Buyers complain that Microsoft needs too much time to launch a fix for issues with its latest Windows 8.1 tablet

Sep 22, 2014 14:59 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 3 on May 20, and since then, the tablet has sold in record number all over the world, especially in the United States, where the product became available in June.

What’s really important for buyers, however, is the fact that just like its predecessors, the Surface Pro 3 is affected by quite a lot of issues, including the limited Wi-Fi connectivity bug that was spotted on the Surface RT and the Surface Pro nearly two years ago.

Several Surface Pro 3 buyers have confirmed on Microsoft’s Community forums that their tablets are suffering from limited Wi-Fi connectivity and sometimes they lose wireless Internet all of a sudden, although everything appears to be working just fine.

Users upset with Microsoft’s lack of reaction

One of the reasons users are so upset with Microsoft is the fact that even though the issue was first reported in June, the company is yet to deliver a fix.

Microsoft actually tried to fix this with several firmware updates released on the previous Patch Tuesday, but none of the workarounds actually managed to resolve this.

Needless to say, some buyers have criticized the company on its support forums, explaining that buying a Surface Pro 3 is one bad decision, especially when taking into account the money you need to spend for the device.

“Microsoft has done a horrible job with two vital functions of this machine, and they do not look as if they have any intention of fixing it at this point. I believe they have moved on, and we early-adopters are SOL. I have learned my lesson. NO MORE will I buy anything Microsoft until it has been out at least three months so I can research the problems first. $1,400 wasted,” one says.

Apple comes to the rescue

What’s worse, Microsoft is not only criticized by its users, but is also compared to rival Apple, which is said to offer much more stable and reliable products.

One user even explains that due to the lack of reaction from Microsoft, buying a device manufactured by Apple seems to be a much smarter decision, especially because products manufactured by the Cupertino-based firm have shown excellent reliability.

“I agree with Mark, when you spend money on a new device it should just work (as per any Apple device you'd buy). The lack of a resolution by Microsoft on this issue, or even reaching out to those affected, is a reflection on their (in)ability to deliver hardware as well as software,” another one states.

The problem for Microsoft is that since the launch of the Surface Pro 3, it frequently compared its tablet with the MacBook Air, promoting it as the perfect replacement for a much bulkier device. As things are right now, it might be lighter, but clearly causing many more issues.