Comprehensive Review of Microsoft’s new computer Surface Book 3

This is good news for those who were anxious to get their hands on Microsoft’s Surface Book 3. Quickly announced, and quickly arrived in France. A model with a rather ambitious technical data sheet, but is the device really up to its ambitions? We would rather tend to tell you that yes. Here is our opinion after the full Review of the 15 inch screen computer.

What is the Surface Book 3 really?

As we go around the laptop market, several major categories stand out. The classic model which opens in 2, the convertible models with a screen capable of rotating 360 ° and those which are detachable, allowing you a more flexible approach, but also often less powerful. Surface Book 3 is at the crossroads of these three ideas. In appearance, it can look like a rather classic laptop, but the central system makes it possible to detach the keyboard from the screen in a few seconds.

Several positioning possibilities

If some models sometimes ask to search, here no fear to have. A simple button detaches the two parts. We didn’t have the fear, as with some devices, of being able to break something by opening it. Small appreciable detail, the possibility of being able to attach the keyboard upside down and then use the device as a V. A practical method if you are in the category of artists who want to be able to touch up by hand easily or simply have ease of use.

Surface Book 3 comes in two screen models

Unsurprisingly, the Surface Book 3 comes in two different sizes, much like a laptop. You can choose the entry-level 13.5-inch model or the 15-inch model that belongs to the high-end. Note that the first model also arrives with the most limited data sheet (Intel Core I5, 256 GB SSD hard drive and 8 GB of RAM), but which will correspond to more uses. We had in hand the high-end 15 inch version which turns out to be a real gem in use, which offers a definition of 3240 x 2160 pixels.

A rather resistant Surface Book 3

The Surface Book 3 offers a design that we can undoubtedly describe as futuristic, despite its very strong resemblance at first glance to the Surface Book 2. However, we were not only able to detach the screen in a few seconds , but above all the whole gives off an impression of superior solidity. We feel that with this model, Microsoft also wants to compete with the MacBook range, combining elegance and resistance. Despite its sometimes rather sporty use, the Surface Book 3 has proved to be always resistant and does not show any traces of impact or shock. On no part of the laptop, which is rather attractive when you think of how composite it is.

Design: a somewhat massive computer

As purists, however, we regret the borders which are a little too thick for our taste, the impression of having a loss of space. The chassis is not necessarily discreet or elegant, unlike what other models can offer. The whole simply gives the impression of heaviness at times, to have a device that is a little too massive. It suffers especially the comparison with the HP Specter X360 or the Dell XPS in this register. A problem that disappears, however, if you only use the laptop like a touch pad.

Surface Book 3, the connectivity problem

In terms of connectivity, Microsoft’s device clearly seems to be behind its time and we can regret it. Thus, the device has two USB-A 3.1 ports and an SD card reader, a USB-C 3.1 port and the Microsoft Surface Connect port for the fast charging system. On the other hand, there is no Thunderbolt 3 port, which represents a real black point from our point of view. Microsoft justifies itself by invoking a security problem. Otherwise, the device also offers a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.

Surface Book 3, high-end performance

If the Surface Book 3 is so massive, it’s for good reasons that might help you forgive it. Indeed, performance side there is really nothing to complain about, and it’s very high level. The very discreet GPU is located under the mouse pad. You will have the choice between the integrated Intel Iris Plus solution or the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, GTX 1660 Ti. The greediest can even fall for a Quadro RTX 3000 with 4 GB to 6 GB of GDDR5. Very attractive and above all very effective.

Well-controlled power

We quickly notice the speed of processing to do almost any activity including video editing. The keyboard does not heat up since everything else is behind the screen. The latest from Microsoft is according to our benchmark and those made by the competition, the best in its class at the moment, in its 13 inch version. The 15-inch version, however, has a slightly less value for money from our point of view.

Excellent autonomy

Microsoft also announces on paper autonomy of 15.5 hours for the small model and 17.5 hours for the larger. A reality which however struggles to be confirmed with use, especially if you are a little greedy by multiplying the uses: photos, video, editing and even gaming.

Surface Book 3, a model suitable for gaming?

With an attractive technical sheet, we necessarily want to Review the Surface Book 3 in difficult conditions and especially for gaming. In this register, we are talking about a model that still remains entry-level and the result is ultimately somewhat mixed. We quickly notice that the device has serious speed issues, but it does better on games that require good CPU performance. However, on Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, we couldn’t get it beyond 25 FPS in 1080p. Very far from what the competition has to offer. A similar assessment can be made with Battlefield V or to a lesser extent Civilization VI. You can still enjoy many games with pleasure provided you are reasonable in terms of quality.

Should we buy the Surface Book 3?

Let’s be clear, the Surface Book 3 is, in many areas, a very attractive model that has serious arguments. However, at the same time, it is also a device that seems really intended for certain very specific uses. If you don’t imagine yourself needing to switch from one mode to another, then a more classic and probably less expensive laptop will probably be more suited to your needs. Indeed, the Surface Book 3 still costs 1.799 dollars in its basic configuration currently. A price that can reach 3.349 euros as long as you want the high-end version with a 15-inch screen, an Intel Core i7 chip, 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. Something to think about.

NEW Microsoft Surface Book 3 - 13.5" Touch-Screen - 10th Gen Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD (Latest Model) - Platinum

$1,424.97 $1,599.99

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Amazon price updated: February 22, 2025 7:04 pm

Features

• Most powerful Surface laptop yet, with quad-core powered, 10th Gen Intel Core processors. More than 50% faster than Surface Book 2 13.5”.
• Power when you need it. Up to 15.5 hours battery life [1] — plus improved standby that extends battery life when you’re away.
• The connections you need, including USB-A, USB-C, and full-size SD card slot.
• High-resolution PixelSense touchscreen display. Also available in 15”.