When it comes to computer supremacy, there are only two operating systems that are battling it out: Windows and OS X. Consequently, this can also mean a close battle between the devices that run on Windows or OS X. And while Macbook Air and Surface Pro 3 have been in the North American market for a few months now, both devices are still worth a closer look.
Microsoft has released several ads last August which compare Microsoft Surface Pro 3 with none other than the Macbook Air, and this, perhaps, further sparks the comparison between the two devices.
The world was captivated with the Macbook Air when it came out in April, believing that it's the only device out there that offers what it has. Not anymore, now that Surface Pro 3 is making sure the world knows that they are better or, at least, at par with Apple's Macbook Air.
As for price point, the price difference isn't that big. Macbook Air retails for $899 for its 11-inch model, while the Surface Pro 3 is priced at $799.
As for the dimensions, the MacBook Air is thicker and heavier. It is 0.68 thick with a weight of 2.96 pounds. For the Surface Pro 3, it is only 0.55 thick and weighs 2.4 pounds.
Here comes the nitty-gritty part. The processing power for both devices comes in different options. The MacBook Air offers Intel Core i5 and i7 processor, while the Surface Pro 3 offers both, plus the i3 processor. According to Geek, the two devices have 128 GB flash memory and upto 8GB RAM.
For the resolution, the Surface Pro 3 wins this one. It has a 2160x1440 display, while the MacBook Air only packs 1440x900 display. This is the only Mac that doesn't feature a Retina display. However, one thing to consider is the resolution trade-off. MacBook Air gives 10 hours of battery life, while the Surface Pro 3 offers up to nine hours of web browsing on a single charge.
Now, the possible deal breaker could be the additional features that the Surface Pro 3 offers, particularly the touch-screen capability, detachable keyboard, and the use of a special stylus. The MacBook Air doesn't offer any of these.
It's clear that the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is more versatile. However, it can really boil down to what a person wants from a laptop – whether they can do away with the touchscreen, detachable keyboard, and the like; if they are concerned with the $100 price difference; or whether they are more comfortable with Windows or OS X. These details are, more or less, the determining factors which would sway consumers on which device they would choose.
