Get to know the Surface Pro 3 with our 20 top features!
Quick links, pen clicks & a kickstand that has more positions than a yoga teacher. These features are just 20 of many and the reason why Stuff Magazine awarded the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 the Computer of the Year award.
1. 2 devices in 1! It can be your smart tablet, or replace your laptop with a quick click attach of a keyboard. (tap, swipe and beyond – check out the key gestures here https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-gb/support/touch-mouse-and-search/using-touch-gestures-tap-swipe-and-beyond)
2. The Surface Pro 3 has a lovely 12 inch screen yet is very light - 1.76lbs (800 grams)
3. This impresses everyone! You can open a blank OneNote document with a click of the Surface Pen to instantly capture your next idea–even if your device is in sleep mode. With the Surface Pen you can also mark up presentations, sign documents or enjoy art apps. (top tip Make sure your pens top button is set up to start onenote app. You need to connect it over Bluetooth. Some surface units need a hot fix for this https://download.windowsupdate.com/d/msdownload/update/software/crup/2014/06/windows8.1-kb2968599-x64_de4ca043bf6ba84330fd96cb374e801071c4b8aa.msu)
4. It has that all important mini DisplayPort and an optional AV adapter or VGA adapter so you can connect it to most monitors and give a professional presentation
5. You can share your files across your Surface Pro 3 and your Windows phone and instantly access your handwritten notes across your devices on the go
6. Use the multi-position Kickstand for your optimum screen position. Whether you are completing a presentation, on a Skype call or watching a film, the full HD display will always be at its best angle
7. Who uses a keyboard to spell out words when an emoticon will do? The key to bring up all kinds of emoticons is right in front of you but easy to overlook. When the virtual keyboard pops up, click on the smiley face next to the spacebar. You can toggle through categories of emoticons.
8. When you drag a Modern app from the top of the screen to the bottom and let go, it disappears and you think it’s closed. However it’s still lurking in memory, so it can boot quickly in case you launch the app again. To totally quit the app, drag it to the bottom of the screen and hold for 3 seconds until the thumbnail flips. Let go and the app exits.
9. The surface is pre-loaded with Windows 8.1 Pro, so you can install your favourite desktop software, including the full Microsoft Office Suite and thousands of programs created for the Windows platform.
10. Convert your handwriting into text to save time and effort. In OneNote 2013, select the handwriting and then tap “Convert Handwriting to Text” on the Tools menu. OneNote determines whether you are writing in a language or drawing a image. If it classifies your writing as a drawing mistakenly, simply select Pen Mode on the Tools menu to force classify your ink appropriately.
11. Change the screen resolution of the Start screen - From the Start screen, type in PC Settings, then PC and Devices. Next go to Display. You should then see the slider for Resolution as well as the ability to change the size of apps, text, and other items under More options.
12. Take a screenshot - Say, “Cheese!” and press the lower volume button at the same time as the Windows button. Saying cheese is optional.
13. Quick Link Menu - Windows key + X brings up a menu leading to many of the administrative features and frequently used applications such as file explorer. Handy when you’re using the keyboard in desktop mode.
14. Lock the screen rotation - Swipe right to bring up the charms menu, click on Settings and then the Screen icon on the bottom right. You can toggle screen orientation lock from there.
15. Access the task manager without a keyboard - Hold down the Windows button and press the power button – it brings up a menu where you can lock the Surface, switch users, sign out, or launch the task manager
16. You can get up to 9 hours of web browsing without the battery dying on you
17. We can always be in the right place at the right time. But with the 5MP camera (on both sides of the Pro 3) you can have professional video conferences with customers, suppliers, colleagues across the world without that expensive travel cost.
18. It has a full-size USB 3.0 port so you can connect USB accessories—like a mouse, a printer, a 4G USB dongle or an Ethernet adapter.
19. Boot to Desktop – you can boot directly to the desktop in Windows 8.1 if you prefer this setting.
20. It just looks cool! When I use mine people ask what it is like, they are impressed by the cool features and it makes me look professional!
Find out more about the Surface Pro 3 today here!