When it comes to ultra portability paired with fast performance, the MacBook Air is probably the best laptop out there. In contrast, Microsoft's aim to compete with the Air has been evident since it released the original Surface Pro, as well as the Pro 3. Fortunately for the Redmond giant, its tablet/laptop hybrid inches closer to the Air's quality. 

Design

The Surface Pro 3 looks like its predecessors at first glance. However, if you look at it more closely, you will notice that it much thinner than before. In a review by TechnoBuffalo, the Pro 3 is even slimmer than the already super slim MacBook Air. And while the Type Cover keyboard is still inferior compared to Apple's perfect keyboard, it definitely cuts the gap. 

Performance

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is powered by an Intel Core i5 chip, probably the new Haswell version, and it certainly shows. While it is able to take on any kind of task you throw at it, its battery do no last as long as other ultrabooks in the market. Well, one reason could be because the Surface Pro 3 is not advertised as an ultrabook. 

Features

One aspect where the Surface Pro 3 came on top of Apple is the features it offers. Aside from the fact that the device has a touch screen, Microsoft was also kind enough to throw in a stylus for taking down or doodling (in tablet mode). Of course you can also attach the Type Cover keyboard and press the screen either with your finger or using the stylus. 

Price

Unfortunately for consumers who want to try out this device, the Surface Pro 3 is on the steeper side when it comes to pricing. For the i7 model which comes with 128GB SSD, the Microsoft device costs $999, and buyers should definitely consider getting the $129 Type Cover.