The Microsoft Surface has been a general preference for those that use their tablets for more than just quick connections to the Internet and games.

It has always been useful tool for actual work activities and word processing, given its strong user abilities and the keypad.

But now that it's almost out, let's take a look at how it stacks up in comparison to the iPad Air 2, which has been out since last fall.

First of all: Size matters! According to an article on GizMag, the Microsoft Surface 3 is bigger in both size and weight. Compared to the iPad 2 Air's 170MM size, the Microsoft Surface 3 is 187mm. In weight, the iPad 2 Air comes in at 437g. The Microsoft Surface 3 with only the tablet and not the keyboard weighs 622g (887g with the keyboard cover).

It's hard to say which building components make either the best. Apple stuck with aluminum and Microsoft stuck with magnesium, so no real change on either.

As far as aesthetic appeal, the Microsoft Surface 3 only has the option of silver, whereas iPad Air 2 gives you the options of silver, gray and gold. Even though it's nice to have options, weigh this vote according to your personal tastes.

Display size is currently working in favor of the Microsoft Surface 3. It has 10.8 inches, whereas the iPad Air 2 has 9.7 inches. But alternately, the resolution of IPA 2 gives you 264ppi and the MS3 gives you 214ppi. So you will likely be able to see the pixels on it up close.

But you have to give it to the Microsoft Surface 3 for having stylus and desktop app options. iPad Air 2 does not. But it does have a fingerprint sensor, which is lacking on the MS3. Both current models have an LTE option for cellular connectivity.

Other ways the Microsoft Surface 3 has iPad Air 2 beat are with multi-available ports, processor, RAM, microSD, cameras and split-screen multitasking. The iPad Air 2 though has iOS software.

As far as price, both measure up about the same, but the MS3 will cost you more with the keyboard cover and pen.