Microsoft's first laptop knocks out the MacBook and the iPad with one punch

When I finished high school, my parents bought me a brand-new desktop tower Windows PC, built to my exacting specifications, to take with me to college.

That computer wasn't one hundred percent perfect, with the occasional hiccup. But it was mine, and I loved it unconditionally. And I kept it for many years as my most prized possession.

The Microsoft Surface Book - the Redmond giant's first-ever laptop, released in late 2015 - is the first computer that I've ever loved in the same way, in the years since.

Surface Book commands an Apple-like price, starting at $1,499. But I like it better than any Apple MacBook I've ever used. And the Surface Book doubles as a full-blown tablet, making it a great iPad or Android tablet replacement, too. Seriously.

And while the Surface Book's launch was riddled with bugs, I'm pleased to report that Microsoft has stepped up with fixes and patches.

I could hug this thing. Actually, I think I will, give me a second here. Oh yeah, that's good.

Here's why I love the Microsoft Surface Book laptop so darn much.

Additional photos taken by Melia Robinson.