The Surface Laptop 3 is a marvelous piece of hardware featuring 10th gen Intel processors, a sleek aluminum chassis and modular aspect that makes upgrading and changing key components that much easier.
It comes in 2 variants- one is 13 inches and has a 10nm chip, and the other is a 15 inch model with a custom Ryzen processor from AMD.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the specifications of the Surface Laptop 3 and see why it’s one of the most powerful Surface devices around.
The Display
Each Surface 3 model has a different resolution. The 15 inch model touts a stunning 2496 x 1664 resolution, while the 13 inch model has a 2256 x 1504 pixel screen. One notable change that Microsoft pointed out is that the display is much brighter than the LCD pane of the Surface 2 and yet costs less energy than its predecessor.
True to form, the display is marvelous without being too bright and glaring. The bezels haven’t changed and they’re about the same thickness as the older Surface laptops.
Touchpad and Keyboard Experience
A laptop should function quite well even without the requisite accessories, like a mouse or keyboard. The Surface 3 doesn’t disappoint in this department, as you get a minimal 1.3mm travel that provides an excellent tactile experience. Typing up an email, creating content or doing notes shouldn’t be a problem with the Surface 3.
The touchpad deserves special mention, as it’s 20 percent larger than the Surface 2 model. You’ll find the pad quite capable for light browsing, navigating and whatnot.
Ports
Both variants will have USB A ports for plugging in accessories such as printers, USB hubs and other essential equipment. Of course, there’s the USB C for plugging in modern devices.
The Performance
Let’s start with the 13-inch model. The hardware is pretty standard and can hold up to most ultrabooks offered today. You get a 10th gen Intel processor, 8GB of generous RAM and 128GB SSD. Handling the graphics department is an Iris 950 chip by Intel.
The 15-inch model has a few new additions that deserve mention. It has Ryzen processors that can churn out graphics and pixels at an astounding rate. With the configuration you should be able to do almost anything, from watching videos and browsing multiple windows to light gaming or editing on the side. It’s sure to be your favorite daily driver once you get accustomed to the way the laptop feels and performs.
Battery and Charging
A single charge should last a whole day on both 13- and 15 inch models. You can squeeze out approximately 11 hours of use before needing to plug it in a wall outlet. We like the fact that most Surface laptops have quick-charge capabilities, and the Surface 3 is no exception.
Just how quickly can you get back after a low-battery warning? Microsoft says that it only takes less than an hour to get it up to 80%.
Overall, the Surface Pro 3 is an improvement in every which way. While it’s still stuck in the bezels department, the machine can stand toe-to-toe against the competition, especially when it comes to performance, battery life and keyboard comfort. USB C is always a welcome addition, and it’s nice to see that Microsoft listens to its consumers.
The modular aspect means that you should be able to use your Surface 3 much longer than expected. When the hardware wears out, simply take it to an authorized store or pick out the components yourself. You can trade in Microsoft Surface and get a more sustainable machine in the end. It’s a win-win for both parties!