The Surface Book 3 is Microsoft’s latest addition to its premium lineup of 2-in-1 laptops, known for their innovative design and high performance. With the Surface Book 3, Microsoft aims to provide a versatile computing experience for professionals, creatives, and casual users alike. Combining the power of a high-end laptop with the flexibility of a detachable tablet, the Surface Book 3 is designed to handle a range of tasks, from video editing and graphic design to everyday productivity. Available in two sizes—13.5 inches and 15 inches—the device features powerful processors, stunning display quality, and the ability to switch between laptop and tablet modes seamlessly.
However, the Surface Book 3 comes with its own set of challenges. Its high price point, limited upgradability, and occasional software quirks have made some users question its value. In this article, we will explore 10 detailed pros and 10 cons of the Surface Book 3. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or someone in need of a powerful yet versatile device, this analysis will help you determine if the Surface Book 3 is the right choice for your needs.
Pros Of Surface Book 3
1. Premium Build Quality
The Surface Book 3 is built with premium materials that provide both durability and elegance. The magnesium alloy chassis gives the laptop a sturdy yet lightweight feel, which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The signature “dynamic fulcrum hinge” is a highlight, allowing the laptop to transition smoothly between laptop and tablet modes. This hinge provides a solid, flexible connection between the screen and the base, ensuring stability while also contributing to the laptop’s sleek design. The overall build quality is superior, making the Surface Book 3 a top choice for professionals who need a device that looks and feels high-end.
2. Impressive Performance With High-End Specs
The Surface Book 3 is available with Intel’s 10th-generation processors, ranging from the Core i5 to the Core i7, paired with up to 32GB of RAM. For users who require heavy-duty performance, such as video editors, graphic designers, or engineers, the device offers dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or 1660 Ti graphics cards. These specifications make it capable of running demanding applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, AutoCAD, and even gaming at decent settings. The high-end specs ensure smooth multitasking, fast processing, and efficient performance, making the Surface Book 3 ideal for power users.
3. Versatile 2-in-1 Design
One of the biggest advantages of the Surface Book 3 is its versatile design. The detachable screen allows users to switch between using it as a traditional laptop and a standalone tablet. Whether you need the precision of a keyboard for typing or the convenience of a tablet for sketching or taking notes, the Surface Book 3 provides flexibility. The screen can also be reversed and reattached to the keyboard, allowing for tent mode, which is perfect for watching movies or delivering presentations. This 2-in-1 functionality makes it an adaptable tool for various tasks and environments.
4. Excellent Display Quality
The Surface Book 3 features a PixelSense display, available in two sizes: 13.5 inches with a resolution of 3000 x 2000, and 15 inches with a resolution of 3240 x 2160. The high-resolution display delivers stunning image quality with vivid colors, sharp details, and excellent contrast. The 3:2 aspect ratio also offers more vertical space, which is particularly useful for productivity tasks like reading, writing, or coding. Additionally, the display is touchscreen-enabled, providing responsive and accurate touch input, whether you’re using your fingers or the Surface Pen (sold separately). The display quality makes the Surface Book 3 ideal for creative professionals who require accurate color representation.
5. Optimized For Creative Professionals
For users in creative fields, the Surface Book 3 excels. The device is compatible with the Surface Pen, which allows for precise drawing and sketching, making it a great tool for graphic designers, illustrators, and architects. The detachable tablet screen gives artists the freedom to work in a more hands-on way, while the dedicated GPU ensures that design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or 3D modeling programs run smoothly. The combination of performance and creative flexibility makes the Surface Book 3 an excellent choice for professionals in the creative industry.
6. Strong Battery Life In Laptop Mode
The Surface Book 3 is equipped with two batteries: one in the keyboard base and one in the tablet screen. When used in laptop mode, the combined battery life is impressive. Microsoft claims up to 15.5 hours for the 13.5-inch model and up to 17.5 hours for the 15-inch model. Although real-world usage tends to yield slightly lower numbers, the device can easily last through a full workday of moderate use, such as browsing, word processing, and video streaming. For users who need a laptop that can last without frequent charging, the Surface Book 3 is a reliable option.
7. Generous Storage Options
The Surface Book 3 comes with a range of storage options, from 256GB to 1TB SSD, offering fast read/write speeds. The SSD not only provides ample storage for large files but also ensures quick boot times and smooth application loading. For users who work with large video files, graphic projects, or software development, the higher-end storage configurations are ideal. The speed and capacity of the SSD make the Surface Book 3 a strong performer in terms of data storage and access.
8. Quiet Operation
Despite its powerful internal components, the Surface Book 3 operates quietly during regular tasks such as browsing, video playback, and document editing. The cooling system is efficient, with fans that only become noticeable during heavy workloads like rendering videos or playing games. This quiet operation makes the Surface Book 3 suitable for work environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as libraries or shared offices.
9. Portable Design
Weighing around 3.62 pounds for the 13.5-inch model and 4.2 pounds for the 15-inch model, the Surface Book 3 is lightweight considering its power and size. The detachable screen further enhances portability by allowing users to carry just the tablet portion when necessary. The slim profile and light design make it easy to carry around for meetings, travel, or work on the go, offering more flexibility than traditional laptops.
10. Variety of Ports
The Surface Book 3 comes with two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, a full-sized SD card reader, and a Surface Connect port for charging. The inclusion of both modern and legacy ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and accessories. The USB-C port supports data transfer, charging, and display output, although it lacks Thunderbolt 3 functionality. The SD card reader is particularly useful for photographers and videographers who need to transfer media from cameras or other devices.
Cons Of Surface Book 3
1. Expensive Pricing
One of the major drawbacks of the Surface Book 3 is its high price point. Starting at around $1,599 for the base model and going up to over $3,000 for the fully equipped versions, the Surface Book 3 is significantly more expensive than many other laptops with similar performance. For users who do not need the 2-in-1 functionality or high-end specs, there are more affordable alternatives available in the market. This high cost makes it a device suited primarily for professionals who can justify the investment based on their work needs.
2. Tablet Mode Battery Life
While the Surface Book 3 offers solid battery life in laptop mode, the battery life in tablet mode is significantly shorter. The tablet portion relies on its smaller internal battery when detached from the keyboard base, resulting in reduced usage time. This can be inconvenient for users who intend to use the device primarily in tablet mode for extended periods without access to a charger. The limited battery life in tablet mode detracts from the overall versatility of the device.
3. No Thunderbolt 3 Support
Surprisingly, the Surface Book 3 lacks Thunderbolt 3 support, a feature that has become standard in many high-end laptops. Thunderbolt 3 would allow for faster data transfer rates, the ability to connect to external GPUs, and support for multiple 4K displays. The absence of this feature limits the expansion potential of the Surface Book 3, especially for users who need advanced connectivity options for professional tasks.
4. Limited Upgradability
One of the limitations of the Surface Book 3 is its lack of upgradability. The RAM and storage are soldered onto the motherboard, meaning users cannot upgrade these components after purchase. This limits the future-proofing of the device, as users are locked into the configuration they buy. For users who prefer the ability to upgrade their devices over time, this lack of flexibility can be a significant drawback.
5. Heavy In Tablet Mode
While the Surface Book 3’s detachable design is a great feature, the tablet portion of the device, particularly in the 15-inch model, can feel heavy. Weighing around 1.8 pounds, the 15-inch tablet is not as portable or lightweight as dedicated tablets like the iPad Pro. Holding the tablet for extended periods can become uncomfortable, limiting its practicality for certain tasks like reading, drawing, or taking notes.
6. Fan Noise During Heavy Workloads
Under heavy workloads, such as video editing or gaming, the fans in the Surface Book 3 can become quite loud. While the device operates quietly during light tasks, users may find the fan noise distracting during intensive tasks. This can be particularly bothersome in quiet environments, where users might expect the device to remain silent even under load.
7. Occasional Software Glitches
Some users have reported software issues with the Surface Book 3, particularly when switching between laptop and tablet modes. These glitches can include problems with screen orientation, keyboard functionality, or system responsiveness. While firmware updates have addressed many of these issues, occasional bugs can still disrupt the overall experience. These glitches, though not frequent, can be frustrating when they occur during important tasks.
8. Chunky Keyboard Design
Although the keyboard on the Surface Book 3 is comfortable to type on, its design is somewhat bulky when compared to other premium laptops. The device’s overall thickness, especially when folded shut in laptop mode, makes it feel less streamlined than other high-end ultrabooks. For users who prioritize slim and lightweight designs, the chunkier form factor of the Surface Book 3 may be less appealing.
9. No LTE Connectivity
Unlike some competing devices, the Surface Book 3 does not offer an option for LTE connectivity. This means that users must rely on Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots for internet access while on the go. For professionals who need constant internet access during travel or in areas with limited Wi-Fi availability, the lack of LTE can be a significant limitation.
10. High Cost Of Accessories
While the Surface Book 3 is compatible with the Surface Pen and Surface Dial, neither accessory is included with the purchase of the device. These accessories are sold separately, adding to the already high overall cost. For users who require these tools for creative work, the additional expense can make the Surface Book 3 an even more costly investment.
Conclusion
The Surface Book 3 is a powerful and versatile device that excels in both performance and flexibility. Its 2-in-1 design, premium build quality, and impressive display make it a top choice for creative professionals, business users, and anyone who values portability and versatility in their laptop. However, its high price point, lack of Thunderbolt 3, and occasional software issues may give some users pause, particularly those who do not require the advanced features it offers.
For users who need a device that can switch seamlessly between a high-performance laptop and a tablet, the Surface Book 3 delivers on its promises. However, for those who are looking for a more budget-friendly option or don’t need the 2-in-1 capabilities, there are other alternatives available that may offer better value for the money. Ultimately, the Surface Book 3 is an investment in performance, creativity, and flexibility, and understanding both its strengths and limitations will help you determine if it’s the right device for your needs.