There is no debate that the Apple iPad Air 2 is the best iPad to date, but how does it compare to Microsoft's laptop/tablet hybrid, the Surface Pro 3?

The iPad Air 2 is loaded with iOS 8.1 software. The Surface is loaded with Windows 8.1 Pro. Which is better depends on personal taste and what the machine will be used for.

There are differences between the two devices that come down to personal preference:

  • When we consider body styles, the iPad Air 2 has an aluminum body while the Surface Pro 3 sports a magnesium one. Both offer high-quality aesthetics.
  • The Surface Pro 3 has a detachable keyboard cover and kickstand that allow users to easily switch between laptop and tablet modes.
  • The iPad keyboard connects via Bluetooth. The Surface has a physical connection.
  • Microsoft's aluminum Surface Pen comes with the Pro 3. In addition more precision and control, this active-digitizer stylus lets you launch Microsoft's OneNote app by clicking its back end. You can buy iPad-compatible styluses, but they simulate finger touches.
  • Apple's Touch ID sensor on the iPad Air 2 lets you easily secure your tablet. You can skip a password in Touch ID-friendly apps.
  • The Surface Pro 3 is 22 percent longer and 18 percent wider than the iPad Air 2. Bigger may be better, depending on what you want out of your device.

The one thing both devices have in common: IPS panels, otherwise known as "in-plane switching," which is a screen technology used for liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

Below we show which device wins in key feature categories:

iPad Air 2 Wins in Weight and Thinness

The razor-thin iPad Air 2 is lighter in weight and thinner than the Surface. The Surface Pro 3 is thin for a desktop PC, but it is 49 percent thicker than the Apple product.

It is also 83 percent heavier than the iPad Air 2. If you add its keyboard cover, the weight increases to 2.5 times as much.

iPad Air 2 Wins in Color Option

You have one color choice for the Surface, whereas the iPad Air 2 has three color options.

iPad Air 2 Wins for Sharper Screen

The iPad has a 22 percent sharper screen (2048 x 1536) than the Surface Pro 3 (2160 x 1440). Apple claims the iPad Air 2's display cuts down on glare by 56 percent.

iPad Air 2 Wins in Battery Life

The iPad has 10 hours of battery life, including Internet use over WiFi. You'll get about an hour less using the Surface.

The Surface Pro 3 is also known to run hot at times, reports Tech Radar.

There is an option for an iPad that uses cellular data. No such option for the Surface.

iPad Air 2 Wins in Camera Quality

The iPad Air 2 has a better rear camera that produces quality images. The Surface has a front-facing camera that tops out at 3.5 megapixels, but the rear camera has been improved from 5MP to 8MP.

Surface Pro 3 Wins at Side-by-Side Multitasking

Windows has side-by-side multitasking, both in desktop apps and using the Snap feature in Modern apps, according to Gizmag. Surface also runs legacy desktop apps. Apple has not added side-by-side multitasking to the iPad.

Surface Pro 3 Has More Storage Options

The Surface's laptop capabilities means that it offers more storage options, along with a microSD slot to expand internal storage.

The Surface Pro 3 gives users either 64 GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB of RAM, depending on storage and processor configuration.

Apple loaded the iPad Air 2 with lightning-fast 64-bit A8 and A8X chips, however, the iPad offers only 16GB, 64GB and 128GB of RAM.

Surface Pro 3 Wins in Screen Size

The Surface boasts 47 percent more screen than the iPad. While this is wonderful for using it as a laptop, it can be cumbersome as a tablet.

If you want a tablet, the iPad is the best choice because it's lighter and thinner with a large selection of touch apps.

The iPad Air 2 was launched with the retail base price of $499, but now retails for $529 at 16GB. The Surface Pro 3 ranges in price from $599 to $1,949, depending on model. The Surface Pro 3 costs more, but if you want a device that is both a laptop and tablet, it's worth it.

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