Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 review: The perfect notebook with weaknesses

Microsoft presented the Surface Laptop 2019 at the end of 3. In the past few weeks I was able to test the Laptop 3 for Business. In today's review, you can find out whether the Surface Laptop 3 can also convince review.

Design and workmanship

Microsoft relies on a consistently minimalist design language for the Surface Laptop 3 and is convincing on all levels. Microsoft tries to make the Laptop 3 appear as minimalistic as possible in all areas, so the speakers have been integrated into the keyboard in addition to the power button. On the outside, the Microsoft logo rounds off the picture appropriately. The minimalist design image is only slightly disturbed by the comparatively wide display bezels. On the other hand, the workmanship of the Surface Laptop 3 is completely convincing: Microsoft makes the device entirely from aluminum. Inaccuracies in processing, such as gaps, cannot be found on the Surface Laptop 3.

The Surface Laptop 3 not only looks really good, it is also well made. (Image: TechnikNews)

In terms of design and workmanship, the Surface Laptop 3 is currently one of the best devices you can get on the market. It is at least on a par with Apple's MacBooks, which are often seen as the benchmark in terms of design and workmanship.

Connections

Microsoft also remains true to its minimalist line with the connections: In addition to a USB-A, Microsoft only installs a USB-C connection. There is also a 3,5 mm jack plug for audio devices and the Surface Connector for charging. Unfortunately, Microsoft does not have an SD card port or other USB ports on the Surface Laptop 3.

Keyboard

Microsoft installs an excellent keyboard in the Surface Laptop 3. The short key travel leads to a great typing experience, so even writing longer texts is pleasant. It's even in the dark thanks to the three-level keyboard backlight proeasily possible to recognize all keys. In addition to the keyboard, the touchpad is also convincing. All movements are detected reliably and quickly, so there are never any delays.

Display

Microsoft offers the Surface Laptop 3 in a 13,5 inch and a 15 inch version. The test device's 15-inch display is quite large and the resolution of 2496 x 1664 pixels is perfectly adequate. It is a pity that the built-in panel is not anti-reflective. But the color scheme can really convince. Colors are saturated and the contrasts in pictures also look very nice.

The display in the Surface Laptop 3 is convincing. (Image: TechnikNews)

The aspect ratio of the notebook is a little unusual at first. Instead of a 16:9 display, Microsoft has installed a panel with a 3:3 aspect ratio on the Surface Laptop 2. In everyday life, however, the 3:2 aspect ratio offers a number of advantages compared to the classic 16:9. In terms of height, there is almost 19 percent more space. This is particularly pleasant when surfing or using office applications. However, when watching films or editing videos, you do miss the wider image format a little.

Another unique selling point of the Surface Laptop 3 is the touchscreen. Microsoft's decision to install a touchscreen in the Surface Laptop 3 seems extremely inconsistent, since the display on the Surface Laptop 3 is different from other Surface products (such as the 2 Surface Book) cannot be folded or removed. For this reason, the device can really only be used as a notebook and not as a tablet. In some situations, however, the touchscreen is still very useful. In graphicproprograms, for example, much more precise inputs can be made by touch. The Surface Pen is also compatible with the Laptop 3.

Specs and performance

The tested business variant is impressive with its technical data. Microsoft uses the Intel i7 1065G7 processor, which has 4 cores and 8 threads. The RAM reviewed model is 16 GB and the SSD is 512 GB. Microsoft also offers many other equipment variants of the Surface Laptop 3.

Picture: TechnikNews

Everyday tasks such as office applications or surfing are no problem at all for the Surface Laptop 3. Long loading times or delays are therefore almost never an issue. Image editing or simple video editing with Photoshop or Premiere Pro are also no problem for the Surface Laptop 3.

When working with the Surface Laptop 3, it is also advantageous that the fans only turn up slightly both under normal load and under full load. As a result, the device always remains pleasantly quiet in everyday life. However, the bottom of the notebook warms up noticeably during light everyday tasks.

Battery

Picture: TechnikNews

The battery in the Surface Laptop 3 is relatively small at 45,8 watt hours. The battery life is therefore also below average. For light tasks such as office work or surfing, the battery lasts for a few hours, but as soon as more demanding programs are used, the Surface Laptop 3 needs to be recharged fairly quickly.

The Surface Laptop 3 is charged with the included power supply on the magnetic Surface Connector. However, connecting the Surface Connector turns out to be a rather fiddly job in everyday life. Since the magnetic surface connector is quite wide, but at the same time very flat, it is more common for the connector's contacts to stick to the housing turned downwards instead of being plugged in. However, it is positive that, thanks to the USB-A output on the power supply, you can also charge your own smartphone, for example.

Picture: TechnikNews

Conclusion

With the Surface Laptop 3, Microsoft shows that the company makes excellent notebooks procan be done. Even from the outside, the Surface Laptop 3 is completely convincing with its design. The 3:2 display and the great keyboard with the touchpad mean that you can also work excellently with the Surface Laptop 3 in everyday life. The built-in i7 together with the 16 GB RAM also ensure really good performance, so that even more demanding tasks are no big problem for the Laptop 3. It is a shame, however, that the battery life of the Surface Laptop 3 is below average. Otherwise, however, the Surface Laptop 3 is convincing in all areas, which Microsoft also charges for.

The RRP of the tested Surface Laptop 3 for Business with 15 inches and Intel i7 processor is 2.399 euros. However, the Surface Laptop 3 models in weaker configurations can also be purchased much cheaper. The Surface Laptop 3 in 13,5 inches is available from 1.029 euros and the 15 inch version from 1.199 euros.

• Buy Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 for Business
• Buy Microsoft Surface Laptop 3