Windows 10: Mary Jo Foley's review on Intel based Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Brink · Oct 29, 2019

When Microsoft first announced that it was going to make PCs in 2012, I was excited. I always wanted -- and was willing to pay for -- a truly premium Windows laptop, which I assumed would work better than the competition because it was from the maker of Windows. But it wasn't until this year's Surface Laptop 3 that I got even close to my wish.

Microsoft initially got into the hardware business, execs said, to create new hardware categories. (The publicly unsaid reason: To try to prod PC makers to make better Windows devices.) That said, I still expected Microsoft to make the best Windows hardware.

I test-drove the first Surface Laptop, the first Surface Book, a couple Surface Pro 2-in-1s, and the Surface Go tablet I was not bowled over by any of these devices. While some sites claimed Surface Laptop (2) was the best Windows laptop, there's no way I would ever claim the same. It was a decent Windows laptop, but PC makers had raised their game and were making far better and more interesting PCs...

I HAD LOW EXPECTATIONS

That brings me to Surface Laptop 3. Microsoft announced three variants: The AMD-based 15-inch Surface Laptop 3; the Intel-based 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 and, belatedly, the Intel-based 15-inch Intel-based Surface Laptop 3 for business customers (but which just about anyone can buy). Microsoft sent some sites review units of these devices over the past two weeks. I guess mine got lost in the mail. To be serious, if I were Microsoft, I wouldn't have given me one, either. I have not liked any Microsoft PCs I've had the chance to try for a variety of reasons.

To do my "non-reviewer's review," I bought the Intel Core i7, 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and it was shipped to me on Oct. 22. It set me back $1,741 (including tax). Yep, for me, that's quite a pricey Notepad machine. But I was curious if Microsoft finally figured out how to make a laptop, so I -- knowing about the 30-day return policy-- took a chance and bought one of the best configurations that "normal" people might buy.

Going in, I had low expectations, to be honest. I figured I'd be sending this thing back in a few days after I got it. But, as of today, after using this device for a week, I like it! A lot! So much so that I am wondering if I'm going to keep it and make it my new daily driver. (I'm still mulling this over, as I've got my eye on one other laptop that I want to try out before I commit.)

The good: This is a beautiful, drool-worthy device. The build quality of this thing is noticeable. It feels premium. I bought the "Sandstone" (think "rose gold") all-metal one with no fuzzy Alcantara keyboard. That was the right choice for me. After a week of constant use, there are no fingerprints and no grease marks. (That's not the case with the all-black metal version, from things I've read.) Also: No dings, no nicks, even though I've carried this with no protective sleeve in my messy carry-all on several occasions. (Again, not the case for the all-black metal versions, according to reports.)...
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Read more: Review: Microsoft's Intel-based Surface Laptop 3: Third time's the charm | ZDNet

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:)

Josey Wales · Oct 29, 2019

Microsoft needs to refocus on Windows 10 fundamentals - Mary Jo Foley

You are aware there are low end PCs, laptops and netbooks with 32GB/64GB emmc drives that can't be changed out? 50GB installs would just fail on these type of machines.
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I have yet to see a 50Gb installation

Penny K · Oct 29, 2019

Microsoft needs to refocus on Windows 10 fundamentals - Mary Jo Foley

Maybe they want you to 3D print your backups. Who knows what they're up to these days.
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Ummmm .... you might be right.
And that's scary!

Bree · Oct 29, 2019

Microsoft needs to refocus on Windows 10 fundamentals - Mary Jo Foley

That's pretty much what I see on my clients' PCs/laptops as well and still don't know why the Windows folder size fluctuate in size.
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If your Windows directory is >20GB you really have got a problem and should open a separate thread about it.
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The only maintenance I do on my PCs is to run Disk Clean Up occasionally to clean up system files, in particular the update backups. I see 18GB as a typical Windows folder on all my PCs, Windows 7 or 10. They are all standard full installs.

Windows 7 x64

1803 Pro x64

1809 Home x64

This last one started off with Win7, took the free upgrade to 10 and has been upgraded through each version of 10 as it was released.

Windows 10: Mary Jo Foley's review on Intel based Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Mary Jo Foley's review on Intel based Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Mary Jo Foley's review on Intel based Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Mary Jo Foley's review on Intel based Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

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