The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is a highly anticipated update to the original Surface Book, and it’s clear that Microsoft has made significant improvements in various areas. As a 2-in-1 laptop designed specifically for creators and professionals, the Surface Book 3 offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and features, making it an attractive option for those who need a powerful device for demanding tasks.

Design and Display

The Surface Book 3 retains its predecessor’s sleek and premium design, but with some notable changes. The new model is available in two sizes: 13.5 inches (Surface Book 3) and 15 inches (Surface Book 3 with 4G LTE). Both versions feature a durable magnesium alloy body and a robust hinge that allows for comfortable typing and viewing angles.

The display on the Surface Book 3 is one of its strongest assets. The PixelSense touchscreen boasts a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels, which provides crisp and vibrant visuals. Colors are accurate, and the screen’s brightness is suitable for indoor use, although it may struggle in extremely bright environments. For added protection, the display features Gorilla Glass 5.

Performance

The Surface Book 3 is powered by Intel’s latest Core i5-10300H or Core i7-1060G7 processors, depending on your configuration choice. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, while the latter offers improved performance with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.

For demanding applications like video editing, 3D modeling, or software development, the Surface Book 3 performs admirably. Microsoft has also included a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card for added power and flexibility.

Battery Life

One of the key selling points of the Surface Book 3 is its impressive battery life. According to Microsoft, users can expect up to 15 hours of web browsing or 17 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 14-16 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Connectivity and Ports

The Surface Book 3 features a generous selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Surface Book 3 boasts an improved front-facing camera with 8-megapixel resolution and 1080p video recording capabilities. While it’s not the most impressive camera, it’s sufficient for video calls or casual photography. On the rear, you’ll find a single 5-megapixel camera that captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

For audio enthusiasts, the Surface Book 3 features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive listening experience.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The Surface Book 3’s keyboard is one of its strongest assets. The backlit keys provide a comfortable typing experience, while the trackpad offers precise navigation and gesture recognition.

Ports and Connectivity Options

In addition to the standard USB-A ports, the Surface Book 3 also features a USB-C port with support for Power Delivery and DisplayPort, allowing users to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Storage and Upgrade Options

The Surface Book 3 supports up to 2TB of SSD storage, providing ample space for files, applications, and data. Microsoft has also included an SD card reader for added flexibility.

Ports and Connectivity Options

In addition to the standard USB-A ports, the Surface Book 3 also features a USB-C port with support for Power Delivery and DisplayPort, allowing users to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-10300H or Core i7-1060G7
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
• Display: 13.5-inch (Surface Book 3) or 15-inch (Surface Book 3 with 4G LTE), PixelSense touchscreen, 3000 x 2000 pixels
• Battery Life: Up to 17 hours web browsing or 20 hours video playback
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support)
• Camera: Front-facing 8-megapixel camera with 1080p video recording, Rear-facing 5-megapixel camera

Comparison to Competitors

The Surface Book 3 faces stiff competition from other high-end laptops like the Dell XPS 15, Lenovo ThinkPad P53, and Apple MacBook Pro. However, its unique design, impressive performance, and long battery life make it a compelling option for creators and professionals who require a versatile device that can handle demanding tasks.

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a powerful and portable laptop that can handle demanding tasks. While it may be pricey, its unique design, impressive performance, and long battery life make it well worth the investment for professionals and creators who require a device that can keep up with their needs.

Price:

• Surface Book 3 (13.5 inches): Starting at $1,599
• Surface Book 3 (15 inches): Starting at $2,299