Surface 3 review: Finally, a cheap Surface you’d actually want

Once again, the third time’s the charm for Microsoft’s Surface lineup — for the most part. Last year’s Surface Pro 3 was the software giant’s most compelling implementation yet of its hybrid laptop/tablet concept. Now we have the Surface 3, the third entry in its cheaper Surface lineup. And while it may look similar to its predecessors, it’s actually a completely different beast. It’s a $499 Surface tablet that can actually run all of the Windows programs you’re used to, not just Windows 8 apps. And to Windows RT, the stripped down version of Microsoft’s OS that previously powered the non-Pro Surface tablets, all I have to say is: So long, goodbye. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out! By giving up on Windows RT, Microsoft has finally managed to make a decent cheap Surface.