I had the opportunity to test the first generation of Surface Laptop 3, available only with a 13.5-inch screen. Today I will give you a flair review of surface Laptop 3.
This time I have the latest Microsoft portable PCs. It is none other than the Surface Laptop 3. Microsoft Belgium sent me during a fortnight its new device that I had wanted to test in its 15-inch version with AMD Ryzen processor. So what is it worth? Here is my test of the Surface Laptop 3 running Windows 10. So, here is the review of Surface Laptop 3.
Surface Laptop 3 Review: An exemplary finish
Like the Surface Pro 7, the Surface Laptop 3 box contents ultimately contain everything most common. The PC necessarily, a magnetic charger, and a few explanatory sheets. Once the device stripped of its cellophane, we immediately notice its level of finish. The Surface Laptop 3 is sober, stable, light, thin, balanced and its format closer to the traditional Laptop than the ultrabook in this 15-inch version suggests a much more comfortable use in a prolonged manner.
In terms of design, this Surface Laptop 3 looks a lot like the previous generation. But in a larger format since it is, in my case, equipped with a 15-inch screen. Like with the Surface Pro 7, the Laptop is available in two colors: platinum or black. The small shiny “Surface”logo on the back of the device gives character to the device, like the luminous apple of Apple’s MacBook since the Surface Laptop 3 comes to walk on its flower beds.
When opening the device,
we immediately realize that the manufacturer has given a unique point to the hinge: the opening is fluid, and the resistance is perfectly balanced so that the screen does not vibrate even when we move the hinge. ‘apparatus. This simple detail gives an impression of robustness and manufacturing quality. What also surprises me is the smoothness of its screen. It is one of the thinnest screens found on current laptops.
Once the screen is open, the Laptop 3 reveals the keyboard and the large trackpad located just below. Good news: the company no longer imposes its Alcantara coating since an additional choice is available to you:
- A “Metal”finish for the sand, black, and platinum colors
- An “Alcantara”finish for the cobalt blue and platinum colors
An important detail has appeared on the device’s edge. The arrival of the long-awaited USB-C port to replace DisplayPort. Unfortunately, you will only find one traditional USB 3 port (USB-A) once again, and I find it unfortunate that Microsoft did not place an additional one all the more on this 15-inch version. Connect an external hard drive and a mouse, and you’re already out of space.
The only consolation is that the USB-C port is not used to power the device since it still has a magnetic charging port. This one has saved my Surface Pro 4 in the past since the cable disconnects immediately. Suppose you get tripped up in it, without the risk of sending the device to the ground. In terms of other connections, the jack port is present. But we note, on the other hand, the absence of a microSD port. To extend the capacity of the device as with the Surface Pro 7. On the other hand, you will benefit from the latest connectivity standards. Wireless: WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.
Surface Laptop 3 Review: Design and Display
I could have finally copied and pasted the paragraph I wrote in the Surface Pro 7 test as the screen remains once again of good quality: bright, well balanced, and always in a three format: 2, which is in a way Microsoft’s trademark for its Surface range.
In the 13.5-inch version, the “PixelSense”screen of the Surface Laptop 3 benefits from a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. In the 15-inch version, this time it is 2496 x 1664 pixels. Please do the math. The pixel density between these two versions is the same since 201 PPI (pixels per inch). Needless to say, unless you squint 2 cm from your screen, you won’t see a single pixel. Note that the Surface Pro 7 does even better with 267 DPI.
What makes this screen’s strength is its tactile use. Since, you can use it with your finger like a tablet. I made the connection with the switching on of automatic headlights on a car in my previous test. Or even facial recognition with Windows Hello on the Surface Pro 7. Well, manipulating your PC with a touch screen may seem futile to some. Still, it becomes practically compulsory once you have tasted it as it is practical for specific tasks. You can scrolling through your photos, surfing the Web, browsing Netflix series.
Windows Hello, let’s talk about it since this feature is available with the Surface Laptop 3. Thus, a small camera located above the screen will allow you to unlock your device once you are recognized automatically. You don’t need a password since it is enough to position yourself in front of the screen for the device to identify you.
The performance of Surface Laptop 3
The Surface Laptop 3 in 13.5-inch version has a tenth generation Intel processor, just like the Surface Pro 7. However, this edition with a 15-inch screen distinguishes that it incorporates an AMD processor as standard. Ryzen. The device I received on loan is the AMD Ryzen 5 “Surface Edition,”a processor developed explicitly by the device’s chipmaker. A variation with AMD Ryzen 7 is also available in more high-end configurations.
I, as usual, ran the CPU-Z Benchmark to compare performance with other Surface devices I’ve received before. In performance mode and on battery:
the Surface Pro 7 with an Intel Core i5 1035G7 processor.
It scores 467.5 in Single Thread and 2278.1 in Multi Thread.
The Surface Laptop 3 with an AMD Ryzen 5 “Surface Edition”processor scores 426.6 and 2103.5, respectively.
As you can see, the Intel processor is +/- 10% more efficient than its AMD equivalent… and that bothers me! I expected performance to signed up to par with such hype surrounding this “Surface Edition”processor. Although this Surface Laptop 3 is quite efficient. And it allows you to perform many office tasks or more advanced like photo editing, development. On Windows 10, I expected better.
Small consolation: the GPU integrated into the AMD Ryzen 5 processor (Vega 9). It is slightly more efficient than the one integrated into the Intel CPU (Iris Plus G7). By doing a small Bench on UserBenchark, the Surface Laptop 3 obtains 11.6% for the graphics part with an AMD processor. It is against 10.1% for the Intel processor. These are not devices for gamers or 3D design. However, these still allow you to run some games, as I told you about in this article.
If I had to buy the device,
I would go for the version with an Intel processor (coupled with 8 GB of RAM). And not the one with an AMD processor. Yes, you read that correctly. It is possible to order the Surface Laptop 3 with a 15-inch screen and an Intel processor. Do not look for this variant on the Microsoft Store in the regular part. You will not find it. To do this, go to the professional section by clicking here. The price between the two versions is also practically identical. Depending on your needs, you will have the choice between an AMD Ryzen (5 or 7) or Intel (Core i3 to i7) processor. From 8 GB to 16 GB of RAM and from 128 GB to 1 TB of SSD storage.
Adequate autonomy: Surface Laptop 3 Review
If you plan to use this Surface Laptop 3 to take notes at university, develop software, or even make infographics. You will reassure that it holds the day without a problem. Microsoft announces a theoretical autonomy of 11.5 hours. For my part, I exceeded 9 hours of use on a single charge. It is even a bit better than with the Surface Pro 7.
It’s hard to detail my hour-by-hour usage. But I mainly did office tasks, and surfed the Web. Also, I did some photo editing, and watched videos. Since I am talking about video playback. One of the points that pleasantly surprised me is the quality of the sound produced by its speakers. Compared to the Surface Pro 7, it is clear that the Surface Laptop 3 does better on this point.
The Surface Laptop 3 Review: for whom, and why?
We have already concluded this test, and I must admit that this Surface Laptop 3 does not leave me indifferent. If you like the MacBook for its finish level but become allergic to the Apple environment. I think this Surface Laptop 3 is the perfect competitor on Windows 10. The device is sober and elegant and shows performance that will satisfy most users. Whether it is professional or not.
Where I found the Surface Laptop 3 less exciting and innovative than a Surface Pro. (detachable keyboard, lower price, even more mobile). Which is in the 13.5-inch version. Microsoft made a perfect choice for me by releasing this version of 15 inches. I even want to say that the Laptop should have, come out directly with this screen diagonal. But it’s better late than never.
With Surface Laptop 3,
Microsoft has done a great job of giving users more choice while addressing some shortcomings of the previous two generations:
It arrives with two screen diagonals. And the 15-inch version is for those who want to use the device more comfortably during a full working day
This laptop is removable, partly repairable, and its SSD can even replace. Although Microsoft recommends going through specialized technicians to perform this type of operation
It is available with two types of processor: Intel Core iX or AMD Ryzen X. Although I recommend the former of the two given its better performance. However, we are leaving the choice to the users is an excellent point.
The only downside, I still regret the lack of connections. I would have hoped to be more numerous on this 15-inch version.
FAQ of Surface Laptop 3 Review
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Where to buy the Surface Laptop 3?
The Surface Laptop 3 is available everywhere. Its price starting at $ 1,390 for the 13.5-inch version and $ 1,632 for the 15-inch version. I refer you to buy from the Microsoft Store to compare all possible configurations. But you will also find it at other resellers. Note that if you want to buy the 15-inch version with the Intel processor, you will have to go through the Microsoft Store’s.
- Surface Laptop 3 (13.5 “Intel and 15″with AMD)
- Microsoft-store
- Surface Laptop 3 (15 “Intel)
- Microsoft-store
- Surface Laptop 3
In this era of increased technology development, laptops have become essential in business. Manufacturers of technological devices like Microsoft. It try daily to meet individuals’ expectations by offering innovative models such as the Surface Laptop 3. If a notable difference did not exist between the Surface Laptop 2 and other apps.
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Is a Surface Pro 3 still good in 2020?
As you can see, the Intel processor is +/- 10% more efficient than its AMD equivalent… and that bothers me! I expected performance to signed up to par with such hype surrounding this “Surface Edition”processor. Although this Surface Laptop 3 is quite efficient. And it allows you to perform many office tasks or more advanced like photo editing, development. On Windows 10, I expected better in 2020.
3.Why get a Surface Pro instead of a laptop?
Like the Surface Pro 7, the Surface Laptop 3 box contents ultimately contain everything most common. The PC necessarily, a magnetic charger, and a few explanatory sheets. Once the device stripped of its cellophane, we immediately notice its level of finish.
The Surface Laptop 3 is sober, stable, light, thin, balanced and its format closer to the traditional Laptop than the ultrabook in this 15-inch version suggests a much more comfortable use in a prolonged manner.
4.What is the difference between Microsoft Surface and laptop?
With Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft has done a great job of giving users more choice while addressing some shortcomings of the previous two generations:
It arrives with two screen diagonals. And the 15-inch version is for those who want to use the device more comfortably during a full working day
This laptop is removable, partly repairable, and its SSD can even replace. Although Microsoft recommends going through specialized technicians to perform this type of operation
It is available with two types of processor: Intel Core iX or AMD Ryzen X. Although I recommend the former of the two given its better performance. However, we are leaving the choice to the users is an excellent point.
The only downside, I still regret the lack of connections. I would have hoped to be more numerous on this 15-inch version.
