When comparing Surface Pro 3 vs Galaxy Note 8, the Slant community recommends Surface Pro 3 for most people. In the question“What are the best note-taking devices for handwriting?” Surface Pro 3 is ranked 1st while Galaxy Note 8 is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Surface Pro 3 is:
With a 3:2 aspect ratio the device is not as top heavy when holding in portrait and is easier to reach parts of the screens with the users thumbs when in landscape.
Specs
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Pros
Pro 3:2 aspect ratio makes the device easier to hold and use
With a 3:2 aspect ratio the device is not as top heavy when holding in portrait and is easier to reach parts of the screens with the users thumbs when in landscape.
Pro Pen input
N-trig pen feels like a real pen and is natural to hold. There is a top button on the pen that allows for an eraser function as well as use for a wake up function.
Pro New redesigned keyboard and touchpad attatchment
The keyboard attachment has been redesigned form earlier versions with a larger touchpad and better hinges that allow the device to be propped up more easily.
Pro Works as a tablet or a laptop
A true convergence device. This is the most powerful tablet on the market that is also a really great ultrabook competitor. Being that it can be used as either makes it extremely convenient to those that want power on the go.
Pro Lightweight yet powerful
As powerful as an ultrabook with an included i5 or i7 but less size and weight due to it being a tablet.
Pro Balanced screen colors
The screen colors have no trouble standing out while also being balanced, the viewing angles are good as well.
Pro Batteryless Wacom pen
Never requires a recharge, silo in tablet
Cons
Con Loud fans and overheating issues
The Surface Pro 3 has heat issues as well as loud fan noise. Obviously one is the cause of the other. Truthfully to have such a thin device with an i5 or i7 it is only a matter of time before there are heat issues.
Con Can be difficult to use
Unless you have a flat surface available to deploy the kickstand, it's not very laptop-like.
Con Keyboard feels flimsy and does not even come with the device
To use the Surface Pro as a laptop like device the keyboard will need to be purchased as it does not come with the tablet itself. On top of this the keyboard does feel a bit flimsy when compared to what is on offer for ultrabooks.
Con Videos are letterboxed
With the 3:2 apsect ration movies and tv shows will be letterboxed in some way.
Con Heavy for a tablet
The Surface Pro 3 is pretty heavy for a tablet though it is to be expected when the internals are full fledged laptop internals. The weight of the glass on a 12 inch screen is also significant.
Con Android 4.1
An old Android build, no likely future upgrades