Microsoft has released the third generation of its Surface Laptop. The Surface Laptop 3 not only convinces with a new design.
What an upgrade for Microsoft’s Surface laptop! In the third edition, the company eliminates the small criticisms of the two predecessors and at the same time introduces a new design. Although the fabric surface is still available in two models (cobalt blue and platinum gray), there are three models (sandstone, the black device tested by “Today” and platinum gray) with a complete metal look. The prices of the Surface Laptop 3 start at 1,149 euros for the 13.5-inch models and range up to 2,877 euros or from 1,349 euros to 2,527 euros for the 15-inch models, including device protection and software package.
The minimal variants have an Intel Core i5 processor with 8 gigabytes of RAM and 128 GB memory under the hood, the range extends to an equipment with an Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM and 1 TB memory or AMD Ryzen 5 3580U, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB of storage. Small drawback for fans of colors or designs: certain colors are only available in certain equipment variants and vice versa, for example the entry-level equipment for the 13.5-inch models only in platinum gray / Alcantara in the 13.5-inch Variant or the model in platinum gray / metal only for the 15-inch models.
A design masterpiece
The laptop in metallic black provided by Microsoft for the test is particularly impressive. While the metal looks pitch black in dark surroundings, it gets a noble matt black look in the light, which gives the laptop an even higher quality. The black, by the way, covers all elements of the device, from the touchpad to the keyboard to the case. Only a silver Microsoft Windows logo can be found discreetly on the outside, which breaks through the otherwise completely black design. The matte design also has another advantage in addition to the beautiful appearance: fingerprints are not as clearly visible as on glossy surfaces.
Traditionally, the Surface devices are among the best processed devices on the market. This is also the case with the new Surface Laptop 3. Nothing creaks and crunches here, the resistance when opening is exactly on the point to be easy to open but does not slip when working and there are no gaps. What is unusual is the slightly wider border around the screen and the keyboard, which does not use the full width. It’s a subjective feeling, but for us the keyboard should have been a bit wider and higher and the touchpad could have been a bit smaller.
Perfect operation in all ways
The Surface Laptop 3 shows its greatest strength when it comes to operation, regardless of the type. The screen with touchscreen function reacts very precisely to the slightest touch and can also be operated with a stylus without any problems. The touchpad with its non-slip surface reacts just as precisely and also impresses with its clear feedback when printing. Finally, the keyboard has hardly any columns for dust, shines with large keys and a great drop. The power button has been implemented as a keyboard button and not as an extra button.
Back to the display: In the Surface Laptop 3, this has a resolution of 2,256 x 1,504 pixels in a 3: 2 ratio. In the brightness settings it should have been one level more, but even so, content is clearly recognizable even when exposed to light. Great for the screen not being non-reflective. There is also an impressive contrast and viewing angle. The camera (720p HD) was nicely “hidden” in the display frame, where you can only see it when you look closely. With it, facial recognition can also be used to log on to the laptop.
An equipment variant for each user
It is positive how diverse the surface of the Surface Laptop 3 is available (if, as mentioned, you are willing to do without certain colors or materials). Even in the “entry-level” with the i5 equipment, there is enough power to not only perform simple tasks, but also to edit or even play videos. Even if the Surface Laptop 3 is not intended as a game device, newer shooters such as “Valorant” or “Doom: Eternal” with cut-back settings also cut a fine figure, even if there are occasional stutters.
But even under full load you hardly notice the work of the Surface Laptop 3. The device gets warm, but by no means hot and at some point you can hear the fan, but so discreetly that you don’t mind it. Both, mind you, under heavy load, because in “normal operation” the laptop feels nice and cool and works almost absolutely silently. Incidentally, Microsoft has implemented the cooling cleverly: Since the ventilation slots on the back of the laptop stretch along, waste heat is blown away by the user.
Battery scores with fast charging
When it comes to mobility, it should be noted that the Surface Laptop 3 is easy to pack, but is not one of the lightest representatives with a weight of around 1.3 kilograms. But you also get a robust device with a partly admirable battery. In everyday use, this lasts for almost twelve hours with average use, but according to reports by tech experts, it empties in around seven hours when subjected to heavy loads. However, the Surface Laptop 3 does not need to hide, even if other devices do a lot more.
The battery takes a long time to charge, and it is more than three quarters full within an hour. With only 10 minutes at the socket, the charge initially increases by a good 20 percent. Perfect when you have a few moments on the go to hook up your laptop. We also like the very compact power supply, which offers an additional USB socket to charge a smartphone or Surface accessories, for example.
Perfection in black
If you want to be very precise, you can criticize the connections of the Surface Laptop 3, whereby modern ultrabooks, regardless of which manufacturer, usually manage with the same options. On the right side of the Surface Laptop 3 there is the Surface Connect connection, on the left side a USB-A and USB-C connection and a headphone jack. That’s it with the connections, if you need more, you have to use an additional device such as the Surface Dock or the Microsoft Travel Hub.
Microsoft has made a far bigger leap in the third Surface Laptop than between the first two generations and has therefore hit the bull’s-eye. The equipment of the different models offers a strong device for all areas of application, which shines with a good screen and one of the best finishes on the market. Only the ports and the battery life would have been slightly more inside. But the new design is even more appealing than the surface laptop series, which is already known for its high quality.
