Surface Book 3
The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is a high-performance 2-in-1 detachable laptop and tablet hybrid developed by Microsoft as part of its Surface lineup, announced on May 6, 2020, and released on May 22, 2020.[1][2] It features a unique dynamic fulcrum hinge that allows the PixelSense touchscreen display to detach from its performance base, enabling versatile use as a standalone tablet, clipboard, or full laptop with enhanced graphics capabilities. Available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch screen sizes, the device targets creative professionals, engineers, and gamers with its combination of portability, power, and input options like Surface Pen and Surface Dial support.[3][4] Equipped with 10th-generation Intel Core processors—options include the quad-core i5-1035G7 or i7-1065G7—the Surface Book 3 delivers robust performance for demanding tasks, paired with up to 32 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and SSD storage ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB depending on the model.[3] Graphics are handled by integrated Intel Iris Plus on base models or discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q (13.5-inch i7) and GTX 1660 Ti (15-inch), providing the strongest GPU performance in any Surface laptop at launch for applications like 3D modeling, video editing, and gaming.[3] The displays offer high resolutions of 3000 × 2000 (267 ppi) for the 13.5-inch and 3240 × 2160 (260 ppi) for the 15-inch, with 10-point multi-touch, 1600:1 contrast ratio, and support for Dolby Vision streaming.[3] Battery life extends up to 15.5 hours on the 13.5-inch model and 17.5 hours on the 15-inch when using the full device configuration.[3] Connectivity includes two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, a full-size SDXC card reader, Surface Connect port, 3.5 mm headphone jack, and front/rear-facing cameras with Windows Hello facial recognition.[3] As the final iteration in the Surface Book series before Microsoft transitioned to successors like the Surface Laptop Studio, it emphasized modularity and pro-grade features while running Windows 10 (upgradable to Windows 11).[5]Development and release
Announcement
Microsoft announced the Surface Book 3 on May 6, 2020, during an online event that also introduced the Surface Go 2, Surface Headphones 2, and Surface Earbuds.[6][7] In the presentation, Microsoft positioned the Surface Book 3 as the most powerful Surface laptop to date, tailored for creative professionals such as developers, designers, and gamers requiring desktop-level performance in a portable form.[6] The device was highlighted for its NVIDIA GeForce GTX or Quadro RTX graphics options, which enable graphics-intensive tasks like Adobe and Autodesk workloads or 1080p gaming at 60 frames per second on the larger model, representing up to 50% more performance than its predecessor, the Surface Book 2 from 2017.[6] The announcement emphasized the Surface Book 3's evolution in the detachable 2-in-1 design lineage, with configurations supporting up to 32 GB of RAM and available in 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense displays.[6] Initial specifications teased included 10th-generation Intel Core processors and the fastest SSD ever shipped in a Surface device, underscoring its focus on enhanced GPU capabilities for professional creative workflows.[6]Launch and availability
Pre-orders for the Surface Book 3 began on May 6, 2020, immediately following its announcement at a Microsoft online event, with general availability starting on May 21, 2020, in the United States and select other markets.[8][9] The device was positioned as a high-performance 2-in-1 laptop for creative professionals, emphasizing its enhanced graphics and processing power over previous models. Pricing for the Surface Book 3 started at $1,599 for the base 13.5-inch model equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage, while the top-end 15-inch configuration, featuring an Intel Core i7, 32 GB of RAM, 2 TB SSD, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU, retailed for $3,399.[8] Configurations were available in various combinations to cater to different professional needs, such as design and engineering workflows.[9] The Surface Book 3 was distributed primarily through the Microsoft Store, as well as major retailers including Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo, with initial shipments proceeding without significant delays despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which influenced remote work trends and boosted demand for versatile devices.[10][8] Microsoft marketed it as a premium tool for content creators and engineers, available in both consumer and commercial channels to support professional applications amid market shifts toward hybrid work environments.Design
Form factor
The Surface Book 3 employs a modular 2-in-1 form factor with a detachable design, allowing the display unit—referred to as the clipboard—to separate from the keyboard base via a mechanical release button on the underside of the base. This separation enables standalone tablet use, while the base includes an extra battery for improved runtime when reattached; on i7 configurations, it also accommodates the discrete NVIDIA GeForce GPU for enhanced graphics performance. The construction utilizes a magnesium alloy chassis finished in Platinum, ensuring structural integrity and a lightweight yet robust build suitable for portable professional workflows.[3] Available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch variants, the device's dimensions reflect its adjustable hinge and modular components. The 13.5-inch model measures 12.3 x 9.14 x 0.51–0.90 inches (312 x 232 x 13–23 mm) for the Intel Core i5 configuration and 12.3 x 9.14 x 0.59–0.90 inches (312 x 232 x 15–23 mm) for the i7, whereas the 15-inch model is 13.5 x 9.87 x 0.57–0.90 inches (343 x 251 x 15–23 mm). Weights, including the attached base, range from 3.38 lb (1.53 kg) for the 13.5-inch i5 model to 3.62 lb (1.64 kg) for the 13.5-inch i7 and 4.20 lb (1.91 kg) for the 15-inch i7, varying based on processor and size.[3] The signature dynamic fulcrum hinge supports four usage modes: laptop mode for traditional computing with the screen forward and attached; studio mode, where the screen flips 180 degrees over the base for drawing or touch input; stage mode, with the detached screen placed reverse on the base as a media viewer; and view mode (or tablet mode), using the clipboard independently. This hinge mechanism expands slightly when opening, providing stability across angles without compromising portability.[4]Display
The Surface Book 3 features a PixelSense touchscreen display available in two sizes: a 13.5-inch model with a resolution of 3000 × 2000 pixels at 267 pixels per inch (PPI), and a 15-inch model with a resolution of 3240 × 2160 pixels at 260 PPI.[3] Both variants employ a 3:2 aspect ratio, optimizing the screen for productivity tasks such as document editing and web browsing by providing more vertical space compared to standard 16:9 displays.[3] The display utilizes IPS LCD technology with a contrast ratio of 1600:1, delivering clear visuals suitable for general use but falling short of the deeper blacks offered by OLED panels.[3] The screen supports 10-point multi-touch input and is compatible with the Surface Pen, which offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity for precise inking and drawing experiences.[3][11] It achieves a maximum brightness of approximately 400 nits, enabling visibility in moderately lit environments, though it may struggle in direct sunlight.[12] Color reproduction covers about 95-100% of the sRGB gamut, making it adequate for creative workflows like photo editing in standard color spaces, but coverage drops to around 65-72% of the wider DCI-P3 gamut, limiting its appeal for professional video or print work requiring vibrant hues.[13][14][12] The display's hinge mechanism allows for a 180-degree flip into "view mode," facilitating presentation or shared viewing without detaching the screen, though the glossy finish can produce reflections in bright settings.[15]Specifications
Configurations
The Surface Book 3 was available in two display sizes: 13.5-inch and 15-inch models, with the base 13.5-inch configuration lacking a discrete GPU option.[3][5] All variants featured 10th-generation Intel Core processors from the Ice Lake family, specifically quad-core designs with integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics.[3][4] Processor choices included the Intel Core i5-1035G7 or Core i7-1065G7 for the 13.5-inch model, while the 15-inch model was exclusively equipped with the Core i7-1065G7.[3][5] For graphics, the base 13.5-inch i5 configuration relied solely on the integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics, whereas i7 models added a discrete NVIDIA GPU: GeForce GTX 1650 with Max-Q design and 4 GB GDDR5 memory or Quadro RTX 3000 with Max-Q design and 6 GB GDDR6 memory (the latter for commercial configurations) in the 13.5-inch.[5][8][4] The 15-inch model included a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti with Max-Q design and 6 GB GDDR6 memory or Quadro RTX 3000 with Max-Q design and 6 GB GDDR6 memory (the latter for commercial configurations) across all units.[5][9][4] Memory and storage were configurable at purchase, with RAM options of 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB LPDDR4x-3733 (non-upgradable post-purchase).[3][4] Storage utilized non-upgradable PCIe SSDs in capacities of 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB for the 13.5-inch model, and 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB for the 15-inch model (with the 2 TB option limited to select regions like the U.S.).[3][4] The following table summarizes the key build-to-order variants:| Model Size | Processor | GPU | RAM Options | Storage Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.5-inch | Intel Core i5-1035G7 | Integrated Intel Iris Plus | 8 GB, 16 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| 13.5-inch | Intel Core i7-1065G7 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q (4 GB GDDR5) or NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 Max-Q (6 GB GDDR6, commercial) | 16 GB, 32 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| 15-inch | Intel Core i7-1065G7 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q (6 GB GDDR6) or NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 Max-Q (6 GB GDDR6, commercial) | 16 GB, 32 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB (U.S. only) |