Are there any alternatives?

You could choose from among the other Surface devices if you’re simply enamored with the brand. The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro X will give you better tablet experiences, and the Surface Laptop 3 is a more traditional clamshell offering. None of them, though, offer the same level of performance.

　　The only other 13-inch laptop to offer a similar level graphics performance is the Razer Blade Stealth. The Stealth is a bit cheaper, and you can get the GTX 1650 Ti model with options for either a 144Hz refresh rate display or a 4K touchscreen.

　　

How long will it last?

The Surface Book 3 is built like a tank and uses up-to-date components (other than the lack of Thunderbolt 3). It will give you years of productive service. You’ll also enjoy the 60-day return policy and year of in-store technical support if you buy from a local Microsoft Store, which is a real plus. The 1-year warranty, though, is standard and less impressive.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes. It’s 2-in-1 design and powerful graphics make it a one-of-a-kind laptop.

　　Hoping for a discount on the Surface or other laptops? Check out the best Microsoft Surface Pro deals and the best laptop deals we’ve found online.