The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is a highly anticipated update to the original Surface Book series, and it’s clear that Microsoft has made significant improvements in various areas. As a powerful 2-in-1 laptop, the Surface Book 3 offers an impressive combination of performance, battery life, and features, making it an attractive option for users who need a versatile device for work or play.

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 three sizes: 13.5 inches (Surface Book 3), 15 inches (Surface Book 3 with NVIDIA graphics), and a larger 15-inch variant with improved performance (Surface Book 3 i7). All versions feature a durable aluminum 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 (13.5 inches) or 3240 x 2160 pixels (15 inches), providing 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 3.

Performance

The Surface Book 3 is powered by Intel’s latest Core i5 or i7 processors, depending on your configuration choice. The base model features a quad-core Core i5-1035G1 processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, while the high-end variant includes a powerful octa-core Core i7-1065G7 processor with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.

For demanding applications like video editing or gaming, the Surface Book 3 excels. With NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (15-inch model) or Intel Iris Xe Graphics (13.5-inch model), users can enjoy smooth performance in popular titles like Fortnite, Overwatch, or World of Warcraft.

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 12-14 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, a headphone jack, and a mini DisplayPort (on the base model). The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Surface Book 3 boasts improved front-facing and rear-facing cameras with 8-megapixel resolution and 1080p video recording capabilities. For audio enthusiasts, the device features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive listening experience.

Keyboard and Stylus Support

One of the standout features of the Surface Book 3 is its excellent keyboard and stylus support. The new keyboard boasts improved key travel and a more comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Surface Pen (sold separately) offers precise and natural writing and drawing capabilities.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is a powerful 2-in-1 laptop that excels in various areas. Its impressive performance, long battery life, and versatile design make it an attractive option for users who need a reliable device for work or play.

While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the Surface Book 3’s premium build quality and features justify its price tag. With its competitive pricing starting at $1,299 (base model) and going up to $2,699 (high-end configuration), the Surface Book 3 is definitely worth considering for those in search of a powerful and feature-packed laptop.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-1035G1 or i7-1065G7
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
• Display: 13.5-inch (Surface Book 3) or 15-inch (Surface Book 3 with NVIDIA graphics), PixelSense touchscreen, 3000 x 2000 pixels (13.5 inches) or 3240 x 2160 pixels (15 inches)
• Battery Life: Up to 15 hours web browsing or 17 hours video playback
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, SD card reader, headphone jack, mini DisplayPort (on the base model)
• Camera: Front-facing and rear-facing 8-megapixel cameras with 1080p video recording
• Keyboard and Stylus Support: Improved keyboard, Surface Pen support

Comparison to Competitors

The Surface Book 3 faces stiff competition from other premium laptops like the Dell XPS 13, HP Envy x360, or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. However, its unique design, impressive performance, and long battery life set it apart from the competition.

For example, the Dell XPS 13 offers similar performance but lacks the Surface Book 3’s versatility and stylus support. The HP Envy x360 provides a more affordable option with similar features, but its performance is slightly inferior. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon boasts improved battery life, but its design and display are not as impressive as the Surface Book 3.

Ultimately, the choice between these premium laptops depends on individual needs and preferences. However, the Microsoft Surface Book 3’s unique combination of features and performance makes it an excellent option for users who require a powerful and versatile device.