The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a highly anticipated update to the original Surface Laptop, and it’s clear that Microsoft has made significant improvements in various areas. As an ultraportable Windows 10 laptop, the Surface Laptop 3 offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and features, making it an attractive option for users who need a compact device for work or play.

Design and Display

The Surface Laptop 3 retains its predecessor’s sleek and lightweight design, but with some notable changes. The new model is available in two sizes: 13.5 inches (Surface Laptop 3) and 15 inches (Surface Laptop 3 with Alcantara material). Both versions feature a durable aluminum body and a robust hinge that allows for comfortable typing and viewing angles.

The display on the Surface Laptop 3 is one of its strongest assets. The PixelSense touchscreen boasts a resolution of 2256 x 1504 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.

Performance

The Surface Laptop 3 is powered by AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, depending on your configuration choice. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with improved performance for general tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. The latter offers even better performance for demanding applications like video editing or gaming.

For added security features, Microsoft has included a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and a fingerprint reader with Windows Hello support.

Battery Life

One of the key selling points of the Surface Laptop 3 is its impressive battery life. According to Microsoft, users can expect up to 11 hours of web browsing or 10 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 9-10 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Connectivity and Ports

The Surface Laptop 3 features a generous selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, a USB-C port with support for Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and an SD card slot. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Surface Laptop 3 boasts an improved front-facing camera with 720p 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 Laptop 3 features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive listening experience.

Ports and Accessories

Microsoft has also introduced a new Type Cover with improved backlighting and better key travel. The Surface Pen is still available as a separate accessory, offering 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity for precise drawing and writing.

Configuration Options

The Surface Laptop 3 comes in several configuration options to suit different budgets and needs:

• Core i5: 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
• Core i7: 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
• Ryzen 7: 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a formidable ultraportable Windows 10 laptop that checks most of the right boxes. Its compact design, impressive display, and robust performance make it an excellent option for users who need a lightweight device for everyday tasks or on-the-go productivity.

While it may not be the best choice for demanding applications or gaming enthusiasts, the Surface Laptop 3 is an attractive alternative to traditional laptops or tablets. With its competitive pricing starting at $999 (base model) and going up to $2,299 (high-end configuration), the Surface Laptop 3 is definitely worth considering for those in search of a reliable and feature-packed portable device.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i5 and i7
• RAM: 8GB or 16GB
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
• Display: 13.5-inch (Surface Laptop 3) or 15-inch (Surface Laptop 3 with Alcantara material), PixelSense touchscreen, 2256 x 1504 pixels
• Battery Life: Up to 11 hours web browsing or 10 hours video playback
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support)
• Camera: Front-facing 720p camera with 1080p video recording, Rear-facing 5-megapixel camera