Microsoft Surface 3: An Illustrator Review!

I finally was able to buy the Microsoft Surface 3, I wanted the Pro but my budget was really tight. So, I thought that the Surface 3 was also a very good option.


PROS: -Windows 10.
            -USB.
            -Headphones Jack.
            -Micro Sd Card reader.
            -Surface Pen is really accurate for Drawing/Painting.
            -Has its own stand.

CONS: -I got no AC Power Supply.
             -You have to buy the Surface Pen for separately.
         


I bought a Brand New Surface 3 from an Amazon Seller. I got it a few days later.
When I opened the box, for my surprise it was only the Tablet inside, I got No AC Power Supply, even though I bought a brand new, and Not Refurbished; Surface 3. I found in my things, a micro usb cable so I started to charge the tablet because it came without charge. What a surprise!! Without AC Power Supply and without charge!
The tablet itself was in fact Brand New, it was sealed, and in perfect condition. I also bought the Surface 3 Pen.

I downloaded Sketchbook Pro, the Desktop version, I don't like the Tablet app. I only use the Surface in Desktop mode, so I downloaded Sketchbook Pro from Autodesk website. I also downloaded ArtRage Lite, also for Desktop.
It's been really amazing so far! The Sketchbook Pro works like a charm. It's everything I hoped for.
I wanted a tablet with Windows and with Drawing capabilities. I'm always drawing, on my desk, on my bed, at the tv room, etc. And I wanted a Portable "Cintiq", something that I can take with me everywhere without taking my Laptop and my drawing monitors or graphics tablets. Like the "Cintiq Companion" or the new "Wacom Mobile Studio".

I also have an iPad 3, the Sketchbook Pro App, and three pencils (Wacom Intuos Creative Stylus 2, the Pencil by 53, and the Pogo Connect), but it's not the same drawing with the Sketchbook app, than drawing with the Desktop version. Also it's not the same watching where you're drawing, than just try to guess, like it happens with the iPad. But don't get me wrong, I still use my iPad for drawing sometimes, but not for professional use.

So far, I use my Surface for drawing with Sketchbook Pro while I'm also using the iTunes for listening to my music, and sometimes for surfing the net. It says that I get 5 hours of battery fully charged, I always turn it on in the morning and I turn it off by night. And I still use it the next day without charging it. I think it's pretty good.

                       Work in Progress
                          "Kurt Cobain"
                                         




                                                                         
                                                                             
I have a fouling glove that I use with my iPad for "Palm Rejection", for using the palm gestures. What I love about the Surface, is that you will see the mouse dot from about 2'' from the screen. So, since the moment I see it in the screen, I rest my palm on the screen and start drawing. Simple like that! The palm rejection works really well!! My only gripe is with the Zoom/Rotate as palm gesture, you have to be careful with this, otherwise you will get some unwanted lines. But if you're using Sketchbook Pro, you can use the Zoom/Rotate Tool using the Right click of the Pen, or if you're using the Keyboard, with the Space key. But, the unwanted lines with the Zoom/Rotate Palm Gestures it's not always, is only that you have to make sure that you're zooming or rotating, instead of making lines with your fingers.

The pressure sensitivity feels good although only recognizes 256 of levels, so, it's not like the Wacom technology, but still I think it makes its job.

Overall:

I bought the Asus Vivo Tab Note 8 with Wacom digitizer, but something happened with the seller that cancelled my order, after my full refund, I took it as a sign!!
So, I bought the Surface 3, and so far, I'm very glad I did! I sold my guitar to buy this tablet, but so far, I have No Regrets!

I just kinda wished that instead of the 10.8'', it would had been so much better, a 12'' screen, but as this Surface is their "Budget Friendly Tablet", it makes it OK. I still think this Surface has a pretty good screen size. The Surface it's not heavy, and has its own kickstand.

I definitely recommend this Surface 3 to any artist/illustrator, graphic designer, etc, who's looking for a portable Drawing Monitor "Cintiq" with Windows for Hobby and Professional use.

Portfolio: graphiteart.deviantart.com
Wordpress: thedrawingchronicles.wordpress.com
Contact/Commissions: graphitedrawingart@gmail.com