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.
This story is from the July 2020 edition of PC Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2020 edition of PC Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
AUDIO
AUDIO
SMART HOME
SMART HOME
T Mobile
Mobile
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Gen 7 (2022): Nearly an Editors' Choice
A solid gaming laptop for under 2,000
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric
A powerful, feature-rich media streamer that’s pricier than most
20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game
Whether you're new to working remotely or just looking fo do if beffer, fhese fips can help you stay productive and maintain balance.
12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using
Wondering how to share your Google Calendar? Want to add a new calendar? Here are the tips you need.
SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use
Affordable security with a focus on flexibility
Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform
The Honda Prologue battery-electric SUV arrives in 2024 and will use the Ultium battery technology developed by General Motors.
We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late
A generation of art risks extinction if the companies that own streaming services don’t believe their vast libraries are worth preserving. We have to act now to save it.