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.)...

Read more: Review: Microsoft's Intel-based Surface Laptop 3: Third time's the charm | ZDNet

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) View on Twitter

Posted By: Brink
29 Oct 2019