Microsoft SURFACE BOOK3 13IN I58256

I purchased a new MS Surface Book 3, with a basic configuration in January 2021. It cost just under $2K with tax. The Warranty expired after a year. Just 5+ months later, the touchpad and USB ports don't seem to function. My computer looks fine. I do not believe it has suffered any trauma. So I called MS. They could not help me. I am in NYC. So I took it to the Microsoft Store. There, an employee looked at the computer, ran its 'troubleshoot' program in Settings (5 minutes), and told me it was not a software issue and must be a hardware problem. They could not help or send in for repair. Really, end of story -at Microsoft. And, for example, Best Buy's Geek Squad cannot provide service: I was told by an associate and a Manager there that under an agreement with Microsoft they are PREVENTED from making repairs. Apparently, there are no authorized repair shops for the Surface. The computer is two-part: a tablet and a keypad/touchpad with second battery (the "base"). The tablet, which has the mother board, chipset, screen and works independently of the base works perfectly, still. Only the base is broken: the touchpad does not work, and the lights on the keyboard do not come on. The base has much less of the technology in it -which is why it works as a tablet without it. Both at the Microsoft Store and in a telephone conversation with a MS customer support person, I was given only one option: Instead of a minor repair, I was given the option of turning in my computer and paying $599 (plus tax) for a refurbished replacement with a 90 day warranty. Let's consider this -I think it's an outrageous scam. Not only do they refuse to repair their expensive product, or "stand behind it," which is less than two years old, but in order to get a refurbished (used) replacement, I must also tender over my partly broken computer. How much is mine worth? After all the tablet still functions. I am sure they will repair the base easily -they will, in fact, do for themselves what they will not do for me, their customer. They will then re-sell my computer as "refurbished" to the next customer. So my cost to have a functioning computer, after having purchased one for about $2K, is $599, plus tax, plus the value of my old computer -which, even discounted for age, I would put at $800 conservatively. So, my cost to correct the problem is actually $599 + tax + $800. That is unreasonable, and less than any other major company does in support of its product. I bought the MS Surface Book 3 and went to the Microsoft Store expecting that they were -at least- like other computer companies, for example, Dell, HP, Lenovo and, especially, Apple. Each of these companies has computers that, when a part breaks, it can be changed out and repaired with a replacement part -after all keyboards and touchpads are simple discrete parts. I have had Dell, Lenovo and Apple. With the first two, you can go to an authorized repair company and they will replace the part -touchpad, keyboard or even harddrive. Apple goes even further and their customer service at the 'Genius Bar,' really no matter how old your computer or phone is. Sometimes they even give a 'loaner.' But Microsoft, in fact, does just the opposite. The company wants my computer to be obsolete as early as possible. After all, my computer was out of warranty only 5+ months. And it is not the case I expected something for free. But neither did I expect MS to try to squeeze me for as much money as they possibly could. So, apparently, there is no reasonable repair for my computer -unless I can find an 'unauthorized' repair shop that can get it working. Take this into account if you purchase one of their computers.

Its no Mac or ipad. Quality is not good. The screen consistently blanks out while working and it get annoying. The battery life is not as advertised it lasts about 8 hours. Return policy is bad so I cannot return it. I've only had it for 100 days. I do not recommend this model or the retailer who sells it.

Need to determine how to get second battery to add battery life

I upgraded to this from the original surface book (i5 128gb, 8g ram). The main reason for the upgrade was to add a USB-C hub to run presentation displays and rj-45 lan lines through. This one also doubled the storage and updated CPU. The screen is brilliant, very responsive (touch) and clean/crisp (visually). Facial recognition is effective. The smart pen is precise (using the one that came with the original surface book). The keyboard on surface books is a major selling point vis-a-vis the generic surface 2-in-1. This thing is a solid base with an extra battery. The touch pad is the best I've every experienced (same with the original surface book). It reminds me of a macbook. It's very responsive but also very sturdy without any of the unintentional touches or palm touches that I experience on other laptops and folio covers. The only down side - and this is incredibly annoying - is that there's only one USB-C connector on the keyboard base. It's located right next to the proprietary surface link. I want multiple USB-C interfaces. I don't need multiple USB-A. It's 2020. USB-C has become the standard for portable devices. Even the USB-C hubs only come with like 1 USB-C (for charging) and multiple USB-A. Again, we've entered a new decade. Let's evolve a bit, eh? How long has USB-C been out and we're still relying on adapters for backward compatibility on new equipment. I rarely detach the screen to go tablet mode, but I love that I can, and when I do use it that way, it's amazing. I'd do it more often if the rooms I work in had decent screen mirroring software.