The Redmond-based firm has announced the new generation of its famous 2-in-1 laptop, which converts into a detachable tablet. The Surface Book 3available in 13.5" and 15", benefits from updated equipment with state-of-the-art components. Starting with a 10th-generation Intel processor to get the most out of this Windows 10 PC. However, it is the 15-inch model that benefits from optimum technical features as standard, such as a 3D card, which remains optional for the 13.5-inch model.
Those who are used to this hybrid laptop will see little change in the design, but the premium character is still there, with robust materials such as the magnesium case, which is also pleasant to the touch. The screen is easily transformed into a slate, once detached by a software command or physical key. The massive hinge, which links the screen to the keyboard, has hardly changed, so this notebook will never lie completely flat on a desk, like its predecessors. On the keyboard side, we note the absence of a numeric keypad, which professional number-crunchers will miss, and a trackpad that's a little narrow.
Bright, thetouch screen - in 3:2 format with a definition of 3240 x 2160 pixels - ensures real visual comfort, not to mention high-contrast colour rendition. A 5 MP webcam will be indispensable for business travellers or telecommuters, during video conferences. The 15-inch tablet could also become a vast field of productivity for graphic content creators, but it still weighs in at around 800 grams.
The integration of new-generation components such as the 10th-generation quad-core Intel Core processor and the latest generation of Nvidia graphics cards provide the performance professionals need to work comfortably. In terms of autonomy, the 2-in-1 principle of this PC requires the integration of two batteries housed respectively in the tablet and under the keyboard. Microsoft promises up to 17.5 hours' use of this hybrid for standard applications.
All in all, this second-generation Surface Book for a 15-inch model has many attractions. The hybrid aspect of this robust, well-built laptop, combined with the latest-generation components, does come at a price, however, with a price tag of over €2,200.
***
All in one - Surface Book 3 by Microsoft
Dimensions : 34.3 X 2.3 X 25.1 cm
Weight : 1,912 Kg
Screen : 15-inch touch screen, IPS technology, 3.2 format, definition 3240 X 2160 pixels
Processor : Intel Core i7-1065G7, 1.3 GHz
RAM : 32 GB DDR4L-SDRAM
Storage capacity : 512 GB
Graphics chip : Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q
Operating system : Windows 10
Connectivity : WiFI 6, BT 5.0
Connections : 2 USB 3.0 ports, one USB C port, SD card slot
Safety : Windows Hello facial recognition, TPM 2.0 chip for businesses
Autonomy : 5.30 p.m. announced
Price : from 2209 euros
Availability: immediate
