What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 3 have each received their May 2023 firmware updates.
• The updates are relatively small, but they improve system stability.
• The Surface Laptop 3 update also adds support for new docking accessories, though Microsoft did not specify which ones.

Owners rejoice! Your beloved Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 9 have updates in the May 2023 firmware refresh, available for download now. The updates are rather small, but it's always good to make sure your system is up to date. Both the Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 3 should have improved stability after their respective updates.

The Surface Laptop 3 update also enabled support for new docking accessories, though Microsoft did not specify which ones have gained support. Note that the latest update for the Surface Laptop 3 is for Intel models. AMD versions of the Surface Laptop 3 have not received a firmware update since March 17, 2022.

Similarly, the Surface Pro 9 firmware update is for the Intel version of the 2-in-1. Models with the SQ3 processor have not seen a firmware update since October 25, 2022.

Surface Laptop 3 Update

Users of the Surface Laptop 3 will enjoy the following benefits from the May 2023 update.

• Improvement in Surface Dock 2 stability and wireless connection
• Improve known security vulnerabilities
• Support for new docking accessories, including keyboards and cases (see our guide for them here - if we have one?)

Surface Pro 9 Update

Users of the Surface Pro 9 will receive the following benefits from the May 2023 update.

• Improvement to the devices wireless connection

How to access updates

Updates for all Windows devices can be accessed through your devices Update Centre or the Surface Support website. When you update the firmware of your device, your PC will also get previous updates. As a quick reminder, firmware updates cannot be uninstalled or reverted to a previous version.

Today is Earth Day, and while you might not immediately associate saving and appreciating the planet with technology, Microsoft has a few ways that you can commemorate the holiday. Right now, you can pick up the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse and several refurbished Surface devices at a discount.

The Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse is made from recycled ocean plastic that was recovered from oceans and waterways. Microsoft takes that plastic, cleans it up, and turns it into pellets that can be used to make electronic devices. That process contributes to the unique look of the mouse, which has flecks of different-colored material in it.

Save on Surface

Buying a refurbished Surface device can save you a few dollars while also reducing e-waste. "Good for the planet," says Microsoft. "Buying refurbished is a sustainable way to own a Surface that's held to the same standards as all our devices."

Picking up a refurbished device is always a bit cheaper than ordering a new one, but there are additional savings today through the Microsoft Store.

Refurbished Surface Go 2, Pro 7, Laptop 3, Pro 6, Laptop 2, and Pro X devices are available through the Microsoft Store. Stock on refurbished devices can run out quickly and vary depending on what Microsoft has available.

While both of these devices are some of the best Windows laptops available, the Dell XPS 13 is ultimately the stronger option if you want top-notch quality since it has better features, a killer display, and more modern hardware. However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5 is an excellent alternative choice if you want to save money, as it has a lower overall price while still offering reliable and robust performance.

XPS 13 vs. Surface Laptop 3: Comparison and specs

In many respects, both of these devices are similar. Both laptops have very capable Intel processors (the Dell XPS 13 pulls ahead slightly with newer 11th Gen chips) and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility for top internet speeds, and they both also use similar graphics power (again, the Dell XPS 13 has a notable advantage with Intel Xe) and have up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM. Also, both of them are compatible with Windows Hello biometric security. The Dell XPS 13 has the edge over the Surface Laptop 3 when it comes to storage, as it can be configured with a 2TB SSD while the Surface Laptop 3's SSD options max out at 1TB. However, it's worth noting that you can upgrade the SSD on both devices to whichever amount you want yourself. Overall, these two devices perform similarly when it comes to web browsing, work tasks, and media consumption, though the Dell XPS 13 has a clear edge.

Where the Dell XPS 13 truly starts to take the lead is in the display and features department. Unlike the Surface Laptop 3's display, the Dell XPS 13's is anti-reflective, brighter, sports a higher resolution, and has better color accuracy. All of these advantages make it the definitively better screen in this matchup. On top of the killer display, the Dell XPS 13 also has dual USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports (a USB-A to USB-C adapter is included in the box) and a microSD card slot, which trump the Surface Laptop 3's offerings of a single USB-C and USB-A port. The Thunderbolt 4 ports are a big deal, as they allow the user to do things like hook up an external GPU for improved gaming performance or transfer data to and from external drives much faster. The Dell XPS 13 also comes with a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello and a camera, while the Surface Laptop 3 has only a camera. Finally, the battery performance of the Dell XPS 13 is better, too, offering up to seven more hours of life on a full charge than the Surface Laptop 3.

The Surface Laptop 3 isn't without some small advantages of its own, though. It has better speakers and also compatibility for inking with digital pens that use the Microsoft Pen Protocol. The Dell XPS 13 displays can't be used with pens, although it still supports your finger's basic touch.

XPS 13 vs. Surface Laptop 3: Which should you buy?

Both of these laptops are great, and they both offer reliable performance and have a fantastic premium design. With that said, the Dell XPS 13 will be the better choice for most people, as it provides better overall quality compared to the Surface Laptop 3 13.5. If you want something more affordable, though, don't count out the Surface Laptop 3 13.5. While it lacks several of the things that make the Dell XPS 13 incredible, it's still a great device in its own right, and the lower-end versions of it are more affordable than their Dell XPS 13 equivalents.

Keep in mind that the Surface Laptop 4 is available, too, and due to its newer hardware it's a more modern competitor to the Dell XPS 13 that you should strongly consider. You can sometimes even find low-end configurations of the Surface Laptop 4 that are less expensive than the cheapest models of the Surface Laptop 3, so keep an eye out for those deals.

If neither one appeals to you, check out our best Windows laptop picks.

What you need to know

• Microsoft released firmware updates for the Surface Book 3 and Surface Laptop 3 this week.
• The updates include the usual round of bug fixes and general improvements.

Microsoft's Surface Book 3 and Surface Laptop 3 each received firmware updates this week. As is the case with most firmware updates for Surface devices, there aren't any new features on the way. Instead, each update includes a list of fixes and improvements.

If you have a Surface Book 3, you'll receive the following improvements and fixes:

The Surface Laptop 3 only has a firmware update available for the Intel model. Here's the change log:

You can grab the updates through Windows Update now.

The Surface Laptop 3 15-inch featuring AMD has garnered a lot of press – some good, a lot not so good – but Microsoft is also offering smaller Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch. Like the new Surface Pro 7, the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 is on the outside a minor refresh, but all those hardware changes add up to a marvelous experience.

I am unabashedly a fan of the Surface Laptop 13.5. But has Microsoft been able to convince me that the new Surface Laptop 3 is worth my time over the Surface Laptop 2, and redeem itself from the underwhelming 15-inch version? You bet it did.

When Surface Laptop 3 13.5 launched, it started at $1,000. Now, Microsoft has a newer Surface Laptop on the market, called the Surface Laptop 4, which also starts at $1,000. Surface Laptop 3 can likely be found for less these days, but if you need something smaller and cheaper, check out the new Surface Laptop Go.

Just the facts

Surface Laptop 3 13.5 What's new for 2019

Like the Surface Pro 7, many of the adjustments to Surface Laptop 3 13.5 are on the inside, where they make a big difference. But there are also a few on the outside that are interesting. Those changes include:

• Intel 10th Gen 10nm processor.
• DDR4x RAM (low-power version of DDR4).
• Twenty percent larger trackpad, also quieter.
• Platinum Alcantara is now significantly darker.
• Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201.
• Bluetooth 5.
• Faster SSD.
• Instant-On technology.
• USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2.
• AC Fast Charge.
• Dual Studio Mics.
• Replaceable SSD.
• Hidden antenna lines.

For this review, I am using the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The total price is $1,300 without tax, and we purchased it from the Microsoft Store.

The Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 port replaces the Mini DisplayPort of previous Surface Laptops. It can transfer data, power two 4K displays at 60Hz (DisplayPort 1.4), and it supports Power Delivery (PD). PD lets users charge the Laptop 3 with a Type-C charger, including anything from a phone charger (slower charge) up to rarer 90W or 100W chargers with fast-charge support.

Microsoft has now hidden the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna lines, which were previously on the sides of the Surface Laptop. This change is minor and inconsequential, but it demonstrates how much Microsoft is concerned about the overall look of this laptop.

Finally, Instant-On is enormous. This advancement is part of Intel's Project Athena that focuses on mobility and performance. More on that in the benchmarks and performance section.

Art meets laptop

Surface Laptop 3 13.5 design

There are no significant chassis design changes this year to Surface Laptop 3 over the previous version. As noted above, Microsoft has hidden the Wi-Fi antenna lines, which gives a cleaner appearance.

Perhaps the most significant difference this year — and a welcomed one — is the option to buy the Surface Laptop 3 without the plush Alcantara keyboard deck. There are now four different color options, including cobalt (Alcantara), platinum (Alcantara), sandstone (aluminum), and matte black (aluminum). The downside is you are limited to specific color choices and deck materials — so if you wanted matte black with Alcantara, that's a no-go.

Alcantara fabric on Microsoft Surface PCs: Everything you need to know

Alcantara is a proprietary fabric that Microsoft has been using for some time on the Surface series. However, many customers found the idea of the material weird and off-putting. Likewise, there are plenty of cases where the fabric can get dirty over time and even stain if not occasionally wiped clean. To alleviate that, Microsoft has darkened the platinum Surface Laptop 3's Alcantara. Not only does it look better with higher contrast, but it stays cleaner looking, too. The outside platinum chassis, however, is the same as previous models.

I am a massive fan of Alcantara on the Surface Laptop series. I consider it to be one of the defining differentiators from other laptops. It is soft, warm, and welcoming. I also do not have to worry about my watch band scratching the keyboard deck. That said, I understand the anxiety over it, and it is wise for Microsoft to offer versions without it. The new sandstone model is outstanding looking, and I came close to buying it, but in the end, I prefer the platinum model with Alcantara.

The chassis of the Surface Laptop 3 is perfectly symmetrical and about as minimalist as you can get. Even the speakers are hidden with no visible grills. The ports, one USB Type-A and another USB Type-C, are found on the left side with the headphone jack. On the right is the Surface Connect Port for charging.

The display opens with one hand, and when it closes, it slows down right before hitting the deck. It makes a subtle soft closing sound like how luxury car doors feel.

New this year is the ability to service the Surface Laptop to replace the SSD storage device. The process involves removing the four bottom feet, which house Torx screws. Once removed, the keyboard deck that's held in place with magnets simply lifts away. This ingenious design maintains the look of the Surface Laptop with no distinct entry points. I did not notice any negative consequences to this change as the chassis feels the same as the Surface Laptop 2.

iFixit exposes guts of Surface Laptop 3, comes away surprised

Although a bit tricky, owners can upgrade the SSD themselves. But for warranty concerns, owners are strongly encouraged to retain the original drive for service by Microsoft.

The Surface Laptop 3 13.5 is still without question the most beautiful looking and feeling Ultrabooks on the market. It's a testament to how form and function in a PC can find a perfect balance.

No HDR or anti-glare?

Surface Laptop 3 13.5 display and camera

Microsoft has used an LCD-based 13.5-inch PixelSense Display with a 3:2 aspect ratio at 2256 x 1504 resolution for the Surface Laptop 3. The 201 pixel per inch (PPI) is lower than that of Surface Pro 7 (267 PPI) and Surface Book 2 (260 PPI), but the difference is negligible for daily use. The display is effectively the same as the 15-inch model in every way except slightly smaller in dimensions.

The bezels are relatively thin, and the glass is Gorilla Glass 3 with some oleophobic protection. That glass is edge to edge without any plastic for the bezels — another excellent design choice.

The Surface Laptop 3 supports inking with a Surface Pen, but the display does not open to 180 degrees, nor is there a place to keep the pen in transit. In a pinch, however, the pen is great for signing a document or making a quick note. Likewise, the Surface Dial is also supported with off-screen interaction.

For color accuracy, the screen delivers 97 percent sRGB, 72 percent AdobeRGB, and 75 percent DCI-P3. Those numbers are below that of the Surface Laptop 2 (99 percent sRGB and 81 percent AdobeRGB), which is unfortunate.

Peak brightness, when set to 100 percent, is just under 400 nits while turning the intensity to 0 percent results in a very dim 3.8 nits.

As I remarked in my Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 15 reviews, Microsoft seems to be slipping in the display race compared to Lenovo, HP, and Dell. Things like support for HDR400 (500+ nits) and Dolby Vision are now standard features for premium Ultrabooks. Likewise, for new anti-glare tech, which keeps the benefits of a glossy display but cuts down on reflectivity, making it better for long hours of work. The same applies to the rise of OLED displays and even faster refresh rates than 60Hz.

Unfortunately, the Surface Laptop 3 13.5, Surface Laptop 3 15, and new Surface Pro 7 lack all of those new display technologies. The color accuracy and gamut are also not as good as other premium Ultrabooks. Windows 10 now supports wide-color gamut apps, HDR apps and games natively, but the Surface Laptop 3 does not.

If you are unconcerned with such details, however, the Surface Laptop 3 13.5's display is still delightful. The contrast is excellent, and the brightness is excellent for indoor use.

Microsoft is continuing to use only a 720p front-facing camera instead of a full HD one like the Surface Pro series. That is likely due to how thin the display is on Surface Laptop. The camera is still better than average, though, and the new dual Studio Mics offer improved audio quality for Skype calls.

Nothing is better

Surface Laptop 3 13.5 keyboard and trackpad

Microsoft has made minor changes to the keyboard and trackpad for Surface Laptop 3 13.5. Like last year's model, the company continues to make the keyboard and trackpad quieter. The effect stands in contrast with Apple's MacBook series, which due to the controversial butterfly switches, is exceptionally loud.

The key travel is still an ample 1.3mm, and typing is on the softer side of comparable laptops. I rate Surface Laptop 3 as one of the best typing experiences available on any computer. The keys have three-stage backlighting that's visible on all models except sandstone, which, due to its being a lighter color, has less contrast.

The improved trackpad is worth pointing out here. It is now 20 percent larger than last year, and it is very noticeable in photos and in using it. It is not as big as what Apple uses, but it is effectively perfect for this machine.

Besides size, though, Microsoft has also changed the trackpad click mechanism. It is still not as creative as Apple's Force Touch technology as this is mechanical, but it is a step in the right direction. The click is now significantly quieter. It is extremely satisfying to use with a softer, but not mushy feel.

This year's Surface Laptop 3 13.5 has the best track of any Windows 10 PC, period.

clean and clear

Surface Laptop 3 13.5 audio

The 15-inch version of Surface Laptop 3 has some muddied audio and even minor distortion when the volume is set above 60. Luckily, none of this applies to the Surface Laptop 3 13.5. Side by side the Surface Laptop 2 and the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 sounds the same; that is brilliant.

Audio for movies and music is bright with an extraordinarily rich ambiance. There was no speaker distortion. It is an engineering feat that Microsoft can pull off such satisfying audio with non-visible speaker grills. Sound instead comes through the keyboard, and it works surprisingly well.

It's unclear at this time if the audio of Surface Laptop 3 15 is worse because of the lack of Alcantara – which could act as a cloth speaker membrane — or it is for other unrelated reasons. Likewise, I have not tested the non-Alcantara version of the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 to verify this hypothesis.

Under the hood looks good

Surface Laptop 3 13.5 performance, battery, and heat

Like all Surface PCs before it, the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 is near the top, but it is not the fastest performer. Microsoft attempts to find a balance between heat, performance, and battery life resulting in overall better experience for the users, versus excelling in a single category.

The Intel Core i5-1035G7 processor is a slight change from the Core i5-1035G4 found in the Surface Pro 7. The G7 has a slightly higher base-clock of 1.20 GHz, versus 1.10 GHz found in the G4. The G7 also has a somewhat beefier GPU with 64 execution units versus 48 in the G4.

Microsoft is offering 8GB and 16GB options for RAM, but if you want 16GB, you need to step up to the pricier Core i7 model. RAM is the newer DDR4x, which while not faster than DDR4, it is more power-efficient.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4.0 (CPU) (higher is better)

Cinebench

Cinebench (R20) (higher is better)

Running Cinebench four times in a row, the scores show the following ranges. Typically, the results drop on successive runs due to thermal constraints on the processor. Surface Pro 7 is particularly susceptible to a rapid range in scores because of its limited thermal envelope. The Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch handled thermals quite well without a steep drop in performance between runs.

GPU

Geekbench 5.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

PCMark

PCMark 10

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

.

Like the Surface Pro 7, it is safe to say that this year's Core i5 model performs as well or slightly better than last year's Intel 8th Gen Core i7. That is a substantial boost in performance and quite remarkable from previous iterations of Intel's 8th Gen platform.

Compared to the AMD Ryzen 5, which is positioned against Intel's Core i5, Intel wins handily. Specifically, the Ryzen 5 in the 15-inch is still slightly behind Intel's 8th Gen Core i5, and significantly behind Intel's 10th Gen Core i5.

Intel's Iris Plus graphics also bring a substantial boost over Intel UHD 620 though this is still clearly in Ultrabook range, not gaming or video editing. Where AMD shines in the 15-inch model is in the GPU with the Vega 9. That GPU slightly outperforms Iris Plus. You can see this effect in PCMark 10, which balances CPU and GPU usage for a comprehensive overall score. But because so much software — including video playback or Adobe software — is optimized for Intel, it makes the point moot.

Cinebench (R20) delivers a score of 1,584-1,606 in multiple sequential runs for the Core i5-1035G7. The AMD Surface Laptop 3 with Ryzen 5 garnered similar results between 1,539 and 1,610.

Although by no means a gaming laptop, the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 — even with a Core i5 and 8GB of RAM — can hold its own. Arcade games like Guacamelee! 2 played just fine, of course. Even the popular first-person shooter Overwatch can run without issue. Setting the game's graphics quality to low with a resolution of 1600 x 1200, I was able to average between 60 to 70 frames-per-second (FPS). During major battles, that rate dropped to 54 FPS but was still playable. That said, if gaming is a priority, consider the Core i7 model with 16GB of RAM instead (or something more suited like the new Razer Blade Stealth).

PCMark 10's battery rundown test, dubbed "Modern Office" resulted in the Surface Laptop 3 getting 9 hours and 15 minutes with 19 percent battery left. That was with the display brightness at about 150 nits. By comparison, the Surface Laptop 2 with the same screen brightness was just about 9 hours on the same benchmark.

Real-world usage pegs the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 closer to 7 to 8 hours of use depending on GPU activity and display brightness.

Another significant change, which I wrote about extensively, is the improved Instant On feature. Previously, the Surface Laptop would hibernate after just a few hours in standby. The result, when turned on, would be a slower resume (~15 to 20 seconds) before the Windows login screen would appear. Now, the Laptop 3 13.5 turns on nearly instantly — as fast as you can open the lid — and log you in with Windows Hello. This behavior is like how Apple MacBooks and iPads behave, and it improves the user experience by a lot if you frequently open and close your laptop.

The Surface Laptop 3 13.5 and Surface Laptop 3 15-inch Business Edition seem to be shipping with The Toshiba BG4 (ball grid) SSD for storage, while others have an older SK Hynix card. Ball-grid storage is a smaller form factor that has been around for a while, but the Toshiba BG4 is brand new. It was announced at CES 2019 but only became available this quarter, earning strong reviews. Sourcing different SSDs is quite common for manufacturers. Still, at least, in this case, the Toshiba gives a significant boost in performance, especially in write speeds, over the SK Hynix (both are 256 GB). As to which version your laptop comes with, it seems to be random.

Wi-Fi is also interesting. Microsoft is continuing to shift away from Marvel for wireless to Intel across its lineup (except for AMD Surface Laptop 3 15, which is Qualcomm Atheros). By going with Intel, Microsoft can utilize next-gen Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax) and Bluetooth 5, which help with connectivity and power improvements.

Wi-Fi performed well, but there seems to be a new bug whereby Wi-Fi download speeds significantly drop when resuming from sleep (same applies to Surface Pro 7). This likely related to the new Instant On feature, and while not wholly disruptive, it can be frustrating.

Thermals and heat are excellent on the Core i5 model. While installing large applications or playing games, you can hear the fan. It is not a high-pitched sound, but rather more of a whoosh effect. For regular usage though like Office, productivity, email, web browsing, even light photo editing, the fans are rarely enabled, especially if on battery.

The competition

Alternatives to the Surface Laptop 3

Other alternatives that aren't Microsoft-made include the Razer Book 13 and Dell XPS 13. Both laptops feature an excellent Ultrabook design, with the latest specs and premium-price tags to match. Razer Book 13 starts at $1,199 and the Dell XPS 13 starts at $899.

Microsoft made a great laptop with the Surface Laptop 3, which is likely why they didn't change much with its successor. The Surface Laptop 4 is now available, and it makes meaningful changes where it counts. The external chassis and design is the same, but Microsoft has swapped out the older 10th-gen Intel and Ryzen 3000 AMD series chips in favor of the more modern and more powerful Intel 11th-generation and AMD Ryzen 4000 series chips instead.

This provides the Surface Laptop 4 with better battery, better processor performance, and a more powerful GPU in both Intel and Ryzen models. The Surface Lapto 4 also comes in a new Ice Blue color, but the biggest difference is that you can now get the AMD chips in the 13.5-inch variant, starting at $999. Unless you're on a budget and you can get a good discount on the Surface Laptop 3, we think the Surface Laptop 4 is the one to go for if you're looking for a new Surface Laptop.

Should you buy?

Bottom line on Microsoft's Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch

The Surface Laptop 3 follows a similar trajectory of Surface Pro 7. While only modest changes, they are significant ones that add up to one of the most enjoyable laptops to use. I'm also happy Microsoft's foray with AMD did not extend to the 13.5-inch model. This is not AMD's time yet.

Take, for instance, the new fast charge ability. When using the Surface Connect or a 65-watt Type-C charger, the laptop can gain around 70 percent of the battery back in an hour. Even just 15 minutes during lunch could give you an extra couple of hours of usage. Or the ability to now use a Type-C portable battery. There's also Instant On, which, while sounding trivial, lets you get in and out of your work faster than ever – it makes you want to use the laptop more.

The dramatic increase in performance is welcomed. As is the option to not have Alcantara, which may convince some skeptics to now join the Surface family. Toss in some of the best fundamentals like the finest typing, tracking, audio, and that 3:2 aspect ratio, and you start to understand why this is such a lovely laptop.

I could lament the lack of Thunderbolt 3, which has no technical reason for not being here. But most users will benefit from the universal aspect of Type-C, which can power dual 4K displays at 60Hz, handle data, Type-C hubs, and Power Delivery (PD).

I do think for most users, the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM is adequate ($1,300). Users could opt for the cheaper $1,000 model with just 128GB of storage, and if they feel comfortable opening the laptop, they can add up to 1TB to save money (RAM is not upgradeable). The Core i7 model is ideal for those who plan to make this their primary PC, developers, or those who can justify the 16GB of RAM. The Core i7 model is an extra $300 starting at $1,600.

However, like the Surface Laptop 2 — and unlike the Surface Pro 7 — there is a lot of competition in this space. Dell has the excellent XPS 13 7390 or XPS 13 2-in-1 7390. HP's refreshed Spectre x360 13 looks remarkable. Lenovo has the killer Yoga C940. Many of these are not just laptops, but full convertibles with many more options, HDR OLED displays, 4G LTE, and more all for lower price points. There are many compelling reasons to buy one of those over the Surface Laptop 3.

But at the end of the day, nothing feels like the Surface Laptop 3 13.5. It is not the fastest laptop, does not get the best battery life, but it is, arguably, the most satisfying to use. It is, as I said last year, "a perfect blend of art and technology." That is still true. It's just now even better.

The Surface Laptop 2 was one of my favorite laptops last year, notwithstanding some reviewers suggesting it didn't make sense for Microsoft to release it. After all, it's just a typical Ultrabook. My contention was the excellent 3:2 display, typing and trackpad experience, sublime audio, and overall design were an engineering marvel that delivered on core features.

For 2019, Microsoft made a bigger 15-inch version of the Surface Laptop. Surface Laptop 3 should be the pinnacle of what I want in an Ultrabook. With a larger screen, more room to work, longer battery life, and the potential for Microsoft's new partner, AMD, to show the world how it can beat Intel, how could it go wrong? Unfortunately, my hopes have been somewhat dashed.

Here's why the Surface Laptop 3 15-inch doesn't quite win me over.

Update: Starting in April and May 2021, Surface Laptop 4 is replacing Surface Laptop 3. The article was updated to reflect that info.

Surface Laptop 3 15 price and availability

As of April 2021, Surface Laptop 3 15 has been superseded by Surface Laptop 4. However, users can still find Surface Laptop 3 15 from various retailers, often discounted, making it a viable option for those who want a solid laptop but do not need the latest.

Amazon and Best Buy both still sell non-refurbished (new in box) Surface Laptop 3s with $400 savings as of May 2021. For example, a model with a Ryzen 5, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD costs $1,299 instead of its previous $1,699 price point.

The remaining stock of Surface Laptop 3 will likely last through 2021 before being phased out altogether.

The good stuff

What's new with Microsoft's Surface Laptop 3

Following in the steps of Surface Book 2, Microsoft is making a larger — and in theory — more powerful version of its 13.5-inch Surface Laptop. Compared to the Surface Laptop 3 13.5, which uses newer Intel processors, the 15-inch has gone AMD. The move is likely meant to save on some costs, as AMD regularly undercuts Intel on a per-chip basis. But some have speculated that the AMD Ryzen and Vega combo may outperform a similar Intel configuration.

For ports, Microsoft is following the rest of its refreshed Surface line by bringing USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 (10GB/s) to the Surface Laptop 3. That port is the most powerful Type-C you can do without bringing full Thunderbolt 3 to the mix. It features DisplayPort 1.4, for powering dual-4K displays at 60Hz. There is also Power Delivery (PD), so you can use a 65-watt Type-C charger, and it can be used with Type-C hubs or for data transfer.

There is a standard USB Type-A port and headphone jack, both of which are on the left side of the laptop. On the right is the Surface Connect+ port, which now supports a fast charge of 0 to 80 percent in about an hour. Microsoft includes a standard 65-watt Surface charger with the 15-inch model, and that should already give hints about the power draw of this device; it's the same charger that a Surface Pro or 13.5 Surface Laptop use.

The front-facing camera is very good, even at just 720P. This year it is now flanked by two microphones, or what Microsoft calls far-field Studio Mics. They work well and greatly enhance the Skype experience.

For Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Microsoft is leveraging the Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4 chip. That's an odd choice because that part has been around since 2015, and it does not support Wi-Fi 6, unlike the Intel-based Surface Laptop 3 13.5. Instead, it supports Wi-Fi 5 and is significantly slower. It's a direct result of going with AMD and not Intel for the chipsets.

Also new this year is serviceability. Surface Laptops were infamously unrepairable since it was all glued together. This year, the keyboard deck can be removed so that the SSD can be upgraded or replaced as well as the battery. However, this is not for the end-user to do, and you will need to take the Laptop 3 to an authorized service center to have the work done.

A giant gorgeous slab

Surface Laptop 3 15 design

The Surface Laptop 3 15 is unsurprisingly just like the 13.5 model but, well ... more substantial. The taller 3:2 aspect ratio gives this laptop a rather sizeable footprint, but comparatively speaking at 3.4 lbs (1.54kg), it is lighter than most 15-inch laptops. While the all-metal design feels very premium, you must baby this laptop. It is prone to dings, chips, and scratches from seemingly minor incidents. Carrying it in a well-protected bag with no foreign objects is a must.

For color choices, there are just two with the 15-inch model: platinum and matte black. Both are stunning. If you do not like fingerprints, the platinum is the better choice, and it will also hide dings and scratches better. If you scratch the matte black model, it leaves a noticeable silver mark.

There is no Alcantara fabric on the 15-inch model, although the 13.5-inch offers it in two color options. Alcantara is somewhat controversial with some loving the feel and others really disliking it or worrying about it getting dirty over time.

Some of the best things about the Surface Laptop are what's hidden. The speakers are under the keyboard with no visible grill, and there are no bottom intake vents for the cooling system. Instead, the vents are at the rear of the laptop. This design is brilliant as your knees never block the intake system. It looks clean and minimal — a common theme with Surface Laptop.

Every little detail of the Surface Laptop 3 15 is well thought out and signifies precision craftsmanship. Closing the lid is even a joy as it has just enough resistance not to slam shut, but instead, quietly close. You can also easily open it with one hand despite it lacking a physical notch like Apple MacBook Pros.

Saying the Surface Laptop 3 15 feels and looks like art is not an understatement.

Good (but not great) screen

Surface Laptop 2 display

Microsoft is used an LCD-based 15-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio at 2496x1664 resolution for the Surface Laptop 3 15. The 201 pixel per inch (PPI) is lower than that of Surface Pro 7 (267 PPI) and Surface Book 2 (260 PPI), but that's not really discernible.

The bezels are relatively thin, and the glass is Gorilla Glass 3 with some oleophobic protection. That glass is edge to edge without any plastic for the bezels — another excellent design choice.

The Surface Laptop 3 supports inking with a Surface Pen, but the display does not open to 180 degrees, nor is there a place to keep the pen in transit. In a pinch, however, the pen is great for signing a document or making a quick note. Likewise, the Surface Dial is also supported with off-screen interaction.

For color accuracy, the screen delivers 96 percent sRGB, 72 percent AdobeRGB, and 75 percent DCI-P3. Those numbers are below that of the Surface Laptop 2 (99 percent sRGB and 81 percent AdobeRGB), which is unfortunate.

Peak brightness, when set to 100 percent, is just under 400 nits while turning the intensity to 0 percent results in 3.4 nits.

As I remarked in my Surface Pro 7 review, Microsoft seems to be slipping in the display race compared to Lenovo, HP, and Dell. Things like support for HDR400 (500+ nits) and Dolby Vision are now standard features for premium Ultrabooks. Likewise, for new anti-glare tech, which keeps the benefits of a glossy display but cuts down on reflectivity, making it better for long hours of work. The same applies to the rise of OLED displays and even faster refresh rates instead of 60Hz.

The Surface Laptop 3 15 (and new Surface Pro 7) lacks all of these new display features. The color accuracy and gamut are not as good as other premium Ultrabooks. Windows 10 now supports wide-color gamut apps, HDR apps, and games natively, but the Surface Laptop 3 does not. That's a shame.

best typing around

Surface Laptop 3 15 keyboard and trackpad

Microsoft has been killing it in the Surface line with its keyboards and trackpads. That's the case for the Surface Laptop 3 15, which highlights the best in this area. Microsoft has made the keyboard a bit quieter than the Surface Laptop 2, the key travel is still 1.5mm, and there is a three-stage backlight.

Part of that typing experience is amplified by the plentiful wrist area on the deck. Your hands will not hang off when typing, and instead, you can rest them comfortably. However, because Microsoft didn't use Alcantara, there is no padding, and the metal deck is prone to scratches if you wear a watch or bracelet. It seems almost complicated to avoid unless you remove anything from your wrist or type without resting your hands on the deck.

The Precision Trackpad is now 20 percent larger than the Surface Laptop 2's. It's tremendous — not Apple MacBook huge — but still ample. The click is soft, and the accuracy is excellent.

muddied sound

Surface Laptop 3 15 audio

Microsoft is one of the best at audio for laptops. The Surface Pro has amazing front-facing speakers that sound better than you would expect. Same for Surface Book 2.

Sound quality for last year's Surface Laptop 2 — even with the speakers hidden under the keyboard deck — is the best I have heard (putting aside MacBook Pros). It is rich, but clear, and it sounded fuller than Surface Pro or Surface Book due to the ability to resonate in the body of the laptop.

I was dissatisfied, however, with the sound profile for Surface Laptop 3 15. The audio can get loud, but go above 60 percent and you start to risk minor crackles or distortions. When playing the movie Interstellar (2014) on both the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Laptop 3 15, the former had clearer dialog with better highs, whereas the Laptop 3 sounded muddied.

It's not clear if this is just a software tuning issue (there are no manual controls to alter), or it is related to the lack of Alcantara. I presume Microsoft could adjust the sound curves to deliver similar audio to Surface Laptop 2, but as of this review, the Laptop 3 audio is disappointing.

It's OK

Surface Laptop 3 15 performance, battery, and heat

There are a lot of high hopes for the combo of AMD Ryzen and Vega chips in the Surface Laptop 3 15. Despite the hype around "customized" versions of the Vega GPU and the Ryzen 5 (tested here) and Ryzen 7, I am so far not seeing many advantages.

A more straightforward way of classifying all of this is to say that the Surface Laptop 3 15 is just a 13-inch Ultrabook with a slightly slower CPU and a slightly more powerful GPU. For those looking for a massive performance gain that places Surface Laptop 3 15 closer to Surface Book 2 rather than Surface Laptop 2, I don't have any good news.

Update: October 23 — We now have Intel Core i7-1065G7 benchmarks to compare to AMD as there is a "business" version of the Laptop 3 featuring Intel processors. Keep in mind, we are comparing a Core i7 to a Ryzen 5, which is not a fair comparison. AMD does offer a Ryzen 7 model, which would compete better against the Intel Core i7.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4.0 (CPU) (higher is better)

PCMark

PCMark 10

GPU

Geekbench 5.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

.

When it comes to raw CPU performance, the Ryzen 5-3580U often falls below that of the Intel 8th Gen Core i5-8250U on Geekbench 4 and Geekbench 5. Meanwhile, the Intel 10th Gen Core i5-1035G4 easily outpaces the AMD Ryzen 5 on both single and multi-core scores. AMD chips are a better match for Intel's 8th Gen series, but it will lose out against the 10th Gen.

The AMD Vega 9 is a bit improved where it wins over the Intel UHD 620. But it is only a smidge faster than the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 7390 with 10th Gen Iris Plus. Those Vega graphics did provide a boost over the Surface Laptop 2's overall score in PCMark 10, though.

While you can play games, you are mostly limited to side-scrollers and arcade style instead of first-person shooters. I was able to play Crackdown 3 with a decent framerate, but it was only after all the graphics were set to "low," reducing detail dramatically.

Battery life is a mixed bag. Microsoft claims 11.5 hours using a new test that relies on 10 browser tabs and Microsoft Office running for a productivity-focused benchmark. That's not too far from PCMark 10's "Modern Office" battery test that mixes Office use, browser, video conferencing, and some idle time. My results show that 10 hours of battery life is achievable, compared to just eight hours in the smaller Surface Pro 7.

However, my review unit did experience a persistent battery drain. If I leave the laptop with the lid closed overnight, it results in a 20 percent drop in the battery. By comparison, the Surface Pro 7 only dropped by four percent. I'll chalk that up to some early driver issues. But therein lies another rub: AMD laptops are woefully underrepresented in the market resulting in its drivers having possible problems. Those can be fixed, of course, but it highlights a small risk with Surface Laptop 3 until Microsoft can isolate the issue. (Intel chips have also had plenty of problems.)

SSD storage performance is in line with Surface devices. Read scores hit the 2,000 MB/s, an increase over Laptop 2's 1,500 MB/s, and Surface Laptop 1's abysmal 486 MB/s. Write speeds are still below the industry average, at just 800MB/s.

Finally, the Surface Laptop 3 15 stays cool under duress. Temperatures rarely went over 91 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees C), and the fans were always quiet.

sum of its parts

Bottom line on Microsoft's Surface Laptop 3 15-inch

The Surface Laptop 3 15 is quite disappointing.

While I recognize that some may prefer a 15-inch model, at least, in this case, the Surface Laptop 3 15 offers no clear advantage over the smaller 13.5-inch one besides a larger screen. That's not the case with Surface Book 2, where the 15-inch received a more powerful GPU and even had Xbox Wireless Controller support. Those were clear differentiators.

And therein is the core issue with Surface Laptop 3 15: identity. Microsoft claimed this was the fastest 15-inch in its class, but it is almost in a class of its own, and not in a good way. Most manufacturers, when they go to the 15-inch size, also bring more significant features, such as 45-watt CPUs and GTX graphics. You'll find none of that here.

Overall system performance is worse than the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1. The new Razer Blade Stealth has a Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics. It's just a 13-inch Ultrabook. Couldn't Microsoft go with Intel and sneak in an NVIDIA MX150 like everyone else?

Some of the performance worries could be eased if I could point to extraordinary battery life. But I can't.

Then there are smaller matters. The sound profile and color gamut are worse than the 13.5-inch model. The display looks great and is excellent for most users, but other companies are adding value plays like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR400, anti-glare, and OLED. While I can excuse the lack of Thunderbolt 3 in smaller laptops, it seems 15-inch ones should have that feature. This one doesn't.

Even wireless is disappointing, with no Wi-Fi 6 with a chip. Wi-Fi 6 in a laptop this premium should be a given.

The Type-C port is at least welcome. With it, you can use external displays (even portable ones) and Type-C hubs to add more ports. You can also use portable Type-C battery packs, external drives, or a Type-C charger in a pinch. But it is a bit odd that Microsoft could not squeeze in another port like a full SD card reader — a common practice with larger laptops.

None of this is to say that a Surface Laptop 15-inch is a bad PC. But Microsoft overhyped the performance with Surface Laptop 3 15.

If money or performance is a priority and looks aren't a concern, there are better choices on the market. The XPS 15 (7590) is a bulkier laptop, but it has excellent battery life and exceptional performance all for $70 less. The HP Spectre x360 15, while dated with thicker bezels, is disproportionately much more potent than Laptop 3 and slightly cheaper.

An even better choice is to go with the slightly smaller Surface Laptop 3 13.5. I'd argue that size is better for everyday use and travel, more comfortable to type on, and it delivers Wi-Fi 6, optional Alcantara, and likely crispier sound. While I haven't benchmarked the 10th Gen Intel chips on that laptop, the Surface Pro 7, which uses a similar configuration, has been outstanding.

There is a version of this laptop with Intel 10th Gen Core processors, but Microsoft is only offering it as a direct sale in select markets. While I feel the Intel chipset with Wi-Fi 6 addresses some of my concerns here, I'm not convinced it addresses all of them.

I still like the idea of a 15-inch Surface Laptop, but for the price Microsoft is charging, I want more substance. The laptop design is exquisite, but in giving up Alcantara, the Surface Laptop lost one of the things that made it different. The partnership with AMD here is also odd, too. I can't understand at all what value it brings to the end-user over Intel — something I recently suggested. It's not faster. The GPU is a hair better but far below even an MX150. And if battery life is significantly better, Microsoft's estimates betray that fact.

The good news is Microsoft will likely bring this laptop back with significant refinements ... eventually. But for now, unless you're hooked on a 15-inch Ultrabook, it may be best to pass on this PC.

Best Buy has a whole new set of deals for the day, and the top sale is a selection of Surface Laptop 3 models all $600 off. That's a huge chunk of change off the price and it includes models going for as low as $999.99. These prices are only good until the new deals of the day show up tomorrow, so grab one while you can. Pick the version with the best specifications for whatever you want to do.

The Surface Laptop 4 is available these days, but it's obviously going to start at a much higher price. The difference in price grows even more when you consider deals like what we're seeing today. Check out the differences between the two generations if you want to see which one is best for you.

The least expensive option is the Surface Laptop 3 going for $999.99. This machine includes an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 256GB solid state drive. It also has a high-resolution 2256 x 1504 13.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, a 720p webcam, and an 11.5-hour battery life.

Need an upgrade in size? Grab the 15-inch version of the Surface Laptop 3 for just $100 more at $1,099.99. While it has many of the same specifications, this version uses an AMD Ryzen 5 Surface Edition processor and has an AMD Radeon Vega 9 graphics card. It also improves its touchscreen pixel resolution to 2496 x 1664.

The other models available are also 13-inch and 15-inch screens. They just enhance the specifications already listed above. For example, you can get a 1TB SSD or a more powerful AMD Ryzen 7 instead of the Ryzen 5. No matter which model you chooise, you'll be saving $600, so you might as well pick your favorite.

Microsoft covers all of these laptops with a one-year warranty.

Microsoft's latest and greatest Surface Laptop is the Surface Laptop 4. It's what you'll want to choose if you need the best performance possible from the latest processors out of AMD and Intel. Because the Surface Laptop 4 is the newer model, you can expect to pay a small premium compared to the Surface Laptop 3, which is still a great notebook on its own and can be found at a discount.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: Specifications

Microsoft has officially announced the Surface Laptop 4 so we know exactly how the newer notebook compares to the Surface Laptop 3. Almost matching leaked Surface Laptop 4 specifications, we've put together the below specifications chart to show how the comparison in full.

There are many configurations available, starting with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 and AMD Ryzen 5 4680U. It's possible to configure up to 32GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 1TB of storage with Intel processors only, but all storage is removable allowing you to install your own NVMe drive.

What's new with the Surface Laptop 4

• Intel 11th Gen Core processors with Iris Xe Graphics
• AMD Ryzen 4000 and Radeon Graphics (Surface Edition)
• Up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB storage (Intel only)
• No more 128GB option (256GB or higher)
• Dolby Atmos spatial-audio
• Ice Blue with Alcantara (13.5-inch Intel only)
• Up to 70% performance improvement
• Battery improvements
• Slightly faster Windows Hello login
• 15-inch models are only Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
• AMD models now have Wi-Fi 6 and LPDDR4x

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: Design & Display

It'll be difficult to tell the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 apart unless you know what to look for. Microsoft is using the exact same chassis, making both the Surface Laptop 3 and Laptop 4 look almost identical, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. If you're a fan of the older all-aluminum design, you'll dig the newer notebook.

The Surface Laptop 3 looks amazing and Microsoft did a solid job with designing such a premium-looking notebook. You'll be able to enjoy the same small bezel experience with stunning displays. The port selection is the same, rocking a single USB-C, USB-A, and a headphone jack. Microsoft chose not to include Thunderbolt 3 or 4.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: Performance

This is where the major change comes into play. The Surface Laptop 4 comes rocking 11th Gen Intel and AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors. What's more is the AMD processors are available in the 13.5-inch laptop, likewise with the Intel CPUs in the 15-inch, allowing for far more choice. Compared to previously available chips, these offer up to a 70% increase in performance.

Interestingly, Microsoft is not planning to include 12th Gen Intel processors nor will it take Ryzen 5000 series CPUs from AMD. This is a strange move if you'd prefer to choose the very latest from AMD and Intel. The 11th Gen Intel and AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors aren't bad, but they won't be the latest and greatest.

It's not just computing power that has been given a slight bump, but also graphics processing. Intel 11th Gen processors come with Iris Xe graphics, and AMD still offers its excellent integrated Radeon GPUs with the Ryzen 4000 series.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: Pricing

Microsoft is pricing the Surface Laptop 4 at $999 for the base model, which is the same as the Surface Laptop 3 when it first came out. You can easily find the Surface Laptop 3 for $800 or less right now, making it a better deal if you're on a tighter budget. Still, the additional $200 is worth forking out if you could make use of the additional performance.

Surface Laptop 4 has the latest tech

Going with the current generation of any product is best if you plan on making full use of the hardware available. Like other products, Microsoft's Surface Laptop 4 comes rocking 11th Gen Intel and AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors. The price will be a little higher, but it's well worth it if you need one of the best Microsoft Surface PCs available.

Buy the Surface Laptop 3 for a better deal

Just because the Surface Laptop 3 is from the last generation, this doesn't mean it's a bad purchase. The Surface Laptop 3 is still a very good notebook, coming equipped with 10th Gen Intel processors and plenty of tech to keep you online throughout the day. You may even find one at a steal of a deal.

Even though both of these are Microsoft Surface products, they're really targeted at totally different buyers. The Surface Laptop 3 is the best all-rounder, offering a similar experience and sublime hardware but at a lower price and without the sheer horsepower on offer in the Surface Book 3. The latter, however, comes into its own in the power user crowd, but both are among consideration for the best Windows laptop right now.

Surface Book 3 vs. Surface Pro 7: tech specs

Where there are similarities

In several areas, these two laptops are quite similar. For one, both are available in two sizes, 13-inch and 15-inch, and both pack the high-quality design and all-metal build that we've come to know from Surface products.

Both, too, have high-resolution displays with both touch support and digital inking support, and both also support the optional Surface Dial add-on. Storage and RAM options are comparable across both, and where Intel CPUs are used, both are now on 10th Gen chips.

The port selection is also pretty equal, though you get a little extra on the Surface Book 3, but both now have USB-C in addition to the traditional Surface Connect port. So you can either use a regular USB-C dock or the first-party Surface Dock, along with any number of USB-C accessories.

The important differences

The differences are what should ultimately make the decision on which you should buy since it's here where the two take a different path and target a different kind of buyer.

The first big difference is that the Surface Book 3 has a detachable display and one that can fold around when it's attached to the keyboard base like a convertible. Not only is this perfect for consuming media, but you also have a tablet as well as a laptop. If you want something more portable, more mobile, and you don't need the keyboard, you can leave it at home.

The tablet also makes the Surface Book 3 much more useful with inking and the Surface Pen than the Surface Laptop 3. You can ink on it, the technology is built into the display, but since it's a traditional clamshell laptop design, it's much more awkward to use.

Besides the versatility, the other significant difference is the sheer horsepower. If you're looking for GPU power be that for video editing, rendering, or even a touch of gaming here and there, then the Surface Book 3 is the obvious choice. The 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 has excellent integrated AMD graphics, but that simply doesn't compare to what's available in the Surface Book 3. For power users, this the right choice.

Away from the hardware, the pricing is important to consider, too. The Surface Laptop 3 currently starts at $800, that's half what you'll have to pay for the lowest priced Surface Book 3. That's a pretty massive saving, and if you're trying to keep your budget in check, then the Surface Laptop 3 is a wise choice.

Surface Laptop 3 is good for everyone

The Surface Laptop 3 is a superb all-rounder and is an easy recommendation to everyone. It's beautifully designed and made, more affordable than the Surface Book 3, and for general-purpose PC use, schoolwork, day to day use, it ticks all the boxes. It's got features more creative folks will enjoy, and unless you really need the GPU horsepower or a better inking experience, you won't be disappointed.

The power user's choice

The Surface Book 3 comes with a higher price but also more versatility and outright power. If you're not getting the dedicated NVIDIA graphics version, you're probably better off with a Surface Laptop 3. But if you fit that power userspace, where the extra performance will be beneficial to your work (or play), then the Surface Book 3 is the smart choice.

What you need to know

• The Surface Laptop 3 recently received a firmware update.
• The update improves performance and stability but doesn't include any new features.
• Microsoft has rolled out firmware updates to several Surface devices over the last week.

The Surface firmware update marathon continues. The Surface Laptop 3 just received a firmware update, joining the Surface Laptop Go, Go 2, Laptop Go, Laptop, and Laptop 2 that also recently got firmware updates. That means that quite a few of the best Surface PCs have gotten an update over the last few days.

The Surface Laptop 3 firmware update improves performance and security but doesn't include any new features. Here's the complete changelog:

The firmware update started rolling out on March 8, 2021, so you should be able to grab it through Windows Update now.

If you're looking for more exciting Surface news, recent reports suggest that a Surface Laptop 4 is on the way. We don't know all of the details about the device at this time but alleged leaks of its CPU specs recently emerged online.

Surface Dock 2 improves on the original

Microsoft equipped the Surface Dock 2 with the first-party Surface Connect solution for hooking up to various Surface devices, including Surface Laptop 3.

The previous model was getting a bit long in the tooth, but the updated dock is a much better piece of hardware to buy, not least because it adds USB-C ports into its arsenal of connections.

The front of the dock has two USB-C 3.2 ports, each with 15W of charging power for connected accessories. The back contains Ethernet, dual USB-A 3.2, dual USB-C 3.2, and 3.5mm audio. The side of the dock has a Kensington lock slot for increased security in an office environment.

The rear USB-C ports are also to power external displays, and the Surface Dock 2 is capable of powering up to two 4K displays at 60Hz. The only slight roadblock here is that you'll need either a USB-C equipped monitor or a USB-C to HDMI cable.

But these are minor faults, and combining the connectivity with the increased 120W passthrough to keep your Surface Laptop 3 charged as well as powering all these added devices, you're in excellent hands with the Surface Dock 2. Now is also a great time to pick one up since it's seeing some major discounts over its launch price.

A more affordable alternative

As good as the Surface Dock 2 is, though, it's also quite pricey. The lack of Thunderbolt 3 on the Surface Laptop 3 is a bit of a disappointment, but as it has a USB-C port, you can connect up an alternative dock and save a bit of money. Luckily, there are a lot of great Surface Pro docks and docking stations available.

The Kensington SD4820P offers up to 60W of charging back to your device to keep it topped up, plus you get support for up to two 4K external displays (albeit only at 30hz) if you're setting up at home or in the office. It's jam-packed with ports, including USB-A 3.0, USB-C, two DisplayPort, HDMI, a 3.5mm audio jack, and Ethernet. There's also a Kensington lock slot if you like to be extra secure.

Not only is the SD4820P a little more affordable, but it has standard display outputs so that you won't need any new cables or adapters. You don't even surrender the USB-C port, either, since it gives it back to you. It's a standard-looking black box, but as far as USB docks go, it's excellent value.

You can save big on quite a few Surface devices right now as part of the "Microsoft 3-Day Shopping Event" at Best Buy. The event includes sales on the Surface Pro 7, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Duo, and several other devices from Microsoft. There are also discounts on Windows 10 PCs from other manufacturers as well as accessories.

If you're looking for a 2-in1, you can save $460 on the Surface Pro 7 in a bundle that includes a Type Cover. How much you save on the Surface Pro 7 depends on the exact internals that you choose. As an example, you can save $460 on the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The savings become more modest on more budget-friendly devices, but there are options with a starting price as low as $700.

If you're on the hunt for some games, you can save quite a bit on Xbox and PC titles. The minimum savings for discounted games is 16%, but some deals cut up to 50% off. There are deals on Sea of Thieves, Gears 5, Forza Horizon 4, and plenty of other big-name titles.

There are also a number of accessories on sale, including keyboards and mice. You can snag a Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse bundle for just $40 or save $40 when you bundle together a couple of Surface accessories.

There are a lot of sales to dig through, including some great bargains and bundles, but the 3-day sale ends on February 21, 2021.

What you need to know

• The Surface Laptop 3 with AMD has a new firmware update available.
• The update is available for devices running Windows 10 version 1903 or higher.
• The update includes several improvements and bug fixes.

Owners of the AMD-powered Surface Laptop 3, including the Surface Laptop 3 15, can snag a new firmware update for their PC. The update is available for devices running Windows 10 version 1903 or higher. Like most firmware updates, this focuses on bug fixes and stability improvements. It doesn't have any new features.

Here's everything that's new, as found on its support page:

The fixes in this firmware update improve system stability, performance, and security. The update also addresses several bugs, including an issue that affected devices when waking up from sleep.

If you have a Surface Laptop 3 with an Intel chip rather than an AMD processor, you should have received an update a couple of weeks ago.

No matter what version of Surface Laptop 3 you have, you should be able to grab the latest update through Windows Update.

The Razer Book 13 is one of the best Windows laptops you can buy right now, and while the Surface Laptop 3 is a very good laptop with much to desire, it's hard to recommend it right now over Razer's latest and greatest.

Razer Book 13 vs Surface Laptop 3: Tech Specs

The best Ultrabook

For its first attempt at a regular Ultrabook, Razer absolutely nailed it. The Razer Book 13 isn't just good compared to Razer's other laptops; it's arguably the best Ultrabook money can buy right now. And that includes Dell's all-conquering XPS 13.

The Razer Book 13 is a little powerhouse of an Ultrabook, with an 11th Gen 28W Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU and fast LPDDR4X memory, and the internals certainly have an edge over the Surface Laptop 3. The Intel Xe graphics you get on the Razer Book 13 are also an improvement over the old Iris Plus, and while neither are for gaming, Razer edges ahead again.

The Razer Book 13 is also more attractive for folks who need things like an HDMI output or a Thunderbolt connection, neither of which the Surface Laptop 3 has. The battery life is even pretty good.

The Book 13 also has an RGB keyboard, which is fantastic to type on, and superb speakers with THX Spatial Audio. Razer doesn't tend to cut corners, and it's clear to see in the Book 13. It has everything the company would put in its gaming laptops, but without the dedicated graphics.

Surface Laptop 3 lacking in some areas

The Surface Laptop 3 immediately falls behind on hardware thanks to its length of time on the market. While hardly underpowered, it's still using 10th Gen Intel chips compared to the 28W 11th Gen you find in the Razer Book 13.

On the one hand, the Surface Laptop 3 has more affordable options, but on the other, it's still fairly expensive for older hardware. Paired with the lack of ports and the fact that further connectivity is hidden behind the first-party Surface Connect and not Thunderbolt, it becomes even harder to recommend.

If you're already a long-time Surface user, the Surface Laptop 3 is definitely more attractive than to someone coming in fresh. If you have accessories like a Surface Dock, Pen, or Dial already in your arsenal, you're much better equipped to get the best experience. For anyone else, it would be extra spend to get something as simple as an HDMI output, which you already get on the Razer Book 13.

Razer Book 13 the one to beat

If you are considering one of these two laptops then the Razer Book 13 is the one to get. It ticks all the main boxes, you don't have to worry about needing dongles or first-party docks to connect up the rest of your home office and it's an incredible piece of hardware. Sure, there is no pen support, but you do get touch and clamshell laptops are hardly the best to use for inking anyway.

Surface Laptop 3 harder to recommend

Unless you're already a longer-term Surface user with accessories in place or you're trying to spend as little as possible, it's harder to recommend the Surface Laptop 3. While the Razer Book 13 is an absolute hit, there are compromises to be made with the Surface Laptop 3, not least that it's a generation behind on its CPU and graphics.

Microsoft's discounts on Surface devices continue. We've covered several deals on the best Microsoft Surface PCs lately, and there are some more deals worth highlighting. Right now, you can grab the Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Laptop 3 for a discount through the Microsoft Store.

The Surface Pro X is on sale for up to $200 off right now. That discount of $200 is available on every variant listed on the Microsoft Store, but some options are out of stock. You can still order any variant in black at the time of publication, but platinum variants are limited.

Similarly, the Surface Laptop 3 discounts max out at $300 right now, but availability depends on the color you choose. A few options are only discounted by $200 right now, but many are $300 off.

The Surface Laptop Go starts at just $650 for the Core i5 version with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The cheapest version with only 4GB of RAM isn't on sale through Microsoft right now.

What you need to know

• The Intel-based Surface Laptop 3 has a new firmware update.
• The update improves system stability and includes several bug fixes.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 3 has a fresh firmware update with plenty of improvements and fixes. The update started rolling out towards the end of last week, and Microsoft shared its release notes on January 27. As is the case with most firmware updates, this update doesn't include any new features. It does include several stability improvements and bug fixes.

The update that's available is for the Intel-based Surface Laptop 3. Here's the complete changelog for the Surface Laptop 3:

The update started rolling out at the end of last week, so it should be available for your laptop now through Windows Update.

What you need to know

• A new Surface Laptop was recently spotted on a Bluetooth certification.
• The device could be the Surface Laptop 4 or the Surface Laptop 3+.
• We expect the next Surface Laptop to ship this April.

We have more potential details about what could be the Surface Laptop 4 or Surface Laptop 3+. A new device from Microsoft has been spotted passing through Bluetooth.org certification by WinCentral. The certification shows model numbers for a new Surface Laptop as well as the Surface Pro 7+.

Until recently, we would have assumed that any new Surface Laptop would be called the Surface Laptop 4, but with the Surface Pro 7+ coming out recently, this new laptop could be the Surface Laptop 3+. The Surface Pro 7+ is aimed squarely at business users and Microsoft will continue to sell the Surface Pro 7. If Microsoft decides to release a laptop along the same lines, it will likely be called the Surface Laptop 3+.

The device has the model numbers 1952, 1953, 1958 and 1959 depending on the size configuration. There are options for a 13.5-inch model and a 15-inch model, just like the current Surface Laptop 3 offering. According to WinCentral, the model numbers suggest that the laptop will be the Surface Laptop 3+.

In our piece on what we want to see from Surface in 2021, we marked a Surface Laptop 4 as "highly likely" for this year. We've heard that the next Surface Laptop will run on 11th Gen Intel processors and newer AMD Ryzen 4000 Mobile chips. We also heard that AMD chips will be available on the 13.5-inch model for the first time.

We expect the next Surface Laptop to ship in April, though dates are always subject to change. The device that we expect could very well be the Surface Laptop 3+ rather than the Surface Laptop 4.

The Surface Laptop 3 is Microsoft's latest traditional laptop from the Surface family. It has a gorgeous design, good battery life, and an excellent keyboard. Right now, you can grab it for $300 off through the Microsoft Store. The 13.5-inch and 15-inch versions of the Surface Laptop 3 are on sale, though availability depends on the color you choose.

Unlike some Surface deals, the savings on this one don't scale up as you move up to higher models. For example, both the Core i5 and Core i7 versions of the Surface Laptop 3 are on sale for $300 off. Additionally, not every model is on sale. If you jump around between different color and size options, you'll see deals on different configurations of internals.

The Surface Laptop 3 has a clean look that shows off its 3:2 display and its all-metal design. In his Surface Laptop 3 review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino said, "Saying the Surface Laptop 3 15 looks like art is not an understatement" and that "Every little detail of the Surface Laptop 3 15 signifies precision craftsmanship."

With the traditional clamshell form factor of the Surface Laptop 3 comes an excellent keyboard. Again going back to his review, Rubino states "Microsoft has been killing it in the Surface line with its keyboards and trackpads. That's the case for the Surface Laptop 3 15, which highlights the best in this area."

The Surface Laptop 3 comes in two different sizes, and those sizes come with different types of processors. The 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 runs on an Intel Core processor (up to an Intel Core i7). The larger 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 runs on an AMD Ryzen chip (up to a Ryzen 7 3780U).

If you're trying to squeeze in some last-minute holiday shopping, Microsoft is here to help you out. The Microsoft Store has a big sale right now on Surface devices. You can save hundreds on devices like the Surface Pro 7, Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Pro X. Even Surface accessories are on sale, like the Surface Arc Mouse and the Surface Pen.

The headline deal for Surface savings is the discounted Surface Pro 7 bundle. You can save up to $430 off on the bundle that includes the Surface Pro 7, a Type Cover, and a sleeve. You can also tack on optional items, such as a Microsoft 365 subscription or Surface accessories. There are several storage and color options on sale for the Surface Pro 7, so you can make sure to get the exact configuration and color combination that you'd like.

In his Surface Pro 7 review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino said that the 2-in-1 is "an absolute joy to use," adding that, "It's simply terrific. It proves that the Pro's design is not only here to stay but that this the best iteration of it."

There are plenty of great deals on Surface devices, so make sure to check out Microsoft's page dedicated to the last-minute holiday deals. Deals include up to $300 on the Surface Laptop 3, up to $150 off on the Surface Laptop Go, and up to $300 off on the Surface Book 3.

What you need to know

• Microsoft issues new updates for Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop 3 in recent days.
• The updates bring fixes and audio improvements.
• Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2 users can download the updates now via Windows Update.

Microsoft this week rolled out a new set of firmware and driver updates for the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2. The updates for Surface Laptop 3 are mostly concerned with general system improvements, including one for laptops with AMD chips. The Surface Book 2 updates, meanwhile, are largely focused on audio improvements.

Note that both updates are dated as having rolled out late last week, but, as Neowin notes, the release notes only appeared today.

Here's a look at what's new for Surface Laptop 3 owners:

And here's a look at what Surface Book 2 owners can look forward to:

If you're using a Surface Laptop 3 or a Surface Book 2, you can grab these updates now via Windows Update.

Why the Surface Laptop Go is still worth getting

The lack of a backlit keyboard on the Surface Laptop Go is disappointing for people who like to work in the dark but don't let that downside sway you away from considering the device. Armed with a 10th Gen Intel i5-1035G1 processor, competent Intel UHD Graphics, and up to 8GB of memory, the Surface Laptop Go is quite capable considering its low price and footprint. The 12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 display looks pretty good too, which is always great to see (ha) on a laptop. The resolution is a bit low, but for day-to-day use, it's perfectly fine. You can get up to 256GB of storage, too, and the laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6, which is the new Wi-Fi standard that boosts network speed and stability.

In terms of physical design, the Surface Laptop Go is awesome. With dimensions of 10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches and a weight of 2.45 lbs, it's the lightest and smallest Surface Laptop device out there, making it perfect for travel. It also comes with a USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm, and Surface Connect port for excellent peripheral support. While unfortunately not backlit, the keyboard is very comfortable to use, and it even comes with a nifty fingerprint reader. Overall, the Surface Laptop Go is easily one of the best Surface PCs.

If backlighting is important

If you need a backlit keyboard, we recommend checking out the Surface Laptop 3 13.5, which is a larger, more capable, and more expensive Surface Laptop. With its more impressive 10th Gen Intel i5-1035G7 / i7-1065G7 CPU options, larger and higher resolution 13.5-inch display, and higher maximum RAM of 16GB, the Surface Laptop 3 is positioned as more of a traditional laptop rather than a compact and "fun-sized" one like the Surface Laptop Go is. That being said, it's not difficult to take around with you, and the keyboard is backlit impressively, making the Surface Laptop 3 an excellent alternative to the Surface Laptop Go if you need a device with a backlit keyboard.

What you need to know

• Microsoft launched its first Surface device eight years ago.
• The Surface lineup pushed computing form factors and inspired many devices.
• The Surface family now includes 2-in-1s, laptops, desktops, enterprise hubs, and a folding phone.

Microsoft unveiled the Surface lineup eight years ago. The big-bezelled original Surface devices launched with Windows 8 and came in a then at the time new form factor, a convertible 2-in-1. Since the initial Surface launch, Microsoft has refined the Surface 2-in-1 concept through 7 iterations, multiple size spinoffs, and the Surface family expanded to other device categories.

More than pen support, flipping around, or kickstands, the Surface lineup has always been about innovation. Microsoft's Surface family strives to push stagnant categories forward. The greatest influence of the Surface lineup is likely the influx of 2-in-1s that are now on the market. Once a novel idea, convertibles are now commonplace, and just about every major manufacturer has at least dipped their foot into the form factor.

Memes really do come true, which was evidenced by Apple's shift to have iPads become more and more like computers. In just a few short years, Apple shifted from the infamous "What's a computer" ad to its "Your next a computer is not a computer" ad. That shift is a microcosm of the push by Microsoft's Surface line. 2-in-1s haven't replaced laptops — and were probably never meant to — but they've become a viable category on their own.

Microsoft has also greatly expanded the Surface lineup. Since the early days of the Surface Pro and Surface RT, we've seen Microsoft release the Surface Book, Surface Laptop, Surface Studio, and Surface Go lines. While some pushed boundaries more than others, such as the Surface Book detaching its screen from its base, they all innovated in some way and drove manufacturers to step up their game.

Project Andromeda: The secret history of Windows on Surface Duo

Microsoft has also ventured into new categories and architectures to showcase how things can work. The Surface Pro X runs on a Snapdragon processor, and the Surface Duo delivers a dual-screen Android experience based on productivity.

Not every Surface device has been a success, but the family as a whole has grown rapidly over eight years, and people look forward to Microsoft's major events announcing more devices each year.

What's your favorite Surface device? Let us know in the comments below.

Surface Laptop Go vs Surface Laptop 3: tech specs

Comparing the specs side by side, Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop 3 are two very similar yet somewhat different devices.

Beautiful designs all round

Both the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop 3 deliver premium hardware design, but the Surface Laptop Go makes compromises in specific areas to keep costs low. The Surface Laptop 3 features an all-aluminum build, from top to bottom. But the Surface Laptop Go only features aluminum on the lid and keyboard deck. The underside of the laptop is made from polycarbonate plastic. It's a nice plastic, but still plastic.

Surface Laptop Go still feels incredibly premium, especially for the price. Both laptops feature very similar designs, and the Surface Laptop Go comes out ahead in the bezels department. Surface Laptop Go features the thinnest bezels on a Surface, much thinner than those on the Surface Laptop 3, but at the cost of Windows Hello facial recognition.

Power or portability?

An easy way to choose between Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Laptop 3 is whether you need more power or more portability. If you need more power, the Surface Laptop 3 is the one for you, as it features a much more powerful Intel Core i7 or AMR Ryzen 7 processor to boot. The Surface Laptop Go is limited to an Intel Core i5 processor, which is a low-end chip. There are no upgrade options, either.

Not only that, but the Surface Laptop 3 has a more powerful GPU if you opt for the 15-inch variant with an AMD processor, featuring either Vega 9 and Vega 11 graphics. Of course, this does mean sacrificing portability. If you're looking for the best laptop experience in the smallest package, and power isn't much of a concern to you, then the Surface Laptop Go is a much better choice.

If you prefer small and portable

If you need more power and a larger display

Unless you're looking to save money, there's no other reason to consider the previous generation Surface Laptop 2. Whether you get the 13-inch or 15-inch Surface Laptop 3, the performance improvements are big enough to ignore its predecessor if you really want the best from your laptop.

Surface Laptop 2 vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs

Only one reason to get the Surface Laptop 2

With the arrival of the Surface Laptop 3, there's now only one reason to consider buying the older Surface Laptop 2, and that's the price. With the arrival of a new model comes the inevitable price cuts on the old one.

The Surface Laptop 2 looks basically the same as the newer one, and it's hardly a bad laptop. It's been one of our absolute top picks since it arrived for anyone buying a laptop, but its time in the spotlight has passed.

You can get a Surface Laptop 2 with a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) and a Core i5 for $899, a $100 saving over the entry-level Surface Laptop 3. However, considering the Surface Laptop 3 has a replaceable SSD (albeit with caveats), you'll still be getting a much better value with the newer model.

Claimed battery life is also a little higher on the Surface Laptop 2, but in real-world scenarios, you're unlikely to see that much difference.

Surface Laptop 3 is the way to go

Where the Surface Laptop 2 was a mild, but still meaningful update over its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 3 is a much bigger jump. For one, there's now a choice of two sizes, 13 inches or 15 inches, and each comes with their own individual internal hardware.

The smaller model uses Intel's excellent 10th Gen processors with the new Iris Plus graphics, the larger going with a customized AMD Ryzen chip with the potent Vega integrated GPU.

Toss in the inclusion of USB-C on the new model, a lack of Alcantara if you wish, a replaceable SSD (so long as you get Microsoft to do it), and the same gorgeous display as the Surface Laptop has always had, and you've got a strong package.

Unless you absolutely want to spend as little as possible, you should definitely get the Surface Laptop 3.

Both of these laptops are some of the latest and greatest, and you can't really make a bad choice by getting either. Both have stunning designs, powerful hardware, good performance, and battery life and have comparable features like digital pen support. There are a couple of critical areas that should be considered where the Spectre x360 actually makes more sense to buy.

Whichever of these two laptops suits you better, it's worth keeping tabs on prices with Black Friday on the horizon because as we get into the holiday shopping season, there will be opportunities to get discounts on hardware. The Surface Laptop wasn't updated in Microsoft's most recent hardware refresh, so any discounts on the regular asking prices detailed in this post are worth taking advantage of. Likewise, as the Spectre x360 is the best Windows laptop you can buy right now, any good discount makes it a must buy.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (13-inch) vs. HP Spectre x360 13 tech specs

HP Spectre x360 is more affordable

The Spectre x360 right now starts at just $730, compared to the $899 entry price for the Surface Laptop 3. Albeit, there are some sacrifices, such as the base models using 8th Gen Intel processors compared to the all 10th Gen Surface Laptop 3. The base models are technically the previous revision, so while much is similar, the bezels are larger, and the trackpad drivers are, well, not fantastic.

Otherwise, you're still getting a superb laptop. Base models always have lower storage and RAM, but the cheapest Spectre x360 still maintains 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. On the cheapest Surface Laptop 3, you get half as much storage, and when it comes to these entry models, more storage will probably be more useful to you than a slightly better processor.

But even as the price starts to climb with the latest revision, the Spectre x360 continues to represent a more affordable, overall better value proposition. At the highest spec, it's undercutting the Surface Laptop 3 by $300 for a comparable model, and here you're getting a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 with Iris Plus graphics, 16GB of RAM, 32GB of Intel Optane memory for added performance boosts, and a 512GB SSD.

If the price is essential to you, and why wouldn't it be, the Spectre x360 represents the smartest choice and best overall value.

Surface Laptop 3 is just a laptop (but a good one)

If all you want is a laptop without much consideration for touch and inking, then the Surface Laptop 3 is the smartest choice. It does have inking and a touch display, but since it's a traditional clamshell rather than a convertible, it's not a strong recommendation if you really want to get the best from those features.

What it is is one of the finest laptops money can buy, and one of the killer features is the taller 3:2 aspect ratio display that the Surface products have become known for. This adds more screen real estate, but being in the vertical makes it more comfortable for writing and reading in particular.

That's not to say the Spectre x360 isn't impressive, because it is, but it's a more traditional 16:10 aspect ratio. Where it stands out is for touch and inking fans since it's a proper convertible, that is, the display folds right around. This makes it more flexible to use than the Surface Laptop 3 since you can use it like a tablet, which is better when you're using a pen as it's a more natural, comfortable position.

HP Spectre x360 is the more affordable choice for inking fans

If you really want to get the best touch or inking experience or you just want to save as much money as possible, then the HP Spectre x360 is the one to go for. There are a few compromises on the lowest price versions, but on the whole, you'll save more money on any spec level, and since it's a convertible, it's much better to use with the pen.

Surface Laptop 3 still a killer laptop

The Surface Laptop 3 is one of the best laptops you can buy, but that doesn't make it right for everyone. If you want the best laptop, then here it is, and you should absolutely get one. But it will come at a premium, and if you're chasing the flexibility you get with a convertible, you don't quite get it here.

Two 4K monitors with a single port

The Surface Laptop 3 is a thin and light laptop that builds off the already impressive Surface Laptop line. There are now two versions of the Surface Laptop 3, a 13-inch version and a larger 15-inch version. Both sizes of the Surface Laptop 3 have a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port. This port allows a laptop to connect to two 4K monitors at once at 60Hz.

A Microsoft Mechanics video shows off how the new line of Surface devices can power two 4K displays at once with a 60Hz refresh rate. Being able to do this with just a single port leaves other ports open, such as the Surface Connect port and USB-A port that are available on all sizes of the Surface Laptop 3.

Unfortunately, getting the Surface Laptop 3 to power two 4K displays at once at 60Hz is not usually as simple as plugging in a USB-C port into your laptop and monitor. As outlined in a post by Dan S. Charlton, connecting two 4K monitors and hitting 60Hz via USB-C requires additional or specialized hardware. This is due to the Surface Laptop 3's support of DisplayPort 1.4. There are a few options to power two 4K monitors at once.

An easy solution is to purchase an adapter. You can buy Cable Matters USB C to DisplayPort Adapter with 8K HDR DisplayPort 1.4. There aren't many adapters that have the required specs to power dual 4K displays at 60Hz, but this one fits the bill.

Another option is to get a USB-C adapter that natively supports DP 1.4 and Multi-Stream Transport (MST). Cable Matters makes the Cable Matters USB C to DisplayPort Adapter with 8K HDR DisplayPort 1.4 which meets the required specs. It also has two DisplayPorts and one HDMI port.

The final option is to purchase a monitor that can handle this level of daisy-chaining. These aren't especially common, but the BenQ's 27-inch PD2700U can handle it. It has impressive color reproduction for professional design work. To use this monitor with the Surface Laptop 3, you'll need to grab an adapter like the Cable Matters USB C to DisplayPort Adapter with 8K HDR DisplayPort 1.4 mentioned above.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's back to school sale is live and has savings across a range of devices.
• Surface hardware, PCs from popular manufacturers, and several accessories are on sale.
• You can save $339 as part of a Surface Pro 7 bundle.

Microsoft's back to school sale is live, allowing you to save hundreds on devices and accessories from the Microsoft Store. There are deals on a wide range of devices, including Surface hardware, PCs from Lenovo, HP, Acer, and more, and even a deal on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to help students relax after their homework is done. You can check out all of the deals on the Microsoft Store website.

Several Surfaces devices are part of the back to school sale, including the Surface Book 3 for up to $200 off, the Surface Pro X for $100 off, and savings on accessories like the Surface Slim Pen, Surface Mobile Mouse, and Surface Arc Mouse.

The Surface Pro 7 has a couple of bundles available, including one deal that saves you $339 by bundling together a Surface Pro 7, Type Cover, Surface Pen, and Microsoft Complete. The Surface Pro 7 made our Best Windows laptop list as the best 2-in-1 available.

In addition to the savings on these deals, Microsoft highlights that purchases from the Microsoft Store have a 60-day return policy, a 60-day lowest price promise, and free support. You can also get Office 365 Education for free if you qualify.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 will launch in South Africa on July 29.
• New Surface hardware might also launch in Mexico in August.
• The Surface Pro 7 starts at R17,999 and the Surface Laptop 3 starts at R22,999.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 will launch in South Africa on July 29. Announced earlier this year, the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 are among Microsoft's latest additions to the Surface lineup. The Surface Pro 7 starts at R17,999 and the Surface Laptop 3 starts at R22,999.

The Surface Pro 7 is the latest 2-in-1 from Microsoft. Its external design is similar to the Surface Pro 6, but it has a USB-C port rather than a Mini DisplayPort. The larger differences are on the insides. The Surface Pro 7 features Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and has Intel wireless technology inside. It earned a rare five out of five in our executive editor Daniel Rubino's review.

The Surface Laptop 3 brings more modern internals to a traditional clamshell laptop. It's available in either 13-inch or 15-inch variants and features either AMD or Intel processors depending on the model you choose. The Surface Laptop 3 features 10th Gen Intel CPUs and has a more modern USB-C port on its side.

The latest Surface devices might also launch in Mexico soon. Microsoft sent out a save the date invite to people with what appears to be a Surface Pro 7.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is still blocking some Surface devices from receiving the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.
• It appeared as if the blocks were removed last week, but Microsoft has since updated its availability page.
• Microsoft has not specified which other safeguards are causing the block of the update.

Updated July 10, 2020: We've added a note that the blocks could be related to issues with OneDrive.

Microsoft continues to block Surface devices from receiving the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (Windows 10 version 2004). At the end of June, Microsoft updated a page on Windows 10 version 2004 availability. That update stated an issue was resolved and that the safeguard hold had been removed. Now, Microsoft has added text into that post stating that other safeguards might still prevent your device from receiving the update.

ZDNet spotted the words that Microsoft added on July 8. Here is what the page stated before.

You can see an archived version of that page courtesy of the Wayback Machine.

Here is the new wording, with emphasis added by ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley:

Microsoft has not specified which other safeguard holds could block devices from receiving the Windows 10 May 2020 Update. The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 were blocked previously, but Foley reports that people with several devices have been blocked from the update, including those with a Surface Laptop 3, Surface Pro 7, Surface Go 2, Surface Book 2, Surface Book 3, and Surface Pro X.

There's a chance that the blocks are related to OneDrive issues. Some on Reddit have had to uninstall OneDrive in order to upgrade Surface devices to Windows 10 version 2004.

Forcing an upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10 on blocked device can result in issues. We recommend holding off at least until Microsoft states that these issues are resolved, and holds are completely removed.

What you need to know

• The Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop 3 have firmware updates available.
• The Surface Book 2's update largely focuses on improving its reliability with the Surface Dock 2.
• The Surface Laptop 3's update improves connectivity and addresses other issues.

Microsoft's Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop 3 have new firmware updates. The updates improve reliability in several areas across the devices. The Surface Book 2's update focuses largely on improving Surface Dock 2 reliability while the Surface Laptop 3's update fixes connectivity issues and addresses some other areas.

Here's the changelog for the Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop 3, as outlined by the Surface update history page.

Surface Book 2

• Surface Dock Firmware Update: 1.83.139.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during Wake On LAN scenarios and improves the overall stability.
• Surface Firmware Update: 2.49.139.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during Wake On LAN scenarios and improves the overall stability.
• Surface - Extension: 5.5.0.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during Wake On LAN scenarios and improves the overall stability.
• Surface Integration Service Device - System: 6.83.139.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during authentication scenarios.
• Surface System Aggregator - Firmware: 182.2150.137.0 - Improves Battery Smart Charging reliability.

Surface Laptop 3

• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) OED - System devices: 10.24.00.3694 - Improves audio reliability with Netflix and Cortana apps.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller - System devices: 10.24.00.3694 - Improves audio reliability with Netflix and Cortana apps.
• Intel(R) WiFi 6 AX201 160MHz - Network adapters: 21.80.2.1 - Resolves issue with WiFi connection throughput and improves stability.
• Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth - Bluetooth: 21.80.0.3 - Improves BT connection reliability when the device resumes from sleep.
• Surface - Extension - 5.5.0.0: Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during Wake On LAN scenarios and improves the overall stability.
• Surface Integration Service Device - System: 6.83.139.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during authentication scenarios.
• Surface Display - Monitors: 3.92.139.0 - Improves the device color profile performance.
• Surface System Aggregator - Firmware: 14.109.139.0 - Improves Battery Lifespan Saver reliability.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is lifting the block on some Surface devices for the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.
• The block was in place for devices with multiple Always on, Always Connected capable network adapters.
• The block was removed on June 29 but may take up to 48 hours to be offered to devices.

Microsoft removed the block for several Surface devices from the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (via ZDNet). The blocks were in place because previously affected devices could run into unexpected shutdowns, restarts, and other errors. The issue was resolved with the KB4557957 update that rolled out on June 9, but Microsoft waited until the end of June to lift the block, presumably to make sure the issue was truly resolved. The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 are among the devices no longer blocked from the update.

As outlined in a Microsoft online doc, some devices with more than one Always On, Always Connected network adapter could run into issues, including the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3.

When Microsoft updated the doc explaining the resolution, it noted that it could take up to 48 hours before the update is offered to PCs that were previously blocked. As noted by BleepingComputer that update occurred on June 29, so the update should be rolling out to unblocked Surface devices now.

BleepingComputer also points out that there are still seven update blocks in place for Windows 10 version 2004 (the Windows 10 May 2020 Update). That means that some devices are still blocked from receiving the update.

Plonking down your hard-earned cash for a new Surface, whether it's the Pro, Laptop, Go, or Book, means you'll also want to protect it from everyday abuse. On a recent reddit thread, a user shared a photo of their skin with a design pattern that caught my eye.

So, I ordered one up to try it myself on Surface Book 3. The MasiBloom skins can be found on Amazon ranging from $9 to $15 with various designs. Here are some photos and whether I think it's worth it.

MasiBloom for Surace: What it is

Printed in China, there are around 25 different patterns available depending on the Surface. What I like about this series is the bright, colorful, and artistic designs, which differ from other companies like dBrand's more monotone look.

As you have guessed, these are just vinyl stickers. If you order for Surface Book 2 (or Book 3), you get two stickers – one for the top and one for the bottom ($15). For Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, you get one, but it only costs $10. For Surface Go fans, that version is only $9.

The Surface Pro and Surface Go get some matching decals for the sides too, which is neat.

They're all sized quite accurately and have cutouts for the Surface logo, and rear camera/microphone where applicable.

There is even a separate style that is mostly clear with a simple partial graphic, which looks cool.

MasiBloom for Surface: How is it?

Some people hate stickers on laptops, while others prefer them. I'm in between, sometimes preferring a clean look, other times not so much.

The MasiBloom is a bit tedious to install and line up. I wished the Surface logo was more than a square cutout and had cross lines as a sticker (like how dBrand does it). It makes lining up the decal infinitely more manageable, and it looks better. I opted to keep the square sticker on and cover up the logo because my alignment was off slightly.

On the plus side, these are thick vinyl. That makes installing the decals a bit easier as you can peel back, realign, and try it again without worrying about tearing it (using a hairdryer can help too). On Surface Book 3 15-inch, you are dealing with a giant sticker, making it harder to manipulate due to the size. Surface Laptops, Surface Go, and Surface Pro should be much easier.

I appreciate the matte design, which means you won't see fingerprints. It also feels nice with a slight texture that helps take the chill out of the Surface's metal chassis.

I do feel like this will provide moderate scratch and scuff protection to the Surface Book 3. I can't complain about the price. For $9 to $15, you're getting a visually stunning graphic on your laptop (so long as you find a style you like).

Overall, I am quite happy with the MasiBloom, and it's worth checking out if you like the look. I'll probably order one for my Surface Pro soon.

Expanding your Surface

Microsoft's new Surface Dock 2 features a plethora of ports to expand the functionality of your Surface devices. You can connect it to all your peripherals and then leave it on your desk. When you bring your Surface device to your desk, you just have to connect your device to the Surface Dock 2 with a single cable. It's an easy and convenient way to have your Surface remain portable while having the ability to connect to plenty of devices at your desk. The Surface Dock 2 has USB-C ports, charges your device, and features fast transfer speeds, but it can't work with all Surface devices. The Surface Dock 2 is expected to launch on May 26, 2020, but is available for preorder now

To use a Surface Dock 2, you generally have to have a Surface device made in 2017 or later. Specifically, it works with the Surface Book 3, Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro 6, Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Laptop 2, Surface Laptop (1st Gen), Surface Go 2, Surface Go, Surface Go, and Surface 3. Some of the data transfer rates vary depending on the Surface device you have. Surface devices also vary in how much resolution they can put out to external monitors through the dock. You can check Microsoft's support page to see a complete chart of features.

The Surface Dock 2 provides a wide variety of ports to connect old and new devices such as keyboards and mice. Here are the ports included on the Surface Dock 2:

• 2x front-facing USB-C ports.
• 2x rear-facing, video-enabled USB-C ports
• 2x rear-facing USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps) ports
• 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
• 1x 3.5mm audio in/out port
• Kensington compatible lock

The Surface Dock 2 is ideal for desktop setups. It can drive two 4K displays at 60Hz or two 5K displays at 30Hz. It also has enterprise management tools for IT admins to manage the dock with authentication.

In addition to connecting your supported Surface device to peripherals, the Surface Dock 2 can charge your Surface device. It supports up to 120 watts of power delivery to your Surface device and a total of 199 watts to all devices connected to the dock. The increase to 120 watts, when compared to the original Surface Dock, means that your Surface device won't run out of battery while plugged in. The older dock couldn't supply enough power to keep up with the device's power draw at times. With the Surface Dock 2, you can plug in your Surface device, use it all day, then take it on the go on a full charge.

If you're using an older Surface device and want some of the same benefits that you get with the Surface Dock 2, you can check out the original Surface Dock. It's dated at this point, but it still has several ports and allows you to easily connect your Surface to several devices.

What you need to know

• Microsoft says it will replace defective Surfcace Laptop 3 screens for free.
• If you have a hairline fracture on your Surface Laptop 3 screen, you could be eligible for a free replacement.
• TContact Microsoft Support to remedy the issue.

In February, reports began to appear online from Surface Laptop 3 owners of cracks appearing in the device's display, seemingly spontaneously. At the time, Microsoft said it was investigating the issue. Now, in a new support article (via ZDNet), Microsoft says that it is offering free repairs for affected devices.

"We have investigated claims of screen cracking on Surface Laptop 3 and have determined that, in a very small percentage of cases, a hard foreign particle may cause a hairline fracture in the glass that may seem to appear unexpectedly or without visible cause," Microsoft says in the support article. "If you believe your Surface Laptop 3 is experiencing this issue, you are encouraged to contact our Microsoft Support to initiate a repair free of charge during the warranty period of the device."

If you have already paid for a repair because of the issue, Microsoft says you should contact its support staff to secure a refund.

It's unclear how widespread the issue has been, but it generated enough reports to cause concern. Surface Laptop 3 users who reported that they had been exceptionally careful with their laptops saw cracks appear in the display, seemingly with no cause.

If you have experienced the issue with your own Surface Laptop 3, you can get in touch with Microsoft Support to initiate a free repair.

The Surface Book 3 is the most powerful Surface in Microsoft's lineup. But, for some, that power isn't enough. Despite a stated 50 percent boost to performance with new chips from Intel and NVIDIA, the fact that the Surface Book 3 "only" uses quad-core CPUs was a disappointment to some.

The thing is, Surface Book 3 is never going to push hardware limits like some wish it would. Windows Central executive editor Daniel Rubino tackled the issue in a recent post, explaining why Surface Book will never be the monster some want it to be. To keep things brief, it comes down to engineering hurdles and what the Surface Book is designed for.

Turns out it's hard putting most of the guts of a PC in the display. Doing that and designing for the thermals of something like a gaming PC is nigh impossible (at least right now).

What would be more practical, and what Rubino posits in his piece, is something like a "Surface Laptop Pro." Think of the Razer Blade 15 or Dell XPS 15, but in Surface clothing. Something designed from the ground up to use the most powerful mobile components possible: A 45-watt CPU and the latest discrete graphics chips with ample cooling.

Such a laptop could take the form of the Surface Laptop 3, but maybe with thicker chassis to accommadate the more robust cooling setup.

There's no indication Microsoft is even exploring such a device. However, if a "Surface Laptop Pro" were to arrive one day, would you buy one? Let us know in the poll below.

Be sure to chime in in the comments as well. What other changes would you want to see? How much would you be willing to pay?

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and both sizes of the Surface Laptop 3 are now available in India.
• The Surface Pro 7 earned a 5/5 in our review and the Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch earned a 4.5/5.
• The Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Laptop 3 start at INR 98,999, INR 72,999, and INR 98,999, respectively.

The Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch, and Surface Laptop 3 15-inch are now available in India. Microsoft announced the availability of the devices in a news post. The Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 7, and Surface Laptop 3 start at INR 98,999, INR 72,999, and INR 98,999 respectively. All of the newly available Surface devices can be purchased through authorized resellers as well as authorized retail and online partners of Microsoft.

The devices expand the Surface lineup in India, including multiple devices that earned high marks in our reviews. The Surface Pro 7 earned a 5/5 in our revew and our executive editor Daniel Rubino said the Surface Pro X is "A perfect PC but only in the right hands." The Surface Pro 7 kept to the more traditional Surface Pro look but added a USB-C port to improve connectivity. It also has a 10th Gen Intel processor and Intel Plus graphics to give it more power.

The Surface Pro X has a revamped and modern appearance, featuring minimal bezels and a thin body. The Surface Pro X is the first device from Microsoft to run on Windows 10 on ARM. It's aimed at mobile users and people who need to take their device on the go. It supports LTE SIM and eSIM and gets ten hours of battery life.

The Surface Pro 3 13.5 also earned high marks in our review. It bumps up its internals to 10th Gen Intel processors and includes quite a few upgrades over the previous generation, including a faster SSD, a USB-C 31 port, and a larger trackpad.

One of the perks of reviewing dozens of laptops every year is getting to see what cool features PC makers are adding to gain an advantage. The good news is all the big brands, including HP, Dell, Lenovo, Razer, MSI, ASUS, and Acer, are all doing great stuff.

But there's one area I want to see them all doing better: anti-reflective screens.

Microsoft took the lead years ago to shore up its display technology against Apple. It is now slipping behind many of its PC partners, especially in its continued use of super-glossy screens. Here is why it matters.

Glossy versus matte versus anti-reflective

When I mention anti-reflective, many people immediately think I am referring to matte displays and are repulsed by my recommendation. While I enjoy using matte screens for writing, the criticism that they wash out color and contrast is genuine.

Anti-reflective, however, is not matte.

Dell is one of the first companies to embrace the technology, which involves adding a layer usually behind the display (or on top). Its XPS 13 2-in-1 (9370) and new XPS 13 (9300) both use the technique with its Sharp IGZO screens, and it's fantastic (see above image). Both displays retain the glossy effect with excellent color, contrast, and brightness while also diffusing glare under bright lights. I expect the new XPS 15 to get the same treatment.

HP is also using the technique in its recent Spectre x360 13 laptop and its HP ENVY 32, which uses a particular anti-reflective layer behind the display with outstanding success.

Razer is using something similar in the Raptor 27 monitor, which is "non-glare." It does this while achieving some of the best color accuracies in a gaming monitor I have tested.

Many high-end TVs also are including the technology. The excellent site rtings.com performs extensive tests evaluating which televisions offer the lowest reflectivity because it is a crucial differentiator.

Why anti-reflective is important

Glare is a terrible thing on any display. If you spend hours behind one, the experience is taxing and exhausting. Glare is a problem because your eye will very briefly jump between what you are trying to read (text, image, watching a movie) and the light source reflecting on your screen. Your brain can't help it, and plenty has been written on the topic.

The other issue with glare is it is a dazzling light source that is often more intense than the illumination of your display – again, causing eye strain.

Many laptops for enterprise default to matte screens precisely because employees are expected to stare at spreadsheets and PowerPoints for hours on end.

But matte is not great for watching movies, editing videos, or doing any graphical work. As the lines between work, creativity, and home continue to blur, laptops must follow that trend. Dell (and now HP) know this, which is why both comnpanies have invested heavily in a middle ground: anti-reflective displays.

The glaring problem with Surface

To my surprise, Microsoft has not embraced this anti-reflective technology. All Surface PCs exhibit some of the worst glare I have suffered, including Surface Go, Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, Surface Pro X, Surface Studio, and Surface Book.

Glare is such an issue I'm now using a matte display layer to compensate on the Surface Pro X. Sure, it helps, but it also goes to the extreme with reduced detail and clarity. An anti-reflective display would avoid these problems.

One argument that could be made is that an anti-reflective outer layer can interfere with or even wear off with inking. Assuming that explanation is accurate, it does not excuse Surface Laptop, which pragmatically speaking, is not an inking device (even if it technically works).

But Dell proved on the XPS 13 2-in-1, which is a convertible inking tablet PC, that such concerns are invalid – or at least solvable.

And that is my point here: I do not care about the technical challenges; that's not my problem to fix. Microsoft has some of the best display engineers on the planet, and if any group could figure this out, it's that one.

So, come on Microsoft. Years ago, you pushed displays technology further than your PC partners. But in 2020, your screens are slipping. Whether it is color accuracy, the lack of Dolby Vision ("HDR"), and now anti-reflective abilities, your screens are no longer the best or brightest in the business. Let's fix that.

What you need to know

• A fresh firmware update is now available for the AMD variant of the Surface Laptop 3.
• The update brings improvements to both battery life and system stability.
• If you have a Surface Laptop 3 with an AMD processor, you can grab the update now via Windows Update.

Microsoft pushed out a fresh firmware update for Surface Laptop 3 devices with AMD processors this week. The update is a pretty small one, but it packs some solid improvements nonetheless. Specifically, this update targets its improvements on battery life and system stability.

Here's a look at the release notes from Microsoft's Surface Update History:

• Surface UEFI – Firmware: 1.2238.140.0 - improves system stability and battery life.

This update is now available via Windows Update for AMD-based Surface Laptop 3 devices. Microsoft notes that it's only available across those running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update and later.

This follows a fairly substantial set of updates both the Intel and AMD versions received in January, which brought performance improvements across the board.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, what seemed to be a slow news week turned into plenty to talk about! Microsoft is looking into reports from some Surface Laptop 3 owners about cracked screens, and another round of update problem affected some Windows 10 users.

Windows 10X icons are being rolled out to Windows 10 desktop insiders. Daniel and Zac both purchased the Galaxy Z Flip and share their experiences using it with Microsoft Your Phone. They also revisit Surface Pro X and how it can fit into a computing workflow.

Finally, they check out the lofty promises of the Emperion Nebulus — A Windows 10 on ARM phone from a new, unknown company.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on February 21st 2020.

Links:

• Some Surface Laptop 3 owners reporting cracked screens, Microsoft investigating | Windows Central
• Microsoft's latest Windows 10 update blunder seems particularly bad | Windows Central
• Windows 10X icons begin rolling out on Windows 10 desktop for Insiders | Windows Central
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Microsoft Your Phone could change the way you use mobile tech | Windows Central
• I switched from Surface Book 2 to Surface Pro X, and I'm in love. Here's why. | Windows Central
• 5 things about the Emperion Nebulus (Windows 10 on ARM phone) that worry us | Windows Central

Subscribe to the podcast

• Download directly: Audio
• Listen via Spotify
• Listen via: Windows Central app Windows 10 | Android
• Subscribe via iTunes
• Subscribe via RSS
• Subscribe via Google Play Music
• Subscribe via Pocket Casts

Hosts

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

Make this show great by participating!

Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

• Email: wcpodcast@windowscentral.com
• Twitter: @WindowsCentral with hashtag #wcpodcast

I've never used a Surface laptop before. Honestly, the number of laptops I've used in general could be counted on one hand. I've always been a desktop enthusiast, a fan of my home office, and having everything I need all in one place. The restrictive, more closed-off nature of a laptop has always been something I forced myself to allow rather than accepted willingly. Whenever I had the option, I'd simply re-invest in my desktop.

Still, covering press events meant being away from my desk. Continued technological obstinance was no longer a possibility. After weighing some different suggestions from my coworkers, I took a plunge and decided on the Surface Laptop 3. Specifically, I went for the Black Metal 15" Ryzen 5 model.

It's important to really emphasize: I'm not just a newcomer to the Surface Laptop 3, I'm a newcomer to the entire Surface brand. In the following weeks of usage, the increased options and relaxed productivity have changed my mind on laptops moving forward, as well as rapidly making me a new fan of the Surface line of hardware.

What I like about my Surface Laptop 3

One concern I had was, "how easy will it be to haul a laptop around when traveling?" That fear was quickly put to rest, as the thin form factor is impressive, as is the tiny charging cord. The last time I used a laptop, the charging cords were still bulky. Here, it's a thin magnetized charger, and it's remarkably quick. The battery life is also commendable, easily lasting several hours without me needing to charge it.

Typing also feels nice, as the keys stay cool even when I've got 30 tabs open, and I'm writing all day. I haven't noticed any strain in adjusting to and using the keyboard either, despite usually working on a large keyboard that was very much designed for gaming, which speaks volumes to the excellent design here.

It's allowed me to gain a bit of flexibility with how I approach my workday. Instead of being cooped up in front of my monitor, I can work anywhere! Yeah, yeah, "you can do that with any laptop," I know, but the super-thin form factor and complete lack of weight here completely elevate the Surface for me. It's not "just" a portable PC. It's everything I expect and need from my PC for work in a nearly unnoticeable design. It's both sleek and capable.

Considering how small it is, I'm seriously impressed with the specs. The CPU and RAM are a notch below what I have in my PC (and obviously the Surface isn't meant for gaming, lacking a dedicated graphics processing unit). Still, I don't see a noticeable difference between work performance on my PC and my Surface.

The Microsoft Account features are a nice touch as well, syncing photos and images easily between my Surface and my PC. If I have a bunch of pictures downloaded on one device, picking up and working somewhere else is borderline seamless.

What I dislike about my Surface Laptop 3

Honestly, not much at all has bothered me so far. I've had one small recurring issue, where whenever a Windows Update was needed, the ability to change my brightness with the slider disappeared. If the update came at a time when I really needed to work and change my brightness for a new environment — say, working at 7 a.m. in the dark versus 1 p.m. in the bright midday light — this could definitely be annoying. This strange problem aside, I've had no real issues with my Surface.

The other issue is naturally the price. Paying for a Surface means, at some level, paying a premium price for the brand. If that's important to you, then that's fine, but still. It's also very clearly meant for productivity, with a CPU and RAM designed around work. Playing anything other than games several years old or heavily, heavily lowered settings isn't happening here.

My Surface Laptop 3 overall thoughts

Overall, it would be extremely difficult for me to be happier right now. Picking up this laptop has not only made me interested in the Surface line moving forward but even more friendly to the concept of laptops in general (I know, get your laughs in). Obviously, picking up something like this won't be in line with everyone's possible price range, but for those who can, I think you're going to be happy.

Adjusting to laptops after vehemently avoiding them for years has been interesting, and I'll definitely be paying more attention to new Surface announcements in the future. So far, well done Microsoft, well done.

Surface Laptop 3 vs. Galaxy Book S tech specs

Features and design

Microsoft's Surface Laptop 3 is available in both 13.5- and 15-inch sizes. Despite the size difference, most features remain the same between the two. The 13.5-inch model weighs in at about 2.79 pounds (1.27kg), while the 15-inch model weighs about 3.40 pounds (1.54kg). Both laptops have the same 0.57-inch (14.5mm) thin chassis. These are certainly sleek aluminum laptops with a high build quality, and you shouldn't have any issues using it in a cafe or a boardroom.

The Galaxy Book S is much thinner and lighter than both Laptop 3 models, weighing in at 2.12 pounds (0.96kg) and measuring just 0.24 inches (6.2mm) at its thinnest point. If you want the most portable option, this is it, especially when you factor in 4G LTE connectivity that will keep you connected to the internet even when out of Wi-Fi range. The Surface Laptop 3 does not have optional LTE, but it does offer Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for blazing wireless speeds. The Galaxy Book S is stuck with Wi-Fi 5.

Ports are somewhat limited on these laptops compared to other Ultrabooks. The Galaxy Book S includes two USB-C, a microSD card reader, and 3.5mm audio. Note that it uses one of the USB-C ports to charge, so you will be reduced to just one when the battery is depleted. Both sizes of the Laptop 3 include one USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio, and Surface Connect, which can be used to connect something like the Surface Dock. The Laptop 3 uses Surface Connect to charge, so you won't lose the USB-C port when your battery is low.

The Laptop 3 and Galaxy Book S use a front-facing 720p webcam for video conferencing and stills, and it's located above the display for a proper capture angle. For some extra security, the Laptop 3 models include an IR camera for Windows Hello. While the Galaxy Book S has no IR, its power button doubles as a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello. You get that extra layer of security, no matter which device you choose.

In terms of keyboard, the thin design of the Galaxy Book S doesn't allow for a lot of key travel. This will no doubt irk those who type all day. In contrast, both Laptop 3 models have outstanding keyboards with plenty of travel and a smooth click. You should always try to test a keyboard before making a final decision, but for most people who write all day, the Laptop 3 will be preferable. In terms of pointing, all devices have a sizeable Precision touchpad that allows for all Windows 10 gestures.

Bottom line? You're going to get a well-built, premium laptop no matter which you ultimately choose. The Laptop 3 models are going to be a bit bulkier, but performance hardware and display take up space. The Galaxy Book S is the right choice for anyone who wants to remain mobile, but performance won't match up, and the display isn't nearly as impressive.

Display

Surface devices always wow us when it comes to display. The 13.5-inch Laptop 3 has a 2256x1504 resolution to go along with the boxy 3:2 aspect ratio that offers more screen real estate. The 15-inch Laptop 3 sits at 2496x1664, a higher resolution due to the larger size. These are touch displays with full inking capabilities when you add a Surface Pen into the mix. Color and contrast are outstanding, and you shouldn't mind looking at these displays daily.

On the other hand, Samsung isn't a slouch when it comes to display technology. The Galaxy Book S screen looks excellent with precise color and contrast, but it's set at a lower 1920x1080 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It is touch-enabled, but Samsung claims that an active pen will not work with the display.

Performance and price

The Galaxy Book S is meant to be a portable productivity machine, and the ARM-based performance is set to match. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx processor (CPU); compared to Intel and AMD CPUs, there are some limitations. Running x86 32-bit apps requires some emulation, which causes a slight hit to performance compared to running native ARM64 apps. There's enough power to handle everyday productivity work like web browsing, word processing, and video streaming, but it's not going to match up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or Core i7.

The 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 is only available with 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 CPUs, whereas the 15-inch model is available with Intel or AMD Ryzen hardware. You'll get the best performance from Intel chips and their Iris Plus Graphics; if you want the most power, this should be your first choice. The Galaxy Book S and the Intel versions of the Laptop 3 wake almost instantly from sleep, a premium feature that's not available in AMD versions of the Laptop 3.

Intel Core i7 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 models get about eight hours of battery life from a charge depending on usage, while the 15-inch AMD Ryzen 5 model managed closer to 10 hours from a charge. We haven't yet been able to test battery life in the Galaxy Book S, but Samsung is claiming about 25 hours of video playback time. Real numbers will no doubt vary significantly, especially when real productivity work (and any app-emulation) are taken into account. Either way, these laptops should have enough battery life to make it through most of a workday, and they all charge quickly.

There's currently only one Galaxy Book S configuration available, priced at about $1,000. Alongside the Snapdragon 8cx CPU, it has 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The Laptop 3 makes it far easier to get exactly what you need. AMD Ryzen hardware is available in the 15-inch model, while Intel hardware is available in both 13.5- and 15-inch (Business) versions. Up to 32GB of RAM can be included in the larger Laptop 3, and up to a 1TB SSD is available for plenty of storage.

Baseline 13.5-inch models with Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD start at about $800, while the same model with 256GB SSD costs about $1,000. Prices do climb relatively quickly once you get into the 15-inch models. An AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD costs about $1,397, while a higher-end Ryzen 7 model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD costs about $1,797.

The Surface Laptop 3 is better for most people

Thanks to plenty of configuration options, your choice of Intel or AMD hardware, and a gorgeous touch display with high resolution and inking capabilities, the Surface Laptop 3 should appeal to more people. It's going to deliver better performance, solid battery life, and a far more comfortable keyboard. As long as you don't want a laptop as thin and light as possible with LTE capabilities, the Surface Laptop 3 should be your first choice.

Samsung's Galaxy Book S offers the most mobility

Its display isn't as impressive, and performance won't compare to the Surface Laptop 3, but the Galaxy Book S delivers a lightweight, slim chassis, excellent battery life, and 4G LTE connectivity. If you find you're often out of the office and always need to stay connected, the Galaxy Book S will make an excellent machine for general productivity use.

What you need to know

• Some Surface Laptop 3 owners have reported cracks appearing on their screens.
• According to reports, the cracks seem to appear for no discernible reason.
• Microsoft says it is "investigating the root cause of the claims."

Several Surface Laptop 3 owners have reported that the screens on their laptops are cracking for no discernible reason. As reported by ZDNet and Barb Bowman on her Digital Mediaphile blog, Surface Laptop 3 owners on both Reddit and the Microsoft Answers forum have reported the same issue. The common thread among them all seems to be that the cracks appeared without a drop, bump, or other trigger.

The issue doesn't seem to be widespread, but there are enough reports from owners to cause concern. One user on Reddit claims that, despite being extremely careful with their Surface Laptop 3, they saw cracks suddenly appear in three separate areas of the screen.

Microsoft appears to be telling those affected that they are responsible for repair costs, though one owner, Bowman reports, was able to convince a Microsoft Store manager to waive fees associated with fixing the laptop.

"A limited number of Surface Laptop customers have contacted Microsoft and have reported screens that have cracked through no fault of their own," a Microsoft spokesperson told ZDNet. "We are evaluating the situation and investigating the root cause of the claims."

We'll update this post if and when Microsoft shares more about the issue. If you've experienced your Surface Laptop 3 screen cracking, let us know in the comments along with any progress you've made in remedying the issue.

What you need to know

• The AMD and Intel versions of the Surface Laptop 3 have firmware updates.
• As usual, the updates include bug fixes and performance improvements.
• The updates should be available through Windows Update now.

Microsoft released firmware updates for the AMD and Intel versions of the Surface Laptop 3. As is the case for all firmware updates, the updates come with bug fixes and performance improvements. You can grab the updates through Windows Update now. Because there are two versions of the Surface Laptop, there are two changelogs.

Surface Laptop 3 (Intel)

• Surface – System - 19.62.139.0: improves display brightness scenarios and improves integration between system services.
• Intel – SoftwareComponent - 1.58.48.0: improves integration between system services.
• Intel Corporation – Extension - 26.20.100.7641: improves graphics stability and performance and improves integration between system services.
• Intel Corporation – Display - 26.20.100.7641: improves graphics stability and performance.
• Intel(R) Corporation – System - 10.24.0.3316: improves audio performance.
• Intel(R) Corporation – System - 10.24.0.3316: improves audio performance.
• Realtek Semiconductor Corp. - SoftwareComponent - 11.0.6000.92: improves audio performance.
• Realtek Semiconductor Corp. - Extension - 6.1.0.2: improves integration between system services.
• Realtek Semiconductor Corp. - Media - 6.0.8846.1: improves audio performance.
• Surface – System – 5.91.139.0: improves integration between system services.
• Surface – System - 1.35.139.0: improves system light balance and contrast.
• Intel - System - 13.0.1319.1: improves system stability.
• Surface – Firmware- 0.36.0.0: improves system stability.
• Surface – Firmware - 7.100.140.0: improves system stability.

Surface Laptop 3 (AMD)

• Surface – Firmware - 1.2134.140.0: improves system stability.
• Surface – System - 1.35.139.0: improves system light balance and contrast.
• Surface – System - 18.50.139.0: improves display brightness scenarios and improves integration between system services.
• Surface – System – 5.91.139.0: improves integration between system services.
• Realtek Semiconductor Corp. – Extension - 6.1.0.2: improves audio performance.
• Realtek Semiconductor Corp. - Media - 6.0.8846.1: improves audio performance.
• Realtek Semiconductor Corp. - SoftwareComponent - 11.0.6000.92: improves audio performance.
• Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. - System - 1.0.25.0: improves system stability.
• Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. - Display - 26.20.12041.2: improves system stability and performance.

Updated January 31, 2020: Microsoft also released a new set of firmware updates for the Surface Studio 2 this week. Here's a look at the changes.

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth - 15.68.17017.115: improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters - 15.68.17017.115: resolves Wi-Fi connectivity issues.

These updates should be available to download via Windows Update now. For more, you can find Microsoft's full release notes at its Surface Update History page.

I loved the original Surface Laptop. I switched to it from a Surface Book when it first debuted in 2017 and instantly fell in love with its elegant design and slim profile. The first Surface Laptop wasn't perfect, however, and the Surface Laptop 2 did little to improve upon the product as a whole. So when Microsoft announced the third-generation Surface Laptop, I was ecstatic.

The Surface Laptop 3 is the first Surface Laptop that has been updated in any meaningful way. Microsoft re-engineered many parts of the product while maintaining the same elegant design. Many of my criticisms around the keyboard material and display size options have been addressed and a slightly revised I/O port selection with USB-C in place of mini-DisplayPort is appreciated.

I've been using the Surface Laptop 3 since it launched in October last year, specifically, the 15-inch variant with an Intel Core i7 processor inside. It's been three months since then, and I wanted to provide an update on how things are going and whether or not the Surface Laptop 3 is worth an upgrade from a first or second-generation Surface Laptop.

Surface Laptop 3 specifications

Big updates

The one key area I was interested in that ultimately pushed me to upgrade from my original Surface Laptop was the ability to buy one without Alcantara around the keyboard. Don't get me wrong, the Alcantara on the Surface Laptop is beautiful, but it just isn't for me. I wasn't a fan of how dirty it could get without proper care, and, honestly, I didn't particularly appreciate how it felt on my wrists either.

I much prefer cold metal over warm fabric, especially in the summer. That's why I opted for a version of the Surface Laptop 3 without Alcantara. I'm glad it's still an option for those who do like Alcantara, but I'm also glad Microsoft has made it an option instead of forcing it upon everyone whether they liked it or not.

I also don't mind how the Surface Laptop 3 looks with metal instead of fabric. I don't think the lack of Alcantara makes the Surface Laptop 3 look worse; I think they are both beautiful in their own way. I do think the Surface Laptop 3 without Alcantara looks more elegant when closed however, only because the lid sits flush with the bottom half, which isn't the case with the Alcantara model.

I'm also a massive fan of the 15-inch variant that's now available with the Surface Laptop 3. The 13.5-inch model is great, but if you're someone looking for a little more screen real-estate, having the option of a 15-inch model makes a world of difference. Unfortunately, the "consumer" version of the 15-inch model uses a last-gen AMD Ryzen processor, which isn't very good.

AMD or Intel?

It's not a terrible experience by any means, but the Intel variants of the Surface Laptop are simply better. The 13.5-inch models are all Intel, as is the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 that is aimed at business customers. Luckily, anyone can buy that version but you will be paying a little more for it. I think it's worth the extra cash.

The reason I say that is because the AMD version has been tested to offer slightly worse battery life and lackluster performance. It's also missing niceties such as Wi-Fi 6. The only area in which the AMD model excels is in GPU performance, but even then, it's not much more than the integrated graphics found in the Intel models.

This is really unfortunate. Microsoft made a huge deal about the AMD processors in the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3, but it has ended up being quite a letdown. This should change with the next generation of AMD laptop processors, but until then, if you're looking for the best Surface Laptop 3 experience, get one with an Intel processor inside. My model with an Intel Core i7 has been amazing. Performance is excellent for a laptop processor.

Battery life

Battery life certainly isn't the best out there, but I'm able to get through most of an average workday on a single charge. The reason for this mediocre battery life is because Microsoft opted to put the same size battery inside both the 13 and 15-inch models.

That means the battery inside the 15-inch model is pushing a larger display panel, and as a result, uses slightly more power. I don't know why Microsoft decided to do this, as having extra space inside the 15-inch model should have allowed Microsoft to put a bigger battery in. Still, they didn't, so I'd recommend bringing a charger with you if you're traveling.

On the subject of charging, Microsoft has maintained the Surface Connect port, which I'm pleased about. I love Surface Connect due to its convenience and safety. Having a connector that magnetically connects means if you trip over the cable, you won't damage your laptop. New with the Surface Laptop 3 is fast charging, which is an excellent addition and makes the mediocre battery life bearable.

The fast charging only works when the lid is closed, however. If the screen is on and you're actively using the device, then fast-charging won't initiate. I don't exactly know why this is, but I've found if I want it to hit fast charging, then I need to close the lid or power down the device first. You can also charge the device via the USB-C port as well.

Miscellaneous changes

On the subject of ports, we've got a satisfactory selection. There's one USB-A, one USB-C, and a headphone jack. I wouldn't have said no to an additional USB-C or USB-A port, especially on the 15-inch variant, which should have the room for it. The USB-C port isn't Thunderbolt 3 enabled, which might be an issue for some, but it's not been a problem for me.

The keyboard and touchpad are excellent. Microsoft has made the touchpad larger on both the 13 and 15-inch variants, and it really does make a difference. I'd go so far as to say the touchpad on the Surface Laptop 3 is the best in any Windows laptop today. The keyboard is also top of the class, with a satisfying amount of key travel and a soft-yet-clicky feel to the keys as you type. It's a dream to type on.

I mentioned above that Microsoft re-engineered many parts of the design with the Surface Laptop 3, and most of that work was put into making the device repairable and upgradable. Now, I've not needed to take advantage of this yet, but if the keyboard, trackpad, SSD, or battery happen to fail, replacing those is as easy as undoing a few screws.

That's a huge deal and should improve the longevity of this device. While Microsoft doesn't recommend customers attempt their own repairs, but those who know how can do so. And if you don't know how, you can take it into a Microsoft Store, and they'll repair it for you.

Final thoughts

I think the Surface Laptop 3, with an Intel processor, is the best Surface that Microsoft has built to date. It's an all-round pleasure to use, and even Mary-Jo Foley thinks it's good. Microsoft really nailed it with this refresh, everything from the ability to repair it, down to allowing buyers to choose between Alcantara and metal.

I will say that I wish there were more colors available for the 15-inch model, but other than that, I absolutely love the Surface Laptop 3. If I had to ask for something in the next version, I'd ask for better AMD processors, a bigger battery, and maybe slightly slimmer bezels, as that's a trend that people seem to be quite fond of.

Three months on, I consider the Surface Laptop 3 to be the best Surface yet.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 with Intel CPUs is on sale.
• Prices are cut by $200 on multiple configurations.
• The sale is available now through the Microsoft Store for Business.

The 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 with Intel CPUs is currently on sale at the Microsoft Store, with Microsoft shaving $200 off its price. The discoutn covers multiple configurations, with the cheapest model coming in at $1,400 (via Reddit).

This particular flavor of the Surface Laptop 3 is unique. At launch, Microsoft said the 15-inch model would only be available with AMD processors. However, it was discovered shortly thereafter that an Intel variant is available as the Surface Laptop 3 for Business.

Though the name says it's for business, the laptop isn't any different from the consumer model you can get, other than the Intel processors. Given some of the concerns we had with the AMD model in our review, snagging the Intel model may be preferable for anyone who has their sights set on the larger Surface Laptop 3.

Aside from the discounts on the 15-inch model, Microsoft has also discounted the 13-inch variants by $100 across the board. If you're curious, you can snag one now at the Microsoft Store.

Both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2 are two great devices from Microsoft, but they serve two different roles. The Surface Laptop 3 (as the name implies) is more of a traditional clamshell experience, while the Surface Book 2 is a versatile 2-in-1, allowing you to use it as a tablet or laptop.

Surface Laptop 3 vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs

Gorgeous Surface design

Both Surface devices are stunning examples of Microsoft's current design. Because they're designed for different uses, you'll find slight differences here and there. For instance, the Surface Laptop 3 sports a clamshell design, which restricts the hinge movement, so no tablet mode there. That's fine for most consumers, but not so if you want a versatile device.

This is where the Surface Book 2 shines in that you can not only use it as a notebook but also detach the screen part itself for a tablet experience. The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2 come in two sizes, 13.5 and 15 inches. The specs sheet looks similar across both devices, too, aside for a few components like the processor, GPU, and display.

You'll be able to enjoy a similar battery life, log in to Windows with the IR camera, and hook up all your accessories with USB Type-C and Type-A connections. In terms of weight and size, the Surface Book is a little heavier with all the extra moving parts and the fact you can detach the display from the keyboard half.

Comparing two stunning displays

Whether you pick the Surface Laptop 3 or Surface Book 2, you'll be buying a device with a stunning display. Both devices house a 3:2 aspect ratio panel, but resolutions differ slightly. While the Surface Laptop 3 comes with a resolution of up to 2496x1664, the Surface Book 2 simply packs more pixels into the display, coming in at up to 3240x2160.

Should you be picking up a new Surface for creative work like video editing, the Surface Book 2 may make more sense with the extra screen real estate. That isn't to knock down the Surface Laptop 3's display, however, as it's still a killer if you don't mind sacrificing a few pixels.

Winning the performance race

Regardless of choice, you'll manage to get through even more demanding workloads. Both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2 are designed for heavy tasks like video editing and even some light gaming. You can kit out the Surface Book 2 with an Intel Core i7 processor with a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 GPU, unlocking some serious performance.

The Surface Laptop 3 isn't quite as powerful as the Surface Book in the GPU department but comes rocking newer 10th Gen Intel Core processors, and you can even choose the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 with AMD Ryzen CPUs — these come with integrated Vega GPUs, though they aren't quite as good as the GTX 1050 mobile GPU.

Both devices are more than capable enough for most tasks you'll throw at them.

If you prefer the traditional clamshell design

Surface Laptop 3 is now better than ever thanks to the latest Intel and AMD processors, providing you more choice. It's also at a more reasonable price than the Surface Book 2, though you'll be missing out on more versatility.

Go Surface Book 2 for something a little different

The Surface Laptop 3 is a great notebook, but if you want a more unique Surface device, the Surface Book 2 is what you need thanks to a versatile design that allows for a variety of different modes.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro X and Surface Laptop 3 have firmware updates.
• Many of the Surface Laptop 3's changes improve system stability.
• The Surface Pro X's update addresses an issue that caused the device to wake up and go to a black screen.

The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro X have new firmware updates available. The updates include several fixes and improvements that help system stability. The Surface Pro X's update addresses an issue that would cause the device to wake up and go to a black screen. You can grab the updates from each device through Windows Update.

Here's a rundown of all of what's new, as detailed with Microsoft's Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro X Update history pages.

Surface Pro X

• Microsoft SQ1 Adreno 685 GPU – Display Adapters: 26.18.830.0 resolves issues connecting to an external monitor via USB-C.
• Qualcomm(R) USBC UCSI Participant – System devices: 1.25.139.0 resolves issues connecting to an external monitor via USB-C.
• Qualcomm(R) Bluetooth UART Transport Driver – Bluetooth: 1.0.820.0 enables one-click Bluetooth swift-pairing.
• Surface 0953 Fw Update – Firmware: 2.54.139.0 improves Pen charging performance.
• Surface Pro X Integration – System devices: 20.67.139.0 optimizes storage dump space utilization.
• Surface Pen Cfu Over BleLc Extn Package: 1.65.137.0 improves Slim Pen battery life by resolving the charging issue.
• Surface Pro X Bluetooth UART Transport Driver NVM Extension: 7500.1.25.1 enables one-click Bluetooth swift-pairing.
• Surface Pro X Qualcomm(R) All-Ways Aware(TM) Hub – Sensors: 2865.5.0.0 improves system stability resuming from hibernate.
• Qualcomm(R) Wi-Fi B/G/N/AC (2x2) Svc – Network adapters: 1.0.770.0 improves Wi-Fi speed.
• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware: 14.58.139.0 improves single external monitor performance.

Surface Laptop 3 (Intel)

• Intel(R) iCLS Client – Software components: 1.57.263.0 improves integration between system services.
• Realtek High Definition Audio – Sound, video, and game controller: 6.0.8812.1 improves Cortana speech experience.
• Realtek Device Extension: 6.1.0.1 improves integration between system services.
• Realtek Hardware Support Application – Software components: 11.0.6000.92 improves audio performance.
• Surface Integration – System devices: 19.60.139.0 improves integration between system services.
• Surface Keyboard – Firmware: 14.17.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface ME – Firmware: 13.0.1312.4 improves stability with USB-C scenarios.
• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware: 14.42.139.0 improves driver installation servicing.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware: 6.22.140.0 improves system stability.

Surface Laptop 3 (AMD)

• AMD Radeon(TM) Vega 9 Graphics – Display adapters AMD Radeon(TM) Vega 11 Graphics – Display adapters: 26.20.12027.5004 improves graphics performance and improves system bugcheck performance.
• AMD GPIO Controller – System devices: 2.2.0.124 improves integration between system services.
• Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4 Bluetooth - Bluetooth: 10.0.0.926 improves system stability.
• Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A Wireless Network Adapter – Network adapters: 12.0.0.926 improves system stability.
• Realtek High Definition Audio – Sound, video and game controller: 6.0.8812.1 improves Cortana speech experience.
• Realtek Device Extension: 6.1.0.1 improves integration between system services.
• Realtek Hardware Support Application – Software components: 11.0.6000.92 improves audio performance.
• Surface Keyboard – Firmware: 14.17.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware: 16.20.139.0 improves driver installation servicing.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware: 1.2019.140.0 improves system stability.

These updates should be available to download via Windows Update now.

Why is a lock slot valuable?

Lock slots are valuable on laptops because they enable you to use various different types of locks to tether your device to a sturdy object, such as a table. Essentially, it lets you tie down your device like you would with a bike and a bike rack. This is a fantastic way to combat theft, especially if you need to get up and leave your device unattended for whatever reason.

Why you should still consider the Surface Laptop 3

While the lack of a lock slot on the Surface Laptop 3 is unfortunate, there are plenty of other reasons why you should consider getting the device. It's outfitted with either a 13.5-inch 2256x1504 display or a 15-inch 2496x1664 one for the smaller and larger versions of the laptop, respectively. The 13-inch variant has Intel's 10th Gen CPUs, Intel Iris graphics, and can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The 15-inch version has the same RAM and storage options but uses an AMD Ryzen 7 custom CPU and an AMD Vega 11. This CPU isn't quite as good as the 10th Gen ones, but the AMD GPUs are a step above Intel Iris.

In terms of physical design, the device is very easy to carry at just 2.79 pounds (13-inch) and 3.4 pounds (15-inch). It also comes with a Windows Hello camera, as well as a nice USB-C port that brings some extra convenience to the table.

What if you want (or need) a lock slot?

If you really want (or need) to have a lock slot on your laptop, we recommend opting for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon instead of the Surface Laptop 3. It's more expensive because it can be configured with better displays than the Surface Laptop 3 can, can be fitted with LTE connectivity, and also has more ports (including, notably, dual Thunderbolt 3 slots). However, those improvements may be worth spending some extra money on, and the price difference isn't terribly large, either.

Overall, if you like the sound of the Surface Laptop 3 but aren't willing to sacrifice having a lock slot on your device, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a fantastic alternative choice.

What you need to know

• Many Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7 owners have reported issues with slow Wi-Fi after waking the devices from sleep.
• The issue appears to be related to an Intel Wi-Fi driver.
• Microsoft hasn't acknowledged the issue yet, but there is a potential workaround.

Over the past week, several Reddit users have reported issues with their Surface Pro 7 and Intel-based Surface Laptop 3 devices have suffered from an issue that causes Wi-Fi speeds to tank after waking them from sleep. Microsoft has yet to acknowledge the issue, but there is currently an open thread on the Microsoft Answers forum as well.

According to another Reddit post, the issue appears to be related to how the Intel AX201 Wi-Fi adapter handles connectivity when entering and waking from sleep. When the Surface Pro 7 or Surface Laptop 3 is put to sleep, it disables one antenna while putting the other into a low-power state, which is meant to save battery life. The problem is that the disabled antenna doesn't appear to be activated and the other remains in low power mode when waking the device from sleep, cutting Wi-Fi connection speeds.

In the same post, the poster, Wiidesire, has posted a potential workaround:

• Go to the hardware manager -> network adapter -> Intel AX201 -> Advanced -> MIMO power save mode -> Change "Auto SMPS" to "No SMPS". While this resulted in the bug occurring less frequently, only changing the setting to "Static SMPS" (-> disabling MIMO) eliminated the problem entirely for me.
• (Optional) Go to the Windows Settings App -> System -> Power & Sleep -> When my PC is asleep and on battery power, disconnect from network -> Change "Never" to "Always"

The issue appears to be related to driver version 21.40.1.3 for the Intel AX201 adapter.

Presumably, we'll see Microsoft push out a fix in the coming days or weeks. However, if you've encountered this bug, you can attempt to temporarily work around it by trying the steps above. Importantly, you should avoid installing Intel's generic AX201 drivers, as they are likely to introduce further issues.

We'll update this post if and when Microsoft acknowledges the problem and provides a timetable for an update.

What is Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest Wi-Fi standard, and it has several advantages over previous ones. Wi-Fi 6 handles multiple simultaneous connections up to four times better than the previous Wi-Fi standard. It also increases internet speed and stability over previous standards. That means that you can have more devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network without speeds bogging down.

Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 reduces the strain on your device's battery life when your device is connected to a network. In short, Wi-Fi 6 helps your internet connection be faster and more stable, with less drain on your battery.

How do I use Wi-Fi 6 on my Surface Laptop 3?

In order to use Wi-Fi 6, you'll need a device that supports it, such as a phone, tablet, or PC. You'll also need a router that supports Wi-Fi 6.

Every Surface Laptop 3 that's powered by an Intel chip supports Wi-Fi 6. That includes the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3, and the 13.5-inch and 15-inch business versions of the Surface Laptop 3. The 15-inch AMD-powered Surface Laptop 3 does not support Wi-Fi 6.

On the router side of things, you have several options, but we recommend the ASUS RT-AX88U. It has fantastic speeds and bandwidth management, though it is expensive. Routers that support Wi-Fi 6 are relatively new, so finding a good one might cost you more than you're expecting. As they become more common, prices will come down and cheaper options will become available.