Surface Pro 3 gegen iPad Air: Mit seinem neuen Tablet will Microsoft Erzfeind Apple gleich von zwei Seiten angreifen und sowohl der iPad- als auch der MacBook-Serie ernsthaft Konkurrenz machen. Der Branchenriese setzt dazu auch aggressive Marketingmethoden ein – Kunden in den USA erhalten noch bis zum 31. Juli beim Kauf eines neuen Surface Pro 3 einen Gutschein im Wert von bis zu 650 Dollar, wenn sie im Gegenzug ihr altes MacBook Air abgeben. Auf den ersten Blick ein verlockendes Angebot. Aber es bleibt die Frage: Wie schlägt sich das Surface Pro 3 im Vergleich zu den Apple-Geräten?
Microsoft vs. Apple – die Aufholjagd ab August auch in Deutschland
While customers can already buy the Surface Pro 3 in the USA, they will have to wait until the end of August in Germany. That's when the new Windows tablet will also start shipping in Germany. Depending on the configuration, it will cost between 799 and 1949 euros.
So far, Apple is far ahead of Microsoft in terms of market share on the tablet market. While iPads have a share of around 30 percent and a turnover of 7.6 billion dollars, Windows tablets lag far behind with a turnover of 500 million dollars and a market share of around three percent.
Facts about the Windows Surface Pro 3
Compared to its predecessor, the new Surface Pro 3 is not only significantly larger, but also slimmer, lighter and more elegant. The display now measures twelve inches (30.5 centimeters), significantly exceeding the 9.7 inches of Apple's iPad Air. However, with a height of 9.1 millimeters and a weight of 795 grams, the Surface Pro 3 is still not exactly small. But it doesn't have to be, as it not only wants to be a tablet but also a real notebook alternative.
Mit einer Auflösung von 2.160×1.440 Pixeln übertrifft das Display des Surface Pro 3 sogar Full HD. Inhalte lassen sich gestochen scharf und farbintensiv darstellen. Die Handhabung per Fingertipp läuft genauso flüssig und fehlerfrei wie schon beim Vorgänger.
The only catch with the Surface Pro 3 is still the operating system, which is naturally not yet widely accepted. The Pro version of Windows 8.1. still does not run smoothly and demands much more from the user than the intuitive operation of the competition. However, when switching from the typical Windows tile look to desktop mode, operation has at least become easier thanks to the included Surface Pen. However, if you want to use the Surface Pro 3 as a complete notebook replacement, you will have to buy the keyboard for an additional 130 euros.
Depending on the model, you can choose between a Core i3, Core i5 or Core i7 processor. However, the Surface Pro 3 is currently the fastest tablet on the market from the second version upwards.
Facts about the iPad Air
Apples Fliegengewicht kommt auf eine Display-Größe von 9,7 Zoll, bei einer Auflösung von 2.048×1.536 Pixeln. Das Retina-Display liefert damit tolle Bilder, ist aber auch nicht mehr neu auf dem Markt. Mit einem Gewicht von nur 469 Gramm macht das iPad Air seinem Namen alle Ehre.
With Apple's A7 64-bit chip, the iPad Air also has more than enough power. All processes run smoothly and fluidly. Operation is intuitive, as is typical for Apple.
In contrast to the Surface Pro 3, the iPad Air is almost a bargain. Prices for the slim and elegant tablet start at just 479 euros for the 16 GB version. If you want the full package with 128 GB and cellular display, you have to pay 869 euros.
Surface Pro 3 vs. iPad Air
As always, the user's personal preferences will decide. But one thing is certain: Microsoft has achieved a great success with the Surface Pro 3. The large and sharp display, the fast working speed and the separately available keyboard make the Windows tablet a real alternative to the iPad, notebook or ultrabook. Apple's big advantage remains its ease of use and intuitive operation. Anyone interested in buying a tablet will find, for example on preis24.de a large selection of devices, including the right contract.
Photo source: Thinkstock, iStock, Peshkova