JANUARY 2020 • TECH ADVISOR 5which also boasts something novel: a custom-designed
mobile AMD Ryzen processor. In all, it’s an intriguing
mix of style and speed.
The new Surface Laptop 3 has a modern USB-C port
in addition to the tried-and-trusted Surface Connector,
expanding your charging and I/O options. Microsoft’s
stunning PixelSense display remains, and while the
touchpad has grown larger and more functional, you
may find the keyboard a tad less enjoyable.
But wait, there’s a choice to be made. Microsoft
also has a Surface Laptop 3 for Business. This 15in
option essentially replicates the consumer version we
reviewed, but includes a 10th-gen Intel Core processor,
advanced wireless, and improved memory options.
(Microsoft’s 13in Surface Laptop 3 is built around Intel’s
10th-gen chip, too.) Disappointing battery life in the
consumer version has us wondering whether the true
enthusiast version of the Surface Laptop 3 might be
the Business edition. Let’s see if you agree.A sleek, svelte design
Whereas not much differentiated the original Surface
Laptop from the Surface Laptop 2, a number of new
updates set the Surface Laptop 3 apart: the new
15in form factor, of course; the AMD-based ‘Surface
Edition’ mobile Ryzen processor option; and new
colour and chassis options, too. We were offered
the Matte Black 15in Surface Laptop 3 for review,
but after viewing the dusky Sandstone option at the
launch, we can recommend that as well.
Surface Laptops have always aspired to be more
than just computing devices, and the sleek, svelteJANUARY 2020 • TECH ADVISOR 5which also boasts something novel: a custom-designed
mobile AMD Ryzen processor. In all, it’s an intriguing
mix of style and speed.
The new Surface Laptop 3 has a modern USB-C port
in addition to the tried-and-trusted Surface Connector,
expanding your charging and I/O options. Microsoft’s
stunning PixelSense display remains, and while the
touchpad has grown larger and more functional, you
may find the keyboard a tad less enjoyable.
But wait, there’s a choice to be made. Microsoft
also has a Surface Laptop 3 for Business. This 15in
option essentially replicates the consumer version we
reviewed, but includes a 10th-gen Intel Core processor,
advanced wireless, and improved memory options.
(Microsoft’s 13in Surface Laptop 3 is built around Intel’s
10th-gen chip, too.) Disappointing battery life in the
consumer version has us wondering whether the true
enthusiastversionoftheSurfaceLaptop3 mightbe
theBusiness edition. Let’s see if you agree.
A sleek, svelte design
Whereas not much differentiated the original Surface
Laptop from the Surface Laptop 2, a number of new
updates set the Surface Laptop 3 apart: the new
15informfactor,ofcourse;theAMD-based‘Surface
Edition’mobile Ryzen processor option; and new
colour and chassis options, too. We were offered
theMatteBlack15inSurfaceLaptop3 forreview,
butafterviewingtheduskySandstoneoptionatthe
launch,we can recommend that as well.
Surface Laptops have always aspired to be more
than just computing devices, and the sleek, svelte