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 premium 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 lightweight device for work or play.

Design and Display

The Surface Laptop 3 retains its predecessor’s sleek and minimalist 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 Advanced Thermal Design). Both versions feature a durable aluminum body and a robust keyboard that provides excellent typing experience.

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 3.

Performance

The Surface Laptop 3 is powered by a range of Intel Core processors, including the 10th Gen Ice Lake series and the 11th Gen Tiger Lake series. The base model starts with an Intel Core i5-1030G1 processor, while higher-end configurations feature up to an Intel Core i7-11800H processor.

For demanding applications like video editing or gaming, the Surface Laptop 3 provides excellent performance. Microsoft has also included a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for added security features like Windows Hello facial recognition and fingerprint reader 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 and 45 minutes of web browsing or 8 hours and 15 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, one 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 a front-facing camera with 720p resolution and 1080p video recording capabilities, as well as a rear-facing camera with 8-megapixel resolution. While it’s not the most impressive camera setup, it’s sufficient for video calls or casual photography.

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

Advanced Thermal Design

The Surface Laptop 3 with Advanced Thermal Design is a new variant that features improved cooling system and larger heat sinks. This allows for better performance in demanding applications and longer battery life under heavy loads.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a formidable Windows 10 ultrabook that checks most of the right boxes. Its sleek 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 who require a large storage capacity, the Surface Laptop 3 is an attractive alternative to traditional laptops. With its competitive pricing starting at $999 (base model) and going up to $2,299 (high-end configuration), the Surface Laptop 3 is definitely worth considering for those in search of a reliable and feature-packed ultrabook.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-1030G1, Core i7-11800H
• RAM: Up to 32GB DDR4
• Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
• Display: 13.5-inch (Surface Laptop 3) or 15-inch (Surface Laptop 3 with Advanced Thermal Design), PixelSense touchscreen, 2256 x 1504 pixels
• Battery Life: Up to 11 hours and 45 minutes web browsing or 8 hours and 15 minutes video playback
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support), SD card reader
• Camera: Front-facing 720p camera with 1080p video recording, Rear-facing 8-megapixel camera