Surface Book 3 in Profile
The Surface Book is no more
While we miss the engineered style of the Surface Book 3 Dynamic Fulcrum Hinge (and its name), the new Surface Laptop Studio is probably a better bet for users in the real world.
The Surface Book (and the new Surface Laptop Studio) compete with 360-degree 2-in-1 laptops including the Lenovo Yoga and HP x360s hybrids. Unlike those models, flipping the screen on the old Surface Book required detaching and reattaching the tablet display. This meant users had to interrupt the connections to their ports, keyboard and graphics card, all of which were housed in the Surface Book’s keyboard. This required some disruption to the user's workflow, as well as a bit of fumbling.
The Book's dynamic hinge...
The Surface Laptop Studio's hinge...
The new hinge should be less disruptive than the 360 alternatives, which need to be picked up from the desktop to flip the display. It's certainly less disruptive than removing and re-attaching the display.
We might be seeing a few more 2-in-1 hybrid laptops like this. We know of one or two already.
The Surface Laptop Studio can switch from laptop, to easel, to tablet without interrupting any applications or needing to unplug anything. From laptop mode, you can flick the top half of the screen back and pull it forward in to an easel position (with magnetic tethers to hold in place) or pull forward until fully flat for use as a tablet.
Surface Laptop Studio in Laptop, Easel and Tablet formats (from left to right)
The non-detachable screen means the display can no longer be removed for use as a lightweight standalone tablet. That said, using the older Surface Book's detachable screen as a tablet meant forgoing the NVIDIA graphics that were housed inside the keyboard. Otherwise, the screen needed to be detached, rotated, and reattached to the keyboard, making a bulkier tablet overall.
By comparison, switching between modes on the new Studio is a matter of push and pull. Full specs for the Surface Laptop Studio
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Surface Laptop 3Clam shell laptop Opens 135 degrees Touch screen with Surface Pen support 13.5 or 15 inch display 3:2 aspect ratio 2256 x 1504 or 2496 x 1664 resolution Gloss IPS wide-viewing-angle-display |
Surface Book 3Clam shell laptop with detachable tablet screen Opens 135 degrees, screen can be reversed Touch screen with Surface Pen support 13.5 or 15 inch display 3:2 aspect ratio 3000 x 2000 or 3240 x 2160 resolution Gloss IPS wide-viewing-angle display |
With a screen that opens up to 135 degrees (not 180 degrees flat or 360 degrees like some competitors), the Surface Laptop is not designed to be used as a tablet, despite supporting the Surface Pen.
By contrast the Surface Book has a detachable display that can be used as a standalone tablet, or reversed and attached to the keyboard. Either way, the Surface Book is preferable for Pen users. The Surface Book also features a higher resolution display - Pen users typically work closer to the screen than laptop users.
By contrast the Surface Book has a detachable display that can be used as a standalone tablet, or reversed and attached to the keyboard. Either way, the Surface Book is preferable for Pen users. The Surface Book also features a higher resolution display - Pen users typically work closer to the screen than laptop users.
Graphics performance
Surface Laptop 3Intel® Iris® Plus graphics AMD Ryzen available in retail models only |
Surface Book 3Surface Book 3 13.5 inch with Intel® Core™ i5: Intel® Iris® Plus Surface Book 3 13.5 inch with Intel® Core™ i7: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB Surface Book 3 15 inch: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB, or NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 6GB |
The Surface Laptop 3 and entry-level Surface Book 3 have Intel Iris Plus graphics, which is better than most competing business laptops.
Surface Book 3 graphics options ramp up markedly with up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics in the 13.5 inch model and GeForce GTX 1660 graphics or Quadro RTX 3000 graphics in the Surface Book 3 15 inch. The NVIDIA graphics are used when the Book 3 is attached to the keyboard base.
Anyone using modelling software, gaming, VR and even using certain Adobe CS suite features will need NVIDIA graphics for these applications to be usable. The NVIDIA graphics on the 15 model model benchmark around 40% faster than the NVIDIA graphics on the 13 inch model.
The top-end Surface Book 3 15 with NVIDIA Quadro RTX graphics is more powerful again. It's certified for a growing range of professional CAD, simulation, compositing, animation and visualisation software suites.
This makes the top end Surface Book 3 15 inch an excellent choice for engineers, motion picture makers, modellers and creatives that want to use a high quality Pen based screen in a 3D environment.
Surface Book 3 graphics options ramp up markedly with up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics in the 13.5 inch model and GeForce GTX 1660 graphics or Quadro RTX 3000 graphics in the Surface Book 3 15 inch. The NVIDIA graphics are used when the Book 3 is attached to the keyboard base.
Anyone using modelling software, gaming, VR and even using certain Adobe CS suite features will need NVIDIA graphics for these applications to be usable. The NVIDIA graphics on the 15 model model benchmark around 40% faster than the NVIDIA graphics on the 13 inch model.
The top-end Surface Book 3 15 with NVIDIA Quadro RTX graphics is more powerful again. It's certified for a growing range of professional CAD, simulation, compositing, animation and visualisation software suites.
This makes the top end Surface Book 3 15 inch an excellent choice for engineers, motion picture makers, modellers and creatives that want to use a high quality Pen based screen in a 3D environment.
The NVIDIA graphics (plus additional ports and battery life in the keyboard base) are not available when the tablet display is detached, however the Book supports removing and reversing the display in Studio mode.
Surface Book 3 usage modes and graphics availability
| NVIDIA graphics available when used in laptop mode. |  NVIDIA graphics available when used in studio mode with screen flipped. | Intel Iris Plus graphics available when used in detached screen mode. |
Other factors
While performance and features favour the Book over the Laptop, many users don't need the extra functionality. Here's a run down of remaining factors:
Surface Laptop 310th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 Lighter - 13.5 inch from 1.265kg 15 inch from 1.542kg Less battery life - 13.5 inch up to 11.5 hours 15 inch up to 11.5 hours Fewer ports 1x USB 3, 1x USB-C, 1x Surface Connect, Audio More colours (depending on screen size) - Platinum, Cobalt, Gold, Black Significantly lower cost - 13.5 inch RRP from $2,049 15 inch RRP from $2,399 |
Surface Book 310th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 Heavier - 13.5 inch from 1.534kg 15 inch from 1.905kg More battery life (with keyboard attached) - 13.5 inch up to 15.5 hours 15 inch up to 17.5 hours More ports (with keyboard attached) - 2x USB 3, 1x USB-C, 2x Surface Connect, Audio, SD Fewer colours - Platinum Significantly higher cost - 13.5 inch RRP from $3,099 15 inch RRP from $4,299 |
What about the Surface Pro
Users who want a tablet device with equivalent performance to the Surface Laptop should opt for the Surface Pro. While the Surface Laptop is primarily a traditional laptop with touch and pen support added, the Surface Pro is primarily a touch and Pen tablet with keyboard added. This makes the Surface Pro a good choice for non-power users who want a lighter and less-expensive device than the Surface Book.
Prices, specs and latest models at The Laptop Company:
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Microsoft has announced a major update to the Surface Book range. While appearing fundamentally unchanged from the Surface Book 2 on the outside, there have been some important changes for power users.
Surface Book 3 13.5 inch
Pictured with keyboard detached.
Surface Book 2 13.5"13.5" 3K PixelSense™ display Intel® Core™ 7th gen dual core or 8th gen quad core processor options 8 or 16GB 1866Mhz memory Intel® HD 620 graphics + optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 2GB graphics in keyboard 15 hour manufacturer-rated battery 802.11AC Wi-Fi 5™ |
Surface Book 3 13.5"13.5" 3K PixelSense™ display Intel® Core™ 10th gen quad core processor options (no dual core option) 8, 16 or 32GB 3733Mhz memory Intel® Iris™ Plus + optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 4GB Max-Q Design graphics in keyboard 15.5 hour rated battery 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6™ |
Increases are bolded.
Performance increased for 13.5"
A switch to the new 10th generation Intel Core Quad Core processors and faster memory with higher capacity improves application performance. Network speed is increased, particularly in crowded environments with the switch to Wi-Fi 6.
Switching from the entry-level Surface Book 2 with Intel Core i5 7300U to the new entry level Surface Book 3 provides roughly double the processing power.
Switching from the entry-level Surface Book 2 with Intel Core i5 7300U to the new entry level Surface Book 3 provides roughly double the processing power.
Substantial graphics improvements
The detachable tablet now has Intel Iris Plus graphics - early benchmarks indicate roughly twice the graphics performance of the previous Intel HD 620. Given the high resolution of the display, this is a welcome boost.
NVIDIA graphics is included with Intel Core i7 models. The new GTX-1650 benchmarks as much as 45% faster than the GTX 1050 option in the Surface Book 2.
NVIDIA graphics is included with Intel Core i7 models. The new GTX-1650 benchmarks as much as 45% faster than the GTX 1050 option in the Surface Book 2.
Surface Book 3 15"
Surface Book 2 15"15" 3K+ PixelSense™ display Intel® Core™ 8th gen quad core processor options 16GB 1866Mhz memory Intel® HD 620 graphics + optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 6GB graphics in keyboard 17 hour manufacturer-rated battery 802.11AC Wi-Fi 5™ |
Surface Book 3 15"15" 3K+ PixelSense™ display Intel® Core™ 10th gen quad core processor options 16 or 32GB 3733Mhz memory Intel® Iris™ Plus + optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1660 Ti 6GB Max-Q graphics in keyboard 17.5 hour rated battery 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6™ |
Increases are bolded.
As per the 13.5" model, a 10th generation Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor and faster memory with higher capacity options improves application performance. The Surface Book 3 15" also gets Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable connectivity in crowded environments.
More graphics horsepower
The 15" features NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti graphics, which benchmarks around 40% faster than the Surface Book 2 15" and 66% faster than the NVIDIA option in the 13.5" model.
This makes the 15" the device of choice for engineers, film makers and architects as well as gamers.
This makes the 15" the device of choice for engineers, film makers and architects as well as gamers.
Workstation graphics option
An NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 Max-Q option is available for users seeking workstation-class driver certification and ray-tracing support. For professionals seeking ultimate stability in engineering, architecture, VR, game design and motion pictures, the Surface Book 3 allows access to one of the best on-screen Pen experiences in a device that supports 3D work spaces.
Full specifications for the Surface Book 3 are on our web portal:
For pricing and availability, please Contact Us or speak to your account manager at The Laptop Company.
Benchmarks source: https://www.userbenchmark.com/
What's the difference?
Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon X1 laptop and ThinkPad P1 mobile workstation
What’s the difference between Lenovo’s flagship corporate laptop and their leading mobile workstation?
Both are designed to be thin and light while providing high levels of performance and excellent display quality, but each is designed for very different types of user.
Both are designed to be thin and light while providing high levels of performance and excellent display quality, but each is designed for very different types of user.
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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
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Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Mobile Workstation
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Who are these devices designed for?
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X1 CarbonExecutive teams Travellers and commuters Corporate fleets Customer-facing company representatives |
P1 WorkstationEngineering and research Financial modelling and data analysis Cinema and video post-production Architecture and industrial design |
Common features
Carbon Fibre and Magnesium Alloy casing
Optional Touch Screen
Dolby Atmos speakers
2 USB 3 ports, 2 USB-C Thunderbolt 3, LAN connector and headphone jack
Optional Touch Screen
Dolby Atmos speakers
2 USB 3 ports, 2 USB-C Thunderbolt 3, LAN connector and headphone jack
Both are robustly designed with backlit keyboards, webcams with privacy shutters and a similar look-and-feel.
Comparative features
Blue = better | Red = lower
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X1 Carbon8th Gen Intel Core i5 to i7 quad core 14” IPS Full HD or WQHD display Anti-glare display Intel UHD 620 graphics Up to 16GB memory Up to 1TB PCIe SSD storage Up to 18.3 hours battery, 51 Whr 802.11 AC Wi-Fi 5 Weight from 1.09kg |
P1 Workstation9th Gen Intel Core i7, Xeon 6 core or i9 8 core 15.6” IPS Full HD, UHD or OLED UHD display Optional Dolby Vision with Anti-Glare (IPS) Up to NVIDIA Quadro T2000 Max-Q graphics Up to 64GB memory Up to 2x M.2 SSD with RAID 0/1 support Up to 13.8 hours battery, 80 Whr 802.11 AX Wi-Fi 6 Weight from 1.7kg |
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X1 ProsSubstantially lighter
Longer battery life Strong performance for corporate applications Lie-flat hinge and optional touch screen X1 ConsNot suitable for workstation applications Not as able to run multiple high-resolution displays or 3D applications Smaller display Slower storage and wireless connectivity 
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P1 ProsSubstantially more performance – up to 2x CPU application performance under load
Larger display with up to 4K OLED internal and external display support Faster storage and wireless connectivity Pen and touch screen option with lie-flat hinge P1 ConsHeavier Shorter battery life Overpowered for corporate applications 
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The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 has been proven as a strong performer across enterprise fleets – higher performance users opting for Intel Core i7 with 16GB of memory will find ample performance and long-haul flight battery-life. The device is particularly slim and light and offers a premium look and feel that far exceeds cheaper fleet and retail devices. This is well-suited for deployment across a typical corporate or government workforce where durability and dependability is important.
The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 2, is similar looking on the outside but quite different under the skin. While remarkably thin and light (and pretty) for a mobile workstation, its heavy-weight performance does mean the device is heavier and uses more power than the X1 (while running faster). Despite the powerful components, typical corporate users won’t see an appreciable difference in performance for applications like Word or Outlook. However, users of complex and massive Excel worksheets, Tableau, crypto and workstation-class engineering, editing, design and animation suites will notice a substantial boost.
The Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 2, is similar looking on the outside but quite different under the skin. While remarkably thin and light (and pretty) for a mobile workstation, its heavy-weight performance does mean the device is heavier and uses more power than the X1 (while running faster). Despite the powerful components, typical corporate users won’t see an appreciable difference in performance for applications like Word or Outlook. However, users of complex and massive Excel worksheets, Tableau, crypto and workstation-class engineering, editing, design and animation suites will notice a substantial boost.
Typical deployment - performance environment
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Admin and managementLenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 7
Intel Core i5 to i7 quad core depending on usage 16GB memory recommended for 3 year life cycle 256GB storage Alternative Lenovo models Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 360 degree laptop-tablet hybrid (enhanced usability) Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Lower-cost corporate fleet ultraportable laptop |
Specialist usersLenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 2
Intel Core i7 six core or i9 eight core Intel Xeon six core for certified application support NVIDIA Quadro T1000 for multi-4K support Quadro T2000 for 3D applications and simulations 32-64GB memory 512GB or greater storage, depending on application Alternative Lenovo models Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme laptop Similar features without application stability optimisations or Intel Xeon option (gaming-class optimisations) Lenovo ThinkPad P53s mobile workstation Lower cost quad-core with workstation-class cooling to reduce thermal throttling seen in equivalent specification non-workstation laptops |
What about the X1 Extreme?
The ThinkPad P1 Gen 2 has a near-twin in the ThinkPad X1 Extreme.
With NVIDIA GeForce graphics, the X1 Extreme is optimised for high frame rates and superior gaming performance.
The NVIDIA Quadro graphics found in the P1 are optimised for stability, sustained thermal load and fidelity. Like-for-like, we would opt for the P1 for users who need workhorse-like stability for productivity, especially for staff on billable time.
The X1 Extreme is extremely attractive for corporate users who need quality gaming time when overseas. We would give the entry level Intel Core i5 a miss in favour of an i7 six core or greater setup to make the most of the device.
With NVIDIA GeForce graphics, the X1 Extreme is optimised for high frame rates and superior gaming performance.
The NVIDIA Quadro graphics found in the P1 are optimised for stability, sustained thermal load and fidelity. Like-for-like, we would opt for the P1 for users who need workhorse-like stability for productivity, especially for staff on billable time.
The X1 Extreme is extremely attractive for corporate users who need quality gaming time when overseas. We would give the entry level Intel Core i5 a miss in favour of an i7 six core or greater setup to make the most of the device.
