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 a powerful and portable Windows 10 ultrabook, 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 AMD Ryzen 7 processor). Both versions feature a durable aluminum body and a robust keyboard with a precision touchpad.

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 either Intel Core i5 or i7 processors (8th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 7 processor (Surface Laptop 3 with AMD), depending on your configuration choice. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with 4GB of RAM and 128GB 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 gaming, the Surface Laptop 3 performs admirably. Microsoft has also included a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for added security features like Windows Hello facial recognition.

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 and 45 minutes of web browsing or 10 hours and 30 minutes 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 reader. 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.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a formidable portable Windows 10 ultrabook 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 extreme gaming enthusiasts or those requiring high-end graphics capabilities, the Surface Laptop 3 is an attractive alternative to traditional laptops. With its competitive pricing starting at $999 (base model) and going up to $2,399 (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: Intel Core i5 or i7 (8th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 7
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
• Display: 13.5 inches (2256 x 1504 pixels) or 15 inches (2496 x 1664 pixels), PixelSense touchscreen
• Battery Life: Up to 11 hours and 45 minutes web browsing or 10 hours and 30 minutes 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