I'm looking at getting this device but I'm first wondering if anyone has this laptop and if there are any issues that come with it? https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/microsoft-surface-laptop-…
I'll be using it for graphic design + web development/programming, I'm hoping this is the right fit for me.
Thanks OzB :)
Thanks for your input mate, would you recommend the Laptop 3 (i7) to others?
Absolutely. The other advantage is it's bloatware free coming directly from Microsoft. i7 is probably overkill for the average user but for someone doing more than that like graphics design, processing etc it's probably worthwhile getting the extra bump in processor.
Keep in mind a few more things:
1. You probably want more screen real estate for coding/graphic design so maybe the 15" is more suitable, note: the 15" version comes with AMD processor (not saying this is a downside just FYI). I'd say the screen size is more important than the size of the SSD especially because you could use external storage.
2. Microsoft usually does 20%, may be worth waiting to purchase directly from them and save a fair bit of money
I've got the surface laptop 2 it with 8gb ram and 128ssd and love it.
The display is beautiful, speakers are amazing for its size but not overly wrapped with the keyboard, something they changed and fixed with the 3. The design is gorgeous and super light so carrying out around is a pleasure.
I've had no issues with it but I believe it comes with a 2 year warranty from Microsoft. Even if the retailer tells you it's 12 months you should get 24 months when your register it with Microsoft.
I use it for basic browsing, OneNote, some cad software (fusion 360) and photo editing (Lightroom and Capture one) I also do some website design for clients through wix and have no issues with it at all. The cad work I do is pretty basic stuff but I was still surprised that it worked well.
It is definitely not a power house machine by any means as it is using an Ultrabook CPU rated at 15 watt tdp. Not sure what graphic design your doing but for basic Photoshop you shouldn't have a problem. If you start working with heaps of layers and large files it will struggle a bit. The i7 16gb version will run it better for sure.
You shouldn't have any dramas with web development or programming but keep in mind it's not a power house machine.
Hope this helps. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.
I purchased this laptop after considering getting one for two years, and have been using it for a month; so far, loving the decision. I have the i7 16GB 256GB version and got it for 15% off at JB during the Australia Day sale.
Features and comments:
- Design: beautiful and well-built, it feels solid, premium but surprisingly light. The screen is vibrant, but not the brightest. The 3:2 aspect ratio is fantastic; I’m not a fan of ‘widescreen’ (aka chop the top and bottom off).
- Keyboard: good travel and a pleasure to type on. Not the best; my previous HP ultrabook from 2012 has a superb keyboard, but given the options nowadays and the obsession with thinness (eg Apple butterfly keys), the surface laptop 3 keyboard would be above average.
- Speakers: impressive, especially given they’re built into the keyboard. Clarity is excellent, loudness is good.
- Specs: the i7 16GB is zippy, runs everything smoothly, no issues so far. Starts up in about 5 secs, shuts down within 2 secs.
- Battery life: I get about 7-8 hours with browsing, typing and watching online videos. Some competitors claim up to 11-12 hours, so I guess the surface laptop 3 comes out average, but compared with my old ultrabook which have me 3-4 hours on its last legs, I’m pretty happy.
- Ports: magsafe charging port, USB-C, USB-A and headphone jack. Acceptable but lacking for my liking, so I purchased a USB-C hub (mine is HooToo 8-in-1, which does the job and fills the void).
- Price: at RRP, the price is too steep given the specs ($2649 for mine, down to $2250 with 15% off). As neo suggests above, ideally wait for a 15-20% off sale.
Overall impression: extremely happy with the purchase, especially after I considered purchasing the likes of the Dell XPS 13, Huawei Matebook X Pro, HP Spectre and Razer Blade Stealth. The surface laptop 3 is the most complete package in my opinion, of the current 13” ultrabooks; the only drawback is the RRP. Would easily recommend the i7 16GB versions (may help to ‘future proof’ the device). Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask questions.
Thanks Brian, awesome feedback! If I didn't get the XPS 15 2-in-1 I would have got it because of your review. Cheers!
Mate, heads up, Microsoft has a sale at the moment.
Get onto it Wonderstache!
Cheers guys, I got the email notifications earlier. :)
I actually ended up going for the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 ($1k off!) because of the new 'screen crack' issues I've been hearing about the SL3.
Thanks for all the feedback about the Surface range, was suuuuper close to getting one!
No worries, glad you got a good deal in the end, which is what OzBargain is all about!
Damn, just read about this supposed issue! Wow, i'll have to keep an eye out on mine!
@neo: Funny you should say that; I felt I had to closely inspect mine just now; so far so good though. Hope yours is fine as well
I've got the i5 version and really like it. Battery life is great, nice and zippy, crisp screen but then again I'm just browsing the net, Word/Excel etc.
I've only noticed two issues:
1. Sometimes Night Light doesn't activate properly when waking from sleep
2. Sometimes the automatic screen brightness goes a bit haywire and automatically dims too low
They're not huge issues, most likely software bugs that will be fixed in time.