Excellent review full of solid information for everyone. I agree with your final assessment in that the hardware depends on the user. I've been using mine for about a month exclusively. As a freelance artist you have to be able to perform various tasks, and this computer is very versatile handling 3d, programming and 2Dart. I'm one of those that you mentioned who generally works with clean lines rather than paint so I use ClipStudio Paint with a little stabilizer on my GPen brush. It is butter smooth with a few option tweaks. A little tip that I've found out: I have also used my older Surface Pro 4 Pen and it actually has even less jitter than the new pen. You may want to try it out on yours if you have one available to see if it's the same.
Still rocking the OG version and still loving it. Great build quality and looks stunning 5 years later. But I'm not an artist, so I only use the pen to shoots and giggles, touch screen is great though even for browsing as is the precision trackpad. Thanks for the review! Once my laptop gets a little longer in the tooth in a few more years I'll see where the surface series stands compared to the market.
That was very informative and helped me to choose my options with more confidence that I was purchasing the right machine. Much appreciation for your research and review. Thank you.
I love the design , the monitor , the keyboard and the overall quality but i still think that the price is too high for what you get. the pen it's no too bad but in comparison to apple pencil and wacom emr it's by far less precise than it's not the best option for illustrator too . If they drop a little the price it can be a pretty good deal but for all these money you have tons of better options .
With prices going down I managed to put my hands on a SB3 i5/8GB for almost nothing. So I landed on your review……a great one, very honest! And reading your text review, at the end you said the i5 is good enough for photo editing. So I got it. I always loved the form factor and build quality, and I do use touch and tablet. Coming from an SP4 I definitely see the performance improvement, but…..I always wanted 16GB for my next laptop. I can return this and get a 16GB ram one with GPU. I wonder if the price difference is worth it in terms of real user experience. I must say I am impressed how well Win10 handles those 8GB….I do lots of research, note taking, occasional programming…..and Lightroom! Even Lightroom behave nicely. What would you say? I feel the gpu is not going to do a lot of difference day to day….and will bring some fan noise! But 16GB, if I see how Lightroom is keen on getting me to 90%….
First honest mention of battery life I have the 15" SB3 with Quadro and all the other reviewers mention 8-10hrs battery life that is a complete crock your looking at 3-5hrs normal to moderate use. The shill reviewers are easily spotted if they claim all day use.
all this years and people still dont know that the jitter is all about software. you get clip studio paint stabilization and goodbye jitter... incredible something that simple to fix is the main weapon for haters to bash a perfect product.
@@asdjesdsd It's really not that simple. As a linework artist I switch stabilization on and off with the task, because it trades line accuracy for line smoothness. Thankfully on my Lenovo Miix I have this option because it has almost no jitter. The jitter this device has is a dealbreaker for me.
Damn was just hoping for smaller bezels on the surface, better speakers and a better battery life. I would have thought for their 3rd iteration, they would have knocked it out of the park. Guess the iPad Pro is the way to go for me. Still a nice device. It would have been cool if they mimicked the surface pro x design.. now that is nice!
this seems a bit overpriced for the amount of power it has. for the same specs you can spend 2000$ u.s. with double the performance and double the ssd/hdd and for just 100$ more you can get 32gb of ram. I encourage people who feel like buying this for art to really shop around. maybe it's overpriced because of flashy things like touch screens or the fact that it's light and thin but you'd be wasting money for the sake of a few convienant options. great review! thanks for the info!
Thanks, that s a good tip, i have the exact same sony earbuds and they are in a silicon case too :) It will come in handy. I have just sold my Surface Book 1 with core I5 128 SSD and found another Surface Book 2 with core I7 8Go/256 for around 150 euros more... I would have preferred 16Go/512 SSD but those ones are hard to come by and it is what it is.
Was waiting for this, watched your comprehensive video on the sb2. Any reason why you decided to upgrade from 2 to 3? Did you get microsoft complete with it too? Its at SGD368 for just an extra year.. Fellow Sgrean here too, glad to be on the same boat. (-:
This is a review unit from Microsoft. Main difference is the graphics card upgrade. As for Microsoft Complete, personally I would probably get it just in case. These are incredibly difficult to repair since they aren't normal laptops.
Excellent review Teoh. Thanks so much. Can you tell us about its compatibility with monitors (ideally two), since it only has USB ports? I'm also wondering how it works with adobe animate app.
This was a really great review! Also (idk if this has been asked) I noticed that you had Maya on your desktop. Was the surface book able to run it smoothly?
I always experience the text and icon too small in this 4k screen, and the pen seems to have difficulty working with it, I am using Paintshop pro, things like rotate function, I have to switch to a mouse in order to make the experience more doable...
I can ask you about the gtx 1650 video card, normal PYn 1650 model, gddr6, my video card had broken for about a year, or 2, but it turned on until 2 months ago, I waited for replacement but weeks ago I ordered gtx 1650, the previous one was better but the prices were expensive or not much found, I spent 250 euros or Draw 2d, 3d sculpture I don't know how to use it, sometimes I tried, would blender work? In general for graphics can you use this graphics card?, my processor, I don't remember, it's i5 but before I had 9400f but it broke 2 years ago and they replaced it with i5 but less efficient, when I join pdf computer slows down for seconds or minutes, before changing processor it was a good pc. I was also thinking about trying not to spend on video card but I hadn't had a pc for weeks, it didn't turn on anymore. I think I had to look better for the video card. That's what I hope PC allows me to make various uses decently, more than 250 euros are many but the market in recent years was bad, now maybe it was improving if I saw better anyway for those who buy now I hope prices return to normal, thank you. For pc I will no longer spend, instead of repairing it in February I took a tablet with savings. Theoretically Can a tablet totally replace a pc for both 2d and 3d graphics? In many videos however they double the screen on iPad for pencil, can gtx 1650 be good for this too regardless of the criticism I read? Thank you for your videos, thank you all.
Hi Teoh , it's an amazing review . I think the problem of drawing comes from the software ( it doesn't support 100% stylus ) so that's why iPad is better on drawing than surface or any other hybird laptops . Isn't it ? Do you advice me to get an iPad for drawing and a normal laptop for editing my artwork ? Or to buy a laptop 1en2 ? Thank you
My general advise is to choose based on the software you want to use. If you already have a computer, it makes more sense to get an iPad. If you get a normal laptop, you still need something to draw on, eg iPad or draw on paper which you have to scan later on. So perhaps the iPad might be a better all-in-one device for making art.
You have also tested the Surface Book 2 - is the difference worth to spend some more money for the Surface Book 3? I need an all in one solution, I am studying graphic design, illustrating childrens books.
@@teohyc Thank you! I think both could be possible (refurbished ;-)). The iPad is probably better for drawing, illustrating than the SB3? I was looking for a solution with touchscreen (also for the laptop) because I am suffering from RSI.
My SB3 touchscreen stops working while drawing on quite a few apps - like Affinity designer, Rebelle3 ... I have gone through support about 5-6 times but no fix...even got it exchanged to a new replacement but still the same issue..anyone experiencing this problem too?
Hello Teoh: I have a Surface Book 2 and had issues with my trackpad, after talking to Microsoft of options and even taking my laptop into the Geek Squad at Best Buy I was told they are not allowed to open the Surface or repair them since they are sealed and can't be upgraded . I decided since my laptop is 2 months out of warranty and I forgot to renew my extended warranty because of Covid and the closures of stores everywhere It lapsed, so my only option was to call my friend and see if he could try to pop it out and see if he could fix it, well he cracked it and it's now totally unusable. I had to purchase a surface arc mouse and it works fine but I am looking into the best choice laptop for my next buy. I still love the Surface touchscreen but really would like some advise on if you think it would be my best option. I have watched your review on the new Surface Book 3 and have a few questions please. There doesn't seem to be much difference from the Surface Book 2 to 3 and of course I am wondering if it's worth my while to get another one. So I am an artist but I found that the Surface Book 2 I have I rarely use the tablet mode since the battery life is very low, only 1.5 to 2 hrs maximum detached from the base. So I bought a Cintiq which is far superior. So I would use my Surface for the touch feature on screen but not the tablet, I would need high CPU and Ram since I do use Photoshop, Illustrator and a few other graphic programs. The one I have now is only 8 GB Ram, So I would upgrade to the 16 for sure. I really am having difficulties in choosing the right laptop for my needs, would you be so kind to give me your input on this? Thank you so much, Krissy
If you don't use the tablet mode much, getting a normal laptop (with touchscreen) may make more sense. The selling point of the SB3 is you can draw on it. But I recommend comparing prices of a normal laptop + iPad (more accurate for drawing) or laptop + cheaper screen-less tablet. As for specifications, just take a look at Dell's XPS laptops, then compare with other brands.
@@teohyc I appreciate your input. I brought up to Microsoft that I was willing to pay for a new trackpad, I was told they won't ever open the pc ever. I told them so warranty expiring and issues like this you physically cant do anything about it. Yes, I agree I will check into this. Thanks so very much for your information, much appreciated. I hope you have extended max coverage on your Surface book because if you end up with any issues like I have, its a super costly situation to have to buy a new computer because you have no other options. still very shocked at this!
hey, i loved your review but can you please do a comparison on Acer Concept D3 ezel and surface book 3 i am reallt looking forward to it, it's a request @teohyichie
@@MightyDraws Drawing performance for SB3 is not the best. I've read issues with Wacom (see Amazon reviews). And both are kinda expensive. A better use of money, in my opinion, is to get a laptop + drawing tablet, or laptop + iPad Air 4 with Apple Pencil.
Great review. Thank you! Now im positive ill not buy one of these. This looks like an unfinished product. For me its unbelievable how bad microsoft develops its OS for so many years.
Your notebook has the failure! Battery life is 10hs using normal. After all the shit updates of firmware in book 2, downgrade to 4hs using normal. If you have a book 3, definitely must to long 10hs otherwise give it back.
@@teohyc I heard you don't use ruler, but for the review you could make exception :) From what I saw, the artist review should end there. Wobble is unacceptable.
Hard to find someone honest like you. Thank you
This might be weird... but I find your voice so relaxing. You are the tech bob ross
I find it weird so many people say that about my voice. lol
Great demos of the stylus' drawing performance. Thank you!
Excellent review full of solid information for everyone.
I agree with your final assessment in that the hardware depends on the user. I've been using mine for about a month exclusively. As a freelance artist you have to be able to perform various tasks, and this computer is very versatile handling 3d, programming and 2Dart.
I'm one of those that you mentioned who generally works with clean lines rather than paint so I use ClipStudio Paint with a little stabilizer on my GPen brush. It is butter smooth with a few option tweaks.
A little tip that I've found out: I have also used my older Surface Pro 4 Pen and it actually has even less jitter than the new pen. You may want to try it out on yours if you have one available to see if it's the same.
A typical great video! Keep up the awesome work and stay safe!
what an awesome review. really awesome. you actually put it through its paces in specific meaning professional ways. awesome. thanks
Still rocking the OG version and still loving it. Great build quality and looks stunning 5 years later. But I'm not an artist, so I only use the pen to shoots and giggles, touch screen is great though even for browsing as is the precision trackpad.
Thanks for the review!
Once my laptop gets a little longer in the tooth in a few more years I'll see where the surface series stands compared to the market.
We should make A4 paper the universal standard of measurement
Thank you! A great review.
Yey new video from Teoh!!!
I loved the way you explained everything, was looking for something like this. Thanks!
what an excellent and well rounded review. thanks!
That was very informative and helped me to choose my options with more confidence that I was purchasing the right machine. Much appreciation for your research and review. Thank you.
Great review! Thank you!
Really good video!! Thank you!
Great review, thank you very much!
I love the design , the monitor , the keyboard and the overall quality but i still think that the price is too high for what you get. the pen it's no too bad but in comparison to apple pencil and wacom emr it's by far less precise than it's not the best option for illustrator too . If they drop a little the price it can be a pretty good deal but for all these money you have tons of better options .
love your review
With prices going down I managed to put my hands on a SB3 i5/8GB for almost nothing. So I landed on your review……a great one, very honest! And reading your text review, at the end you said the i5 is good enough for photo editing. So I got it. I always loved the form factor and build quality, and I do use touch and tablet. Coming from an SP4 I definitely see the performance improvement, but…..I always wanted 16GB for my next laptop. I can return this and get a 16GB ram one with GPU. I wonder if the price difference is worth it in terms of real user experience. I must say I am impressed how well Win10 handles those 8GB….I do lots of research, note taking, occasional programming…..and Lightroom! Even Lightroom behave nicely. What would you say? I feel the gpu is not going to do a lot of difference day to day….and will bring some fan noise! But 16GB, if I see how Lightroom is keen on getting me to 90%….
If you're not going to be running many apps at the same time, 8GB should be sufficient
They should have went with Ryzen 4000 series 4700u / 4800u would have been perfect in this.
First honest mention of battery life I have the 15" SB3 with Quadro and all the other reviewers mention 8-10hrs battery life that is a complete crock your looking at 3-5hrs normal to moderate use. The shill reviewers are easily spotted if they claim all day use.
All these years and they still haven’t fixed the jitter huh.....
Maybe this is their feature :) ?
@@illustratorartist9555 Introducing the new Surface Jitter.
all this years and people still dont know that the jitter is all about software. you get clip studio paint stabilization and goodbye jitter... incredible something that simple to fix is the main weapon for haters to bash a perfect product.
@@asdjesdsd It's really not that simple. As a linework artist I switch stabilization on and off with the task, because it trades line accuracy for line smoothness. Thankfully on my Lenovo Miix I have this option because it has almost no jitter. The jitter this device has is a dealbreaker for me.
Damn was just hoping for smaller bezels on the surface, better speakers and a better battery life. I would have thought for their 3rd iteration, they would have knocked it out of the park. Guess the iPad Pro is the way to go for me. Still a nice device. It would have been cool if they mimicked the surface pro x design.. now that is nice!
this seems a bit overpriced for the amount of power it has. for the same specs you can spend 2000$ u.s. with double the performance and double the ssd/hdd and for just 100$ more you can get 32gb of ram. I encourage people who feel like buying this for art to really shop around. maybe it's overpriced because of flashy things like touch screens or the fact that it's light and thin but you'd be wasting money for the sake of a few convienant options. great review! thanks for the info!
Yeah I owned one, The novelty wears off fast once you realize it's shortcomings {lack of power, overheating and such)
Can recommend for me?
I thought the touchscreen is the point of a laptop for art wether it's PS AI or drawing...
video editing?
@@qiuhongyu5494 Yeah, I wouldnt regard a touch screen as "flashy" for computer art. More like a prerequisite
I am thankful for this video
Would be an easy buy if they just started using wacom pens
Hi
your videos are always fantastic, detailed, accurate and honest
does a 2in1 even exist without awful pen jitter
very important video, thank you
Useful thank you! 👍
Great video. Was looking into this laptop. I have the original version.
Thanks,
that s a good tip, i have the exact same sony earbuds and they are in a silicon case too :)
It will come in handy.
I have just sold my Surface Book 1 with core I5 128 SSD and found another Surface Book 2 with core I7 8Go/256 for around 150 euros more...
I would have preferred 16Go/512 SSD but those ones are hard to come by and it is what it is.
Was waiting for this, watched your comprehensive video on the sb2. Any reason why you decided to upgrade from 2 to 3? Did you get microsoft complete with it too? Its at SGD368 for just an extra year..
Fellow Sgrean here too, glad to be on the same boat. (-:
This is a review unit from Microsoft. Main difference is the graphics card upgrade. As for Microsoft Complete, personally I would probably get it just in case. These are incredibly difficult to repair since they aren't normal laptops.
Excellent review Teoh. Thanks so much. Can you tell us about its compatibility with monitors (ideally two), since it only has USB ports? I'm also wondering how it works with adobe animate app.
You can use the USB-C port to output video. But you can only use one, not two, external monitor.
Great video! thanks Teoh
Thanks for such details. Looks like for drawing Ipad Pro is still the best... But i am not sure. These sufferings of choice😎
can you maybe review the conceptD 3 ezel laptop ?
My first one over heated. They replaced it yesterday. Same issue. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. They have too many bugs
This was a really great review! Also (idk if this has been asked) I noticed that you had Maya on your desktop. Was the surface book able to run it smoothly?
It can run Maya alright. But I don't recommend creating very complex scenes/models
I always experience the text and icon too small in this 4k screen, and the pen seems to have difficulty working with it, I am using Paintshop pro, things like rotate function, I have to switch to a mouse in order to make the experience more doable...
I can ask you about the gtx 1650 video card, normal PYn 1650 model, gddr6, my video card had broken for about a year, or 2, but it turned on until 2 months ago, I waited for replacement but weeks ago I ordered gtx 1650, the previous one was better but the prices were expensive or not much found, I spent 250 euros or Draw 2d, 3d sculpture I don't know how to use it, sometimes I tried, would blender work? In general for graphics can you use this graphics card?, my processor, I don't remember, it's i5 but before I had 9400f but it broke 2 years ago and they replaced it with i5 but less efficient, when I join pdf computer slows down for seconds or minutes, before changing processor it was a good pc. I was also thinking about trying not to spend on video card but I hadn't had a pc for weeks, it didn't turn on anymore. I think I had to look better for the video card. That's what I hope PC allows me to make various uses decently, more than 250 euros are many but the market in recent years was bad, now maybe it was improving if I saw better anyway for those who buy now I hope prices return to normal, thank you. For pc I will no longer spend, instead of repairing it in February I took a tablet with savings. Theoretically Can a tablet totally replace a pc for both 2d and 3d graphics? In many videos however they double the screen on iPad for pencil, can gtx 1650 be good for this too regardless of the criticism I read? Thank you for your videos, thank you all.
You can change the pen sensitivity in settings.
I'm not a believer in surface - especially since the 1st generation version somehow has better drawing performance
Hi Teoh , it's an amazing review .
I think the problem of drawing comes from the software ( it doesn't support 100% stylus ) so that's why iPad is better on drawing than surface or any other hybird laptops . Isn't it ?
Do you advice me to get an iPad for drawing and a normal laptop for editing my artwork ? Or to buy a laptop 1en2 ?
Thank you
My general advise is to choose based on the software you want to use.
If you already have a computer, it makes more sense to get an iPad.
If you get a normal laptop, you still need something to draw on, eg iPad or draw on paper which you have to scan later on.
So perhaps the iPad might be a better all-in-one device for making art.
You have also tested the Surface Book 2 - is the difference worth to spend some more money for the Surface Book 3? I need an all in one solution, I am studying graphic design, illustrating childrens books.
Not sure if I would recommend this now since it has been out for a while. Do compare price of SB3 vs a laptop + iPad Pro.
@@teohyc Thank you! I think both could be possible (refurbished ;-)). The iPad is probably better for drawing, illustrating than the SB3? I was looking for a solution with touchscreen (also for the laptop) because I am suffering from RSI.
At 16:20 what is used to prop up the screen please? Seems ideal and I'd like to purchase a couple, or something similar if any ideas?
That's just the case for my wireless earphones. You can use anything to prop up the display as long as it doesn't scratch the back
Sony WF-1000-XM3
My SB3 touchscreen stops working while drawing on quite a few apps - like Affinity designer, Rebelle3 ... I have gone through support about 5-6 times but no fix...even got it exchanged to a new replacement but still the same issue..anyone experiencing this problem too?
Hi teoh,I wanted to know which tablet you use most of the time?
iPad Pro 2018
@@teohyc nice choice but which one 11 inch or 12.5inch
Which program do you use to draw?
Clip Studio Paint, Medibang Paint
Hello Teoh:
I have a Surface Book 2 and had issues with my trackpad, after talking to Microsoft of options and even taking my laptop into the Geek Squad at Best Buy I was told they are not allowed to open the Surface or repair them since they are sealed and can't be upgraded . I decided since my laptop is 2 months out of warranty and I forgot to renew my extended warranty because of Covid and the closures of stores everywhere It lapsed, so my only option was to call my friend and see if he could try to pop it out and see if he could fix it, well he cracked it and it's now totally unusable. I had to purchase a surface arc mouse and it works fine but I am looking into the best choice laptop for my next buy. I still love the Surface touchscreen but really would like some advise on if you think it would be my best option.
I have watched your review on the new Surface Book 3 and have a few questions please. There doesn't seem to be much difference from the Surface Book 2 to 3 and of course I am wondering if it's worth my while to get another one. So I am an artist but I found that the Surface Book 2 I have I rarely use the tablet mode since the battery life is very low, only 1.5 to 2 hrs maximum detached from the base. So I bought a Cintiq which is far superior.
So I would use my Surface for the touch feature on screen but not the tablet, I would need high CPU and Ram since I do use Photoshop, Illustrator and a few other graphic programs. The one I have now is only 8 GB Ram, So I would upgrade to the 16 for sure. I really am having difficulties in choosing the right laptop for my needs, would you be so kind to give me your input on this?
Thank you so much, Krissy
If you don't use the tablet mode much, getting a normal laptop (with touchscreen) may make more sense.
The selling point of the SB3 is you can draw on it. But I recommend comparing prices of a normal laptop + iPad (more accurate for drawing) or laptop + cheaper screen-less tablet.
As for specifications, just take a look at Dell's XPS laptops, then compare with other brands.
@@teohyc I appreciate your input. I brought up to Microsoft that I was willing to pay for a new trackpad, I was told they won't ever open the pc ever. I told them so warranty expiring and issues like this you physically cant do anything about it. Yes, I agree I will check into this. Thanks so very much for your information, much appreciated. I hope you have extended max coverage on your Surface book because if you end up with any issues like I have, its a super costly situation to have to buy a new computer because you have no other options. still very shocked at this!
I noticed that you have squid for the windows, how can you get this?
It may have been discontinued on Windows
The newer Windows design language is still more attractive than the dated Apple one. The simplicity in both goes a long way.
They have a beautiful camera and design but the battery life is a no for me
smh my asus keyboard has the option key and the control key on the right which i need!
don’t know what laptop i should get now
which is best for graphic desigh (as a beginner)
1)macbook pro 13
2)surface book 3
MBP 13 mostly for the battery life. But if you actually need to draw then Surface Book 3.
@@teohyc Thanks a lot! That would have been my question too : )
So uh.. does it work well with Autodesk Sketchbook?
It works fine
is good for programming :) the keyboard is mechanical ?? L
Not mechnical. But it's great for typeing
hey, i loved your review
but can you please do a comparison on Acer Concept D3 ezel and surface book 3
i am reallt looking forward to it,
it's a request
@teohyichie
Can i use CSP with my current license or is it a monthly fee for this device?
The subscription is a different license compared to other license
@@teohyc man... I wish it wasn't a subscription... sigh
@@teohyc would you recommend the Surface Book 3 or the Wacom mobile Studio pro 2nd gen for Art?
@@MightyDraws Drawing performance for SB3 is not the best. I've read issues with Wacom (see Amazon reviews). And both are kinda expensive. A better use of money, in my opinion, is to get a laptop + drawing tablet, or laptop + iPad Air 4 with Apple Pencil.
@@teohyc thank you for your insight 🙏🙏 you definitely help me make a choice!
Does Abobe Fresco work on this Surface book 3
Yes
@@teohyc thank you for responding
Great review. Thank you! Now im positive ill not buy one of these. This looks like an unfinished product. For me its unbelievable how bad microsoft develops its OS for so many years.
do you get to keep it?
No, got to return it
anyone using adobe illustrator with this computer?
I did not test for that though. But IPS panels usually don't have PWM issues many computer displays use IPS panels.
Whats the best equivalent to a one by wacom? Maybe a Huion model? If so, which one? I need a medium size.
That would be the Wacom Studio Pro.
Your notebook has the failure! Battery life is 10hs using normal. After all the shit updates of firmware in book 2, downgrade to 4hs using normal. If you have a book 3, definitely must to long 10hs otherwise give it back.
16:29 - This looks really bad, but who knows if it was you or surface. Use ruler, it suppose to be review.
same thing will happen with a ruler there's other videos of this, same digitizer tech as the last 2 surface books unfortunately
I don't use ruler because I don't draw with rulers. Anyway, did you see my hand shake?
@@teohyc I heard you don't use ruler, but for the review you could make exception :) From what I saw, the artist review should end there. Wobble is unacceptable.