Microsoft Surface Book 3 (15-Inch): More Work of Art Than Workhorse

If Microsoft-designed mobile PCs are the essence of the Windows computing experience, and the Surface Book is Microsoft’s flagship model, then the Surface Book 3 has a reasonable claim to be the ultimate Windows-powered mobile device. This detachable 2-in-1 laptop certainly offers the best blend of unique features, operating-mode flexibility, computing power, and portability of any Microsoft PC. With an advanced mechanical locking system for the keyboard base, powerful graphics processing, multiple cameras and batteries, and a choice of two screen sizes, the Surface Book 3 is a category-defying device for the few laptop buyers who can afford it and realize its full potential.

- TOM BRANT

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE SURFACE BOOK 3?

Laptops these days tend to fall into one of three categories: conventional designs that open like the shell of a clam, 2-in-1 convertible models with screens that rotate 360 degrees, and detachable PCs that can be used as tablets once you remove their optional keyboards.

The Surface Book 3 is a mashup of all three. Its keyboard base and display, made of sturdy magnesium and finished with an understated platinum-silver color 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.

That’s not all: You can also flip the keyboard base over and reattach it, letting you use the device as an easel or kiosk with the display facing you and the keyboard resting on a flat surface. You can also prop up the Surface Book 3 as an inverted-V tent, with its edges resting on your desk, and even lay its two halves flush 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 take advantage of the device’s flexibility to sketch, retouch, and edit using their fingers or optional tools including the Surface Pen and Surface Dial. And corporate road warriors can flit from conference room 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.