Avionics
Surface Pro 3 Moving into Mostly Commercial Cockpits
The Surface Pro 3 offers an alternative to the iPad, but not much aviaton-focused software is available on that platform.
Austrian Airlines has deployed 950 Surface Pro 3 computers such as these shown mounted in one of the airline’s Airbus A320s.
Austrian Airlines has deployed 950 Surface Pro 3 computers such as these shown mounted in one of the airline’s Airbus A320s.

Microsoft is ramping up efforts to expand into the electronic flight bag (EFB) market with its Surface Pro 3. While at first glance the Surface Pro 3 looks like a large tablet, it is more a powerful but slimmed-down laptop computer that can double as a tablet. And while it is not ideal for every cockpit because it is so large (7.93 x 11.5 x 0.36 inches), Microsoft is gaining adherents in the airline market and offers an alternative for those who prefer something other than the ubiquitous Apple iPad or the less popular (in aviation) Android-based tablets.