Surface 3 64GB Model - Less than ideal

[tbsteph1]

I've owned my Surface 3 (64GB model) for about 6 months now. Came with 8.1 but, updated to 10 when it became available last July. Have kept it updated via WU.

I originally bought the Surface 3 to use as sort of a Windows iPad (Obviously Win 10 is more powerful than IOS but, for my use, not a big deal.) Thinking was I could get a full blown Windows machine with a pen and type cover for about the same cost as a similarly configured iPad (Obviously no pen or type cover for the iPad but considered a Bluetooth keyboard.)

While I love the Surface 3 form factor, I find it requires a lot more maintenance than my iPad. The Surface periodically loses access to wifi; audio disappears; flaky Bluetooth (Arc Mouse needs to be repaired frequently), and, just hangs. All of these issues are readily fixable whether it be to reboot; run hardware troubleshooter; uninstall/reinstall audio driver etc. But, and a big But, why do these sort of things happen relatively frequently? I don't think I have ever had to reboot my iPad or troubleshoot driver issues, etc.

I follow Microsft's foibles relatively closely and have noticed many users are having numerous issues with the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book. While those problems are not mine, since I do not own either of those devices, it does demonstrate the current state of Microsoft hardware, in general.

To be honest, I would not recommend a Surface 3 to anyone not very familiar with Windows 10 or how to troubleshoot hardware problems. I'm sure some will comment that their Surface runs perfectly and, for that, they should be grateful. It's just not my experience. Thank goodness I'm the only one in my circle of family and friends that owns a Surface. Otherwise, I'm sure the calls for help would be more than I would want to deal with.

Interested if any other users of the Surface 3 have a similar experience.

 

[etphoto]

I bought a launch Surface 3 and updated it to Windows 10 as well. It was okay and then I had an issue with the touch screen (Hardware issue) and had to return it for a new one. Since I had my new S3 I've had zero issues and really enjoying Windows 10. Its never off and both my wife are on it most of the time doing something. My WiFi rarely fails and when it does its my router and not the Surface. I run a Bluetooth mouse and speakers and they never fail.

Sent from my Surface 3

 

[eckl]

I have a surface 3 64GB version as well. Came with 8.1 and upgraded to Windows 10... 2 times. The first installation wasn't that smooth and I reverted back to 8.1. 8.1 is in fact a better tablet OS.

Now I'm back to Windows 10 with the latest version. It is working fine and I'm pretty pleased. No issue with wifi and Bluetooth and it has been working well.

 

[Steve Adams]

I have a 64gb/4gb ram version. I updated to windows 10, after A day or two I deleted the windows 8.1 install. I never had any issues with mine either as a tablet, desktop or notebook. With the January firmware update, it works even better. Touchscreen improvements etc. great tablet that mops up apples tablet offerings by a large margin.

 

[etphoto]

With the January firmware update, it works even better.

That is what I like most about Windows 10. Yeah, I wish it was perfect first time but it was new. The fact there are frequent updates really makes it nice seeing it improve after each update.




Sent from my Surface 3

 

[Steve Adams]

This is not a windows 10 update. its a firmware update for the hardware. MADE a big difference in performance of my tablet.