Microsoft Surface Pro 12.1" 3 Review

Alright, let's talk about the Surface Pro 3. This is an older device, and that's the first thing you need to know. It's built around an Intel Core i3-4020Y CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a tiny 64GB SSD. That combo makes it a very specific machine today. Its main claim to fame is portability. At 0.8kg, it's incredibly light, and that 12.1-inch 2160x1440 touchscreen is still sharp. It runs full Windows 10 Pro, so you can technically do anything, but you'll feel the limits fast.

Performance is a mixed bag, and the specs tell the story. That i3 CPU sits in the 23rd percentile, so it's slow for any real multitasking. The 4GB of RAM is in the 2nd percentile, which is brutal. You'll be hitting the page file constantly. The 64GB storage is also in the 6th percentile, so you'll be managing space daily. The integrated Intel HD 4200 graphics explain the 8.7/100 gaming score. It's fine for a single browser tab and video streaming, but that's about it.

At $129, the value proposition is tricky. It's cheap, but you're buying severe limitations. If you need a ultra-portable device for reading PDFs, taking notes, or light web browsing on the couch, it might work. But for that same money, you could often find a used older laptop with 8GB of RAM and a bigger SSD, which would be a much better experience for daily use.

Stack this up against modern competitors and the gap is huge. A base M1 MacBook Air, even used, runs circles around it in speed and battery life. Compared to a modern 2-in-1 like the ASUS Zenbook Duo, you're missing dual screens, performance, and ports. Even against other old devices, the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage are major handicaps. The Lenovo Legion and MSI gaming laptops mentioned aren't even in the same universe. This is for a very niche, lightweight need.

Only buy this if you have one very specific need: the absolute lightest possible full Windows machine for under $150, and you only plan to run one app at a time. Students on a razor-thin budget for note-taking might consider it. For anyone wanting to do real work, browse with multiple tabs, or have more than a few files, the 4GB RAM and tiny storage will be a constant headache. Look for something with at least 8GB of RAM.