Looking to expand the storage on your Surface PC? A great way to do that is with a microSD card, which many Surface devices support. If you're using a Surface Go, Surface Book, Surface Studio 2 or older, and Surface Pro 7+ or older, you're in luck. Expanding storage on those PCs is as easy as plugging in an SD card, which takes a little less than a few seconds.

Best SD cards for Surface Go, Surface Pro, Surface Book & Surface Studio

Which Surface PCs support expandable storage?

Not all Surface PCs support expansion of its storage via an SD card slot. Many of the most recent Surfaces, including the Surface Pro 9 and Surface Studio 2+, no longer support expandable storage in the form of an SD card or microSD card slot. However, many older Surface devices still do. Here's the list of all Surface PCs that support SD cards:

microSD:

• Surface Pro
• Surface Pro 2
• Surface Pro 3
• Surface Pro 4
• Surface Pro 5
• Surface Pro 6
• Surface Pro 7
• Surface Pro 7+
• Surface Go
• Surface Go 2
• Surface Go 3

Full-size SD card:

• Surface Book
• Surface Book 2
• Surface Book 3
• Surface Studio
• Surface Studio 2

The Surface Pro X, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Pro 9 all support the ability to upgrade the SSD directly without opening the device up, using an M.2 2280 drive. This is one of the reasons why the new Surface Pro's no longer support microSD card storage expansion. The Surface Studio 2+, Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Laptop, and Surface Laptop Go also support upgradable storage via the same M.2 SSD drive, but these devices will require the user to open up the device to access it.

Should I upgrade my storage with an SD card?

Adding a microSD card to your Surface PC is a great way to prolong its usefulness by giving you more space for apps and programs. Some Surface PCs to better than others at integrating the SD card reader, with devices like the Surface Go and Surface Pro hiding it neatly underneath the kickstand, making its inclusion seamless.

Other Surface devices like the Surface Book and Surface Studio do less of an elegant job, with the Surface Book's SD card reader on the side, and shallow so the card itself remains sticking out even when fully plugged in. It's the same story for the Surface Studio, though on there the card reader is on the back to it's a little more hidden.

Depending on the performance/class of the card you get, you should be able to treat the microSD card as additional storage, and Windows will allow you to install and run programs from it. Of course, performance of the microSD card won't be as good as your integrated storage, but it should be good enough for most applications such as Office, Slack, and Spotify.

What class and performance should I get?

There are many different performance classes of microSD card on the market, but you really only need to know about one: Class 10, A2, and U3. A microSD card with Class 10, A2, and U3 ratings is the top of the line, meaning you'll get the very best performance out of that card and should be able to install applications to it with no problem. 

In fact, most Class 10 cards should handle this task with ease. If you're unsure, grab one with a U3 rating to be doubly sure. Anything lower, and you might start to notice some issues when installing programs. Lower classes are better for storing files and music, not running programs from. 

Here's a breakdown of the different performance classes:

The Surface Go, and Surface Go 2 is the ultimate tablet that's also a pretty good laptop when required. Of course, no device is complete without an army of accessories to go along with it. Here are my recommendations for the best 10 Surface Go accessories that I currently use and that you should be checking out if you haven't already.

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If we're making suggestions

Whether you need to type, ink, or game, these are the best accessories you can get for the Surface Go right now. I personally love the CASION Sleeve as it makes keeping the Surface Go, along with my pens and paper, super convenient. If you like keeping things organized, this is the case for you.

Of course, I also recommend the Surface Go Type Cover, something that is essential for making the most of your Surface Go. Typing out a Word document or controlling your device with a cursor is sometimes vital, and the Type Cover enables that.

The Surface Pen is a great buy too if you think you're going to be inking on your display every so often. Sometimes, a little bit of digital ink can't be beaten in OneNote. Even using the pen as a more accurate pointer is occasionally useful, thanks to Windows 10's excellent pen support.

What you need to know

• The Surface Go, Surface Go 2, and Surface Laptop Go have new firmware updates available.
• The updates don't include any new features but do improve performance and address bugs.
• The Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 also received firmware updates recently.

Microsoft is rolling out Surface firmware updates left and right. Last week, the Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 received a firmware update. Now, the Surface Go, Surface Go 2, and Surface Laptop Go all have firmware updates. As is normally the case, the updates don't include any new features. They do, however, improve performance and address issues.

If you have a Surface Go, you'll see the following changes:

The Surface Go 2 changelog is largely the same, though it has more changes:

Here is the Surface Laptop Go changelog:

You should be able to grab all of the firmware updates through Windows Update now.

Microsoft today shipped out a new set of firmware updates for the Surface Go. Both the LTE and standard Wi-Fi models are included here. The biggest updates here are all related to improving the camera experience, but it's not entirely clear what's changed.

There are also various reliability and security updates, including some related to Surface Dock 2 and battery smart charging. Here's a look at the full release notes (via OnMSFT):

The new updates are available for both the Surface Go and Surface Go LTE for devices running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) or greater. You can snag these updates now via Windows Update.

The iPad and Surface are always compared, but the truth is they're two very different devices. Do you want a Windows PC or a tablet to consume media, browse the web, and play casual games on? Sure, you can do work on the iPad, even edit photos and videos, but the workflow is very, very different.

Comparing Apples to oranges (or Surfaces)

It's easy to compare the Surface Go to the iPad Air. Both are tablets, and generally speaking, the iPad is, still, about the best all-around tablet money can buy. It runs Apple's iOS, which is efficient, easy to use, and has an insane app library. The iPad has come a long way since the early days, and it's now not only possible but fairly easy to write, edit photos and videos, play games, and plenty more on an iPad.

Despite all of the pros, it's still limited in several ways. iOS, as good as it is, is still a mobile OS. Windows 10 is what you find on desktop and laptop PCs, complete with full mouse support, something Apple won't give to the iPad.

The iPad Air 3 is a really outstanding piece of hardware. Here's how it stacks up against the Surface Go when it comes to specs.

Even though the iPad Air runs an ARM processor and has less RAM, it will have the legs in terms of outright performance. Apple's platform is incredibly optimized, and the latest Air has similar internals to the iPhone XS. While you probably wouldn't want to edit many 4K videos on the Surface Go, the iPad Air will eat them up. Likewise, it'll be able to play some games from the iOS App Store that you wouldn't be able to enjoy to the same degree on the Surface Go from places like Steam.

Surface Go makes a great tiny laptop

The Surface Go 2 is a tablet and is sold this way, in that there's no keyboard included, but it's a full, 2-in-1 laptop. That means Windows 10, access to both Store and legacy win32 apps, a proper file system, mouse support, keyboard, digital inking, the ability to use external drives and accessories, and so much more.

Some of the iPad Air's media consumption capabilities can be applied to the Surface Go, as well, with apps for services like Netflix, Spotify, Plex, and many others. However, there are gaps. There's no Prime Video, for example, and the battery life when consuming media will fall short of the iPad.

However, none of this is really why you'd want a Surface Go. It offers a full PC experience in something you can toss in any bag. Write and draw with a pen, or use the Type Cover to get some work done. Use a mouse like you'd expect to on a laptop. Almost anything you would ever want to do on a PC you can do on the Surface Go. As a tablet, it is lacking. That's mostly down to the lack of truly touch-friendly apps and the fact Windows 10 also isn't as touch-friendly as iOS.

The iPad Air is a superb tablet you can work on

Generally speaking, the iPad lineup is where you go if you flat out want a tablet. That hasn't changed in years, and it certainly hasn't with the revival of the iPad Air. Apple's hardware and design are stunning, and the iPad Air boasts a beautiful display, a ridiculously slim form factor, a superbly-optimized OS, a huge app catalog, and now, even an optional keyboard and pen.

The biggest difference is the OS. MacOS is a more direct comparison and competitor to Windows 10, whereas the iPad Air 3 runs iOS, Apple's mobile platform. This means no proper file system, no mouse support, awkward multitasking, and a bunch of other issues you might come across if you're trying to use it as a laptop.

Simple things like dealing with email attachments and renaming files is an extremely convoluted process on the iPad. But that's also by design. Apple doesn't want the iPad to be a touchscreen Mac tablet. But with the scale of the iOS app catalog behind it, the iPad Air is an incredible tablet. Sure, you can use it to work, but you'll probably have to change your workflow, and at some point, if a laptop is what you want, the iPad will frustrate.

So do you want a laptop or a tablet?

If the answer is the former, Surface Go 2 is the one to go for. The iPad Air is more expensive, but it is a superior tablet if your use is a little more casual. The iOS App Store is rammed full of great apps and games, and for content consumption, it's an absolute champ.

What you need to know

• New firmware updates are rolling out for Surface Book 2 and Surface Go.
• The updates bring security and system stability improvements.
• Both updates are the first in months for each device.

Another round of firmware updates are now available for the Surface Book 2 and Surface Go. This marks the first firmware update for the Surface Book 2 since February, and it's the first for the Surface Go since July, 2019. Each set of updates focuses on bringing system stability and security improvements.

Here's a look at the improvements for each device.

Surface Go

• Surface – Firmware – 11.8.70.3626: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – System – 1914.12.0.1256: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – Software Component - 1.56.87.0: improves integration between system services, and addresses security updates.
• Intel – Extension - 1914.13.0.1063: improves integration between system services, and addresses security updates.
• Intel Corporation - Display - 26.20.100.7637: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – Extension - 26.20.100.7637: improves integration between system services, and addresses security updates.

Surface Book 2

• Intel Corporation – Display – 26.20.100.7639: improves graphics and system stability.
• Surface – Extension - 1914.13.0.1063: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – Software Component - 1.56.87.0: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – System – 1914.12.0.1256: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Bluetooth – 15.68.17018.116: improves connection stability and enables the support of new products.
• Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Net – 15.68.17018.116: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• NVIDIA – Display – 26.21.14.3218: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface – System – 5.91.139.0: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface - Firmware - 11.8.70.3626: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface - Firmware - 242.11.1.15: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface - Firmware - 242.0.1.5: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface – Firmware – 390.3192.768.0: addresses security updates and improves system stability.

If you own either device, you should be able to grab these updates now via Windows Update. For more on each, you can check out the Surface Update pages for Surface Go and Surface Book 2 now.

Microsoft Surface Go 2 vs. Surface Go tech specs

Design and features

The new Surface Go 2 shares the same dimensions and (essentially) the same weight, making it just as easy to carry around with you as the original Surface Go. These are both 2-in-1 devices that work comfortable as a tablet or notebook with attached keyboard and touchpad. Old Type Covers will work with the Go 2, as will the Surface Pen. The hinge for the built-in kickstand has been redesigned and the antenna cover is also a bit different, but overall the Go 2 has the same stellar design. Under the stand is still a microSD card reader you can use to expand storage.

The rear- and front-facing cameras on both devices are the same, with the rear set at 8MP (1080p) and the front at 5MP (1080p). However, for better audio quality on calls, there are two far-field Studio microphones on the Go 2. Both laptops also offer a front-facing IR camera for facial recognition through Windows Hello. Along the top edge of both devices is a power button and volume rocker for quick control when in tablet mode.

The Surface Go 2 has been stepped up to Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity compared to Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.1 in the original Go. You're going to see much faster wireless speeds in the newer version. Both can be had with optional LTE connectivity, and both are compatible with physical SIM. However, only the Go 2 adds the option for eSIM.

Display and inking

One of the major attractions to the refreshed Go 2 is a larger 10.5-inch display with a slimmer bezel. It holds onto the 3:2 aspect ratio for a boxy look that's slowly becoming more common. The original Go's 10-inch display has an 1800x1200 resolution, while the Go 2 has a 1920x1280 resolution with slightly higher 220 pixels-per-inch (PPI). The Go 2 looks more modern thanks to the rework, delivering more screen real estate for times when productivity is paramount.

Both displays feature 10-point multi-touch functionality and compatibility with a Surface Pen, delivering 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support for a natural inking experience. If you'd like a device that can handle note-taking and sketching, either of these excels.

Performance and price

There are several performance hardware changes with the Go 2 that will no doubt make it far more attractive than the original Go, at least for those who consider themselves more on the side of Power than Casual user.

The Go 2 has a slightly larger battery that is expected to add some life over what the Go was capable of offering (between seven and eight hours). The Go 2 also offers better Instant On so that you can get to work faster. With the Type Cover attached, all it takes is the keyboard to pull away from the screen to have the device turn on.

One downside of the original Surface Go is its relatively underpowered Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor (CPU). It has the performance to handle light productivity work and even some light gaming, but don't expect it to match up with modern Intel Core CPUs.

The Surface Go 2 has a similar Pentium Gold 4425Y CPU option that is close to the same performance as its predecessor. Still, it also has an 8th Gen Intel Core m3-8100Y option that significantly boosts performance. It has a lower base clock speed than the Pentium 4425Y, but the Core m3 has a boost up to 3.4GHz, whereas the Pentium is fixed at 1.7GHz. The updated Intel UHD Graphics 615 in the Go 2 is also tweaked by 50MHz for a nice little boost. We ran some benchmarks to see exactly how it stacks up to the Pentium CPU in the original Surface Go.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

GPU

Geekbench 4.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

3DMark

PCMark 10 (higher is better)

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

Write speeds are faster in the Go 2, but otherwise not much has changed. eMMC storage in the Go 2 should be far slower than the SSD alternative. You can, however, add up to a 256GB SSD option in the Go 2 Business version.

Elect the Go 2 for a larger display, better performance

The Surface Go 2's larger display, Core m3 CPU option, Wi-Fi 6, slightly larger battery, and myriad other improvements no doubt make it an attractive option, especially with it priced to closely to the original Go.

Look out for great deals on the original Surface Go

The original Surface Go doesn't measure up to the Go 2 in a lot of ways, but if you can find a model bundled with accessories and on sale, it might just be worth picking up. It's still a great little PC you can take anywhere, just with fewer features.

The Surface Go 2 and microSD

Because the Surface Go 2's storage capacity is relatively limited (the SSD is only 128GB), it's a device that significantly benefits from the large amount of storage that a microSD card can provide. Thankfully, the Surface Go 2 has a microSD card slot, so you'll have no problems using a microSD card with the device.

If you're looking for a card to pair with the Surface Go 2, we recommend the Samsung EVO Select. It has excellent read and write speeds and can be configured to have anywhere between 32 and 512GB of storage, so it will be perfect for you no matter how much extra storage you want or need.

Why get a Surface Go 2?

In addition to the fact that it supports microSD cards, there are plenty of other reasons to get a Surface Go 2, too. Its Core m3-8100Y CPU offers a substantial step-up in performance compared to the 4415Y found in the original Surface Go; this processor makes the Surface Go 2 feel like an actual laptop and not just a tablet. Also, the Intel UHD 615 GPU is noticeably stronger compared to the original device's graphics hardware as well. Even the SSD speed is increased, which means that you'll be able to transfer data to and from the drive at a quicker pace. Overall, these hardware improvements make the Surface Go 2 incredibly satisfying to use.

On top of this, the Surface Go 2's display is excellent as well. It sports a higher color accuracy rating than the first Surface Go's and also comes with thinner bezels, which is always excellent. The system wake-up speed has been improved too, as has battery life. In terms of connectivity, all variants of the device come with compatibility for Wi-Fi 6, and if you want it, you can pay extra for 4G LTE connectivity. Overall, the Surface Go 2 is simply a beefed-up Surface Go that features a similar price point to the original, making it a fantastic device.

What you need to know

• Alleged specs for the Surface Go 2 have leaked online.
• The leaks show that the Surface Go 2 could have Intel m3 and Intel Pentium variants.
• The leaks line up with some previous rumors and reports about the Surface Go 2.

Alleged specs of the Surface Go 2 recently leaked online. Twitter user rogame shared the alleged specs, which state that the Surface Go 2 will have Intel Core m3 and Intel Pentium variants (via Tom's Hardware). Specifically, the leak states that the Surface Go 2 will have variants powered by the Intel Core m3-8100Y processor and the Intel Pentium 4425Y processor. If accurate, the specs mean that the Surface Go 2 will see a significant bump in its second generation.

The first-generation Surface Go runs on an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor that hits 1.6GHz. The leaked specs show a model with an Intel Pentium CPU 4425Y processor running at 1.70GHz with two cores, four threads, and no base boost. The potential Intel Core m3-8100Y variant would run at 1.10GHz, have two cores, four threads, and a boost speed of 3.4GHz.

Rogame states on Twitter that both models use the same SSD as the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Pro X.

As is the case with all leaks, these figures need to be taken with a grain of salt. The specs shared here do seem plausible, as they line up with some previous reports and rumors about the Surface Go 2. In our roundup of the Surface hardware we expect this year, we pointed to Geekbench scores that show a Surface Go 2 running the same Intel Core m3 processor shown in these recent leaks.

Update: Microsoft has since released Surface Go 2. Because nothing has changed with that device regarding size and ports, it works just as well as Surface Go 1 with this Kensington dock.

Kensington is no stranger to making high-quality business-focused laptop and PC accessories. My review of the SD7000 Surface Pro docking station demonstrated how the Surface Pro could become a mini Surface Studio in what is undoubtedly one of the coolest accessories available.

This time it is the Microsoft Surface Go and Surface Go 2 that gets the docking treatment with the SD6000. I've spent the last few weeks using it and here is why it's excellent, and who should buy it.

SD6000 Surface Go Docking Station – Who is this for?

When first announced, the $350 SD6000 Surface Go Docking Station was mocked as being unrealistically too expensive. That would be accurate if this were being marketed as a direct consumer device, but it is geared towards "B2B" (business to business) users instead.

Kensington sees this being sold – likely in more substantial quantities – to companies for various professional use cases where a Windows 10 PC is necessitated, e.g.:

• Point-of-sale locations
• Check-in counters (like at hotel or restaurant)
• Mobile carts
• Store kiosks
• Education environments
• Conference rooms

Of course, anyone with the cash and desire can also buy it directly too. By connecting it up to multiple monitors with a full desktop keyboard and mouse, the Surface Go could quickly become your primary computer – if you're OK with the somewhat anemic Intel Pentium processor.

SD6000 Surface Go Docking Station – What is it?

The SD6000 Surface Go Docking Station is a high-end, rugged port-expanding dock station. The system is built to let the Surface Go act as the main PC or connect to extra monitors or projectors.

Users can lock-down the Surface Go using Kensington's K62918WW or K63251M keying solutions, or even add a privacy screen.

There is a massive amount of connectivity options that the SD6000 delivers, including:

• 4x USB-A 3.1 ports (5V/0.9A)
• 1x USB-C 3.1 port for data synchronization (5V/3A)
• 3.5mm combo audio jack
• Gigabit Ethernet port
• HDMI out and DisplayPort++ (Single 4K @ 60Hz; Dual 4K @ 30Hz)
• Surface Pen magnet mount

The system is powered by a standard Surface Dock AC power plug at 90 watt (included in the box).

While the SD6000 doesn't quite have the fancy hinge as the Surface Pro's SD7000 dock, it does allow the Surface Go to be tilted at various angles with ease. The Surface Go can then be locked into the dock, and the dock itself cabled to a desk so that nothing can be stolen.

Although it is unlikely for public use, there is even a magnetic side mount to hold a Surface Pen when not in use. Such a scenario is better for personal or office use than a public kiosk since there is no way to lock down the Surface Pen (unless you do a glue-chain).

It's a solid, beefy dock too that weighs a massive 5.55 pounds (2.5kg). That weight is due to the rigid construction, but also likely added so that the dock doesn't slide around (rubber feet also help it grip).

Kensington offers a three-year warranty on the SD6000, which is ideal for businesses and enterprise usage.

SD6000 Surface Go Docking Station – Verdict

In using the SD6000 Surface Go Docking Station for the last few weeks, it's hard not to appreciate it. Connecting an external display (up to 4K) with a full mouse and keyboard makes it an exciting "all-in-one" PC solution for some users who swear by the Surface Go. Adding Ethernet to the back along with four USB Type-A ports (and a Type-C one) gives infinite expansion possibilities.

For hotels, restaurants, stores, and businesses use the SD6000 seems like an excellent (and really the only) choice. The quality and heft of the SD6000 are substantial, and for those businesses that need a small, touch-screen Windows 10 PC out in the open, this dock checks all the right boxes.

Should a regular consumer buy it? It's hard to justify the $350, but if you are really fixated on just using the Surface Go all the time, then it is fantastic. Slide the Surface Go into and close the latch (which houses the Surface Connect), and you now have a full-PC setup. By using Windows 10's native screen expansion ability, you could use a large 4K display and still ink and draw on the Surface Go.

While we don't have any information on a Surface Go 2 yet, my guess is Kensington would not release this were the Surface Go 2's design to make it obsolete (it's one reason Microsoft keeps the Surface Pro line so consistent), but only time will tell.

Overall, Kensington continues to impress with these "made for" Surface accessories. They let businesses deploy Surface Go and Surface Pro for professional markets, and they're essential to have as options. That and the Kensington name makes this easy to recommend the SD6000 Surface Go Docking Station to businesses who need such a solution.

What you need to know

• Kensington announced the Surface Go Docking Station.
• The docking station turns your Surface Go into a tiny desktop resembling the Surface Studio.
• The docking station has a plethora of ports, an optional Kensington lock, and a hinged design.

Kensington announced the Surface Go Docking station, which turns your Surface Go into a tiny desktop (via MSPU). Kensington's Surface Docking stations are a creative and attractive way to get the most out of your Surface device. They provide a wide range of ports to increase your device's versatility and feature a hinge that allows you to use the device at various angles.

The Surface Go Docking Station has a similar design to the company's other Surface docking stations. It's a similar gray color to the Surface Studio and other Surface devices and has a hinge that lets you seamlessly move the device up and down. One notable difference is that the Surface Go Docking Station does not feature the same floating design of the Surface Pro Docking Station and the Surface Studio. The Surface Go Docking Station can tilt up and down, but can't raise and lower as it tilts.

The Surface Go Docking Station has 4 USB-A 3.1 ports (5V/0.9A), 1 USB-C 3.1 port for data synchronization (5V/3A), a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. It also can come with an optional Kensington lock module for added security. You can connect the docking station to multiple monitors through DisplayPort++ or HDMI.

When our executive editor Daniel Rubino reviewed Kensington's docking station for the Surface Pro, he said, "I can say that it is the best accessory to date for the favorite 2-in-1." The Surface Go Docking Station doesn't feature an identical design, but it's similar enough to turn heads.

The Surface Go Docking Station is available for $350 on Kensington's website.

Technology is designed to help us make our day-to-day life experiences smoother, and there's arguably nobody who will appreciate that more than university students. The life of a student can be (and often is) incredibly hectic, as you're always scrambling to tackle your next assignment, keep track of all your notes, and more. As a studying undergraduate myself, I'm always looking for ways that my studying, notetaking, and overall campus life experience can be streamlined. Over the holidays, I recieved a Surface Go — and after using it for my first week of classes, I can definitively say that it is the single best piece of tech I've ever used in my educational career.

Defining what it means to be compact

Weighing in at just 1.7 lbs (with keyboard) and taking up only 9.6" x 6.9" x .33" of space, the Surface Go defines what it means for a convertible laptop to be compact. Not only is it practically as light as a feather, it's also small enough to slip into almost any pocket you'll find on any backpack or tote bag.

The small size and weight of the Surface Go is incredibly valuable to students, as they already have to carry too much every day between textbooks, notebooks, and other supplies. Being able to easily slip a mini-PC into my bag without having to sacrifice carrying other items is awesome, and it gives me the flexibility I need as a full-time student.

Dependable and reliable performance

While the Surface Go is by no means a powerful machine, it nevertheless delivers reliable, consistent performance that is perfect for what a student needs a compact 2-in-1 laptop for. The Intel 4415Y processor and 4 GB of RAM (models with 8 GB are available) can power multiple web browser tabs and productivity programs like Microsoft Word or PowerPoint simultaneously without any slowdown at all, and you can also use recreational apps like Spotify or Netflix too in the event that you want to listen to some tunes while studying or catch up on a TV show between classes. The Surface Go has a solid battery life too; depending on how bright you keep the screen and how heavily you tax the CPU, it can last anywhere between 5-7 hours, which will be sufficient for the needs of most students. If you need it to last longer, you can recharge it fairly quickly at a plug with the device's Surface Connect charger. The USB Type-C 3.1 port, which is primarily used for speedy data transfer, can also double as a charging port in a pinch.

In terms of the display, the 10-inch 1800x1200 screen looks great. It has 99 percent sRGB and 76 percent Adobe RGB color accuracy, which is better than other devices on the market, including some Surface Pros. On top of that, the display has a maximum brightness of 435 nits, which is good for sunny conditions — perfect for when you want to spend some time outside on campus grounds.

Lastly, the optional (but heavily recommended) Surface Go Type Cover is hands down one of the best keyboards I've ever used. The Alcantara fabric is pleasant to the touch, but also firm and sturdy. The low-profile keys are lovely to type with, and the trackpad is smooth and precise. People who are used to larger devices will probably need some time to adjust to the smaller size of the keyboard, but once you do, you'll be in love. And when you consider how often students take notes or write papers, a keyboard you'll love using is worth every dollar. It's also worth noting that the Surface Go also works wonderfully with the Surface Pen for things like highlighting passages or drawing in art classes.

Easy on your bank account

If I've learned anything during my three years in college, it's that the people in charge are happy to bleed your wallet dry with tuition payments. Therefore, saving money is an incredibly important thing that every student has to strive to do. Everyone doesn't have upwards of a thousand dollars or more to drop on a hybrid laptop, and those people are exactly who the Surface Go is perfect for.

For just around $500, you can get your hands on the entry level Surface Go and its Type Cover, which is an absolute steal. Aside from the killer price, the best part about this is that the entry level device will be the best one for most students; while the increase in RAM and storage that the other options offer is beneficial, I think what the base model offers is more than sufficient. You might want to get a more expensive option if you work with a lot of video in your classes, but otherwise, students aren't losing much by opting for the most affordable version. College campuses typically have Wi-Fi that works indoors and out, so the version of the device that has LTE won't be worth the price hike either.

Overall, the Surface Go's budget-level pricing makes it a very enticing option for students, and when you consider how reliably it performs and how compact it is, it's clear why the device has cemented itself as an invaluable tool for students around the world.

What you need to know

• Brydge has new keyboards in store for Surface devices.
• Laptop-style keyboard accessories are expected to launch in the second quarter of 2020 for Surface Pro and Surface Go.
• A Surface Pro X keyboard is expected in the second half of 2020.

Brydge already makes Surface keyboards that'll turn your tablet into a proper laptop, but it is set to grow its range significantly this year. Dropping before CES 2020 next week, Brydge announced a new set of keyboards for Surface Pro tablets, the Surface Go, and Surface Pro X (via Engadget). For desktop PCs, the company also has a new keyboard and trackpad in store as well.

The Brydge 12.3 Pro and Brydge 10.0 Go are both set to launch in the second quarter of 2020. Surface Pro X owners, meanwhile, can expect to get a Brydge Pro X keyboard in the second half of 2020.

For each device, you'll get a Bluetooth keyboard and glass trackpad surface that allows you to dock your Surface in its hinges like a laptop display. The current crop of Brydge keyboards are made out of aluminum and pack up to three months of battery life on a single charge. If you're looking for something a little more "lappable" than the Surface Pro Type Cover, then these may be the ticket.

In addition to its Surface keyboard lineup, Brydge also has some accessories in store for desktop PC users. The new W-Type keyboard and W-Touch trackpad will give you a set of wireless accessories to use at your desk. Both are expected to launch in the second quarter of 2020.

There's no pricing information available for these devices just yet. However, if you want to get an idea of what Brydge is cooking up, the current Brydge 12.3 is available for $130 for Surface Pro devices.

These two Surface devices both live up to a high expectation of quality and design. Though they're both portable, the Go is undoubtedly meant to be a device you can tuck under your arm for casual computing, while the Pro 7 is more of a powerhouse 2-in-1 that promotes versatile performance. Let's take a look at the specs to see how these two devices differ.

Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Go tech specs

Design and features

The Surface Pro 7 doesn't stray far from the Pro design we've come to expect. It brings a slim tablet chassis with folding kickstand on the back, removable Type Cover keyboard and Precision touchpad, and brilliant touch display with inking support for the Surface Pen.

Most of the real changes to the Pro 7 come on the inside, though one advancement we're welcoming is the addition of a USB-C port for added connectivity. The Pro 7 still holds onto a USB-A port (which the Go lacks), as well as Surface Connect, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The Surface Go is a smaller, more portable version of the Pro. It sacrifices performance and battery life for portability, but it's still a premium Surface device that lives up to the set standard. It's the same thickness as the Pro 7, which makes it seem a bit chunkier due to the overall smaller footprint, and it has a rotating kickstand on the back to prop up the tablet. It also works with a Type Cover if you'd like to add a Precision touchpad and keyboard, and the high-res touch display is compatible with the Surface Pen for a great inking experience.

The Pro 7 does not have optional LTE connectivity for staying in touch wherever you go. For that feature, you'll have to opt for the LTE-enabled Surface Go, which costs about $679. Thanks to the 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs, the Pro 7 does offer Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for blistering wireless speeds where available.

Ultimately, if you're looking for the most portable 2-in-1 between these two Surface products, the Go is your best bet. However, if you're interested in optimal performance or the best inking experience possible, the Pro 7 can't lose.

Display and inking

The Pro 7's 12.3-inch display is essentially the same as the Pro 6, with a 3:2 aspect ratio, 267 PPI, and 2736x1824 resolution. It offers a brilliant picture, and the larger size allows for easier multitasking compared to the Go. The Surface Pen with the Pro 7 offers a natural inking experience, with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt function. It is also compatible with the Surface Dial, but only for off-screen interactions.

The Go's smaller 10-inch touch display is no slouch, with a 3:2 aspect ratio, 217 PPI, and 1800x1200 resolution. It also offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, as well as off-screen Surface Dial interactions. The Go does not have the same co-processor for lower latency, however, so the overall inking experience isn't going to match up with the larger, pricier Surface Pro 7. The Go is great for jotting notes and making sketches, but for those with serious artistic ambition in mind, the Pro 7 should be a much better fit.

Performance and price

The portable Surface Go isn't meant to be a powerhouse, and the hardware options reflect that. The Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y CPU is a dual-core chip that's cut out for productivity and some light gaming, but it's not going to get you into any specialized work. To compare, it performs just below a Surface Pro 4 with Core m3 CPU in terms of raw processing power.

You can add 4GB or 8GB of RAM to the Go depending on your budget and performance needs, and there's likewise the option for 64GB of eMMC storage or a 128GB SSD. The eMMC storage is quite slow, so if you have room in the budget, we recommend jumping up to the 128GB mark. The baseline Go, with 64GB storage, 4GB of RAM, and Pentium CPU costs about $389, far less than the entry Pro 7 model. If you're interested in 128GB of SSD storage, 8GB of RAM, and LTE connectivity, the price jumps up to about $679.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4.0 (CPU) (higher is better)

PCMark

PCMark 10

GPU

Geekbench 5.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

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The Surface Pro 7, which starts at about $883, is much better cut out for heavy multitasking, gaming, and even some specialized work. 10th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 "Ice Lake" CPUs are going to offer the best performance (Iris Plus graphics are impressive), but if you're on a tight budget, the Core i3 model will still beat out the Pentium Gold chip in the Go.

You can outfit a Pro 7 with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, making it much more prepared for life as your only device. Price does play a far more obvious role here, though, as decked-out models with Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD cost about $2,300. Battery life from the Core i5 Pro 7 hits eight hours from a charge.

Go with the Surface Pro 7 for best performance

Thanks to 10th Gen Intel Core "Ice Lake" CPUs, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to a 1TB SSD, the Surface Pro 7 is ready to tackle a heavy workload. It also delivers a better inking experience, and its larger display is better designed for multitasking. However, it does cost quite a bit more than the Go and does not include optional LTE connectivity.

The Surface Go offers ideal portability

The Surface Go might not offer the same level of performance or quite the same inking experience, but it costs a lot less and still reigns as an ultraportable 2-in-1 with optional LTE connectivity. It's likely best used as a secondary device — one that you can shove in a bag or under an arm when heading out the door — but it can certainly as your lone companion if you're mostly tackling productivity work.

The Surface Go with LTE is finally available, and with it comes a steep price for the experience.

But how is the $679 Surface Go with LTE Advanced overall? I spent the last few weeks with one, and while it's even more fun to use, the overall lackluster battery life keeps it from being truly great.

What's new with Surface Go with LTE Advanced?

If you want the full details of the Surface Go as a daily Windows laptop see my previous review, which covers the display, performance, design and more.

For the Surface Go with LTE Advanced, Microsoft offers the nimble laptop in one configuration for consumers with a Pentium Pentium Gold 4415Y processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for $679. The same version without an LTE modem is also available for $549. This version ships with Windows 10 Home in S mode.

Because Surface Go with LTE Advanced is also aimed at businesses that need a device for first-line workers (FLWs) and field operators, there is a version with 256GB of storage that can be configured with Windows 10 Pro in S mode or without S mode. That version is substantially higher priced at $829 due to the Pro license and more storage.

The only difference with these models and the non-cellular version is a Qualcomm Atheros LTE-Advanced modem and a nano-SIM slot on the left-hand side of the device.

Surface Go LTE Advanced mode

The Qualcomm Atheros modem used in Surface Go with LTE Advanced is quite a performer. It is SIM-unlocked so you can drop in any SIM from any carrier and it should work with one of the 22 LTE bands available.

However, one area that is lacking is support for embedded-SIM (eSIM) tech. Many of the ARM-based Windows 10 devices like the Lenovo Yoga C630 ship with both physical SIM and eSIM letting users switch dynamically between the two. Having eSIM means you could also buy data in one-time chunks versus a monthly recurring SIM plan.

Data speeds with AT&T easily hit 60 Mbps to 80 Mbps with only a few bars, and uploads speed easily maxed at what is offered in my area.

Microsoft does an excellent job with the reception and antenna placement on its devices. While the Surface Go doesn't get the hidden antenna tech treatment like the more expensive Surface Pro with LTE, it still works quite well and is reliable.

Windows 10 handles a cellular connection also with ease, only switching when Wi-Fi is inadequate or unavailable. Users can configure this behavior to "never switch" and even on a per-app basis for exceptional granularity. There is an option to toggle cellular off to prevent all possible data usage, but the OS is smart enough to handle things on its own without user management.

Battery life is the killer

Perhaps the biggest flaw with Surface Go and the Surface Go with LTE Advanced is battery life. Battery life is pegged at 8 hours for the non-LTE version and 7.5 hours with a 4G modem. Those are idealized video-loop tests, though, and real-world usage for both versions is closer to 5 to 7.5 hours of real-world usage depending on the tasks completed.

Without using LTE at all and just leaving the cellular radio on, there is not much of a hit on battery, which is why Microsoft estimates a 30-minute difference. In my tests, that seems to hold, as I did not notice any difference between the two versions.

There's a flipside to all of this: Because of LTE, you can use the Surface Go in more places, more often than without. Waiting in line at your local diner? Fire up the Surface Go as a tablet and read the news or check Twitter. At the airport and Wi-Fi quality is terrible? No worries, you have LTE.

But it's because you can use the Surface Go with LTE more often that this mediocre battery life catches up quick. This problem is where the argument for always-connected Windows 10 PCs powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors come into play. Had the Surface Go with LTE used a Snapdragon 850, you maybe get 12 hours of battery life instead of seven.

Microsoft is in a bit of a hard place here. Intel's Pentium delivers decent performance but also just a pure Windows experience with no compromises. Windows 10 on Snapdragon (ARM) can run Microsoft Store apps just fine, but it falters when you veer towards "classic" Win32 desktop apps. The issues with Qualcomm will be fixed through software, but it's all about nine months too early for the general public. So, Intel it is, and with it comes that average battery life.

Where can you buy Surface Go with LTE?

The Surface Go with LTE is now available in the U.S. and other countries. Eventually, Microsoft will be selling this model in all the same markets as the regular Surface Go. A full list of currently availability is below.

• US
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Hong Kong
• UK
• Ireland
• France
• Germany
• Austria
• Belgium
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Denmark
• Finland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Poland
• Taiwan
• Italy
• Portugal
• Spain
• Malaysia
• Thailand

Areas in the Middle East and India are liking coming in later months.

So should you buy Surface Go with LTE?

Using the Surface Go with LTE is even more fun than without having 4G connected. I've said this about previous Windows devices with LTE, and they become significantly more useful when you have an always-connected experience.

The Surface Go fits into that mold, but it also stands out because it's so diminutive. That small size makes you want to take it everywhere, as the 1.7 lbs feels like nothing in a small bag. With decent standby battery times and the ability to hop onto the internet by just turning it on, the Surface Go is truly a useful and productive machine. There's just no other Windows 10 option on the market like the Surface Go with LTE.

There are two issues though with Surface Go with LTE Advanced: price and battery life. Pricing is $679, but that is without the keyboard ($99 to $130) or optional Surface Pen ($99). Were you to get all three items, the price nears $900. That's a high price point for something that will fall short of eight hours of battery life. For $100 more, you can pick up the Samsung Galaxy Book2, and for $100 less you could get the Lenovo Yoga C630 – both of which will nearly double the battery life of the Surface Go. Users could even pick up a Samsung Chromebook Plus with LTE for $599; sure, it has a Celeron processor and just 4GB of RAM, but that price is easier to swallow with those compromises. Even a 128GB iPad 9.7 with LTE is "only" $560 beating the Surface Go by nearly $120.

The idea behind Surface Go is excellent, and the execution of that idea is nearly perfect. But for $900 with somewhat ungainly bezels, a merely OK processor, and battery life below eight hours, it gets increasingly hard to justify. That's a shame, because using the Surface Go with LTE Advanced is fun for personal use, and it could be nearly essential for some workers.

The uptick is that Type-C port makes it easy to charge on the go with an external battery pack or even a phone charger. But, ideally, this is not something people should have to think about or plan for when heading out.

In other words, if you can live with the compromises and don't mind shelling out the cash, the Surface Go with LTE Advanced brings an all-new experience to the world of computing. But for most consumers, the era of a truly always-connected, always-on nimble Surface is just not here yet.

Related reading and tips

• Surface Go full review
• Surface Go: How to switch out of Windows 10 in S mode
• How to reinstall Windows 10 Home in S mode on your Surface Go
• Microsoft Surface Go with 64GB eMMC storage – How much slower is the $399 model?

What you need to know

• The Surface Go Kids Bundle includes a pair of JBL headphones and a Gumdrop FoamTech case.
• The bundle saves you at least $40 when compared to buying the items separately.
• The bundle starts at $442 on the Microsoft Store.

A Surface Go Kids Bundle is now available from Microsoft. The bundle includes a non-LTE Surface Go, a pair of JBL headphones, and a Gumdrop Foamtech case. The bundle is at least $40 cheaper than if you purchased the items separately, but savings vary because the bundle has multiple options for headphones and keyboards. The bundle was first spotted by Aggiornamenti Lumia.

The Surface Go is a comfortable little 2-in-1 that can be used as a tablet or as a computer. It's small enough to use as a tablet for media consumption but large enough for productivity tasks. In our review of the device, executive editor Daniel Rubino called it "downright fun."

The bundle has options for either the 64GB version of the Surface Go with 4GB of RAM or the 128GB version of the Surface Go with 8GB of RAM. You can also choose between the JBL JR300 headphones or the JBL JR300 BT headphones, the latter being the wireless option. There are also two options for the included case, but they appear to be the same case in two different color options.

When you build your bundle on Microsoft's website, the site breaks down your savings. You'll save at least $40 with the bundle, but your exact savings will vary basesd on which items you choose.

These two Surface devices are built with mobility in mind, and they're both built to a high standard. The Go is more of a casual device that you can tuck under your arm and take to the cafe, while the Pro X is more of a professional's tool with better performance and a larger display. Let's take a look at the specs that make up these two devices.

Surface Pro X vs. Surface Go tech specs

Features and design

The Surface Pro X is a bit of a departure from the Pro design we've come to expect. It still has roughly the same footprint as the Surface Pro 7, but the display has been stretched out to 13 inches thanks to slimmer bezel along the sides. It's also quite a bit thinner than the Pro 7, and it even manages to come it a hair thinner than the ultraportable Surface Go.

The Surface Go still reigns when it comes to weight, starting at just 1.15 pounds (522g), but the Pro X isn't far behind at 1.7 pounds (774g). Both devices should prove to be welcome travel companions, but if you want the most mobility, opt for the Go. It also provides a more rounded selection of ports, including one USB-C 3.1, a microSD card reader, Surface Connect, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the other hand, the Pro X comes with two USB-C 3.1, Surface Connect, and a Nano SIM slot. Note also that the Pro X is capable of handling two external 4K displays at 60Hz through USB-C (Gen 2), while the Go is only capable of a single external 4K display with USB-C (Gen 1).

While the front-facing camera on both devices is essentially the same at 5MP (1080p), the rear-facing camera on the Pro X bumps things up to 10MP (4K). The Go's rear-facing camera is stuck at 8MP (1080p), so if you're concerned about image and video quality, the Pro X is no doubt the better choice. Both devices offer LTE connectivity to keep you connected even when there's no Wi-Fi, but only the Pro X offers eSIM and physical Nano SIM options.

Both the Pro X and Go employ a folding kickstand on the back to keep the tablet propped up, and combined with an attachable keyboard and touchpad, you can turn either into a productivity machine. However, keyboards for both models are sold separately, and you'll also have to shell out extra for an active pen. The Surface Go's Type Cover offers a comfortable (if slightly cramped) backlit keyboard and Precision touchpad, and the Surface Pen connects magnetically to the side of the tablet when not in use.

The Pro X's keyboard is larger to match the overall size of the tablet, and it has a backlit keyboard and Precision touchpad. Built into the hinge portion is a storage bay for the new Surface Slim Pen, which keeps the pen charged and better protected when you're on the move.

Display and inking

The Surface Go has a smaller 10-inch touch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 1800x1200 resolution. Pixels-per-inch (PPI) measures out to 217, which is really not bad at all. The picture is quite beautiful, and the Surface Pen can be used with it for a quality inking experience. If you're interested in multi-tasking, though, the Pro X's larger 13-inch display is probably better suited.

It also has a 3:2 aspect ratio for a boxy look, and it has a 2880x1920 resolution for a 267 PPI. The picture is going to be sharper, and it reaches up to about 450 nits for easier outdoor work. The Surface Slim Pen is likewise going to offer a natural feel. Overall, artists or design pros are likely going to want to opt for the Pro X thanks to the larger display and better performance from the Adreno 685 graphics.

Performance and price

All models of the Surface Go cost less than even the introductory Pro X model, but for a good reason. While the Go is using an Intel Pentium 4415Y CPU, the Pro X is ARM-powered with a custom SQ1 CPU that's essentially a beefed-up Snapdragon 8cx. The Pentium chip has two cores and a base clock of 1.60GHz, while the SQ1 boasts a 3GHz clock and eight cores. You're going to get far better CPU performance from the Pro X, and it also boasts an Adreno 685 GPU with two teraflops of power. Again, this easily trounces the Go, so if you want the best performance possible, you have to stick with the Pro X.

However, ARM-based PCs do have some limitations. OpenGL games won't work on ARM, and the device is overall better suited for web and scripted apps. Despite ARM chips having to emulate x86 apps, they should still run better on the Pro X. In terms of fun, we'll have to do our own testing to see precisely how well the Pro X runs, and don't expect it to be your next gaming machine. Keep in mind that Project xCloud, Microsoft's upcoming game-streaming service, can turn almost any device with a steady internet connection into a quality gaming platform.

Storage is another point of contention, with the Go offering either 64GB of slow eMMC storage or a speedier 128GB SSD. The Pro X can be had with up to 512GB of SSD storage, and the hardware is removable if you want to upgrade in the future. Finally, the Pro X can be configured with up to 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, while the Go is capped at 8GB of LPDDR3.

Bottom line? Introductory Pro X models start at about $999, but they're going to offer far better performance and battery life than you get with the Surface Go. If you just want a casual 2-in-1 for light productivity work, web browsing, and a bit of light gaming, the Go starts at about $390.

The Surface Pro X is better cut out for professional performance

The ARM-powered Pro X brings a thin and light chassis, knockout 13-inch touch display with pen support, and LTE connectivity to keep you connected everywhere. It beats out the Surface Go in raw performance and battery life, making it the better pick for anyone who has more professional goals in mind. It does, however, cost significantly more than the Go.

The Surface Go is an affordable and portable 2-in-1

This miniaturized Surface Pro doesn't match up to the performance in the Pro X, but it's much more portable and will still offer an excellent 2-in-1 experience. Optional LTE connectivity can keep you connected anywhere, and the 10-inch touch display is brilliant, especially combined with a Surface Pen. It's also a much cheaper option compared to the Pro X.

The Surface Go and iPad are two top-notch tablets. But not all tablets are created equal, and that is never more apparent than when comparing anything to the iPad. Apple is still the biggest single player in the tablet space, so it's the standard of quality these days. However, you might want a Surface Go just because it's more of a laptop than a tablet. Let's examine the case for buying the iPad and the Surface Go to help you make an informed purchase decision.

Surface Go vs iPad 10.2 tech specs

Why you should buy an Apple iPad 10.2

If you just want a tablet, the iPad is arguably the best choice you can make right now. The latest regular model starts at just $329, and you get 32GB of internal storage and Wi-Fi only. Add $100 and you get 128GB of storage, and the cellular models start at $459. All models have the same processor, RAM, battery and display, and iOS is optimized to run like a dream on it.

You can currently get the Surface Go with LTE, but it'll cost you more money than the same privilege on the iPad. Believe it or not, you can get the latest iPad for $70 less than a Surface Go.

The latest generation iPad also supports the Apple Pencil, so for an additional $99 you can get to digital inking, something that used to be exclusive to the iPad Pro. If you want to get some typing done, there are a number of keyboards you can use with the iPad. (In comparison, Microsoft's Surface Pen starts at about $72.)

Honestly, that's not why you should buy an iPad. Regardless of Apple's marketing message, the iPad is not a traditional computer, at least, not in the sense you've come to understand. The interface is 100% touch, and as a result, it's perfect for a tablet. It's also nestled behind that 10.2-inch display, which is slightly higher resolution than on the Surface Go. It may well be one of Apple's older displays, but it still looks fantastic, and just about edges out the Surface Go on how colors and text look as well as pure resolution.

That's why you should seriously consider the iPad. If you want a tablet, that is, a mobile computing device to run your favorite apps and games, consume video content, listen to music, browse the web, interact with social media and a host of other things, the iPad is pretty much as good as it gets. Windows 10 in tablet mode doesn't come close to the quality of experience you get from the iPad.

The App Store is absolutely chock full of incredible apps and games, and for many, it truly is all the computer they'll ever need. You can do work on one, but that's not why you should buy one. You should buy one for everything else you use a tablet for.

Why you should buy a Microsoft Surface Go

Apple has in the past talked about "what's a computer" in its iPad marketing. But the meat of the matter is that if you're looking for an actual computer, a mobile PC, something to replace your laptop or desktop for productivity, the Surface Go is easily the best choice.

Let's start with some basics: It is what you'd class a "proper" computer, at least compared to the iPad. It's a full Windows 10 machine with a full version of Windows 10 S that you can unlock to enable access to non-Store applications and other features. The Surface Go doesn't just work with a keyboard, it's designed that way, and it has proper mouse support, something the iPad still does not, despite its recent accessibility update.

So, while the Surface Go has a touchscreen, you don't have to use it. Just use it like a laptop and the workflow you're used to.

As a bonafide tablet, the Surface Go isn't quite as nice as the iPad, but it can be used this way, and Windows Ink support with the Surface Pen add-on gives you a tremendous digital notepad at your disposal.

The Surface Go is a little more expensive, starting at $399, but you get do get 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM. And Windows 10. It's a point worth repeating, because as good as the iPad may be, it's still using a mobile OS, and however you approach it, you have to change your workflow to get a lot of things done on an iPad.

Windows 10's app store might be a significantly less fleshed out than Apple's, but it's still packed with plenty of goodies to help you relax when you're done working, including Netflix, Spotify, even iTunes. There's also the possibility of running any compatible desktop application when you're out of S Mode.

The biggest strength of the Surface Go is its OS. There's no limitation, no change to your workflow, no problems with running the software you need and no trouble getting real work done. The Surface Go is a mini PC, even if it falls behind a little as just a tablet.

Apple iPad vs. Microsoft Surface Go: The bottom line

Both Microsoft and Apple make great tablets, and you can certainly work and play on both. On the iPad, there are more restrictions to how you go about working, and if you're keen on the keyboard, and in particular mouse, it's hard to look beyond the Surface Go.

As a purely tablet purchase, the iPad is hard to top. Windows 10 tablet mode isn't the greatest (to say the least), the App Store is jammed with quality apps and games, and it's even cheaper than the Surface Go at the entry level while also supporting inking with the Apple Pencil.

But for anything else, the Surface Go is a better choice. There's less compromise, Windows Ink is excellent, and what you have is a tiny tablet that runs the same software as your larger laptop or desktop PC. It's a true replacement for a laptop.

Ahead of every big device launch, there comes the inevitable speculation on what new hardware and features are on the horizon. Watching the pace of the evolving tech landscape is what makes covering it so much fun, and this annual cycle is very much a part of that.

However, there's one area of the annual refresh hype train in which it's healthy to practice some genuine skepticism: benchmark "leaks."

A tale of two benchmarks

This week, we saw two alleged benchmarks pop up for what are reported to be upcoming Microsoft Surface devices. One is alleged to be for a Surface Go that sports an Intel Core m3 processor, while the other is thought to be either a Surface Pro or Surface Laptop with one of Intel's new "Ice Lake" CPUs.

Both are upgrades that would make sense for this refresh cycle. Plus, with this year's Surface event less than a month away, it's not surprising that we might see Geekbench scores starting to trickle out (these scores were dated April and June, respectively). Digging up benchmark scores from Geekbench, however, doesn't necessarily indicate anything concrete.

To put it simply, benchmarks can be, and have been, faked.

This is particularly true in the Android space, but it can be done with PC hardware, too. Even if Geekbench reads directly from a processor for an ID, the data eventually has to pass through a network and application to be reported, which means it's possible for someone who wants to expend the time and effort to manipulate it.

Fakes and mistakes

That might sound like a lot of work for little gain, but it's been done before. Someone in the Android modding community recently faked a benchmark for a Xiaomi "POCO F1 Lite" by running a Geekbench test on a phone that had some system files modified to report a different device ID. I'll save you the dirty details, but XDA Developers has a great rundown of the whole saga, along with some examples of just how easy it is to pull this off.

There's also the complication of reports that might be legitimate but reflect a configuration that never makes it to market. While it's unclear whether this was precisely the case with the new Samsung Galaxy Book S, it was widely rumored that the laptop would ship with a Snapdragon 855 chip based on a "leaked" benchmark. Once the Galaxy Book S was announced, it was revealed to be running on the Snapdragon 8cx platform.

As for why anyone would want to fake a benchmark, it's most likely "for the lulz" and trolling tech blogs, as was the case in the Xiaomi POCO F1 Lite example. What matters is that benchmark leaks are an exceedingly unreliable indicator of what's coming down the pike, and it's worth exercising an abundance of caution when you see reports based on them.

Circling back to Surface, it's certainly possible that a Core m3-based Surface Go is in the works. Likewise, it would make sense for Microsoft to slot Intel's new Ice Lake chips in a new Surface Pro or Surface Laptop. But take any benchmarks you see with a massive grain of salt.

As for me, I'm eagerly awaiting a tease for the rumored dual-screen Surface "Centaurus" ... though I'll beware any leaked benchmarks

All the new Surface hardware we expect to see on October 2 in NYC

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle and several Surface devices are on sale through the Microsoft Store.
• Many of the sales end on September 2, 2019, though some continue later into September.
• Essentials bundles for the Surface Laptop 2, Surface Go and Surface Studio 2 are also on sale.

The Surface savings continue to roll through the Microsoft Store. Several Surface devices and bundles went on sale last month. Many of these sales were set to end on August 10, but the Surface deals page lists multiple offers that run into September. The Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle is available for up to $330 off depending on the variant that you choose, and there are also sales on the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Go. Many of the sales end on September 2, 2019, so you'll need to act quickly to get the best deals.

The Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle is one of the best deals currently listed and it is one of the deals that ends on Labor Day. You can save $330 on the Intel Core i5 version with 256GB of storage. That brings the price down to $999 compared to its standard price of $1,329. You can also save $260 on the cheaper Intel Core i5 variant with 128GB of storage, bringing the price down to $799.

The most affordable Surface on sale is the Surface Go + Platinum Type Cover bundle. It's $80 off, bringing the price down to $519. There are also Essentials bundles available on the Surface Laptop 2 (up to $50 off), Surface Studio 2 (up to $100 off), and Surface Pro 6 (up to $80 off).

You can find all of the Surface deals on Microsoft's website right now.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

The Microsoft Surface Go with 128GB is down to its lowest price yet at Amazon for just one day only as part of its Deals of the Day. Now down to $385.63, today's sale saves you nearly $115 off its regular cost and beats out recent sales we saw over the summer which brought it closer to $400.

This recently updated model of the Surface Go has a 10-inch PixelSense touchscreen display and only weighs about 1.15 pounds, which is crazy light. The battery life lasts up to nine hours, and it comes with Windows 10 S. This device is equipped with an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, a USB-C port, the Surface Connect charging port, and a headphone jack. Another brilliant feature is its ability to be used in various positions, from Laptop Mode to Tablet Mode to Studio Mode, when used with the Surface Go Keyboard Cover.

Check out our review of the Surface Go for more insight into this machine. The review gave it 5 out of 5 stars and calls it "arguably the most fun Surface created yet. It's adorably small, the performance is excellent, battery life respectable and it's a great inking experience."

It's impotant to note that the Surface Pen and Surface Go Keyboard Cover aren't included with the Surface Go, so you might want to add one or both to today's order to ensure your new Surface Go can accomplish everything it was made to do.

The Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Go are two very similar, yet very different devices. Featuring the same design, the Surface Go is just a smaller and less powerful Surface Pro 6, but that's not a bad thing if you're the type of person who only uses their PC for light computing on the go. If you need more power and a bigger screen, the Surface Pro 6 is a much better choice, although you'll be paying a premium for it.

Tech specs

Design and features

When it comes to design, the Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Go are two very similar devices. They both feature a magnesium chassis which feels excellent in the hand, and a kickstand that sits flush with the chassis when not in use, but can be pulled out with ease when needed. Around the back, you'll find a shiny Microsoft logo on the kickstand, which looks clean along with the "platinum" color option available on both devices.

One difference in color choice is that the Surface Pro 6 is also available in black, while the Surface Go is only available in platinum. The black Surface Pro 6 has a slightly different texture to it, making it slightly more grippy and easier to hold. It's still magnesium, but it might show scratches a little easier as underneath the black coating is the silver magnesium.

When it comes to ports, the Surface Pro 6 includes your bog-standard USB-A 3.0 port, along with a Mini DisplayPort, which is great for projecting your Surface to a larger monitor. It also has the Surface Connect port which is used for charging and hooking up to Microsoft's official Surface Dock. The Surface Go omits the USB-A port and Mini DisplayPort for a single USB-C port instead, which means you might need a dongle for hooking up your USB drives.

Both devices feature microSD card expansion slots under the kickstand, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for music. Both also have Type Cover accessories, although the Surface Go's accessories are different from the Surface Pro 6's due to the difference in size. You'll find the Surface Go Type Covers are also a little bit cheaper than the Surface Pro 6's.

Display

Around the front, the Surface Go features a smaller 10.1-inch display, compared to the Surface Pro 6's 12.3-inch display. This means the Surface Go is a much more compact machine, making it an excellent choice for those who are constantly on the go and want something small and light to take with them. The Surface Go's resolution is 1800x1200, which is around the 1080p mark. It's a crisp and clear display, but if you want something better, the Surface Pro 6 is a better choice.

On the Surface Pro 6, you'll find a much higher resolution of 2736x1824, which brings with it a far crisper image for things like photo editing. The bigger 12.3-inch display is also great for getting more on screen at once, something to consider if you work with multiple apps all at once. Both displays feature 10-point multitouch capabilities, and even support for the Surface Pen, although the Surface Pro 6's should have better inking performance.

The Surface Pro 6 also supports the Surface Dial accessory on the screen, meaning like the Surface Studio, you can place the Surface Dial directly onto the Surface Pro 6's display when laying down and use the Surface Dial for on-screen functionality. The Surface Go only supports the Surface Dial with off-screen use.

Performance

When it comes to performance, both the Surface Pro 6 and the Surface Go sit in two different categories. The Surface Go is a device for casual users, who often only use their PCs for light workloads such as Office, email, Spotify, and casual web browsing. The Surface Go, with its Intel Pentium processor, is not a powerful machine, but it should be more than fine for daily tasks and light users.

If you want to do any heavy lifting work, or plan on using your device with multiple apps all at once, the Surface Pro 6 is a better choice. Featuring an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, the Surface Pro 6 is a great choice for editing photos in Photoshop, editing 1080p videos, and multitasking with multiple heavy apps open all at once. If you're a tabaholic in Chrome or Edge, the Surface Pro 6 will have a better time keeping all those tabs in memory.

Go with the Surface Pro 6 for better performance

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 offers more performance, which means you'll be able to do more with it when required. If, however, you know your workload isn't too heavy, you might be better off saving a couple hundred bucks and opting for the smaller, more portable Surface Go instead. Still offers the same great design, but in a much cheaper and smaller package.

Microsoft's Surface Go is great for light workloads on the go

The bottom line here is that the Surface Go just doesn't measure up to the power and capabilities of the Surface Pro 6. However, if you're looking for a casual machine for travel and know you won't be doing much computing, you can save a few bucks going with the Surface Go. There's also a version with LTE so you can always remain connected.

What you need to know

• Multiple Surface devices are on sale right now.
• Many of the sales last until August 10.
• There are also several bundles available, including Surface devices plus accessories.

Surface savings are upon us thanks to several sales at the Microsoft Store (via OnMSFT). There are deals on the Surface Pro 6, Surface Book 2, and several bundles that includes Surface devices and accessories. The sales come just in time for back to school shopping. Many of the sales last until August 10, though some sales are part of a separate promotion and end earlier.

You can save $260 on the Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle. The Surface Pro 6 on sale in the bundle is the Intel Core i5 variant with a 128GB SSD and 8GB of RAM. Both black and platinum are listed on sale, but platinum is out of stock. There is another deal on the Surface Pro 6 that allows you to bundle the Intel Core i7 Surface Pro 6, the Type cover, and the Surface Pen for $1,470. That is a savings of $383, though note that the bundle including the Surface Pen expires on August 3.

You can save $100 on Surface Book 2 devices right now. The cheapest Surface Book 2 is down to $1049. That deal is for a 13.5-inch version with a seventh generation Intel Core i5 processor. You can save the $100 on any Surface Book 2 model right now, all the way up to the fully loaded 15-inch version with the eighth generation Intel Core i7 processor.

There are also several Surface Essentials bundles that include a year of Office 365. You can get a Surface Go Essentials Bundle for only $598 and several other deals.

You can find all of the Surface deals on Microsoft's website right now.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

What you need to know

• The Surface Go and Surface GO LTE received a firmware update.
• The update resolves security vulnerabilities.
• The Surface GO LTE also has a system update available.

Both the Surface Go and Surface GO LTE have firmware updates available. The updates address potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013. The firmware update for both reads:

In addition to the firmware update, the Surface Go LTE also has a system update. The text breaking down the update is mostly the same as that of the firmware update.

The update is available for all Surface Go and Surface Go LTE devices running the Windows 10 April 2018 Update or greater. There are no other fixes or changes listed for either device. You can stay up to date and look back at previous updates for the Surface Go, Surface Go LTE, and all Surface devices on the Surface update history page.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

What you need to know

• The Surface Go has a new firmware update available.
• The update improves pen performance.
• It also improves touch performance.

Microsoft's Surface Go has a new firmware update available. The June firmware update doesn't bring any new features but improves performance for the device and a key accessory (via WindowsBlogItalia).

As is the case with most firmware updates, it doesn't bring any new features but instead focuses on improved performance. The update brings improvements to pen support and touch support for the Surface Go. The Surface Go is a great companion device for when you're on the move thanks to its compact size and support for touch, pen, and keyboard. Any improvements to these core aspects of the device will help improve the device experience.

If you're using a Surface Go, you should be able to grab the latest firmware updates now via Windows Update. These updates are available for devices running the Windows 10 April 2018 Update or later.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

Microsoft's Surface Go is designed to be about as portable as possible while still offering acceptable productivity performance and a premium build quality, while Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Tablet is more of a workhorse that fits into a 2-in-1 chassis. You'll find far more powerful hardware in the X1 Tablet, though it does not come without a significant jump in price.

Tech specs

Design and features

These two 2-in-1 devices are both meant to be carried around while on the move, but the Surface Go lends itself more to portability thanks to a smaller 10-inch chassis (compared to the X1 Tablet's 13-inch chassis) and lighter overall weight. These are both well-built devices that have, in our use, put up with regular abuse, but only the ThinkPad X1 Tablet has undergone MIL-STD 810G durability testing for a bit of extra peace of mind.

Both devices have a built-in kickstand on the back to prop up the display — especially useful when a keyboard is attached — and both fold back almost flat for times when you want to draw with a pen. The Surface Go's price does not include a Type Cover keyboard or a Surface Pen, which together add about $230 to the price of the tablet. The X1 Tablet does include a ThinkPad Pen Pro and keyboard in its price, which does help bridge that cost gap that is no doubt a big factor.

The X1 Tablet's detachable keyboard emulates as closely as possible standard ThinkPad keyboards with comfortable cupped keys and TrackPoint system with red pointer and physical buttons above the touchpad. The Go's Type Cover, which has an Alcantara fabric finish, is also a great addition that offers a satisfactory typing and pointing experience, and a final decision will likely come down to personal preference.

Surface devices are generally a bit behind when it comes to ports, and the Go is no different, at least compared to the X1 Tablet. The Go has USB-C 3.1, a microSD card reader, Surface Connect, and a 3.5mm audio jack, meaning you'll likely be investing in dongles and adapters before long if you have multiple accessories. With the X1 Tablet, you'll likely also be investing in dongles, but you do have more flexibility with two Thunderbolt 3, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

If you want to stay connected no matter where you go, both devices have optional LTE connectivity, though in both cases you will shell out more. You'll pay over $100 more for a Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 in the X1 Tablet while adding a Qualcomm Atheros modem in the Surface Go adds a few dollars more.

Both devices keep security in mind, with secure login methods and TPM and dTPM chips. The X1 Tablet adds FIDO certification and a fingerprint reader to its optional IR camera, while the Surface Go comes standard with IR camera but does not feature a built-in fingerprint reader.

Display

Touch displays with 3:2 aspect ratios can be found in both laptops, though the X1 Tablet's display has a 3000x2000 resolution that trumps the 1800x1200 resolution found in the Surface Go. The X1 Tablet's display is also larger at 13 inches, making it a bit better for productivity, though it's not quite as portable as the Go's 10-inch offering. We tested color reproduction on both of these devices and they came out about the same, with 99 percent sRGB for both and 75 percent AdobeRGB for the X1 Tablet and 76 percent AdobeRGB for the Go.

All X1 Tablet models come with ThinkPad Pen Pro included, which offers tilt support and 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. You're getting a great inking experience, though to connect the pen to the tablet when not in use a plastic pen clip is used, which is inferior to the magnet found in the Surface Pen. The Surface Go and Surface Pen likewise offer 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support for an outstanding inking experience, and again a final decision will likely come down to personal preference. Keep in mind that you will pay extra for the Surface Pen while the ThinkPad Pen Pro comes included in the price.

Performance

A lot of the price difference between these two devices lies in the performance hardware. The Surface Go's Pentium Gold 4415Y isn't exactly a powerhouse though it can handle just about all usual productivity tasks, while the X1 Tablet's 8th Gen Intel Core i5 and Core i7 CPU options make the Go's performance pale in comparison. The X1 Tablet can also be configured with up to 16GB of RAM (the Go tops out at 8GB) and up to a 1TB PCIe M.2 solid-state drive (SSD), whereas the Go has only up to a 128GB SATA SSD.

We ran a bunch of synthetic benchmarks on both systems to get an idea of how performance compares.

CPU

Geekbench 4.0 Benchmarks (Higher is better)

GPU

Geekbench 4.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

The Go's eMMC storage option is painfully slow, while its SATA SSD does boost performance. However, the M.2 PCIe SSD in the X1 Tablet nearly triples the Go's best read speed and blows the write speed completely away. You can upgrade the SSD in the X1 Tablet yourself as well, a feature not available on the Go.

It's clear from these benchmarks that you're going to get far superior performance from the X1 Tablet, though its cost starts at about $1,550 without discounts while a baseline Go model starts at a much more affordable $399. Even after adding a Surface Pen and Type Cover, you won't pay as much for the Go.

As for battery life, the better performance from the X1 Tablet knocks it down to about six hours from a charge, while the Go's battery and less demanding hardware add up to between 7–8 hours of life from a charge.

The ThinkPad X1 Tablet makes a far better business partner

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Tablet brings superior performance across the board, making it easier to tackle large projects. Its display is larger and has a higher resolution, and the included pen brings a satisfactory inking experience. It is heavier and larger than the Go, making it not quite as portable, but dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, fingerprint reader and IR camera, and ThinkPad keyboard with TrackPoint system will undoubtedly be worth the added weight for some.

Stick with the Surface Go for a more casual 2-in-1

You're not going to get the same performance or a display with as high of resolution from the Surface Go, but you will get a premium and portable 2-in-1 that comes in a lot cheaper than the X1 Tablet, even after adding a Type Cover and Surface Pen. You can add LTE connectivity to stay connected everywhere, and you will get better battery life. If you're looking for a 2-in-1 that can come with you everywhere to handle regular productivity tasks, this is an outstanding option.

We've spent plenty of time with each of these devices, and though they're both Surface 2-in-1s, the Pro is better suited for those who need the power of a standard laptop. It's still a portable device, but the Go is smaller and overall better suited for those on the move, and it still has hardware suitable for everyday productivity tasks.

Tech specs

Design and features

The Surface Go's chassis, compared to the Pro, has more rounded edges and corners that make it a bit easier to hold onto in tablet mode. It is smaller and lighter — the Go weighs in at just 1.15 pounds (0.52kg) without the Type Cover attached compared to the Pro's 1.69 pounds (0.77kg) — but it's made up of a single chunk of magnesium, just like the Pro. Both have kickstands on the back that can rotate out 165 degrees that allow you to type or draw with ease.

Both have front- and rear-facing cameras at 5 and 8 megapixels (MP) respectively, and both devices also have IR cameras with facial recognition that makes logging in through Windows Hello a snap. When it comes to ports, however, the Go has USB-C 3.1 while the Pro is stuck with USB-A 3.0, a difference that means more if you plan on using your device for years into the future. The Pro has a Mini DisplayPort for connecting video, both have Surface Connect for attaching a dock, and both have a microSD card reader for expanding storage.

If you need LTE capabilities, both the Pro and Go have the option. As for accessories, the existing Surface Pen — sold separately for about $100 — works flawlessly on both devices, and both have Type Covers — also sold separately — with Precision touchpads and an Alcantara fabric finish.

The keyboard on the Go is definitely small and might take a bit of time to get used to, but it's perfectly functional. Still, if you're planning on using your Surface to type on all day, the larger size of the Pro's keyboard might make more sense. The best thing to do here is try out both in person to see which you prefer.

Display

Despite the larger bezel and lower resolution, the Surface Go's touch display is quite impressive. For color accuracy, it hits 99% sRGB and 76% AdobeRGB, slightly higher results than the Surface Pro's 97% sRGB and 75% AdobeRGB. You get more real estate on the Pro's 12.3-inch display and there is less bezel, which definitely counts for something, but the Go seems set up to work more as a tablet with lots of space to hold onto, especially with a Surface Pen in-hand.

The Pro has a higher resolution than the Go — 2736x1824 compared to 1800x1200 — but the smaller overall size of the Go makes it less noticeable. Both have a functional 3:2 aspect ratio, and both have magnets in the side to hold the Surface Pen when not in use. If you love to draw, know that both devices support tilt when inking.

Performance

While these two devices are meant for separate purposes, performance isn't quite as lopsided as you might think. Both have all-day battery life, meaning you can leave your charger behind when you head out. Yes, the Pentium processor (CPU) in the Go is outperformed by the Surface Pro's Core CPU lineup — you can expect about double the performance from i5 and i7 models — and integrated graphics in the Pro likewise double what the Go has to offer.

However, when it comes to storage, the Go with 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) beats out the Pro in terms of sequential read and write speeds. The Go, in testing, hit 1,185MB/s read and 546MB/s write, while the Pro was able to hit 847MB/s read and 801MB/s write. Word of warning: The Go also has a 64GB eMMC storage that performs significantly slower.

Conclusion

The fifth-generation Surface Pro — not to confused with the newer Surface Pro 6, which we also compared to the Go — is still a strong option if you'd like a 2-in-1 device that can handle the performance needs often seen with a desktop PC. There are plenty of configuration options available, it has a larger display than the Go, and it's compatible with all Surface accessories.

The Go is a much better device for those who need a lightweight companion or who prefer the tablet experience. Overall performance won't match that of the Surface Pro, but that's why you can get your hands on a Go for hundreds of dollars less.

The Surface Go might just be the best portable 2-in-1 around, available in a couple of different configurations that differ in RAM and storage. If 64GB or 128GB doesn't seem like enough space to store your files and apps, you can easily add cheap storage. Here's what you need and how to get it done.

Products used in this guide

• Portable 2-in-1 device: Surface Go (From $399 at Microsoft)
• Affordable storage: Silicon Power 64GB microSD card ($10 at Amazon)

How to add storage to your Surface Go on the cheap

Adding a microSD card to your Surface Go allows for immediate expansion of storage, as Windows 10 will recognize it as soon as you plug it in. While SD cards used to be treated strictly as external storage for photos or other media, Windows 10 gives you the option of doing pretty much anything you would with a microSD card as you would internal storage.

If you'd like to save apps, documents, movies, offline maps, and other media to the microSD card, head to Settings > System > Storage > Change where new content is saved and choose which data you'd like to put on the removable storage. We've even written a guide with a lot more information if you're having issues with the move.

You won't see the same read and write speeds with a microSD card as you will with the built-in eMMC or solid-state drive (SSD) storage, but for the price, the diminished performance is no doubt still worth it for a lot of people. We ran some speed tests to see how well the microSD card stacks up against the Go's internal storage.

You're clearly not going to get the same performance as with internal storage, but a microSD card is still ideal for apps and games you use less frequently, as well as music, movies, photos, and documents since read and write performance isn't as crucial.

If you're ready to add a microSD card to your Go, Microsoft has made the microSD card reader easily accessible, and adding a card will only take a few seconds.

1. Lift the kickstand on the back of your Surface Go to reveal the microSD card reader.

2. Slide the microSD card into the slot until you feel a click. The microSD card should be firmly in the slot for it to work properly.

Before removing the microSD card from the Surface Go, ensure you eject it properly to avoid data loss or corruption.

1. Click the Show hidden icons button on your Surface Go.
2. Click the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media button.
3. Click Eject SDXC.

4. Apply pressure to the microSD card until it clicks again, releasing it from the slot.

You now know how to add and remove additional storage from your Surface Go.

Our top equipment picks

Here's the gear you need to complete the steps in this guide.

In our own testing of a few different microSD cards with the Surface Go, this option delivered performance results that rivaled those of cards that cost upwards of $80. Considering you can grab this one for about $10, this is the best way to add cheap storage.

Additional Equipment

There are a couple other options out there for those who want more storage.

Silicon Power 128GB microSD card ($17 at Amazon)

The larger sibling to the 64GB microSD card from Silicon Power, it nevertheless comes in at a low price and still delivers impressive speeds based on what you're paying.

Samsung EVO Select 128GB microSD card ($20 at Amazon)

Samsung is no slouch in the microSD card race, and this 128GB option with a U3 rating still has a decent $20 price tag. If you trust Samsung, this is no doubt your best bet.

Why would you want to change your search engine?

While Bing is perfectly serviceable, it isn't the only search engine out there, and most people have their own favorite. I like to use Google because it ties into all the services I use on a daily basis, but you may prefer Yahoo or even DuckDuckGo. The point is, you should be able to choose what search engine you want to use.

When you first unwrap your shiny new Surface Go though, that option is not available. Because Microsoft wanted to create a walled garden with S Mode, you can only access apps on the Windows Store and subsequently, can't download browsers that aren't on the Microsoft store. You also can't change the search engine on the browser that the Surface Go ships with — Edge.

What is S-mode?

S-Mode is Microsoft's attempt to limit its Surface Go tablets to accept apps from its store. I can understand why it would want to do that. When you look at the success of the iPad, one of the key components is that each of the apps is made specifically for that device. When you can dictate what apps go on a device you can, in theory, make sure they are safe and compatible. You also won't be able to install anything that'll slow down the Surface Go and all its processes.

Unfortunately for Microsoft, that isn't what people who buy Windows generally want. They like the openness of the platform and the ability to choose what programs are available for it.

So what can you do to change it?

There are two ways to change your search engine, though both require a change in the system. The simplest way is to just turn off S-mode on your Surface Go. This may not be for everyone, but if you turn off S-mode through this simple process then the option to change your search in the address bar will become available.

The other way — and the one I have been using and enjoying — is to download the new Edge browser built on Chromium. Now that it's built on Google's platform the browser is fast and powerful, with access to all of Chromes vast library of extensions. It is still in Beta right now but even in these early builds, it feels like the right choice for the Surface Go.

Other cool accessories for the Surface Go

There are plenty of excellent accessories out there for the Surface Go so we thought we would give you a little taste of what you can pick up.

Surface Go Type cover ($130 at Amazon)

While the Surface Go is an excellent tablet, to make it an excellent productivity device you will need the type cover to tie everything together. Plus, it looks smashing in Burgundy.

Surface Go Pen ($68 at Amazon)

If you are interested in making art on your Surface Go, or just like taking handwritten notes, then you may want to invest in a Surface Pen. With over 4,000 points of pressure, it's insanely accurate and easy to use.

While Microsoft's new Edge browser is still in beta, but it is shaping up to be an excellent replacement to the original Edge and even Chrome. It feels faster than Chrome and with the addition of Chrome extensions, it now has the versatility that Edge was previously lacking. Using Chrome extensions is not turned on by default, but it's also not hidden away. Microsoft has clearly chosen to build Edge on Chromium, and Chrome extensions are a perk. Here's how to get it all working.

Products used in this guide

• Light yet powerful: Surface Go ($387 at Amazon)
• The best way to type: Surface Go type cover ($130 at Amazon)

Get Chrome extensions for the new Edge browser

1. Download the latest build of Edge here.
2. Navigate to the three dots menu in the top right corner.
3. Click on the extensions option in the menu.

4. In the lower left hand side, toggle the allow extensions from other stores to the on position.
5. In the dialogue box that pops up, press Allow to allow other stores.

6. Go to the Google Chrome Extension Store.

7. Choose the extension you want to add, and press the add to chrome button to install onto your new Edge browser.

You now have full access to the Google Chrome extension store on the new Edge browser built with Chromium. We have not tested every single extension — there are hundreds — but every extension we tried has worked exactly as it does on Chrome.

So now you can have the power of Chrome extensions in a browser built from the ground up to work with Windows 10. The new Edge browser is fast and powerful, and by allowing you to install Chrome extensions, Microsoft has saved itself a huge amount of work trying to build a store of its own.

Our top equipment picks

We used a Surface Go while writing this how-to, but all you need is your Windows 10 PC and an internet connection to get this to work.

One of the great things about the Surface Go is its portability. It is easy to browse the web whenever you need, and the new Edge browser works extremely well. It is snappy and powerful when connected to the Surface Go.

Additional equipment we used

While not wholly needed, these accessories will make your Surface Go more efficient and more enjoyable.

Surface Go Type cover ($130 at Amazon)

While the Surface Go is an excellent tablet, to make it an excellent productivity device you will need the Type Cover to tie everything together. Plus, it looks smashing in burgundy.

Surface Pen ($68 at Amazon)

If you are interested in making art on your Surface Go, or just like taking handwritten notes, then you may want to invest in a Surface Pen. With over 4,000 points of pressure, it is insanely accurate and easy to use.

If you want a stable and quick internet connection, your best bet is to connect your PC to the web using an Ethernet cable. The Surface Go doesn't have a dedicated Ethernet port like some chunkier hardware, but you can still get that stable connection thanks to devices like a dock or an adapter. Here's how to set it all up.

Products used in this guide

• Microsoft: Surface Dock ($130)
• Uni: USB-C to Ethernet Adapter ($20)
• Amazon: Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet cable ($7)

How to add ethernet to the Surface Go

1. Plug in dongle or dock into the USB-C or Surface Connect port depending on your hardware
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to your router
3. Connect the Ethernet cable into your dock or dongle

You don't need to configure the hardware to connect through an Ethernet connection. Windows 10 handles it smoothly and is plug-and-play. If you do run into any issues you can go to Network Settings in the Settings app.

Our top equipment picks

The Surface Go was kept trim by the people at Microsoft when it comes to ports. However, it does have a USB-C port and a Surface Connect Port and both can be used to add an Ethernet connection to your device.

The Surface Go is great as a portable device, but if you use a Surface Dock, you can set up all of your peripherals at your desk and just plug the dock into the Surface Connect port to get to work.

This dongle works with Gigabit Ethernet, so you'll be able to take advantage of high-speed networks. Thanks to the dongle being USB-C, it can also work with many other devices including other PCs, tablets, and even some phones (though support for phones will vary).

Additional Equipment

A Cat-6 Ethernet cable will handle just about any internet connection speed you throw at it.

Amazon Basics Cat-6 ethernet cable ($7 at Amazon)

This cable supports up to 1Gbps connections, which is more than enough for almost any task.

Microsoft has released another batch of firmware updates for the Surface Go, bringing a small batch of fixes for everything from the Surface Pen to system stability. But what's curious about this batch of updates, released on February 19 according to Microsoft, is that the release notes largely mimic those of the last round of firmware updates released in November.

Here's a full look at the release notes for this week's update (via Neowin):

• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices: 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent Pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip, post Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices: 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware: 1.0.14.0 improves system stability.
• Surface CIF Device – System devices: 4.0.11.0 improves compatibility with Windows 10 S mode.
• Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth 4.1 – Bluetooth: 10.0.0.709 improves wireless security and adds support for Bluetooth quick pairing.
• Qualcomm Atheros Wireless Network Adapter– Network adapters: 12.0.0.722 improves wireless security and Miracast support.

Note that these firmware updates only apply to the standard Surface Go; they aren't rolling out to the LTE model. If you own a Surface Go, however, you should be able to grab these updates now via Windows Update.

If you're in the market for Microsoft's budget tablet, Surface Go is available starting at $349. For more, be sure to check out our review as well.

If you're taking your Surface Go into a rough environment, you'll want to add some rugged protection to tis exterior. UAG, which specializes in tough tech cases, has outed a new entry in its Surface Go lineup that could fit the bill, the $70 Plyo.

The Plyo case is made up of a transparent material and it's designed to work with the Surface Go's Type Cover keyboard attached. Around back, you'll find an "infinite position" kickstand, allowing the tablet to be tilted with a surprising amount of flexibility. Up top, you can stash away your Surface Pen so it doesn't get lost while you're out and about.

If your Surface Go takes a tumble, the Plyo case is flanked on each corner with shock-absorbing corners to protect from drop damage.

UAG already has a fairly robust lineup of protective cases for Surface Go, including an aluminum-backed option that looks quite similar to the Plyo and matches it on price. But if you're in the market for something that features rugged protection without looking like it's straight out of the military, the new Plyo case should be available this week for $70.

Microsoft is pushing out a fresh set of fixes and improvements to both the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Go LTE this week. Coming along for the ride are a number of updates related to the Surface Pen, along with general stability tweaks (via Neowin).

Here's a look at what's new for the Surface Laptop 2:

• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices - 3.0.10.1 ensures reliability of Pen top button click on Surface Pen with no clip-on Windows 10 October 10 2018 Update, version 1809.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices - 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.
• Surface Integration Service Device - 4.18.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface ME – Firmware - 11.8.56.3522 improves system stability.
• Surface System Aggregator - 145.106.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface Touch - Firmware - 145.106.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface UEFI - Firmware - 137.2439.769 improves system stability.

And here's a look at the fixes available for the Surface Go LTE:

• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices - 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent Pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip, post Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices - 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.
• Generic IO & Memory Access - System - 1.5.4.0 improves compatibility issue and enables update to Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

No matter which device you're using, you can pick up the latest updates via Windows Update now.

Microsoft is kicking off its appearance at the Bett educator conference by announcing a refreshed lineup of devices for educators. Along with showing off seven new affordable Windows 10 PCs from partners like Acer, Dell, and Lenovo\, Microsoft is also using this opportunity to debut its new Classroom Pen, a digital inking pen "optimized" for use with the Surface Go.

Here's a look at the seven new devices, all of which are being shown off at Bett as affordable options for the upcoming school year:

• Lenovo 100e
• Lenovo 300e (2-in-1)
• Lenovo 14w
• Acer TravelMate B1(B118-M)
• AcerTravelMate Spin B1(B118-R/RN)
• Acer TravelMate B1-141
• Dell Latitude 3300 for Education

The new laptops will start at $189, with 2-in-1 devices from Acer and Lenovo starting at under $300. Speaking of Lenovo's offering, the 2-in-1 Lenovo 300e sets itself apart by not only including a garaged stylus, but also allowing students to write on the screen with a regular No. 2 graphite pencil.

Today also marks the launch of the Microsoft Classroom Pen a new digital inking pen that's build for K-8 students and optimized to be used with Surface Go. The Classroom Pen is built with a hardened pen tip that should stand up to heavy use, but it also comes with an additional pen tip in the box. A slot at the end can keep the pen tethered to students' devices so it doesn't become lost.

The Microsoft Classroom Pen will launch as an exclusive accessory for education customers, with prices running $40 per pen. It will be sold in packs of 20 at a price of $800. The Microsoft Classroom Pen is expected to launch in February.

A long day of work meetings has turned into drinks at the nice bar down the street. I'm not quite finished with the last thing I was doing, and I need to get these thoughts out of my brain before I forget them, so I toss my Surface Go in my bag. Twenty minutes into the evening, someone turns to me with a surprised look on their face and asks what device I'm using. Most people I work with are MacBook people, so the unusual shape and size of the Surface Go catch them off guard.

I finish typing my thoughts and hand them my little machine, starting up a demo routine I've developed over the last couple of months of answering these exact same questions just about everywhere I go with my Go. What starts as a curiosity frequently ends in the other person picking up a Surface Go of their own.

Dispelling Surface myths

The truth is, shopping for a laptop or tablet still leaves a lot of people looking at the big brands. Sitting in a coffee shop, it's not uncommon for someone to ask me if my Surface Go is made by Dell or HP or Lenovo, only to surprise them by explaining the manufacturer is actually Microsoft. Even now, with the Surface line getting so much marketing and attention, there are a ton of people who only see Microsoft as the folks behind Windows software. Even on display shelves in big box retail stores, the Surface line isn't the first thing most retail employees will walk someone to as a trial.

But even when someone sees a Surface on display, there are often a lot of questions to follow. Is it a laptop, or a tablet? In person, I can hand them my Surface Go and show how it's a little bit of both. I keep my Surface Pen handy to show how nice it is to be able to grab screenshots and leave notes even if I'm not really all that artistically inclined. I've had jaws drop when I show someone how easy it is to remove and re-attach the keyboard, so I can use it as a recipe machine in the kitchen and a full writing workstation even when I'm in a cramped car. Seeing a Surface on a shelf in a store is so different than seeing it actually being used, so a lot of that utility gets lost in that traditional purchasing environment.

Even among techy people, there are some super common misconceptions about the Surface Go. I can't tell you how many times I've rolled my eyes at the word "lapability" only to show someone that my Surface Go fits on my lap with no problems and no hinge hangover, like you might see with the larger Surface models. The same goes for those who tap their trusty MacBook and tell me they can't live without a backlit keyboard with adjustable brightness, only to see my Surface Go Type Cover does the exact same thing. My personal favorite is folks who tell me they've moved happily to USB-C and can't go back (with an iPhone X unironically in hand) only to blow them away as I connect my USB-PD battery to the USB-C port on the Surface Go to show this is usually the only charger I bring with me places, even when I know I'm going to be away from home for multiple days.

Surface Go is more than a specs sheet

The truth is there are few small computers as versatile, capable, and visually appealing as the Surface Go. And once you show someone how nice these machines are, they quickly start thinking about picking one up for themselves. Several of my friends now have their own Surface Go and love them. I have co-workers who lug around big MacBooks and tell me they're kind of jealous when they see how quickly I can unpack and get to work, or how easy it is for me to put everything in a super tiny bag and be comfortable carrying it all day. And the starting price is very reasonable: $400.

A lot of that comes down to a quality design, instead of such an intense focus on performance and specs. Because if you're looking for a specs powerhouse, the fastest processor with the most RAM, or the best GPU, this isn't the machine for you. This is a super portable PC designed for people who want that full Windows experience on the go. It's infinitely more useful than an iPad Pro or a Chromebook for me because I never need to compromise on available apps or things like having a file manager. And, honestly, the price on the Surface Go is great for what you're getting. I am still incredibly happy with the base model Surface Go; the only change I occasionally wish I had was the LTE model for when I travel. But if I'm honest, I travel infrequently enough that using the hotspot on my phone is good enough.

It seems like a weird thing to get excited about, but when people see a Surface Go in the wild, and it's clear they are low-key shopping for a new computer already, this PC turns heads and leaves people wanting to know more. I wish more people knew how much fun this little hybrid is to use, and picked one up for themselves.

Platinum Type Cover

The Platinum Type Cover is Microsoft's "default" Type Cover for the Surface Go — default meaning it's the color that matches the device color scheme and also follows along with the rest of the Surface color aesthetic, that being "gray." It's also a signature Type Cover, meaning it uses the more premium Alcantara fabric, which feels excellent on your wrists when typing out long emails or documents.

We think the Platinum Type Cover is the best Type Cover you can buy for the Surface Go, thanks to its matching color scheme and modern aesthetic. There are other great options to choose from, however.

Burgundy Type Cover

If you don't care about your Type Cover matching the rest of your Surface Go, you might be more interested in a bolder, redder Type Cover in the form of the Burgundy Type Cover. This is also a signature Type Cover, meaning it uses Alcantara fabric for a premium feel.

Cobalt Blue Type Cover

If red isn't to your liking, perhaps the Cobalt Blue signature Type Cover will better suite your wants. This one features a slightly lighter aesthetic, and also features Alcantara for its fabric of choice.

Black Type Cover

Finally, we have the Black Type Cover. This is your basic "I don't care about colors" choice, which is also the only one in our lineup to not be classed as a signature Type Cover from Microsoft. This means it doesn't feature the Alcantara fabric found on the others, instead opting for a somewhat cheaper feeling material instead. This does knock around $25 of the price, however, so keep that in mind if you're price conscious.

The slow and steady rollout for the Windows 10 October 2018 Update appears to be keeping pace, according to the latest report from AdDuplex. The firm's December report pegs Microsoft's latest feature update at just 6.6 percent of Windows 10 PCs, more than doubling its share over November's numbers, but still remaining in the single digits.

The clear leader remains the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, which comes in at 83.6 percent, while the Fall Creators Update takes the third spot with a 5.7 percent share. Rounding things out are the Creators Update at 1.8 percent, the Anniversary Update at 1.4 percent, and Windows 10 version 1511 at 0.5 percent.

It's not entirely surprising that the October 2018 Update has continued to head out to Windows 10 users at a relatively glacial pace compared to other feature updates. The update experienced its share of issues, initially having to be pulled after a serious file deletion bug was found following its first rollout. Microsoft began pushing the update out once again in November before making it open to everyone who manually checks Windows Update earlier this month. That said, a few upgrade blocks remain in place, slowing the rollout further.

While the October 2018 Update is experiencing a slow roll, AdDuplex had some interesting things to report for Microsoft's latest Surface devices. While the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Pro (2017) still make up the majority share of Surface devices in the wild, the Surface Go and Surface Pro 6 have taken fourth and fifth place at 12.3 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively. The Surface Laptop 2 is still trailing by a significant margin at 1.2 percent.

As always, it's worth remembering that AdDuplex's numbers are based on a collection of about 5,000 Microsoft Store apps that use its SDK. Real-world numbers likely differ, but the firm's monthly reports are a useful guage for marking trends.

When applying for law school, you'll need to sit for the Law School Admission Test. Traditionally, pen and paper has been used but it's going digital and the council behind the LSAT has selected the Surface Go as the official tablet for deployment. This is after it tested a whole range of competitors products, including Apple's iPad.

As reported by The Verge, the move to digital from pen and paper means administrators who oversee the test will need to be retained with the Surface Go. It's not known whether this move will raise or lower the price of admission.

It's planned the LSAT will go digital by July 2019. The writing part of the LSAT will be separate from the digital multi-choice sections. Both parties involved have failed to reveal just how many Surface Go tablets will be part of the deal, nor how much the deal is worth.

Ah, the holidays. A season of gifts, time with loved ones, and a little ribbing between tech industry rivals.

Microsoft is going all-in on that last one with its new holiday ad for the Surface Go, poking a little fun at the iPad and Apple's ambitions to make it a PC replacement.

Set to the tune of "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," the ad sees a girl joyously professing the merits of a Surface Go over the iPad.

"Grandma, don't run out and buy an iPad. Fine when I was six but now I'm ten," the girl sings, implying the iPad is a toy meant for a younger audience. "My dreams are big, so I need a real computer to do all the amazing things I know I can." Ouch.

This isn't the first time Microsoft has taken a swipe at iPads in its Surface commercials, and Apple has even fired back with its "What's a computer" ad. Whether any of this light back-and-forth is making a dent is debatable, but it's fun (if a little cringeworthy) to watch.

Surface Go is available starting at $399 from Microsoft.

See at Microsoft

Microsoft is rolling out another batch of firmware fixes for its budget Surface Go tablet, bringing fixes for the Surface Pen, the addition of Bluetooth quick pairing, and more. In all, there are seven updates to pick up, all of which began rolling out on November 9 – though they were only just posted to the Surface Update History tracker this week (via Neowin).

Here's a look at all of what's new:

• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices: 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip, post Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices: 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware: 1.0.10.0 improves system security and stability and ensures display of the On-Screen Keyboard during BitLocker unlock prompts at boot.
• Surface CIF Device – System devices: 4.0.11.0 improves compatibility with Windows 10 S mode.
• Qualcomm Atheros Bluetooth 4.1 – Bluetooth: 10.0.0.709 improves wireless security and adds support for Bluetooth quick pairing.
• Qualcomm Atheros Wireless Network Adapter– Network adapters: 12.0.0.722 improves wireless security and Miracast support.
• Surface Power Delivery – Firmware: 1.0.13.0 improves external monitor display compatibility with some USB-C to HDMI adapters.

If you're using a Surface Go, these updates should be available to grab now via Windows Update for PCs on the Window 10 April 2018 update or later.

After the iPad became such a huge hit, lots of companies moved to "improve" on that experience. The only company to make something in this style worth buying today is Microsoft, with its excellent Surface line. But as Apple moves to meet Microsoft in the higher end of the market with an updated premium design, the Surface Go was released to make something portable and affordable for everyone.

Tablets that aren't Laptops that aren't tablets

Both Microsoft and Apple built their respective slabs of metal and glass to be incredibly portable tablets you can connect a keyboard to in order to get something much closer to a traditional laptop experience, though they really don't look that similar to one another. The magnesium alloy body to the Surface Go feels much nicer than its $400 price tag suggests, and tapers inward on the sides to make it a little easier to hold with one hand. It features a unique hinge on the bottom of the casing so the tablet can always stand up on its own, and Microsoft's Surface Keyboard is one of few that sits at an angle to make it much easier to type on. If you pay for a premium version of this keyboard, you'll even get backlighting on your keyboard, which is extremely rare for this form.

Apple's design this year makes the whole rounded rectangle flat on the sides and back, and a noticeably smaller bezel with custom software to ignore your thumb when it rests on the display. This design is a continuation of Apple's move to dramatically reduce bezels across its product lines, but unlike the iPhone, there's still just enough bezel to hide the TrueDepth camera system.

You can use either tablet in portrait mode, but it seems fairly clear by the design of each that most folks are going to use these computers almost entirely in landscape. This trend started when tablets were largely found to be media consumption devices, but with the additional of a keyboard accessory, both the Surface Go and the iPad Pro become capable computers in their own ways. The biggest question, based entirely on the software available and the computing power under the glass, is what kind of computing is best suited to each machine.

Everything about the iPad Pro screams premium experience. The speakers are louder and more crisp than most full laptops with big branded speakers. The ProMotion display offers fantastic colors at a high refresh rate, with the perfect resolution for getting things done in this smaller size. The keyboard is just wide enough for me to comfortably type on all day without issue, and if I'm being perfectly honest I frequently find myself preferring the keyboard on the smart folio attachment to the one on the more recent MacBook models. Switching to a USB-C port opens up a lot of potential features in the future, but the biggest thing you'll find is fast charging through USB Power Delivery and even the ability to charge your phone from the iPad itself.

The Surface Go is great, but it's clear Microsoft cut corners in a couple of places. The front-firing speakers are good, but not great. The face unlock system included in Windows 10 is okay, but nowhere near as sally or reliable as Face ID on the iPad Pro. There's a USB-C port, but very few USB-C Power Delivery accessories will sufficiently charge it. Instead, you have to rely on Microsoft's magnetic cable. And as much as I love having a magnetic power adaptor and regularly shake my fist at Apple for ditching its MagSafe tech, the convenience of having everything "just work" with USB-C is the future I want to live in. And yeah, even the cameras on the Surface Go aren't as good as the ones on the iPad Pro.

So why am I comparing a $400 tablet to an $800 tablet? Because the stuff Microsoft gets right with the Surface Go almost makes the iPad Pro not worth it for me in a couple of use cases. For starters, the combination of keyboard and hinge on the Surface Go make it much easier to use no matter where or how I am sitting, while the iPad Pro only really works for me when I'm sitting fully upright. I can expand storage with the MicroSD card slot, and plug in my nice studio headphones with the 3.5mm jack. But the main attraction is the Surface Go Signature Type Cover, a backlit keyboard that sits at a comfortable angle and feels incredible to use in every setting. It also has a nice track pad, which isn't a huge deal when I have a nice touch screen so close but is a welcome feature when I still do most of my day-to-day browsing in an actual browser instead of individual news and information apps. It's also $50 cheaper than the $180 iPad Pro Folio Keyboard, which doesn't offer anywhere near as nice an experience.

When I plug a USB accessory into my Surface Go, I know exactly what is going to happen and can count on it to work the way I want it to. If I choose to enable full Windows 10 on my Surface Go, I get access to everything. I can have the full windowed computing experience, with all of the triumphs and sacrifices that entails. With my Surface Go, I can play Assassin's Creed Odyssey through Project Stream on Chrome or pair an Xbox One controller and play Portal on my Steam account. I can unzip a file my colleague sent me, or change the names on a batch of photos I've edited for this very article. I can also run too many browser tabs and chug this little machine down to an almost standstill, because that's what Desktop Operating Systems do when unmanaged. This is clearly not the experience for everyone, which is why Microsoft makes it very easy to disable this "Full OS" experience and return to something admittedly closer to a mobile experience.

And it's worth pointing out that while iOS is not really made for that "Full OS" experience, there are use cases where productivity is significantly higher. I may not have full Lightroom or the ability to rename files on my iPad, but Lightroom CC can process batches of photos much faster on here than on my Surface Go. I've seen 3D modeling professionals design ridiculously complex structures in minutes with their fingertips, and the Windows 10 equivalent of this experience just can't offer the same promise. And then there's the Apple Pencil, which is supported by hundreds more apps than the largely equivalent Surface Pen.

Put another way, Apple has made a very superior tablet with an experience you could easily use as a laptop for some things if you buy the keyboard. But if you try to use this as your only computer, you're not going to get too far before you're disappointed. Microsoft has made an excellent small laptop it says is a tablet, but you really have to buy the keyboard to complete the thought because it's not really a great tablet.

Which of these tablets should you buy? It really does depend entirely on you. If you want the best possible creation and consumption tablet, and you've got the cash, the iPad Pro is an exceptional piece of technology and you'll be very happy with it for quite a while. But if you're not fully invested in the Apple ecosystem and you still occasionally need that traditional Desktop OS experience and feature set, you'll find yourself much happier with the flexibility afforded by the Surface Go.

When the Surface Go with LTE was first announced in July 2018 a version with 4G LTE Advanced was promised by "the end of the year." It looks like Microsoft kept to its word, and four months later the Surface Go with LTE Advanced is finally ready to launch, according to Microsoft.

Perhaps the bigger news though is that by November 22 the Surface Go with LTE Advanced should be available in 23 markets globally with more to follow.

• See at Microsoft
• See Surface for Business

Surface Go with LTE Advanced price and specs

Like the already released Surface Go we reviewed in July, the Surface Go with LTE Advanced will have multiple versions, including models for business (Windows 10 Pro configurable to S Mode) and for consumers (Windows 10 Home in S mode).

Only the versions with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) for storage will have an option for LTE, leaving off the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

That larger 256GB version is only the business model but consumers can order direct from Microsoft if they want it for $829.

The Surface Go with LTE Advanced will also feature GPS for those who want to use geolocation with Windows 10. There is no mention of support for eSIM, but instead, it appears to rely only on a nano-SIM slot, and it is carrier unlocked.

For pricing, the Surface Go with LTE Advanced won't be cheap. Pricing starts at $679, a $180 increase over the same model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage but without a 4G LTE modem. Also, the Surface Type Cover and optional Surface Pen ($99) are still sold separately.

Altogether that bumps the 128GB Surface Go with LTE Advanced to an eye-watering $907 price tag with an Alcantara keyboard or $877 with non-Alcantara.

Surface Go with LTE Advanced for Business is a bit more, as that ships with Windows 10 Pro in S mode and Advanced Exchange Service (AES) for the additional cost. The 256GB model is $829 plus Alcantara keyboard and Surface Pen comes in at $1,057 although corporate and education discounts certainly kick in for instituations buying that device.

Where you can buy Surface Go with LTE?

People in the U.S. and Canada get the first preorders with many more countries following later in November. These are the markets in which Microsoft announced availability:

• US
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Hong Kong
• UK
• Ireland
• France
• Germany
• Austria
• Belgium
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Denmark
• Finland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Poland
• Taiwan
• Italy
• Portugal
• Spain
• Malaysia
• Thailand

Areas in the Middle East and India are liking coming in later months.

Who should buy Surface Go with LTE Advanced?

Microsoft is making a big push for the Surface Go with LTE Advanced for businesses. In its press release, Microsoft talks about firstline workers (FLWs) who could benefit from having a Surface Go with LTE Advanced and various benefits including:

• No more dependence on Wi-Fi at a job site —c onstruction project managers can input real-time assessments and photos of contractor progress into their cloud system;
• No more reliance on a client's home Wi-Fi network — insurance claims adjusters can submit damage reports and receive quotes while assessing a vehicle;
• No more tethering with reduced speeds and depleted phone batteries — census takers can upload household demographic information in real time.

It is business that is driving demand for so-called "Always Connected PCs" (ACPCs) as the need for secure, non-public networks for workers who increasingly work outside a formal office rises.

For consumers, the Surface Go with LTE Advanced is an intriguing option, but due to the higher price, it is unclear if many will see the value in return, especially with the 8.5 hours of estimated battery life (certainly shorter in real-world usage).

Still, there are very few consumer-grade Windows laptops and tablets on the market that hit below the $1,000 mark – Surface Pro with LTE is $1,700 as an entire package – making this a first for Microsoft.

• See at Microsoft
• See Surface for Business

Do you need protection for the teeny Surface Go? It depends on how rough you are with it – like tossing it into a bag with other items or perhaps you drop or bang it often.

If you fall into that category of user, the new $50 Incipio Faraday may be right up your alley. It not only protects your Surface Go but doesn't make many compromises either.

Incipio Faraday Folio features

The folio is a traditional wrap-around cover for the Surface Go. The material used is a black vegan leather with soft suede-microfiber as an interior liner to protect the display.

The housing is rubber and precision molded that firmly connects around the top half of the Surface Go. That rubber surrounds all the edges of the Surface Go, but the back and front is vegan leather with a thin board layer – it's firm, but not thick.

The lower half clicks onto the Surface Go's kickstand letting it fully articulate even while having the folio cover protecting it.

The Faraday has cutouts for all the ports including USB Type-C, headphone, and the Surface Connect port for charging. The top has cutouts for the power and volume buttons which are now slightly recessed – Incipio is not using faux buttons.

There are also cutouts for the rear camera and microphone and even a spot on the left side for the LTE SIM slot whenever the Surface Go with LTE finally becomes available.

Incipio did not add a rugged physical holder for the Surface Pen, but users can still attach it magnetically to the side. The only concern is the magnet is slightly weaker – but still firm – due to the added layer of the folio cover.

It's important to note that you can use the Faraday with or without the Surface Type Cover – there are no tradeoffs. The bottom of the folio can stay latched through a simple elastic that folds over the corner of the Surface Go. It's a simple design and ensures that the there is no floppiness with the Surface Go and Faraday.

Incipio Faraday Folio usage

The Surface Go is already a clean, simple device to use so adding a cover to it can be a risk to that fluidity in usage. The Faraday though was a breeze to use. Snapping it on takes seconds and the rubber never feels risky to the Go's finish. Removing it requires a bit of effort – which is probably a good thing – but it also means you probably do not want to take it on or off regularly.

The biggest surprise as the ability to still use the kickstand. Usually, these devices incorporate their own kickstand that only has a few degrees of movement, but not the Faraday. I also like the exposed buttons, but I could also see some like faux buttons to make depressing them easier.

It would have been nice to have a physical pen holder on the top ridge, but at least in meetings and light travel, you can still use the magnets to hold the Surface Pen to the side.

The latch for the folio is smart and easy to use. I like the idea that the Faraday is latched like a book during travel ensuring nothing jams between the keyboard and cover to risk damage to the display.

The overall feel of the Faraday is excellent. It has stitching on the bottom, and the all-black design does not draw attention – it'd look excellent in a boardroom or any professional setting.

Should you buy?

I think the Faraday is an excellent choice if you want a business-focused folio for your Surface Go. The protection is moderate – so small drops, bangs, or wear in a bag when bouncing around. It's not super thick either, which is a good thing as it keeps the Surface Go's size down – you barely notice it.

The quality is quite good although I'd argue you always pay a premium tax with Incipio that is above its actual worth – still, it's a good product from a reliable company.

I enjoyed being able to use the Surface Go with the Faraday without any compromises – it's like adding a (vegan) leather glove to your Surface.

The only change I would suggest is to add a Surface Pen grip on top so that you can toss this in a bag and not have to worry – right now, that pen won't survive such a journey.

Whether you need that protection is your call, but if you want something that looks grownup, won't require you ever to pop off the cover, and have $50 to spare the Incipio Faraday Folio is an excellent choice for the Surface Go.

Incipio, a mainstay in the tech accessories industry, has outed a pair of new cases for Microsoft's entry-level Surface tablet, the Surface Go. There are only two options available for now, but you'll be able to choose between either a folio or molded shell, both of which come in at $50.

First up is the Faraday, a folio case that combines a polycarbonate hard shell with a vegan leather front cover. The Faraday is fairly slim, and the cover is magnetic, so it should stay closed until you're ready to get to work. Once unfolded, the case can prop your Surface Go up, with the bending rear cover acting as a kickstand of sorts.

Incipio's Octane Pure case is another beast altogether. The clear shell covers the rear of the Surface Go to absorb any shocks or tumbles. There's also an integrated holder for the Surface Pen on the left side of the case, along with a kickstand on the rear.

If you're still looking out for a protective case for your Surface Go, both of Incipio's entries are now available for $50.

• See Incipio Faraday at Amazon
• See Incipio Octane Pure at Amazon
• See Surface Go at Microsoft

Noreve has launched a fresh lineup of protective covers for Surface Go, bringing a bit of its French styling to Microsoft's most affordable tablet. Altogether, there are three leather covers available, ranging from one that protects your tablet and keyboard, to another that acts as a stand for the tablet alone. The third option is a simple sleeve for protecting the Surface Go on the go.

The most interesting part of these new covers is how customizable they are. There are a wide variety of colors to choose from with each cover, including sedate greys and blacks to poppy oranges and more. Further, you can pick up each in several different textures, including a suede-like, grained, and diamond-stitched leathers. A synthetic option is also available.

Prices for the covers start at around $90 for the sleeve and go up modestly from there for the other two covers. Noreve also promises free shipping around the world.

See Surface Go covers at Noreve

Though the Surface Go only initially launched in two flavors, a model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage and another with 8GB of RAM and a speedier 128GB SSD, Microsoft is now selling another model that firmly sits in the middle. Coming in at 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the new $499 Surface Go strikes a balance between the previously available models by sticking with a lower amount of RAM while bumping storage speeds (via Neowin).

It's worth noting that this new model was available prior to its debut at the Microsoft Store, but only at Costco as part of a bundle deal.

The big deal here is the storage speed boost over the base model. In our review, the higher-end model with an SSD trounced the eMMC storage available on the entry-level Surface Go. While this gives buyers more flexibility in specs, it'll still be tempting to eat the $50 difference and step up to the model with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.

If you're interested in grabbing this new model, or one of the others available from Microsoft, you can check it out on the Microsoft Store now for $499.

See at Microsoft

Microsoft this week began rolling out a fresh firmware update for Surface Go devices, bringing tweaks to the display calibration. Specifically, the update adjusts power setting behaviors after installing the Windows 10 October 2018 update.

Here's a look at what's new (via Neowin):

• Generic IO & Memory Access - System: 1.5.1.0 improves display calibration addressing incorrect power setting behaviors associated with Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

This is the first firmware update that Surface Go has seen since one focused on system stability rolled out to the device in early August.

Given Microsoft pulled the October 2018 Update shortly after releasing it to the public, most Surface Go owners are unlikely to have experienced any incorrect power setting behaviors unless they went out of their way to install the update ahead of time. Still, it's an important tweak to get out the door before the October 2018 Update resumes its public rollout.

The Surface Laptop 2 just isn't good for inking

The Surface Laptop 2 is a powerful, sleek, and sexy device, and while it does support inking, its form factor simply doesn't lend itself well to doing so.

The Laptop 2 has a fixed hinge that doesn't allow you to convert the laptop into a flat configuration, not without angling the keyboard up in the air at least. The display does support inking with 4,096 levels of pressure complete with tilt support, but, the fact that you can't lay the device out flat just prevents it from being a pleasant experience. At best, you'll be signing documents or perhaps annotating a picture, but for that, you can purchase a cheap non-digital stylus or simply use your finger.

Unlike the Surface Pro, Surface Book, and Surface Go, the Surface Laptop 2 doesn't even have magnetized edges for storing the Pen, since it just kind of knows its not designed for frequent inking.

Thankfully, literally every other type of Surface not only has some form of flat screen configuration, but also includes magnetic storage for the pen. If you're going to get your ink on, look elsewhere.

If you want a laptop-like form factor with the option of inking, the Surface Book 2 should be your first consideration. Some configurations come with dedicated graphics too, allowing you to enjoy VR, higher-end gaming, and intensive programs such as Adobe Premiere. If you want something portable but powerful, the Surface Pro 6 features quad-core processing, wrapped in a tight form factor ideal for taking to university or work, while still packing enough power to run high-end programs and even 3D games. If you simply want inking without breaking the bank, the cheap and cheerful Surface Go might not be the most powerful device in this piece, but it's small, sleek, and cheap, and is more than capable of running quality inking tools such as Sketchable, Photoshop, and OneNote.

Our picks

If you're interested in inking on a Surface device, there are a range of great alternatives built from the ground up with inking in mind.

How does the Go stack up in the art world?

Testing out the 4GB Surface Go has been quite fun. Its small, light, and the refined rounded edges make it pleasant to hold versus some of the larger 2-in-1s out there. For art, it isn't perfect, but as long as you know what you're working with going in, you'll have a lot of fun with it.

The Surface Pen is often the subject of criticism among some more hardcore digital artists, but as a casual sketcher, I find it to be more than adequate to just sit down with and throw some paint up onto the screen in apps like Sketchable and Photoshop. Despite its lower-end specs, it runs Sketchable flawlessly, although some more complex pieces might take a little while to load initially when compared to a more powerful device. The same is true for Photoshop in that sense. I haven't found it to struggle with the software after the initial loading phase, although high resolution pieces with many layers may push the Surface Go to its upper limits.

Where you might find some disappointment is in the display and pen itself. Owing to the hardware, the inking experience isn't as good as you might find on a Surface Pro or Surface Book, which sport co-processors to reduce latency between the pen and the screen. The difference is fairly noticeable, but not what I'd call awful. The latency means that, occasionally, the pen will continue producing ink even when it leaves the display. Even though it's only perhaps a couple of milliseconds, it'll be enough to annoy those of you who are particular about accuracy. Depending on your style, this could be a problem.

Additionally, inking on the glass display isn't as pleasant as you might experience on a dedicated drawing tablet like the Wacom Intuous, as the flex in the glass can produce wobbles in your lines. Although with some tweaking to the Surface Pen sensitivity in the settings, you'll be able to consistently improve the experience.

Bottom line is the Surface Go is a fun device to use for light art and sketching. With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading and a massive amount of digital applications to choose from thanks to the power of full Windows, it's either a great device for getting started, or something fun for veterans who want something highly portable.

Surface Go for light art

While you won't be rendering movies or building complex 3D scenes, for 2D work in Photoshop or S-mode apps like Sketchable, Surface Go is a fun tool.

Surface Pro 6 for heavier lifting

If you're a more serious artist and want something a little more capable, consider the Surface Pro 6 instead. The Pro 6 comes with a co-processor which reduces inking latency considerably in some apps. Additionally, more complex art pieces, even up to 3D, would perform far better on the Pro 6's more beefy internals. That said, it's also significantly more pricey.