A new iPad is seen following a presentation at Apple headquarters
Here is a list of best features of the brand new Apple iPad Pro. Pictured above: A new iPad is seen following a presentation at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California October 16, 2014. Reuters/Robert Galbraith

By accessing both desktop Windows functionalities and tablet apps, Microsoft Surface 3 leads the market and the reviewers consider it as a worthy competitor to Air 2, the Apple’s iPad. In the earlier versions of Microsoft Surface tablets, Windows RT OS was predominant, while the latest Surface 3 works on the complete Windows 8.1 version.

Deploying Windows 8.1 has multiple benefits and the one such is touch-friendly feature. Surface 3 tablet is a user-friendly with touch screen technology, even though the app store of Microsoft is not comprehensive and exhaustive as the Apple Play Store. Another alternative is, Surface 3 can be used as a traditional desktop, with MS office and other Windows functionalities, similar to the desktop or notebook PC, while there is no such reach for Air 3 to install any Mac Desktop applications.

Microsoft Surface 3 is a little heavier and bigger than the Apple iPad. The makers of MS tablet offer built-in kickstand and a protective Type Cover, for $180, (optional). This Type Cover opens up the physical QWERTY keyboard along with trackpad, instead of an onscreen keyboard. Besides, the users can also complement the Surface 3 with a stylus pen, at the cost of $60.

The fact is, Apple does not complement a physical keyboard option for its iPads. However, the users who are not comfortable with the on-screen keyboard prefer to employ third party wireless keyboards or probably, use the protective case that comes with built-in keyboard. Further, the camera features of Surface 3 overwhelm the iPad Air 2.

A smart decision on a tablet or Smartphone depends on the choice of apps. Apple includes oodles of apps, including MS Office apps, in its app store, yet, there is certain environments, where Windows is perfect, especially if the workplace or school demands it. You cannot make the ends meet with Apple iPad Air 2, if you require Windows and tablets. On the other hand, Surface 3 can be the cherry pick, offering the best of both the worlds.

Surface 3 (starts from $699)

Apart from specs and design, Surface has USB 3.0 PORT, microSD card and micro-USB2.0 and a port to connect to a PC monitor. MS offers free Office 365 subscription, to make the users enjoy Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on a tablet.

Air 2 (starting from $619)

iWork apps, offered by Apple makes Air 2 to be more productive and with 10 hrs of battery life, which is stronger than Surface 3 with 7 hours of battery backup.

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