Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (128 GB, Intel Core i5) (Renewed)
- Boost productivity with the renewed Surface Pro 3’s Intel Core i5-4300U CPU, 12-inch 2160 x 1440 touchscreen and Intel HD Graphics 5000, all in a sleek, versatile tablet-laptop hybrid.
- Enjoy HD video calls with 5MP and 1080p front/rear cameras, crisp Dolby Audio speakers and 128GB storage, plus USB 3.0, microSD reader and Mini DisplayPort on the sleek Surface Pro 3.
- Majority of buyers report excellent condition and solid value from the renewed Surface Pro 3.
- Recurring issues include battery life inconsistency, charging port defects, and unexpected OS versions.
- The refurbished unit can shine as a media-centric secondary device but carries inherent refurbishing risks.
- No evidence of widespread counterfeiting rumors, but some sellers cut corners in packaging and testing.
- Best for casual browsing, streaming, and light productivity—not recommended for mission-critical or heavy-gaming tasks.
- Highlights a 12.3-inch high-resolution PixelSense display and versatile port selection.
- Clarifies the “renewed” status with refurbished warranty coverage and seller grading.
Product Overview
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Renewed – 128GB, Intel Core i5 is a versatile 2-in-1 tablet that blends tablet portability with laptop power. Under the hood, it features an Intel Core i5-4300U dual-core processor clocked at 1.70 GHz (turbo boost up to 3.3 GHz) alongside Intel HD Graphics 5000. Storage is handled by a 128 GB SSD, while memory typically sits at 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM depending on the refurbishment spec. The display is a crisp 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 2160 × 1440 resolution, delivering sharp text and vivid colors for streaming movies or office apps.
Connectivity includes a full-size USB 3.0 port, microSD card reader, Mini DisplayPort, and a headset jack. Dual 1080p HD front and rear cameras, built-in microphones, and stereo speakers with Dolby Audio complete the multimedia package. As a “renewed” item, each unit is tested, cleaned, and restored to meet “like-new” functionality, often backed by a limited seller warranty. Buyers should note the absence of a Type Cover keyboard or pen stylus in most listings, requiring separate purchases for full laptop-style productivity.
- User sentiment balances strong basic performance with variable reliability.
- Most issues stem from the refurbishment process rather than core hardware flaws.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Renewed – 128GB, Intel Core i5 Review: Honest Findings
Across dozens of Amazon reviews, the renewed Surface Pro 3 earns praise for its near-new appearance and responsive touchscreen. Many buyers highlight how the body and screen arrive free of scratches, suggesting that reputable refurbishers take care to polish the magnesium chassis. Users also note that the unit often boots into a fresh Windows install, indicating thorough drive wipes and OS re-images.
However, a consistent minority of reviews point to battery life problems—some devices fail to hold more than 1–2 hours on a charge versus the expected 4–5 hours. Others report charging port failures where the magnetic Surface connector becomes loose or intermittent over time. A few customers received wrong or incompatible chargers, leading to frustration and additional purchases. On the software side, some units arrive with Windows 10 Home instead of Pro, contrary to tradition, or deliver unintended OS upgrades that complicate legacy app use.
Importantly, there are no large-scale rumors of counterfeit or malicious hardware being sold under the Surface Pro 3 name. Issues are isolated to individual refurbishers cutting corners on testing, packaging, or correct component matching. Buyers who choose well-rated sellers almost universally see flawless performance, while those with one-star experiences often cite inadequate quality control rather than a fundamental design defect.
- Many users praise the pristine condition and strong value proposition.
- Screen quality, portability, and media-friendly form factor earn repeated kudos.
Positive Feedback & Highlights
A significant portion of reviewers emphasize how the Surface Pro 3 Renewed arrives looking brand-new. One buyer said there were zero signs of wear—even inside ports and heat vents—indicating rigorous cleaning before shipping. Many appreciate the high-contrast 2160 × 1440 display, calling it gorgeous for streaming HD movies and YouTube. The 3:2 aspect ratio avoids black bars and maximizes vertical browsing space, delighting users migrating from smaller tablets.
Performance-wise, the Core i5 CPU handles everyday tasks—web browsing, document editing, and light photo editing—smoothly. Gamers enjoy casual titles like Hearthstone without hiccups. Built-in stereo speakers with Dolby Audio also earn applause for surprisingly full sound in a tablet form factor. Users who pick up an optional Type Cover note that the device transitions seamlessly into a laptop clone, making it a flexible 2-in-1 for both work and play.
Renewed pricing is perhaps the biggest draw. Many reviewers compare the sub-$400 price tag to new budget tablets costing the same, praising the Surface Pro 3’s premium feel. Comments like “couldn’t ask for a better experience” and “performs faster than my actual PC” appear frequently. Even those who only bought it as a secondary screen or light work device highlight how the battery life and general responsiveness exceed their expectations for a used device.
Packaging is another point of pride when done right. Several buyers report receiving a brand-new power adapter sealed in factory plastic. Others were pleased to find a genuine Microsoft charger rather than a generic third-party unit. When sellers include the refurbished certification card and clear instructions, the unboxing experience rivals that of a new product.
- Key complaints center on battery drain and inconsistent packaging.
- Some claim wrong OS versions, defective chargers, and sporadic hardware failures.
Negative Reviews & Rumor Analysis
While positive accounts dominate, a non-negligible fraction of buyers encountered problems serious enough to warrant returns. The single most critical issue is battery failure: multiple customers reported instant “hard drive failure” or devices that lasted under two hours before dying. In some cases, batteries were so depleted that buyers had to return the unit outright. This points to aging lithium cells not fully replaced during refurbishment.
Charging port defects are also frequently cited. Customers describe the magnetic connector becoming loose or failing to detect power unless at a precise angle. Given that Microsoft charges up to $80 for a genuine adapter, many felt insulted when their renewed unit arrived with a mismatched or dysfunctional charger. A handful of buyers even bought replacement cords only to discover a persistent voltage-reading glitch.
OS mismatches add another layer of frustration. Surface Pro 3 typically shipped with Windows 8.1 Pro, but several renewed units arrived with Windows 10 Home. For corporate or enterprise users, that can disrupt domain connectivity and security policies. Similarly, a few reviews complained of forced Windows upgrades that rebooted the device mid-setup, prolonging the initial 24-hour update marathon.
Rumors about counterfeit or malware-infested devices are minimal and unsubstantiated. One user claimed “viruses contained in this product,” but no other buyers echoed that concern or provided evidence. Given Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee and the track record of reputable refurbishers, security risks appear low. The major red flags all tie back to quality control lapses—insufficient testing of battery health, loose packaging, and occasional mislabeling of accessories.
Ultimately, no large-scale design rumor emerges. Surface Pro 3 hardware is well-tested by Microsoft. The defects reported are isolated to refurbishing vendors rather than inherent model failures. Buyers who stick with top-rated sellers with generous return policies markedly reduce their risk of receiving a problematic unit.
- Ideal for budget-minded users needing media playback and light productivity.
- Less suited for continuous heavy workloads or mission-critical applications.
Who Should Consider Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Renewed – 128GB, Intel Core i5?
Given the blend of strengths and weaknesses, this renewed Surface Pro 3 is best suited for students, casual users, and small-business professionals seeking a lightweight secondary device. Its 12-inch display and full Windows environment make it excellent for streaming lectures, note-taking in OneNote, and standard office tasks. The refurbished price point also appeals to those on a tight budget who want premium hardware at a fraction of retail cost.
Meanwhile, power users—software developers, video editors, or hardcore gamers—should look to more recent Surface Pro models with updated CPUs, more RAM, and improved battery life. If you need >6 hours of consistent unplugged operation or rely on resource-intensive applications, the refurbished Pro 3 may fall short. That said, adding a high-capacity microSD card can mitigate its limited onboard storage for casual media collection.
Finally, buyers must evaluate their comfort with refurbished devices. If you can research seller ratings, confirm a robust return policy, and inspect battery health via a quick charge/discharge cycle, you’ll likely enjoy months of reliable service. Those unwilling to risk occasional quality hiccups should invest in a new model or certified Microsoft outlet refurbished unit.
- Strong value for casual and hybrid use when sourced from reputable sellers.
- Exercise caution on battery health, charger compatibility, and OS version before use.
Conclusion: Final Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Renewed – 128GB, Intel Core i5 emerges as a cost-effective 2-in-1 tablet that delivers most of the original hardware’s appeal at steep discounts. Buyers overwhelmingly commend its pristine screens, responsive performance for everyday tasks, and premium build quality. Yet, the refurbished market introduces variability: defective batteries, loose charging ports, and OS mismatches can sour the experience if you pick the wrong seller.
No credible rumors of systemic counterfeit or permanent hardware flaws cloud the model’s reputation. Instead, customer feedback points to inconsistent refurbishing standards as the root cause of complaints. For budget-conscious shoppers planning light productivity, media consumption, or occasional on-the-go work, the renewed Pro 3 is a compelling choice—provided you verify the warranty, test battery life immediately, and keep the original packaging handy for returns.
In summary, this renewed Surface Pro 3 is a sound secondary device or starter Windows tablet with notable savings. Just be prepared to navigate the occasional refurb hiccup, and you’ll enjoy many months of capable, portable computing without break-the-bank prices.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 (128 GB, Intel Core i5) (Renewed)
- Boost productivity with the renewed Surface Pro 3’s Intel Core i5-4300U CPU, 12-inch 2160 x 1440 touchscreen and Intel HD Graphics 5000, all in a sleek, versatile tablet-laptop hybrid.
- Enjoy HD video calls with 5MP and 1080p front/rear cameras, crisp Dolby Audio speakers and 128GB storage, plus USB 3.0, microSD reader and Mini DisplayPort on the sleek Surface Pro 3.
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