is often one of finding the right balance between "too light" and "too loud." Released in 2014, this device was a major leap forward for the Surface line.

: Light tasks like web browsing, taking notes in OneNote, or watching videos.

If you are looking to pick one up today, the choice usually comes down to three specific "characters" in the lineup: The Value Seeker (Intel Core i3) : 4th Gen Intel Core i3, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD.

: This was the entry-level model, designed for people who primarily wanted a digital notebook. It runs cooler than its more powerful siblings because it has a lower power draw.