The Surface Book 3 is a mashup of all three. Its
keyboard base and display, made of sturdy magnesium
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scheme, are joined with a hinge that works like a
clamshell. But this hinge has a hidden release
mechanism, activated with a press of a key on the
keyboard. Once released, you can jettison the keyboard
base and use the Surface Book 3 as a standalone tablet.
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and reattach it, letting you use the device as an easel or
kiosk with the display facing you and the keyboard
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Surface Book 3 as an inverted-V tent, with its edges
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together. These modes are traditionally the province of
2-in-1 convertible designs.
Why would you want to go through these contortions?
Probably because you’re one of the two types of buyers
most suited to the Surface Book 3. Digital artists can
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including the Surface Pen and Surface Dial. And
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to cafeteria to airport security checkpoint carrying only
the tools required for that day’s work. If they’re not
planning on doing much typing, they can leave the
keyboard base at home and travel with just the display
and a padded sleeve or carrying case.
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mean that the Surface Book 3 is not for everyone. Most
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laptop, 2-in-1, or detachable tablet according to what
they plan to do most often. But if you want a jack-of-all
trades device and you have the budget for it, the Surface
Book 3 might be for you.
Microsoft
Surface Book 3
(15-Inch)
PROS Unique
detachable design.
Powerful graphics
processor. Many
configuration options.
Comfortable
keyboard. Dual 1080p
cameras. Beautiful
PixelSense display.
CONS Pricey.
Keyboard base adds
significant weight.
BOTTOM LINE With
an advanced
mechanical locking
system for the
keyboard base,
powerful graphics
processing, multiple
cameras and
batteries, and a
brilliant near-4K
display, the Surface
Book 3 is an
innovative, excellent
detachable laptop.