Microsoft has a new version of its clamshell laptop, the Surface Laptop 3, and this time around, it’s more than just a simple refresh of the previous generation. Although the new device still shares most of the design characteristics of older models, there’s three big differences, including two different sizes, custom AMD Ryzen processor, and the option of all-metal or Alcantara fabric.
Starting with the third generation of the laptop, you can still pick the 13.5-inch with the 3:2 aspect ratio touchscreen, but there’s the choice of a 15-inch model as well. Also, there’s a USB-C version 3.1 port that replaces the Mini Display port. The new port can be used for data transfer as well as for changing, but it doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3.
As for the internals upgrade, the 13.5-inch model comes with the options of an Intel quad-core 10th generation Core i5 or Core i7 processor, while the 15-inch model is available with a custom AMD Ryzen processor with Radeon Vega 9 graphics. Microsoft says a 15-inch model will be available with Intel processors, but it’ll only be available for business customers. Also, both models have the option of 8GB or 16GB of memory and update 1TB of internal storage.
Surface Laptop 3 tech specs
Here’s the tech specs for the Surface Laptop 3 15-inch and 13.5-inch:
| Surface Laptop 3 15-inch | Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4” x 9.6” x .57” (339.5 mm x 244 mm x 14.69 mm) | 12.1” x 8.8” x .57” (308 mm x 223 mm x 14.5 mm) |
| Weight | Platinum and Matte Black: 3.40lb (1,542g) | Sandstone and Matte Black: 2.84lb (1,288g) Cobalt Blue and Platinum: 2.79lb (1,265g) |
| Display | Screen: 15” PixelSense Display Resolution: 2496 x 1664 (201 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 Surface Pen enabled Touch: 10 point multi-touch | Screen: 13.5” PixelSense Display Resolution: 2256 x 1504 (201 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 Surface Pen enabled Touch: 10 point multi-touch |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3580U Mobile Processor (Microsoft Surface Edition) Integrated Radeon Vega 9 Graphics | Quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G7 Processor Quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Vega 9 Graphics Microsoft Surface Edition AMD Radeon RX Vega 11 Graphics Microsoft Surface Edition | Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4 RAM 16GB DDR4 RAM | 8GB LPDDR4x RAM 16GB LPDDR4x RAM |
| Storage | Removable solid-state drive (SSD) options: 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB | Removable solid-state drive (SSD) options: 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5: 802.11ac compatible Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology | Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatible |
| Battery life | Up to 11.5 hours of typical device usage | Up to 11.5 hours of typical device usage |
| Ports | 1 x USB-C (no thunderbolt support) 1 x USB-A 3.5 mm headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port Compatible with Surface Dial off-screen interaction | 1 x USB-C (no thunderbolt support) 1 x USB-A 3.5 mm headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port Compatible with Surface Dial off-screen interaction |
| Security | Firmware TPM Enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in | Firmware TPM Enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in |
| Cameras, video, and audio | Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing) 720p HD f2.0 camera (front-facing) Dual far-field Studio Mics Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio Premium | Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing) 720p HD f2.0 camera (front-facing) Dual far-field Studio Mics Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio Premium |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor | Ambient light sensor |
| Colors | Platinum Matte Black | Sandstone Matte Black Cobalt Blue Platinum |
| Casing | Aluminum Platinum with metal palm rest Matte Black with metal palm rest | Aluminum Sandstone with metal palm rest Matte Black with metal palm rest Platinum with Alcantara material palm rest Cobalt Blue with Alcantara material palm rest |
| OS | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
In addition to the USB-C port, the devices also come with a USB-A port and 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll still find the Surface Connect port, but now, it’s been updated to support fast charging. According to Microsoft, the port can charge the Surface Laptop 3 from zero to 80 percent in less than an hour. (This technology is available across the 2019 Surface line of devices.)
As for battery life, the company claims up to 11.5 hours on a single charge, but take that with a grain of salt as the reality is often less than the number advertised.
Although both devices include wireless connectivity, the Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch comes with the faster and more advanced Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), while the 15-inch model ships with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
Surface Laptop 3 removable hard drive
Also, these devices now have removable hard drives like the Surface Pro X. However, it’s something that Microsoft is touting as a privacy feature for organizations to make sure that data can be destroyed properly. According to the company, you should still be able to replace the hard drive for a bigger capacity, or replace a broken drive, but it’s recommended to use a specific Surface certified solid-state drive (SSD) as an off the shelf SSD is not guaranteed to work. Also, this should be handled by an authorized technician.
Alcantara and metal finish
Unlike previous generations, consumers will have the option to pick the new laptop with all-metal or Alcantara palm rest. The new option is available because the company is now recognizing that people has different taste on style, and as a result the all-metal finish model slightly heavier than one with the Alcantara finish.
Either the 13.5-inch or 15-inch model offers a new keyboard that should make typing more comfortable with a full 1.33mm key travel, and now with a 20 percent larger glass trackpad.
Finally, the laptop is available in four colors, including Sandstone, Matte Black, Cobalt Blue, Platinum, but the 15-inch is only available in Platinum and Matte Black.
Price and availability
Pricing starts at $999 for the 13.5-inch base model, and $1199 for the 15-inch base model. You can preorder these devices now, and they are expected to be available on October 22, 2019.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].