The Surface Pro 3, released in 2014, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Microsoft’s Surface series. As a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 device, it seamlessly blended the functionality of a laptop and a tablet, making it an attractive option for professionals and consumers alike. One of the key aspects that contributed to its appeal was its compact design, which allowed users to easily carry it around. But just how big is a Surface Pro 3? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of its dimensions, exploring its length, width, height, weight, and screen size to provide a comprehensive understanding of this device.
Surface Pro 3 Dimensions: A Closer Look
When considering the size of the Surface Pro 3, it’s essential to examine its dimensions from various angles. This includes its length, width, height, and weight, as these factors significantly impact its portability and usability.
Length and Width
The Surface Pro 3 measures 11.5 inches (292 mm) in length and 7.93 inches (201 mm) in width. These dimensions make it slightly larger than a standard A4 sheet of paper, allowing for a spacious keyboard and a generous screen size. The compact width, in particular, enables users to hold the device comfortably in one hand, making it ideal for reading, browsing, or working on the go.
Height
The Surface Pro 3 has a height of 0.36 inches (9.1 mm), which is remarkably slim considering its robust specifications and features. This sleek design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its portability, allowing users to easily slip it into a bag or backpack.
Weight
The device weighs approximately 1.76 pounds (800 grams), which is relatively light compared to other laptops and 2-in-1 devices in its class. This weight distribution makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, reducing fatigue and strain on the user’s hands and wrists.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Surface Pro 3 boasts a stunning 12-inch (30.5 cm) touchscreen display, which offers an immersive viewing experience. The screen features a resolution of 2160 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 216 pixels per inch (PPI). This high-resolution display ensures crisp and vibrant visuals, making it perfect for watching movies, browsing the web, or working on creative projects.
Aspect Ratio and Screen Orientation
The Surface Pro 3’s screen has an aspect ratio of 3:2, which provides a more natural and intuitive viewing experience. This aspect ratio also allows for a more comfortable typing experience when using the device in laptop mode. Additionally, the screen supports both portrait and landscape orientations, enabling users to switch seamlessly between modes depending on their preferences or tasks.
Comparing the Surface Pro 3 to Other Devices
To put the Surface Pro 3’s dimensions into perspective, let’s compare it to other popular devices in its class.
| Device | Length (inches) | Width (inches) | Height (inches) | Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Pro 3 | 11.5 | 7.93 | 0.36 | 1.76 |
| Apple iPad Pro (12.9-inch) | 12.04 | 8.68 | 0.27 | 1.57 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet | 11.96 | 8.23 | 0.34 | 1.69 |
| Asus ZenBook Flip 12 | 11.65 | 7.95 | 0.54 | 2.75 |
As evident from the comparison, the Surface Pro 3’s dimensions are relatively compact, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a portable and versatile device.
Real-World Implications of the Surface Pro 3’s Size
The Surface Pro 3’s dimensions have significant implications for its usability and practicality in various real-world scenarios.
Portability and Travel
The device’s compact size and lightweight design make it an ideal companion for travelers, commuters, and professionals on-the-go. Its slim profile allows it to fit easily into bags, backpacks, or briefcases, reducing the burden of carrying a bulky laptop.
Productivity and Work
The Surface Pro 3’s spacious keyboard and generous screen size enable users to work comfortably for extended periods. Its compact dimensions also make it suitable for use in cramped spaces, such as coffee shops, airplanes, or meeting rooms.
Entertainment and Leisure
The device’s high-resolution display and immersive viewing experience make it perfect for watching movies, TV shows, or streaming content. Its compact size also allows users to hold it comfortably while reading, browsing, or gaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Surface Pro 3’s dimensions play a significant role in its appeal and usability. Its compact length, width, and height, combined with its lightweight design, make it an excellent choice for users seeking a portable and versatile device. Whether you’re a professional, student, or simply a tech enthusiast, the Surface Pro 3’s size and features make it an attractive option for a wide range of applications and use cases.
What are the dimensions of the Surface Pro 3?
The Surface Pro 3 has a length of 11.5 inches (292 mm), a width of 7.93 inches (201 mm), and a height of 0.36 inches (9.1 mm). These dimensions make it a compact and portable device, ideal for working on the go or in small spaces. The device’s slim profile also makes it easy to store in a bag or backpack.
It’s worth noting that the dimensions of the Surface Pro 3 may vary slightly depending on the configuration and any accessories that are attached. For example, adding a keyboard or other peripherals may increase the device’s overall size. However, the base dimensions of the device remain the same across all configurations.
How does the Surface Pro 3 compare to other Surface models in terms of size?
The Surface Pro 3 is slightly larger than the Surface Pro 2, but smaller than the Surface Pro 4. Compared to the Surface Pro 2, the Surface Pro 3 has a slightly longer length and width, but the same height. In contrast, the Surface Pro 4 is slightly larger in all dimensions, with a length of 11.7 inches (298 mm), a width of 8.45 inches (215 mm), and a height of 0.33 inches (8.4 mm).
Despite these size differences, all Surface Pro models share a similar design aesthetic and are designed to be compact and portable. The Surface Pro 3 strikes a balance between size and performance, making it a popular choice among users who need a powerful device that is also easy to carry around.
What is the weight of the Surface Pro 3?
The Surface Pro 3 has a weight of 1.76 pounds (800 grams), making it a relatively lightweight device. This weight is due in part to the device’s magnesium alloy construction, which provides strength and durability while minimizing weight. The device’s weight also makes it easy to hold and use for extended periods of time.
It’s worth noting that the weight of the Surface Pro 3 may vary slightly depending on the configuration and any accessories that are attached. For example, adding a keyboard or other peripherals may increase the device’s overall weight. However, the base weight of the device remains the same across all configurations.
How does the Surface Pro 3’s size affect its usability?
The Surface Pro 3’s compact size makes it easy to use in a variety of settings, from working at a desk to using it on a lap or in a meeting. The device’s 12-inch screen provides a clear and responsive display, making it ideal for tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and working on documents. The device’s size also makes it easy to hold and use for extended periods of time.
However, some users may find that the Surface Pro 3’s size limits its usability in certain situations. For example, the device’s keyboard may be too small for users with larger hands, and the screen may be too small for users who need to multitask or work with multiple applications at once. Overall, the Surface Pro 3’s size is a trade-off between portability and usability.
Can I use the Surface Pro 3 with a keyboard and mouse?
Yes, the Surface Pro 3 is designed to be used with a keyboard and mouse. The device has a built-in kickstand that allows it to be propped up at a comfortable viewing angle, and it also has a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity for connecting peripherals. Microsoft also offers a range of keyboards and mice that are specifically designed for use with the Surface Pro 3.
Using a keyboard and mouse with the Surface Pro 3 can enhance its usability and make it feel more like a traditional laptop. The device’s keyboard is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go. The mouse is also designed to be compact and ergonomic, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
Is the Surface Pro 3 suitable for use in business or enterprise environments?
Yes, the Surface Pro 3 is suitable for use in business or enterprise environments. The device is designed to be secure and manageable, with features such as BitLocker encryption and remote wipe. It also has a range of business-friendly features, such as support for Windows 8.1 Pro and compatibility with Microsoft Office.
The Surface Pro 3’s compact size and lightweight design also make it easy to take on the go, making it ideal for business users who need to work remotely or travel frequently. The device’s durability and reliability also make it a good choice for business users who need a device that can withstand heavy use.
Can I use the Surface Pro 3 for creative tasks such as graphic design or video editing?
Yes, the Surface Pro 3 is suitable for use with creative tasks such as graphic design or video editing. The device has a powerful Intel Core processor and up to 8GB of RAM, making it capable of handling demanding tasks such as photo and video editing. The device’s 12-inch screen also provides a clear and responsive display, making it ideal for tasks such as graphic design.
However, some users may find that the Surface Pro 3’s size and processing power limit its usability for certain creative tasks. For example, users who need to work with large files or perform complex tasks may find that the device’s processing power is not sufficient. Additionally, the device’s screen size may be too small for users who need to work with multiple applications at once.