Microsoft Surface Pro 3 review: Specs of the Windows Pro running slab include a 12-inch display and an Intel Core i7 processor. It’s also equipped with a 64GB SSD and 8GB of RAM. Since the launch of the Surface Pro line, the selling point has always been for it to be a replacement for laptops, is the Surface Pro 3 ready to do the trick?

We are now at the advent of the trend where tablets are slowly trying to overpower the laptops. With lighter bodies, increasing screen size, and developing softwares and processors, more and more people are becoming attuned in using tablets or tablet-laptop hybrids. Now, Microsoft has released the Surface Pro 3, another option for tablet and laptop users to consider.

With a 12-inch (2160x1440-pixel resolution) touch-screen interface, the Surface Pro 3 features a new kickstand and touch cover that is impressively flexible enough to work between 22 to 150 degrees.

The first two Surface Pro models had 10.6-inch screens, with 13 mm bodies. Now, the 12-inch third generation model is now 9.1 mm thin. While the older models weigh 900 grams, the new Surface Pro provides a thinner and lighter experience at 800 grams.

When it comes to battery life, this Surface Pro model has also greatly improved. In a CNET.com bench test, it ran for 7 hours and 28 minutes.

The Surface Pro 3 also includes a full-size USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader, and Mini Display Port, and stereo speakers with Dolby Audio-enhanced sound.

Under the hood, the Pro 3 is fairly similar to its predecessor, the Pro 2. In partnership with Intel, Microsoft has given its users an option to use not only ultra-low-voltage Core i3 or i5, but also Core i7.

With an impressive hardware and fair-performing software, is the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 enough?

“While the new Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's best PC to date, it's more successful as a tablet than a laptop replacement,” according to the CNET.com review.