Best Windows Tablet To Buy: Microsoft Surface Pro 3 vs. Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000
Microsoft Surface Pro 3. The Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's latest attempt at bridging the divide between slates and laptops. Like its older siblings, the first and second-gen Surface tablets, the Surface Pro 3 has been designed as a do-it-all device. Microsoft touts the Surface Pro as a powerful device that can rival Ultrabooks and Apple's iPad Air.
Software. Because the Surface Pro's touchscreen has been redesigned from being a tiny 10.6 inches to a larger 12 inches, its pixel count was also enhanced from 1920 by 1080 into 2160 by 1440. This gave a boost in pixels per inch, which is 216 ppi compared to the previous 207 ppi. The 3rd gen Surface Pro's aspect ratio is also set at 3:2. This allows the device's 12-inch screen to display more content, which is even better compared to the 13.3-inch MacBook Air that has an aspect ratio of 16:10. Furthermore, it gave the device an added notepad feel when it is held in a portrait position.
Hardware. The Surface exudes a premium feel with its bright, silver-colored magnesium shell that feels cool and smooth when touched. Other notable hardware features include front and back cameras (each having the same 5MP resolution), a redesigned Type cover, which is its best version to date, a brand new double hinge, and a newly improved Surface Pen.
The Good. The Surface Pro 3 is unbelievably thin and light for a device that boasts laptop-like performance. It's also easier to use as a standalone tablet. Performance is fast and the display is one of the best high-resolution displays available in the market. Lastly, the keyboard can be propped up at such an angle that is absolutely more comfortable.
The Bad. The keyboard may seem flimsy compared with a proper laptop's. It also comes as a separate accessory, which means that more spending can be incurred. Battery life is just okay.
The Verdict. Compared to its older siblings, the Surface Pro 3 is the biggest and the best tablet that Microsoft has so far offered. It only needs a better keyboard to make it a genuine laptop "terminator."
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000. The Venue 11 Pro 7000 series from Dell combines the best of both the Core i5 model and the Atom. The device caters mostly to business users who are keen on using a 2-in-1 convertible hybrid that is built with an active digitizer.
Software. The tablet runs Windows 8.1 Pro and features several of Dell's own diagnostic and utilities apps. These include System Detect, which collects system data for support purposes, Digital Delivery, Command Update, Command Power Manager, and Backup and Recovery. It also features BitLocker security software and the so-called Remote Desktop Connection, which allows the user to connect to his PC from a separate computer. Other software features include bundled apps from Intel (PROSet Wireless Tools, WiDi Remote, Intel Management and Security), preloaded Microsoft apps (Internet Explorer, Maps, Office 365, Weather, Skype, OneDrive), and a 30-day free trial of McAfee Security Center.
Hardware. The 10.8 inch tablet features the new Core M processor of Intel. It also has 8GB RAM, 128GB hard drive, 2MP front camera, 8MP rear camera, headphone jack, volume buttons, speaker, a number of ports and magnetic connectors, an accompanying matte-black island-style keyboard, which has its own battery, a 3.5 by 1.75-inch touchpad, and a silver and black stylus.
The Good. The Venue 11 Pro 7000 boasts a sharp, vibrant display, long battery life (up to 8 hours of continuous usage), smooth pen experience, solid speakers, and more ports compared with the Surface Pro 3.
The Bad. The tablet has no dock for the stylus, which can be an issue for those who might mistake it as a regular pen since the best option for keeping it is probably in one's pocket. Lastly, the tablet tends to run fairly hot even if a full screen video has been streaming for only 15 minutes.
The Verdict. The Venue 11 Pro 7000 can be a compelling Windows 8.1 tablet and offers a more laptop-like experience with the accompanying keyboard dock. It also has a longer-lasting battery and a better performing keyboard compared to the Surface Pro.
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