The laptop is detachable, with the screen half separating from the keyboard to act as a tablet. Unlike some previous Surface devices, you must press a button on the keyboard itself before you can separate the computer, giving more stability to the device. You can work with the screen on its own or reattach it to the keyboard backward, depending on personal preference. Compared to its earlier counterparts, it also has far more stability when attached to the keyboard since it folds like a standard laptop would while retaining the tablet function.

When using the laptop as a tablet, I find it helps to have a Bluetooth pen for manual writing tasks since the Surface Book 3 has some cool pen features. When searching via the computer in tablet mode, you can search with manual writing using your stylus. Unfortunately, you need to have reasonably neat handwriting to properly use this feature, as the computer can mistake messy handwritten items for different characters you may not want to use in your search, resulting in the user rewriting characters. To erase these unwanted characters, you can draw a dash through them. Though depending on the item you are erasing, the computer may mistake the dash for an underscore or an actual dash, making this feature slightly annoying to use at times. You can also more easily erase your writing with an actual backspace button. Based on my experience with this function, it is far easier just to use the digital keyboard and type as you would on a handheld device, as this setting is more user-friendly.

With the Surface Book 3, we also purchased the respective Surface Pen in ice blue. The pen is just as aesthetically pleasing as the computer, and its blueish gray color matches well with the computer’s silver. As is the Surface Book 3, the pen is smooth to the touch. Like some previous Microsoft pens, it has an eraser at the top that makes erasing more efficient in apps that support its erasing function. All the user has to do is flip the pen and press on the butt of the pen like an actual pencil on paper. When you flip it back to the tip, it will switch out of the eraser and back to the tool you previously selected, decreasing the time spent switching between tools. To store the pen, you can place it on the left side of the screen until the magnet latches on or place it on the right side of the keyboard by the charging port (this can only be used if the charger is not plugged in). Though, I do not recommend doing the latter. The pen storing system is certainly far better on the Surface Book 3 because previous models did not permit such efficient storage, as magnetic pens could often only latch onto the charging port since it is also magnetic.

One common annoyance I have found is minor and will hardly impact the Surface Book 3’s efficiency is the fact that the computer is sometimes difficult to turn on when it has been shut down for a while. When this happens, the computer does not turn on no matter how long you hold the power button. To remedy this, I find it helps to hold down the volume button and the power button simultaneously for five to fifteen seconds. If it still does not work, then hold down the power button alone. It should turn on after that.

Overall, I would recommend the Surface Book 3 to anyone who frequently uses or needs a laptop for daily activities. Its many functions allow its users to use it for virtually any digital work purpose needed. Visuals and typed works can be done with ease on the Surface Book 3, and a bonus is that the laptop is fairly easily portable if you have a large laptop bag. If you find yourself on the go a lot and need a multifunctional device, this computer is ideal for you, as it has a double battery and is fairly thin and light considering its size. If you are looking for a new laptop, it is worth considering the Surface Book 3. The device offers a lot of features that its counterparts do not, which should be noted when comparing potential candidates for your next laptop. Of course, as anything does, the computer has its cons, but they are so minuscule that the benefits far outweigh them. If you do decide to purchase the Surface Book 3, it will not disappoint.

You can read about another high schooler’s impression of the Surface Book 3 here.

The post A High School Student’s Look at the Surface Book 3 appeared first on fullSTEAMahead365.

My main reason for upgrading is relatively straightforward. My old Surface Pro 3 had a kickstand. The kickstand was there because the keyboard can’t support the weight of the screen on its own. Generally speaking, the kickstand wouldn’t be an issue, but every weekday I have to be on video calls, and I’m required to show my face. One can only position the kickstand so far forward before it snaps back in place, in turn making the screen collapse onto the keyboard. I could never position the kickstand far back enough to get my full face in view, which frustrated my teachers and me a good deal. I could never think of a way around it either. Another issue I had with the kickstand was that it was a challenge to work on certain surfaces. Depending on what surface I was working on, the kickstand would have a hard time staying up. It would slip, and the screen would collapse onto the keyboard. This was a pretty regular occurrence, and it seemed like no matter what I did, the kickstand was always a problem. The kickstand’s primary function is to keep the screen up, and in my opinion, it failed miserably in doing so. The only thing that the kickstand could ever really be useful for is if you used a painting app and used it as an easel or used it to prop up the screen when watching a movie. Even then, though, It might still slip. After all of this struggle, I decided the best option for me was to switch to something more suitable. My best option was the Surface Book 3. 

The Surface Book 3 is a fantastic laptop. It has face ID, which makes logging into the computer so much quicker and easier. The keyboard is by far one of the best, and the trackpad is too. It has a widescreen and amazing color-rendering. It has excellent camera quality as well. The design of the laptop is clean and modern. The material used to make the laptop feels very high quality as well. Depending on what you use it for, the battery life can easily last all day. It’s easy to use, and you can use it for anything. The Surface Book 3 also has the ability to become a tablet. It is easy to take it off the keyboard and snap it back in. Once you snap it in, a notification will pop up on the bottom of the screen that tells you it is attached. It is the best laptop I ever had. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the switch! I don’t regret buying the Surface Book 3, and honestly, I wish I had it sooner. It is the perfect computer for me; It accommodates all my needs and then some. If you’re looking for a new laptop, I would, without a doubt, recommend the Surface Book 3.

While I do love my new Surface Book 3, it has its cons as well. It is not as portable as other computers. It’s a much larger laptop, and it’s bulkier too. While It probably can fit into most large computer bags, it is relatively heavy for a computer. It also isn’t the cheapest; I got mine for around 1,200.00 USD. It doesn’t come with a Surface pen, so if you want to use it for drawing, it will cost about another 75.00 USD. I got my pen for around this price, and I am super happy with it. I got my pen in the color red, and it adds a nice contrast to the gray metal of the computer. The pen works perfectly, and it is high quality. Another feature of the Surface Book 3 that could be improved is the audio quality for when you make videos. Whenever I would film something on my computer, the audio for the video would be a little bit fuzzy or not as crisp as it should be. 

Overall, I could not be happier that I made the switch. This computer was the perfect fit for me, and I love everything about it. If you require a new laptop and do not mind the price or bulkiness, this laptop is the thing for you. It has a clean design and can cater to every need you could possibly have. 

You can read about another high schooler’s impression of the Surface Book 3 here.

The post Why the Surface Book 3 is my remote schooling companion appeared first on fullSTEAMahead365.