allows multiple fingers to perform gesture actions. Moving objects and using finger gestures is easy and precise. Icons were easy to move and place precisely. A special coating on the screen resists fingerprints and makes cleaning easier.
This tablet has a very good set of useful features that make it convenient and versatile to use - see the "About" section for more details. There is full access to the Microsoft app market, with a large and varied selection of apps. There is also access to a large media market through Microsoft, for downloading movies, music and books. The tablet can send pictures, video and music to another "DLNA" (Digital Living Network Alliance) capable home entertainment device, such as a TV. WiFi hotspot capability lets you extend the tablet's 3G/4G to provide an internet conection to other nearby devices. (Check carrier for availability.).
There are a variety of sensors to provide positional and environmental info to apps and games. These include, an accelerometer to give motion feedback to apps, a gyroscope to give rotational feedback to apps, a magnetic compass to give directional feedback, and an ambient light sensor to reduce the screen brightness to extend battery time. The long charging cord makes it easier to use the tablet while charging.
This tablet ranks high in portability among tablets in the 9- to 12-inch category. Its battery life of 10.2 hours is middling for tablets. It's very slim and compact for its screen size, and at 1.37 pounds, it's a lightweight tablet for its size.
