Microsoft's lesser-known certified refurbished storefront is having a massive sale for Cyber Monday, and right now you can grab the Surface Go 3 for JUST $261. That's an insane deal, especially when you consider the Surface Go 3 is technically the latest version of the product for consumers, as the recently announced Surface Go 4 is exclusive to enterprise customers.

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The best small Windows 2-in-1 tablet

Even though it's from Microsoft's refurnished store, you're still getting what is essentially a new device. Microsoft thoroughly inspects all refurbished products and will fix any issues before putting it up for sale. It also replaces the packaging, and each device comes with a full standard year of warranty. So don't pass up a good deal just because it's a refurbished product!

The Surface Go 3 has been on the market for a little while, but it's still fully supported by the company and is still technically its latest Go offering for consumers. It features an Intel Pentium 6500Y or 10th-Gen Intel Core i3, with either 4GB or 8GB RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage.

That's all housed inside a tiny package with a 10.5-inch high resolution display. And let's not understate how good that display is; it's one of the best I've seen on a tablet of this size. It's 1920 x 1280, meaning Windows 11 renders at a beautiful 150%, making text and images look crisp and clear.

That display is also touch and pen enabled, of course. The Surface Go 3 is a 2-in-1, meaning you can pair it with Microsoft's Type Cover accessory to transform it from a tablet to a laptop, enhancing your productivity. 

You can also get the Surface Go 3 in either Platinum or Black colorways, which is the only version of the Surface Go be available in more than one color. There's also a built-in kickstand that sits flush with the external chassis when not in use, and there's even a microSD card reader underneath the kickstand for when you need to add more storage.

Enhance your Surface Go 3 with some accessories

To make the most of Surface Go 3, make sure you grab these recommended accessories which will transform it from a regular tablet to a productive laptop!

Since the first Surface Laptop Go iteration was released, Microsoft's line of devices has been considered one of the best laptops due to their reliability and ultraslim design. In fact, they're so slim that they feel like Microsoft Surface tablets with built-in keyboards and trackpads. With the release of the latest model, it's time to compare the three iterations side by side to see the most significant updates and changes. 

I'll also dive into what the different specs mean for you as a consumer so you can figure out which device is best suited to meet your needs. 

Surface Laptop Go vs Laptop Go 2 vs Laptop Go 3: Specs

To start this comparison off, take a look at the official specifications between the original Surface Laptop Go, the Surface Laptop Go 2, and finally, the Surface Laptop Go 3. After that, I'll dive more into what these specs mean for you as a potential owner. 

Surface Laptop Go vs Laptop Go 2 vs Laptop Go 3: What are the major differences?

You might not be able to tell the Surface Laptop Go model apart simply by looking at them because their chassis, displays, dimensions, and color options are pretty similar. However, it's the internal components and hardware changes that really provide a different user experience. Here are the most important differences between Surface Laptop Go, Laptop Go 2, and Laptop Go 3, as well as what these differences mean fo

PROCESSORS: Each consecutive model since the release of the original Surface Laptop Go has housed an improved processor (CPU) that offers more processing power than the model before it. CPUs are one of the most critical parts of a laptop because they provide the necessary instructions to tell it what to do so it can run certain programs and perform specific tasks. As such, the latest Surface Go 3 can handle the most processing tasks out of all three models thanks to the more powerful processor, the Intel Core i5-1235U.

RAM: Although memory (RAM) and storage both deal with Gigabytes (GB), their actual functions within a laptop are very different. RAM stands for random access memory and refers to quickly reading and writing data that it previously accessed to cut down on the time it takes to perform various functions. RAM is essential as a separate entity from storage because a laptop can access data more easily via RAM than an SSD, so it allows your laptop to run programs or save information a lot faster. 

The more RAM you have, the better the Surface Laptop Go can perform, which is why it's good to see that the latest Surface Laptop Go 3 finally offers a version with 16GB of RAM for the average consumer. In contrast, the previous two versions only offered up to 8GB for consumers.

BATTERY: The last thing you want to deal with on the go is having your laptop run out of juice at the wrong moment. Obviously, there's no way to guarantee this won't happen, but having a longer battery life definitely helps. The latest Surface Laptop Go lasts up to 15 hours on one charge, making it the longest-lasting option. Meanwhile, the first and second Surface Laptop Go were relatively similar, with up to 13 or 13.5 hours of battery life, respectively.

Price: Compared to Microsoft's other laptops, like the Surface Laptop Studio 2, the Laptop Go line is very affordable, but they aren't cheap. As is often the case, the latest laptop versions tend to cost more than previous ones because they include upgraded hardware over previous versions and the same can be said with the Surface Laptop Go line. 

Depending on the configuration chosen at launch, the original Laptop Go costs between $550 and $1,100. Meanwhile, the Laptop Go 2 launched at $600 to $1,100. As for the latest Laptop Go 3, it has a starting price of $799. However, it's as yet unclear what the most expensive version costs. So if you want to save money, it's not a bad idea to go with the Laptop Go 2.

Surface Laptop Go vs Laptop Go 2 vs Laptop Go 3: Which should I buy?

If you want to stay up to date with the latest and greatest iteration of Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go line, then you should purchase the new Surface Laptop Go 3. It has the best processing power, provides more RAM than previous versions, and even has a battery life that lasts up to one and a half hours longer than the previous option. It is a bit pricier than the others, but it will also receive support longer. 

Meanwhile, if you want a Surface Laptop Go but want to save some money, I suggest going for the Surface Laptop Go 2. It's pretty powerful still, more so than the original, thanks to its improved graphics card and processor. However, it won't be nearly as costly as the latest version. 

It used to be that a good Windows device cost an arm and a leg, and the cheap ones were rubbish. But that's the past. Windows is now available on a wide range of affordable hardware that's also desirable to own. That includes on affordable tablets.

Today there are some great affordable Windows tablets from which to choose, with the Surface Go 3 rising to the top of the pile. That's right; there's a Microsoft Surface that's really affordable and it's well worth buying.

The Surface brand is desirable, and thanks to the Surface Go 3, it's no longer out of reach for folks on tighter budgets. Any model is easily a match for most affordable laptops, with the bonus of a touchscreen with inking support. Inking is an essential tool because the size of the Surface Go 3 makes it a truly spectacular digital notebook.

Unlike previous Surface Go generations, the Surface Go 3 is available with a 10th Gen i3-10100Y processor that outperforms the Pentium Gold and 8th Gen i3 chips found in the original Surface Go and the Surface Go 2. The optional Type Cover will help you get the best experience from the 2-in-1; it's not a compulsory purchase, though, and you can use any wired or wireless keyboard you may already have to save money.

The Surface Go 3 is a proper Surface but with a much more attractive price. And with a large 10.5-inch screen trimmed with slim bezels, useable space is maximized while taking up no extra room in your bag. As a tablet, this is potentially the Surface to go for as well. It's small enough to toss into any bag and comfortable to use while sitting on the sofa or while traveling to watch a movie.

The Surface Go 3 might be a baby Surface, but it's not the only tablet of its kind. Microsoft kick-started a whole genre of devices with the Surface family, and the Chuwi UBook X is living proof of its influence. It's not quite a Surface Go 3, but it's close enough in most regards.

The hardware is scaled down to an Intel N4100 processor, but you do get a higher-resolution 1440p display, paired with a 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM. In some places, the UBook X has more impressive specs than the entry-level Surface Go 3.

It also has a kickstand and optional detachable keyboard and pen, and for the price, it represents real value. For the professional on the go, you also have a great selection of ports including USB-C with power delivery and Micro HDMI. Make sure to apply the coupon for some extra cash off before checkout, too.

This tablet is slim and light, has a beautiful display, and an attractive price, all wrapped up with Windows 10 in S mode. Of course, you can always upgrade out of that if you wish, and while there's no included keyboard, you do get an option with 128GB of storage to go with the 4GB of RAM and Intel Atom processor for a pretty potent little device.

This isn't the fanciest of Windows tablets, and the performance will hardly set the world on fire with an Intel Atom processor inside, but it's well put together and has plenty going for it. And while it's not much of a looker from behind, but it has quality where it counts.

Notably, you get a ton of ports on this thing, which isn't the norm for tablets in general. Not only do you have USB, but also micro USB and Micro HDMI along with a 3.5mm headset jack and a microSD card slot.

The bottom line

Affordable Windows tablets aren't as commonplace as similar pieces of hardware running Android, but there are still some excellent choices out there. And Microsoft is right at the forefront with the spectacular Surface Go 3 — a device with good specs, a great design, and a very attractive price.

If you want to use the Surface Go 3 as a tablet, you can. If you're going to use it as a laptop, you can, thanks to the optional keyboard that clips on and off at will. If you want to use a pen to draw and write, you can. And all of that on a well-priced, well-made, iconic-looking device. You can't argue with all of that value and versatility, which is why the Surface Go 3 is one of the best Windows tablets around.

What you need to know

• Microsoft recently released a firmware update for the Surface Go 3.
• It is the first update shipped to the device, though it doesn't appear to contain any noteworthy features.
• Surface updates are released in stages, so you may not see the most recent firmware update for the Surface Go 3 at this time.

Microsoft launched the Surface Go 3 around six months ago, but the device only received its first firmware update this week. On April 25, 2022, Microsoft released an update for Surface Go 3 devices running the Windows 10 October 2020 Update (version 20H2) or greater.

While the update is the Surface Go 3's first since its launch, it doesn't include any notable improvements, at least based on its release notes.

The Surface Go 3 is one of the best Windows tablets, especially if you're looking for a smaller device. Since its initial launch, Microsoft released a more affordable LTE version of the device ($500).

You can download the update through the Windows Settings app or Microsoft's website.

What you need to know

• A more affordable model of the Surface Go 3 with LTE is now available.
• It has an Intel Pentium 6500Y processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage.
• The new Surface Go 3 model costs $500, which is $180 less than the previously most affordable model with LTE connectivity.

Microsoft has added a new Surface Go 3 model to its website. The new version of the compact 2-in-1 features LTE connectivity at a lower price of $500. Previously, the most affordable version of the Surface Go 3 with LTE was $680. The new 2-in-1 variant from Microsoft has lower specs than the $680 model, but it allows people to stay connected to the web at a more affordable price.

Featuring an Intel Pentium 6500Y processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, the new LTE model of the Surface Go 3 has modest specs aimed at light computing. It should be enough to handle web browsing, Office, and everyday productivity tasks, but it will likely struggle with more demanding workloads.

The Surface Go 3 is one of the best Windows tablets, especially if you're looking for a smaller device. It's a solid choice for students or people that need to do light work on the go.

If you'd like to have LTE connectivity on a more powerful version of the Surface Go 3, the Intel Core i3 model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage is still available at $680. Those are still relatively low specs, but they're higher than the Pentium processor in the $500 version of the device.

What you need to know

• The Surface Go 3 with LTE just launched in Europe.
• The model with LTE runs on an Intel Core i3 processor and has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
• You can order the Surface Go 3 with LTE in black or platinum for €779 or £649.

Microsoft's Surface Go 3 with LTE is now available in Europe. The small and portable 2-in-1 was refreshed with LTE earlier this year, but at the time it was only available in the United States. Now, people in European markets can purchase a model of the Surface Go 3 with 4G LTE connectivity.

The LTE model of the Surface Go 3 is the most expensive variant of the device. That higher price comes from two factors. First, LTE is only an option for the Surface Go 3 with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Second, adding LTE adds to the price. In the UK, the Surface Go 3 with LTE (£649) is £80 more than the Wi-Fi-only model through the Microsoft Store. On Amazon, the Surface Go 3 with LTE (€779) is €80 more than the model that only has Wi-Fi.

If you don't care about LTE, there are still new options to check out when it comes to the Surface Go 3. The tablet is now available in black.

Thanks to its small form factor and design, the Surface Go 3 is one of the best Windows tablets. It's a solid choice for students and professionals that need to get work done on the go. It's not as powerful as its larger sibling, the Surface Pro 8, but it is easier to fit into a bag. It also has a lower starting cost.

It appears that the Surface Go 3 with LTE is rolling out across various European sites today, so you might not see the option to purchase it right away. At the time of publication, the LTE version of the Surface Go 3 is available in the UK and Germany.

What you need to know

• The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is now available in matte black.
• LTE models of the Surface Go 3 are also available through the Microsoft Store.
• The Surface Go 3 starts at $400, though the most affordable black model on Microsoft's website costs $550.

Microsoft is expanding its Surface lineup just a bit to start off 2022. Earlier today, the company launched the Surface Pro 8 with LTE. Now, Microsoft has released black versions of its Surface Go 3. You can also order the Surface Go 3 with LTE connectivity through the Microsoft Store starting today.

If you'd like to have LTE on your Surface Go 3, it appears that you'll have to purchase one with an Intel Core i3 processor. Microsoft's website doesn't list an LTE option for the Pentium 6500Y model. A Surface Go 3 with an Intel Core i3, LTE, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage costs $730. That configuration is available in matte black or silver, though the silver listing is currently out of stock.

The black options for the Surface Go 3 are reminiscent of the original Surface devices that were released almost ten years ago. Microsoft also has black options for some other PCs, such as the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X.

The Surface Go 3 is one of the best Windows tablets. It's the most portable Surface PC and is a solid option for students or people who need to get light work done on the go.

If you don't like the silver or black options from Microsoft, you can wrap your Surface Go 3 in a skin from dbrand.

Updated January 10, 2022 at 9:15 AM: This piece has been updated with more leaked information from Aggiornamenti Lumia regarding the black Surface Go 3, including the suspected release dates and which outlets will sell the new model.

What you need to know

• Renders of a black Surface Go 3 appear online.
• Not much else is known about the device.
• This is not the first time renders of a black Surface Go have leaked.

Leaked renders have today revealed that Microsoft may be readying up a black version of the Surface Go 3, dubbed "Matte Black." Curiously, this is not the first time renders of a black Surface Go have leaked as the same thing happened with the Surface Go 2 back in 2020, though that model was never released. Will this time be different?

Microsoft is set to launch the 4G LTE models of the Surface Go 3 very soon, which may also line up with the launch of this new black variant as well. Additionally, and perhaps coincidentally, this year marks the 10-year anniversary of Surface, which launched with the black Surface RT in 2012. A black Surface Go 3 could be a good way to commemorate the date.

There's not much else to say about a black Surface Go 3 really. It'll likely launch with the same spec configurations that the silver Surface Go 3 is already available in, which includes an Intel Pentium GOLD 6500Y or Intel Core m3-10100Y with 4GB or 8GB RAM, and up to 256GB storage.

Aggiornamenti Lumia continues to share leaks and information about the black version of the Surface Go 3. According to the outlet, the new model of the device will ship on January 11, 2022 through Amazon. The new color option will also be available through the Microsoft Store, according to Aggiornamenti Lumia.

I must say, the black model does look really slick. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• AT&T is picking up the Surface Go 3 with LTE on January 7.
• The price for Surface Go 3 with LTE is $729 for the Core i3 model.
• The device should be SIM unlocked.

AT&T has announced that it will begin selling the Surface Go 3 with 4G LTE on January 7, with pricing starting at $729. Microsoft announced that the Surface Go 3 would get a 4G LTE model in early 2022, and it appears stock for that SKU is now beginning to appear online. AT&T is the first to stock the device, though we suspect more retailers and outlets will stock it soon.

It appears the cheaper 4G LTE model with an Intel Pentium GOLD chip isn't available for sale yet. So far, it's just the Intel Core i3 model, which explains the high price tag. Microsoft intends to sell a $499 model with 4G LTE at some point soon as well, for those who don't need the extra power and would rather save a few bucks.

Surface Go 3: Specs

AT&T in a statement, said the following:

Will you be picking up the Surface Go 3 with 4G LTE? Let us know in the comments.

While both of these laptops are excellent, schools looking to buy in bulk should opt for the Surface Laptop SE thanks to its rock-bottom cost, ability to handle schoolwork well, and its excellent battery life. However, individual students who need a new device should get a Surface Go 3 instead. Not only can it handle some recreational activities as well as schoolwork, but it also has a touchscreen and is actually available to regular consumers.

Surface Laptop SE vs. Go 3: Specs and availability

Across the board, the Surface Go 3 is more capable than the Surface Laptop SE in almost every way. It has a better processor, options for a larger SSD, a sharper and more color accurate display (with touch support, no less), an option for LTE connectivity, a microSD card reader, dual microphones, and it even weighs over a full pound less. It's also important to note that the Surface Go 3 is available to all consumers, whereas Microsoft only sells the Surface Laptop SE to education facilities and personnel.

The only advantages the Surface Laptop SE has are its superb 16-hour battery life and its preinstalled Microsoft Office software. These benefits are great for schools that need to buy laptops in bulk, as staff won't need to worry about paying for Microsoft Office or charging the devices much.

Conclusion

With all of that said, it's clear that the Surface Laptop SE will be the best choice for schools looking to buy laptops in bulk, while the Surface Go 3 is ideal for individual students who may want something more multipurpose. The Surface Laptop SE's incredibly low cost, fantastic battery life, and preinstalled Microsoft Office applications make it perfect for the classroom, while the Surface Go 3's stronger specs make it a good choice if you want something that's good for schoolwork and recreational activities like watching movies and TV shows. The Surface Go 3's touchscreen also gives it more flexibility, allowing you to use it for drawing as well as educational tasks like notetaking.

For more excellent laptops to consider, review our roundups of the best Windows laptops as well as the best budget laptops available.

What you need to know

• Google, Microsoft, Apple, and other major companies have new gadgets coming out in October 2021, which has been called "Techtober."
• The iPhone 13, Pixel 6, and new Surface hardware are among the newly announced devices.
• Windows Central readers are overwhelmingly most excited about the Surface Duo 2.

October is always a big month for gadget geeks, and that's especially the case with October 2021. Apple, Google, Microsoft, and other tech giants have new gadgets to show off this month. Many in the industry now refer to October as "Techtober" due to the number of announcements each year. Over the weekend, we ran a poll asking which gadget drew the most excitement from our readers. In a poll full of options from the biggest names in tech, the Surface Duo 2 won in a landslide.

Over 58% of polled Windows Central readers said that they were most excited about the Surface Duo 2. That was more than five times the interest the Pixel 6 drew. Only 2.6% of voters said that they were most interested in the iPhone 13. The MacBook Pro, which should be announced on October 18, 2021, only earned 2% of the votes.

As Windows Central has a readership with many Microsoft and Surface enthusiasts, it's not surprising that the Surface Duo 2 garnered the most attention. What is a bit surprising is the margin by which the Surface Duo 2 beat out every other device. Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio (6.9%), Surface Pro 8 (6.4%), and Surface Go 3 (2%) didn't come close to their foldable Surface sibling.

The Microsoft-made device that drew the second most interest was the Xbox Mini Fridge (9.6%).

Microsoft's Arc Mouse is on sale for just under $50 right now from Walmart. It's a great accessory for Microsoft's new Surface devices, such as the Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, or Surface Go 3. It also pairs well with older Surface hardware, thanks to its compact design. The Microsoft Arc Mouse can fold down into a minuscule sliver that can easily slot into a bag or pocket. You can then pop up the mouse to create a curved body that contours your hand.

Walmart has the black Microsoft Arc Mouse on sale for $50 right now. If you want to get the mouse in different colors, it's worth checking out at other retailers. Microsoft has the Soft Pink model for $53 and the Lilac version for $59. The similarly designed Surface Arc Mouse is also available from Microsoft in several colors starting at $56.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse connects through Bluetooth, so it will work wirelessly with all Surface devices. It doesn't require a dongle, helping keep its footprint small. The mouse weighs just 2.91 ounces (82.5 grams). At its thickest (when folded flat), the mouse is 14.22 mm thick, but it significantly tapers after you get past the part that stores its AAA batteries.

Despite its compact design, the Microsoft Arc Mouse supports both horizontal and vertical scrolling. The mouse has a full scroll plane where your finger rests. To help save battery life, the Microsoft Arc Mouse powers down when you fold it flat.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is one of the best Surface Pro accessories, but if you'd like something a bit heftier, you can check out our list of the best mice. The Microsoft Arc Mouse is convenient and compact, but you'll probably want something more robust for a permanent desk setup.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface app has been updated with a new look and user experience.
• The app now supports Surface accessories, including audio devices, docks, and pens.
• The Surface app now works with Smart charging for devices that support it.

Microsoft launched the Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3 this week. Following the availability of the new hardware, Microsoft updated its Surface app for Windows. The app has a new look that fits in on Windows 11, and it has several new features. The app now works with Smart charging on supported devices. It also supports Surface accessories, including docks, pens, and audio devices.

Here's everything new from the Surface app's October 2021 update:

• An updated user experience that complements the premium hardware experience for Surface
• Support for Surface accessories, including Surface audio devices, pen, and docks
• Support for features, like Smart charging, on devices that support it
• New promotions for eligible Surface devices
• Support for 36 languages

The app's user experience has changed quite a bit. Previously, the app looked similar to Windows 10 apps like the Settings app. The updated Surface app lines up better with Windows 11.

It's been a busy week for Microsoft's Surface lineup. Make sure to check out our Surface Pro 8 review and Surface Laptop Studio review to catch up on everything about the latest devices from Microsoft.

Microsoft's Surface hardware events are always eagerly anticipated thanks to the promise of shiny new devices. This year was no exception, as we waited to see whether expectations of a Pro 8, Laptop Studio, Pro X, Go 3, and Duo 2 would be realized.

While Microsoft seems to always be on the ball with its design choices — save maybe port selection — the performance hardware side of things isn't always as easy to appreciate. The AMD-powered Surface Laptop 3 15 comes to mind, as do the Intel-powered Surface Studio 2 and Surface Go 2. These devices launched with aging processors, much to the chagrin of power users who wanted the absolute best performance in their brand-new device.

A whole new crop of Surface PCs is here, launching Oct. 5 to coincide with the worldwide rollout of Windows 11. While the Pro X hasn't seen a performance upgrade, the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 do have some new CPUs. And with the launch of the new Surface Laptop Studio, there are also some Intel H-series chips to take a look at. Let's see what we can expect from these CPUs, as well as how they might compare to a bunch of other popular laptops that we've already had in for testing.

Surface Pro 8 and 11th Gen Intel Tiger Lake

The Surface Pro 8 can be equipped with four different processors, all from Intel's 11th Gen Tiger Lake series. PCIe 4, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6 support comes with these CPUs. Looking at the consumer side first — the Pro 8 also has commercial options for business — there are Core i5-1135G7 and Core i7-1185G7 quad-core chips available. These are both 10nm with a maximum 28W TDP, capable of hyper-threading for a total of eight threads.

The i5 tops out at around 4.2GHz with Turbo, while the i7 hits about 4.8GHz with Turbo. As for the cache, the i5 is looking at 8MB while the i7 has 12MB. Intel Iris Xe graphics are integrated into both chips, with the i7 version being a bit more powerful thanks to a slightly higher frequency and more execution units (96 compared to 80). You can expect better graphics performance compared to previous Iris Plus and UHD integrated chips, but I still wouldn't consider the Pro 8 a gaming PC. You can find a lot more power in our collection of the best gaming laptops.

We've already seen the i5-1135G7 in the Surface Pro 7 Plus where it achieved impressive numbers in both Geekbench 5 and Cinebench R23 benchmarking. And now that we've tested the Core i7-1185G7 in the Surface Pro 8, we can see where performance rests.

On the commercial side of the Pro 8 release, a Core i3-1115G4 and Core i5-1145G7 join the aforementioned Core i7-1185G7. Why the different i5 on the commercial side? It has Intel vPro capabilities, just like the i7-1185G7, to help with remote management. These appeal to IT departments, so it makes sense for Microsoft to offer them for enterprise buys. The i5-1145G7 has a slightly higher Turbo clock compared to its 1135G7 counterpart, but its cache, TDP, and graphics frequency remain the same.

The Core i3 is there to help keep costs down, or for anyone who doesn't need a whole lot of power. It's a dual-core chip with Intel UHD integrated graphics, so don't expect it to measure up too closely to the i5 and i7 siblings. We've tested the i3-1115G4 in the Acer Aspire 5, but haven't so far tested the i5-1145G7; I pulled average single-core and multi-core numbers from official Geekbench listings to give an idea of what to expect. As for Cinebench, i3 and i7 numbers are listed.

Take these numbers with a grain of salt. The Pro 8 is its own device, and averages pulled from a huge database are certainly skewed.

Surface Laptop Studio and 11th Gen Intel H-series CPUs

The Surface Laptop Studio is the latest device to join the lineup, bringing a snazzy 2-in-1 design with display hinge on top of a standard laptop body. It's packing 11th Gen Intel Core H-series CPUs for a bit more power owing to its "Studio" designation. Entry-level configs have a Core i5-11300H, with the Core i7-11370H available as a step up. PCIe 4, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6 support come with these chips.

These two Tiger Lake CPUs have four cores, eight threads, a 10nm process, and a maximum 35W TDP. The i5's base clock speed hits up to 3.1GHz at that 35W TDP, while the i7 hits 3.3GHz when drawing the same power. As for Turbo, the i5 hits 4.4GHz while the i7 hits 4.8GHz.

Both chips feature integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, though the Laptop Studio provides dedicated graphics options as well for more power. Compared to the 11th Gen G7 CPUs in the Surface Pro 8, and compared to 10th Gen H-series counterparts, you should expect better performance here.

We tested the Surface Laptop Studio's Core i7-11370H CPU, putting it through multiple benchmarks to see exactly how it performs.

As for the Core i5-11300H option, we still haven't had a chance to test it in-house. Notebookcheck has average Geekbench 5 scores of 1,313 (single-core) and 4,403 (multi-core). Similarly, CPU-Monkey has Cinebench R23 average scores of 1,394 (single-core) and 5,349 (multi-core).

Surface Go 3 and Surface Pro X

The Surface Go 3 saw mostly a performance upgrade. It's now available with either an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or a 10th Gen Intel Core i3-10100Y. This isn't a huge bump in power, and it's looking like the same issue of "barely enough" that we saw in the Surface Go 2 will be true once again.

While benchmarks and performance numbers are not plentiful for either of these chips — we will have our own set of numbers once we have a Go 3 in for testing — we can compare them to the older Go 2 CPUs.

The Pentium Gold 6500Y in the Go 3 is a dual-core chip with four threads, 5W TDP (up to 7W), and 1.1GHz base frequency. The Gold 4425Y in the Go 2 is also a dual-core chip with four threads, with a 6W TDP and 1.7GHz base frequency. The 6500Y does have a larger cache (4MB compared to 2MB) and a slightly higher max frequency for its integrated graphics. Performance is likely not going to be wildly different if you're coming from a Go 2 with the Pentium chip.

The 10th Gen i3-10100Y in the Go 3 has two cores, four threads, 5W TDP (up to 7W), 4MB cache, and a 1.3GHz base frequency. The 8th Gen m3-8100Y has two cores, four threads, 5W TDP (up to 8W), 4MB cache, and a 1.1GHz base frequency. Again, these chips are quite close on paper, and we will have to see how they perform in a real-world setting.

As for the Surface Pro X announced at the 2021 Surface Event, nothing is changing when it comes to performance hardware. There's now a version available without built-in LTE, which also lowers the starting cost of the device.

Both the Microsoft SQ1 and SQ1 ARM CPUs remain as available options for the Pro. If you're interested in how these chips compare, Executive Editor Daniel Rubino's in-depth Surface Pro X SQ2 review has all the information. And if you're looking for details about a bunch of other great laptops, our collection of the best Windows laptops likely has what you need.

What you need to know

• You can now order dbrand skins for the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3.
• Surface Duo 2 dbrand skins are also available for preorder.
• Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Duo 2 skins start at $20.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 went on sale earlier this week. Now, anyone interested in Microsoft's latest 2-in-1 devices can order skins for them from dbrand. As is the case with most of dbrand's Surface skins, you can order a skin for the body of the device and an additional skin for the logo on the back of the PC.

Back skins for the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 cost $20, while logo skins cost $1. The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 have smaller cameras than the Surface Duo 2, so you cannot order camera skins for the 2-in-1s.

You can choose from a wide range of patterns, including carbon fiber, wood, swarm, and camo. Pastel skins come in shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, pink, and "black" (note that pastel black does not appear black). You can also go for a leather look in black or white.

The Surface Duo 2 doesn't come out until later this month, but you can preorder skins for the foldable device from dbrand. Like the skins for its Surface siblings, the main body skins for the Surface Duo 2 cost $20. The logo and camera skins for the Duo 2 cost $2.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced five new Surface devices in September 2021, four of which are now available for purchase.
• The Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Pro X are now available.
• The Surface Duo 2 won't be available until October 22, 2021.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Go 3 are now available for purchase. The Surface Laptop Studio introduces a new form factor while the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Go 3 update Microsoft's 2-in-1 lineups. The Surface Pro X didn't receive a design overhaul or spec update, but starting today, you can order a more affordable model without LTE.

Note that some retailers may not take orders for the new devices until later today, October 5, 2021. At the time of publication, orders are live on Microsoft and Best Buy's websites.

The Surface Laptop Studio is a non-detachable 2-in-1. You can pull its screen forward to switch it into different modes. It's also the most powerful Surface device ever, according to Microsoft. Our executive editor Daniel Rubino runs the device through its paces in his Surface Laptop Studio review

The Surface Pro lineup has been around for 10 years. The Surface Pro 8 refines the lineup's design with a larger display and thinner bezels. It's also significantly more powerful than the Surface Pro 7. You can read more about the new 2-in-1 in our Surface Pro 8 review.

The Surface Go 3 has the same form factor and design as its predecessor but now has better hardware under the hood. Its Intel Core i3 model is 60% faster than the original Surface Go 2.

The Surface Pro X has a model without LTE connectivity that brings its starting price down. There aren't any other changes to the Surface Pro X lineup, but the model with only Wi-Fi connectivity is now available for order.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced five new Surface devices and three new accessories last week.
• Over 30% of our readers that voted in a recent poll want to buy a Surface Duo 2.
• The Surface Pro 8 received the second most votes, with almost 24% of polled participants saying they'd like to order one.

Going into Microsoft's Surface hardware event, our readers were most excited by the Surface Duo 2. That excitement appears to have continued following the official announcement of the foldable device.

"Preordered two Duos for my husband and I," said sarfinv in the comments section of our recent poll. GraniteStateColin preordered one as well, "I've preordered the Duo 2 already (but grumbled about the missing Qi)." Several other readers said they would buy a Surface Duo 2 when it became available through their respective carriers.

Over 30% of our polled readers said they'd want to buy the Surface Duo 2.

The Surface Pro 8 came in second place with 23.64% of the vote (note that voters could select multiple options in this poll). The Surface Pro 8 saw its most significant refresh in several generations, including thinner bezels and a larger display.

Around one in five voters said they'd want to purchase the Surface Laptop Studio. Several have already preordered Microsoft's new device. ITMedCEO said that a "fully loaded Surface Laptop Studio is on the way!"

Microsoft calls the Surface Laptop Studio the most powerful Surface device to date. That power convinced jasqid to order one. "I pre-ordered the i7 studio laptop. First time I ever [ordered] a device like this. I've [had] a pro 3, pro 7 i5 and it just wasn't enough. Kept over heating. So I went with this beefier piece. Not looking forward to the extra weight and thickness but it will have to do."

While it fell behind the major hardware announcements, the Surface Slim Pen 2 drew a fair amount of interest from our readers. Almost 14% of those polled said that they would purchase a Surface Slim Pen 2.

Microsoft expanded its Surface family with five new devices and three new accessories this week. Now that you've had a couple of days to digest all of the announcements, we want to know which device (or devices) you actually want to buy. There are plenty of innovative pieces of hardware that may impress you technically, but this poll focuses on the Surface devices you want to spend your hard-earned money on. Actions speak louder than words, after all.

We covered all of the Surface devices announced in a roundup and had a special edition of the Windows Central Podcast this week, but we'll also run through the new hardware here as well to get you up to speed.

The Surface Laptop Studio is the most powerful Surface ever, according to Microsoft. It also introduces a unique form factor with its screen. It could make our list of the best laptops, though we'll have to do a full review first to assess its merits. With a starting price of $1,600, it's also the most expensive of the new Surface devices.

The Surface Duo 2 drew the most interest leading up to the event. Buzz around the web and activity from commenters on our site suggest the excitement has increased since the device was officially announced. The Duo 2 has a faster chip, bigger screens, and better cameras than the original Surface Duo. It also supports 5G and NFC. Like the Surface Laptop Studio, it also has a high price tag ($1,500).

Microsoft revamped its Surface Pro line with the Surface Pro 8. It has a larger display and thinner bezels than its predecessor. It's also significantly faster than the Surface Pro 7. Microsoft rounded out the Surface Pro 8 with a 120Hz display, Dolby Vision, and Adaptive Color Technology.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 looks like it will make our list of the best Surface accessories. It has a haptic motor inside that provides feedback as you interact with supported PCs. It can replicate the feel of writing on paper and provide queues when navigating around Windows 11.

The Surface Go 3 was a more modest upgrade for its respective line than some of its Surface event siblings, but it's still much faster than the Surface Go 2. It also maintains its relative affordability with a starting price of $400.

Microsoft didn't refresh the Surface Pro X with a new design or new internals. The company did announce a lower starting price for the device thanks to a new model without support for LTE.

Lastly: You'll notice we mentioned eight total items were announced at the event, but only seven are in the poll. That's because one of them (the Ocean Plastic Mouse) doesn't have Surface in its name. Cue the sad trombone.

Which new Surface devices would you like to buy, if any? Let us know in the poll above and the comments below. While you do that, you can also check out which Surface devices the Windows Central team members want.

Surface Go 3 loves microSD

Like its predecessor, the Surface Go 3 is restricted to just 128GB for internal storage, making it a prime example of a device that can benefit from the utilization of its microSDXC port. This port will handle most microSD cards, supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC for capacities up to 2TB.

MicroSD cards are no replacement for onboard storage and offer considerably slower transfer speeds than an SSD, but these can prove useful in adding far more capacity to your device. The microSD card slot is just one reason why you should consider the Surface Go 3.

The third generation of Surface Go introduced Intel processors to replace the ARM chips used by Microsoft. These CPUs offer better compatibility with software, as well as a boost in performance. You can configure the Surface Go 3 with up to 8GB of RAM, and it should last for around 11 hours between charges.

When shopping around for a microSD card, we highly recommend the Samsung EVO Select range. These SD cards offer solid read and write speeds for expandable storage and range between 32GB and 512GB. The Surface Go 3 is positioned to be among the best Surface PCs.

What you need to know

• Kensington has a long list of accessories built to work with Microsoft's new Surface hardware.
• Accessories include a docking station, rugged case, privacy screen, and cable locks.
• The Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3 all have accessories available from Kensington.

Kensington worked with Microsoft to create a long list of officially licensed "Designed for Surface" accessories. These new accessories are compatible with many of Microsoft's new hardware, including the Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Go 3. Kensington's accessories include cable locks, docking stations, privacy covers, and rugged cases.

The Kensington BlackBelt Rugged Case for Surface Pro 8 offers military-grade wipe-down and drop protection. Even with the case on, the Surface Pro 8 can use its kickstand. The case can also be secured with a Kensington keyed or combination lock.

For people who need to be careful about privacy, the Kensington MagPro Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen for Surface Pro 8 narrows the field of view of the device to +/- 30 degrees. It also filters out harmful blue light to reduce eye strain. The screen attaches to the Surface Pro 8 magnetically and still allows people to use a stylus or touch. The screen is reversible, with one side featuring a matte finish and the other having a glossy finish.

The Kensington SD5750T Thunderbolt 4 Dock for Surface Pro 8 and Surface Studio is a DFS-certified Thunderbolt 4 dock. It supports transfer speeds of up to 40 Gb/s. It features 11 ports, including four Thunderbolt 4 ports. The dock supports a single 8K screen or dual 4K screens (at 60 Hz).

It's important to note that the Kensington SD7000 Docking Station does not work with the Surface Pro 8. That accessory converts the Surface Pro into a miniature Surface Studio, but it doesn't work with Microsoft's latest 2-in-1. The newest Surface device that the Kensington SD7000 works with is the Surface Pro 7 Plus.

What you need to know

• Commercial customers will be able to order Microsoft's new Surface devices with Windows 10 or Windows 11.
• The Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3 will have options for either operating system.
• The consumer versions of new Surface hardware will ship with Windows 11.

Microsoft announced several new Surface devices yesterday, including the Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3. While all of these devices start shipping on October 5, 2021, which is the same date as the release of Windows 11, commercial customers will have the option to get the devices with Windows 11 or Windows 10.

"In light of the general availability of Windows 11, Oct. 5, 2021, commercial customers can choose to have Windows 10 or Windows 11 installed on new Surface devices including Surface Pro 8, Surface Laptop Studio, and Surface Go 3," says a Microsoft doc.

Having the option to receive devices with Windows 10 or Windows 11 should make things easier for IT admins. Microsoft explains:

Commercial customers can order devices through authorized Microsoft Surface resellers.

Consumer versions of new Surface devices will ship with Windows 11. If a person wants a new Surface device with Windows 10, they can go through an authorized Microsoft Surface reseller to purchase a commercial version of the device.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced five new Surface devices yesterday and three new accessories.
• The majority of our polled readers are excited about the lineup.
• Almost one in eight polled participants said they were underwhelmed by the announced devices.

Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Duo 2, Surface Pro 8, and several other devices yesterday. The buzz around the web seems generally positive for the devices, but we wanted to know what our readers thought, so we ran a poll.

During its event, Microsoft introduced a new form factor with the Surface Laptop Studio. The Surface Duo 2 saw a major upgrade both in terms of specs and design. Other devices, like the Surface Go 3, saw more modest upgrades. With different approaches to its separate Surface lines, Microsoft drew a range of reactions from our readers.

Almost 66% of polled participants said that they were excited about the new Surface hardware. Just over 18% said they didn't feel strongly about the new devices either way. Over 15% said that they were underwhelmed by the new lineup.

"The Surface Duo 2 and Surface Pro 8 definitely got my attention the most," said Fat8893. "The Duo 2 finally has much-needed upgrades from the first-gen model and the Pro 8 is now a worthy adversary to Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable and Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Tablet."

While only 15.51% of voters said they were underwhelmed, those disappointed in the Surface lineup seemed especially frustrated.

Not everyone was thrilled with Microsoft's new hardware. "The Laptop Studio is a letdown across the board," said Keith Wallace. "The design feels like it's trying to match Apple. The color palette of the chassis and keyboard looks like they're trying to cop a Macbook. It feels less flexible and capable than the Surface Book."

What you need to know

• Microsoft unveiled a lot of Surface devices and hardware today.
• Three of said devices, the Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Duo 2, are now available at Best Buy.
• Both the Laptop Studio and Duo 2 can carry a $1,599 price tag, depending on the config you opt for. Meanwhile, the Surface Go 3 starts at $399.

If you haven't been keeping up on the news, here's the scoop: Microsoft recently unveiled a lot of new Surface devices. And two of the hottest announcements from the lineup, the Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Duo 2, are now available to preorder at Best Buy. The Surface Go 3 is also available if you're interested in the budget tablet offering.

Pricing for the Duo 2 starts at $1,499 if you want the 128GB version, with the cost jumping up to $1,599 for the 256GB iteration. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop Studio comes at a variety of costs depending on what kind of specs you want. One comfy default Best Buy offers is the $1,599 config, which features an Intel 11th Gen Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. But if you feel the need to spend more money in exchange for a better PC, rest assured, Microsoft has left that option open. You can spend over $3,000 on the thing with ease if you opt for a 2TB SSD, 32GB of RAM, and an Intel 11th Gen Core i7.

If you want to spend far less, the Surface Go 3 starts at $399 and scales up from there if you want a faster processor, more storage, or LTE, though the price ceiling doesn't ever hit astronomical heights relative to the Go 3's Surface peers.

You can still get the devices directly from Microsoft, but perhaps you have a few Best Buy gift cards lying around or just prefer BB's online retail setup. Whatever the reason, know that you have options.

We'll update our coverage as more Surface items become available at Best Buy.

At the recent Microsoft Surface 2021 event, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Go 3, the third iteration of the ultra-portable tablet that has been shaking up the industry ever since the original was released in 2018. Thanks to its tiny 10-inch size and low price tag, the Surface Go line has been hugely beneficial for students, budget buyers, and people who need a device that's extremely easy to carry.

Something that a lot of people don't like about the Surface Go and Surface Go 2, however, is how limited its performance capabilities are. The Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y and 4425Y processors that the base models of previous Surface Go devices shipped with just weren't powerful enough to provide an ideal user experience. The Surface Go 2's optional Intel Core m3-8100Y helped, but the device's performance still felt dated compared to many competing convertible laptops. This was somewhat expected given the Surface Go's tiny chassis and rock-bottom price range, but it was still disappointing regardless.

With the Surface Go 3, Microsoft has addressed the CPU issues of previous generations by refreshing the Surface Go with two new processor options: the entry-level Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y and a 10th-Gen Intel Core i3-10100Y, both of which are significantly more capable than the Surface Go processors of yesteryear. Other improvements include a small bump to battery life (10 hours to 11 hours) and the presence of Wi-Fi 6, but beyond that, the Surface Go 3 isn't very different from its predecessors. Have a look at the official specs below:

The fact that Microsoft isn't making any significant changes to the design of the Surface Go with this latest model may disappoint some, but did the Surface Go need any changes? As my colleague Daniel Rubino noted in his Surface Go 2 review, the design of the device was already impeccable. The issue was that Microsoft couldn't find a way to get more CPU horsepower into the 10-inch chassis, but that problem has now been solved — on paper, at least. We won't know how well the Surface Go 3 performs in practice until we get our hands on it, but all signs point to a significantly faster and smoother user experience.

The addition of more battery life and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility are nothing to scoff at, either. Even though these are minor improvements, an extra hour of battery life or a faster and more reliable Wi-Fi experience can be seriously helpful in situations where you're going to be away from a charger for a long time or have sensitive work to do and can't afford to deal with Wi-Fi connection mishaps.

What are your thoughts on the Surface Go 3? Do you think it could end up being one of the best Microsoft Surface PCs, or do you think that Microsoft should be doing more with this new version of the device? Let us know. Notably, Surface Go 3 preorders are now available with a starting price of $399.

We ultimately feel that due to its impressive specs, battery life, and port selection, the Surface Pro 8 will be the better choice overall for most people in this matchup. Don't overlook the Surface Go 3 if you need something less expensive, though, as the third iteration of Microsoft's 10-inch mini PC is the mightiest one yet.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Go 3: Power or affordability?

The primary difference between the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Go 3 is the power of their specs. The Surface Pro 8 is the winner in this regard by far, as its 11th Gen Intel processors and integrated graphics are much better than the Surface Go 3's budget-friendly hardware. The Surface Pro 8 also comes with significantly more options for RAM and SSD storage capacity. Additionally, the Surface Pro 8 also comes with cutting edge Thunderbolt 4 ports and a battery that lasts five hours longer, making it the more flexible device overall.

The Surface Go 3 has a few advantages of its own, however. It's much less expensive than the Surface Pro 8 is, which makes it an excellent alternative for people on a budget. The Surface Go 3 is also significantly more capable than previous Surface Go devices, which means that its performance is expected to be quite good even though the Surface Pro 8's will be much better. The Surface Go 3 also comes with a microSDXC card reader that you can use to add additional storage.

Surface Pro 8 vs. Go 3: Which should you buy?

Both the Surface Pro 8 and the Surface Go 3 look fantastic, and we expect both of them to end up being some of the best Microsoft Surface PCs available. With that said, we feel that the Surface Pro 8 will be better for most people since it has significantly better performance, battery life, and ports for peripherals or accessories. It may be more expensive, but it's also more versatile — especially since the new Surface Pro Type Cover includes a slot for the Surface Slim Pen 2 for charging and storage.

The Surface Go 3 isn't a device to scoff at, however, especially since it features snazzy new Intel CPU options that significantly outperform previous Surface Go processors. They may be weaker than the Surface Pro 8's 11th Gen offerings, but they're still pretty good for general computing. And when you consider that the Surface Go 3 only costs about a third of what the Surface Pro 8 does, it's clear to see why it's an excellent budget alternative.

For other great options, check out our roundup of the best 2-in-1 laptops and best Windows laptops.

The Windows Central Podcast with our Executive Editor, Daniel Rubino and Senior Editor, Zac Bowden will be LIVE on today, Wednesday September 22 at 1PM ET for a special episode focused entirely on the announcements coming out of Microsoft's hardware event, which takes place a couple hours before at 11AM ET.

We'll be talking all about the new hardware, from the Surface Duo 2 to the new Surface Book 4 (likely called Surface Laptop Studio.) We're expecting up to five new Surface devices to be announced, and that's not even including the accessories! So, there will be lots to talk about, and we'll have all the info you need.

The show will be LIVE on YouTube at 1PM ET on Wednesday. You can tune in via the embedded video above, or head to the Windows Central YouTube channel to catch us when the show goes live. If you miss the show, don't worry, as we'll be making available a video on demand version and an audio-only version that will be published on podcasting platforms.

Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 8, Surface Duo 2, and several other devices today. At its hardware event, the company refreshed old devices, bumped up specs, and revamped designs. It also introduced a new form factor with the Surface Laptop Studio. Now that the event's over, we want to know if you're excited about Microsoft's new lineup of Surface hardware.

We have a full recap of everything Microsoft announced at its Surface hardware event, but we'll run through a few of the highlights as a refresher.

The Surface Laptop Studio is the most powerful Surface device ever built. It introduces a unique form factor as a non-detachable 2-in-1. Its screen is on a hinge, allowing it to be pulled into different modes. It can be used as a traditional laptop, pulled forward into "Stage mode," or laid flat into "Studio mode."

After over a year of reports and rumors, Microsoft officially announced the Surface Duo 2. It marks a significant bump in performance over its predecessor. The Surface Duo 2 runs on a Snapdragon 888 processor, supports 5G, and has NFC. It also has significantly better cameras than the original Surface Duo. Leading up to the event, the Surface Duo 2 drew the most attention from our readers.

Microsoft says that the Surface Pro 8 is the "most significant leap forward since Pro 3." It's more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7. It also has thinner bezels, which allow it to have a larger screen without having to be a larger device. Additionally, for the first time ever, a Surface Pro supports Thunderbolt.

While Microsoft refreshed several of its devices, there are few pieces of Surface hardware that didn't see an update. Notably, the Surface Studio 2 continues to age without a successor. The Surface Laptop Go came out last year and didn't see a follow-up today. The Surface Laptop line also wasn't refreshed today, though Microsoft only announced the Surface Laptop 4 in April 2021.

Some people may not be happy with the updates and upgrades that Microsoft announced today. For example, commenters on our site expressed frustration over the low entry specs of the Surface Go 3.

What are your thoughts on Microsoft's new Surface devices? Are you excited about the hardware or underwhelmed? Let us know in the poll above and in the comments below.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced five new Surface devices today.
• The Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Duo 2, Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Pro X are all available for preorder.
• Most of the devices will ship on October 5, 2021, though the Duo 2 won't ship until October 21, 2021.

Microsoft expanded its Surface lineup with five new devices. The Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Duo 2, Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and Surface Pro X are all available for preorder. All but one of the devices will ship on October 5, 2021. Those ordering the Surface Duo 2 will have to wait until October 21, 2021 to receive it.

The new Surface devices were only announced today, but preorders are already live.

The Surface Laptop Studio introduces a new form factor for the Surface family. It's a non-detachable 2-in-1, meaning you can pull the screen of the Surface Laptop Studio into different modes. The Surface Laptop Studio is also the most powerful Surface that Microsoft has built.

The original Surface Duo was a unique device that fell short as a smartphone in some areas. Microsoft aims to overcome those shortcomings with the Surface Duo 2. It has a Snapdragon 888 processor, 5G support, and NFC. It also has a triple-camera setup.

The Surface Pro lineup has maintained the same form factor and general design since the Surface Pro 3. That changes with the Surface Pro 8, which has thinner bezels and a larger display than its predecessors. The Surface Pro 8 is also more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7.

Microsoft didn't announce a spec bump or redesign for the Surface Pro X. Instead, the company will now sell a version without LTE support. The non-LTE version of the Surface Pro X has a lower starting price.

The Surface Go 3 maintains the shape and design of its predecessors but now has better hardware under the hood. The Intel Core i3 model of the Surface Go 3 is 60% faster than the Surface Go 2.

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Duo 2 today.
• The company also announced a refreshed Surface Pro X and the Surface Go 3.
• To go along with the Surface devices, Microsoft announced the Surface Slim Pen 2, the Surface Adaptive Kit, and the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse.

Microsoft announced a slew of Surface devices at its hardware event today, including the Surface Laptop Studio, the Surface Pro 8, and the Surface Duo 2. We saw old favorites get refreshed, the introduction of a new form factor, and the announcement of several accessories. To help you catch up on all of today's news, we've gathered all of the highlights into one piece. If you want to hear our experts dive into the new hardware, make sure to check out our special edition of the Windows Central Podcast.

Most of the Surface devices are available for preorder today and will start shipping on October 5, 2021, but there are exceptions. The Surface Duo 2 will be up for preorder today but won't be available until October 21, 2021.

Surface Laptop Studio

The Surface Laptop Studio is the most powerful Surface that Microsoft has ever built. It runs on an 11th Gen Intel Core H35 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU. It's a non-detachable 2-in-1, which is a first for the Surface family of devices. The Dynamic Woven Hinge of the Surface Laptop Studio allows its display to shift between modes. As its name suggests, the Surface Laptop Studio looks like a marriage of the Surface Studio and the Surface Laptop.

The display of the Surface Laptop Studio is a 14.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen. You can pull the screen of the device to any angle between the look of a traditional laptop and completely flat over the keyboard. Microsoft calls the angled view "Stage mode" and the flat view "Studio mode."

The Surface Slim Pen 2 can be stored underneath the keyboard of the Surface Laptop Studio. People can then take it out to draw on the display of the laptop or take notes.

The Surface Laptop Studio starts at $1,600 and is available for preorder now in select markets.

Surface Duo 2

The Surface Duo 2 is likely the device that received the biggest jump compared to its predecessor. The original Surface Duo introduced a new form factor but lagged behind in many smartphone categories. The Surface Duo 2 closes many of those gaps. It runs on a Snapdragon 888 processor, supports 5G, and has NFC. It has a dynamic triple-lens camera, which looks to be significantly better than that of the original Surface Duo.

Each of the displays on the Surface Duo 2 are slightly larger than those of the Surface Duo (5.8 inches vs. 5.6 inches). That increase comes largely from the thinner bezels of the Surface Duo 2, though the device still has noticeable top and bottom bezels.

The Surface Duo 2 starts at $1,500 and is available for preorder starting today.

Surface Pro 8

Microsoft calls the Surface Pro 8 the "most significant leap forward since Pro 3." The Surface Pro 8 is more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7. The newest Surface Pro has an 11th Gen Intel Core processor, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and is built on the Intel Evo platform. Thunderbolt support is significant as Microsoft has held off until this generation of Surface devices.

The Surface Pro 8 has a 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display. That display expands close to the edges of the device, much like the Surface Pro X. In a first for the Surface Pro lineup, the Surface Pro 8's display is 120Hz. This should work well with the Dynamic Refresh Rate of Windows 11. The Surface Pro 8 supports Dolby Vision and Adaptive Color Technology as well.

The 2-in-1 has a 5-megapixel camera on the front and a 10-megapixel camera on the back, the latter of which supports 4K. The Surface Pro 8 also has Dolby Atmos sound and dual far-field Studio Mics, which should help people studying or working from home.

The Surface Pro 8 also works with the Surface Slim Pen 2.

Surface Slim Pen 2

Speaking of the Surface Slim Pen 2, Microsoft's new stylus has a sharper tip, ultra-low latency, and supports haptic feedback. The Surface Slim Pen 2 can be magnetically attached to the Surface Laptop Studio or stored within the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard.

The Surface Slim Pen 2 works with new features in Windows 11 and Microsoft's G6 processor that's in the Surface Laptop Studio and the Surface Pro 8 to provide tactile signals. For example, a person will receive tactile feedback when circling to select content in Microsoft 365 apps or using tools in Adobe Fresco.

Surface Pro X

The Surface Pro X didn't receive a design overhaul or a chip update like many of its Surface siblings. Microsoft did, however, lower the entry price of the Surface Pro X by offering a model without support for LTE. The Wi-Fi model of the Surface Pro X starts at $900, which is $100 less than the starting price of LTE models.

Microsoft's improvements to Windows on ARM will also be showcased on the Surface Pro X. Windows 11 supports both x86 and x64 emulation, allowing devices to run far more applications. Several big-name apps have also been optimized for Windows on ARM, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Teams. These improvements will also help other Windows on ARM devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book Go, but they will also boost the capabilities of the Surface Pro X.

Surface Go 3

The Surface Go 3 improved the Go line's speed thanks to a spec bump. The Intel Core i3 version is 60% faster than its predecessor. The Surface Go 3 has models with LTE support on the way to help people stay connected.

The Surface Go 3 keeps the compact form factor that's earned the love of many fans. It has a 10.5-inch touch display and only weighs 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg). It also keeps its low starting price of just $400, which is in the same range as the best budget tablets.

Surface Adaptive Kit

Microsoft's Inclusive Tech Lab created the Surface Adaptive Kit. It's designed to make devices more accessible. It does this with a combination of keycap labels, bump labels, port indicators, and device openers.

The Surface Adaptive Kit will be available later this year.

Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse

Last but not least (at least for the environment), Microsoft announced the Ocean Plastic Mouse. The Bluetooth mouse is made of 20% recycled plastic recovered from oceans and waterways. It is shipped in a box that's 100% recyclable. The shape of the mouse strongly resembles the Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse.

What you need to know

• The Surface Go 3 has been announced and is available for pre-order ahead of its October 5 release.
• The Wi-Fi version of the device will start at $399, with LTE models coming in December for the U.S. and Canada and early 2022 for other markets.
• The leaked Surface Go 3 processor specs have turned out to be accurate.

Microsoft's latest line of Surface products has been officially revealed, following a short burst of leaks prematurely revealing items such as the Surface Duo 2's existence and the Surface Go 3's processor details. As it turns out, the latter have been confirmed by Microsoft's formal announcement of the third installment in its Surface tablet line.

The Surface Go 3 features the Intel Pentium GOLD 6500Y and Intel Core i3-10100Y processors that were namedropped in association with the device over on Geekbench not too long ago, with 4GB or 8GB of RAM attached respectively. Storage-wise, you can go as low as 64GB of eMMC memory, while Commerical Channels will get up to 256GB SSDs. Here's the complete spec list:

As can be seen on the table, consumers will receive Windows 11 Home S. It's fitting given that Windows 11 is having its own launch on October 5, the same day the Surface Go 3 releases to the public. Again, the device will start at $399 but can get more expensive depending on what internals you opt for.

Surface Go 3

LTE models will come in December 2021 for the U.S. and Canada, with other markets having to wait until early 2022.

What you need to know

• Microsoft will hold a Surface hardware event on September 22, 2021 at 11 a.m. EST (8 a.m. PST).
• The company is expected to announce the Surface Pro 8, Surface Duo 2, Surface Book 4, and several other Surface devices.
• The event will be streamed through Microsoft's website.

Microsoft's Surface hardware event kicks off at 11 a.m. EST (convert to your local time) today, September 22, 2021. The Surface Pro 8, Surface Duo 2, and Surface Book 4 (which may go by a different name) are all expected to be announced at the event.

Microsoft will stream the event on its website. We've embedded the video below.

A refreshed Surface Pro X, a Surface Go 3, and a few Surface accessories are also expected at Microsoft's event.

Our senior editor Zac Bowden has broken down what we should expect from the 2021 Surface hardware event. Between leaks and information from sources, quite a bit is known about Microsoft's new hardware, but it's still worth watching the event live. Panos Panay and the Surface team are known for adding "one more thing" to their events.

It's also worth checking out the stream to see the first images of the Surface devices. While fan renders and leaks have given us glimpses of Microsoft's upcoming devices, we haven't seen any official photos or sizzler reels of the hardware.

Of the suspected devices, our readers are most excited about the Surface Duo 2. It looks to be a significant upgrade over the original Surface Duo in both design and specs. The Surface Book 4 also appeals to our readers thanks to its unique form factor. The device is said to be a non-detachable 2-in-1 with powerful internals.

Welcome to the eighth episode of Ask Windows Central, a show where we answer our communities most asked questions around Microsoft, Windows, Surface, Xbox, and the general tech industry. This week's episode features just one question that we've been asked countless times over the last few weeks: What are your expectations for this week's Surface event?

If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the show, be sure to submit them in the comments below, or email daniel@windowscentral.com with "Ask Windows Central" in the subject line! You can also join the Windows Central Discord and ask questions in the dedicated #ask-wc channel.

If you're on Twitter, you can tweet your question with the #AskWindowsCentral tag included, and make sure you tag either @daniel_rubino or @zacbowden so we can see it.

If you have any feedback about the show format, please let us know. We're building this show around you, so if there's something you don't like or think we should change, we're all ears. We hope you enjoy the episode, and look forward to getting back to your questions in the next one.

What you need to know

• Specs of the Surface Go 3 momentarily leaked on a retailer's website.
• The listing included the specs of Microsoft's upcoming tablet.
• Based on the listing, the Surface Go 3 will have options for Intel Pentium 6500Y or Core i3-10100Y processors.

Microsoft's Surface Go 3 briefly appeared on the Thai retailer Shopee's website. The folks at WinFuture were able to check out the specs of the device before the listing was taken down. The information from the retail listing lines up with what we've previously reported as well as suspected Geekbench results.

The main takeaway from the listing is that the Surface Go 3 should ship with either Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or Intel Core i3-10100Y processors. The Pentium Gold 6500Y is a significant step up from the Pentium Gold 4425Y in the Surface Go 2. Both chips that will ship with the Surface Go 3 are Amber Lake Y processors, which aren't as powerful as 11th Gen Tiger Lake chips.

Assuming the listing is accurate, the external design of the Surface Go 3 appears to be largely unchanged compared to the Surface Go 2. The Surface Go 3 still lacks PCIe, which some had hoped for.

According to the retail listing and previous reports and leaks, the Surface Go 3 should have the following specs:

We suspect that the Surface Go 3 will start at $399. Microsoft is expected to announce the Surface Go 3 at its Surface hardware event on September 22, 2021.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is holding a hardware event on September 22.
• We're expecting up to five new Surface devices, and accessories.
• Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro X, Surface Book, Surface Go, and Surface Duo are on the agenda for updates.

Microsoft has announced that its annual fall Surface hardware event will be taking place on September 22. This year, rumors suggest we're getting five new Surface devices, four of which are among the first PCs with Windows 11 out of the box.

Our sources say to expect updates to the Surface Duo, Surface Pro and Pro X, Surface Go, as well as an all-new flagship 2-in-1 Surface laptop design. Here's an overview of the new Surface devices being announced next week, with some obvious spoilers ahead.

Surface Duo 2 brings much-requested upgrades

The next Surface Duo is under some serious pressure to deliver. After a rough launch with the Surface Duo 1, which shipped with outdated hardware and buggy software, Microsoft has focused on making Surface Duo 2 a better phone right out of the gate. According to my sources, Surface Duo 2 will feature a Snapdragon 888 processor with 5G capabilities, 8GB RAM, a new camera system, better displays, and NFC.

Surface Duo 2 has two 5.8-inch displays on the inside, up from 5.6-inches on the first Surface Duo. This allows Microsoft to thin out the bezels, though not by much. Microsoft has also very slightly curved the displays towards the hinge, allowing for glanceable information to appear down the spine when the device is closed.

The displays will also have a higher refresh rate, although we're unsure if that means 90Hz or 120Hz. Surface Duo 2 has a total of four cameras too; a selfie shooter on the inside above the right display, and a wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lens housed in the rear camera bump.

We're told the battery size has increased by roughly 800-900mAh to accommodate 5G and the higher-refresh rate displays. Bluetooth 5.1 and NFC are also present on the device, finally opening the Duo up to mobile payments. Unfortunately, I'm told that wireless charging is not present. We're expecting Microsoft to ship white and black models, with 128GB and 256GB storage configurations.

The Surface Duo is the only Surface device being announced at the event that doesn't ship with Windows 11. Instead, it will ship with Android 11 out of the box.

Changes headed to Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X

Microsoft is also planning to unveil a new mainline Surface Pro device, likely dubbed the Surface Pro 8. I'm not expecting huge changes to this hardware, though we will see some external upgrades to the chassis. The display is said to be bigger compared to that on the Surface Pro 7, likely closer to the 13-inch display size found on the Surface Pro X, with thinner bezels.

I'm also expecting Microsoft to upgrade the Surface Pro 8 with support for the Surface Pro X Type Covers, finally dropping the classic Type Cover connection that Microsoft has been using since the first generation Surface Pro. Of course, this also means the Surface Pro 8 will finally have "official" support for the Surface Slim Pen.

A report from The Verge also claims that at least one Surface Pro 8 model will ship with Thunderbolt support, which would be a first for Microsoft. The device is also said to ship with Intel 11th-generation chips, just like the Surface Pro 7+ released earlier this year.

Other features that will likely be new to the Surface Pro 8 include "wake on touch" and "wake on approach," two new Windows 11 functionalities that Microsoft will want to highlight with its new hardware. Overall, sources have said to expect "modest" changes to the Surface Pro 8.

Surface Pro X is also set for a refresh this fall, though don't expect any significant changes to its external design or SoC. This fall will likely consist of a support for the aforementioned Windows 11 hardware functionalities, and I've also heard that Microsoft is planning to sell a Wi-Fi-only model of the Surface Pro X for the first time.

Finally, Microsoft is reportedly testing a dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz on the display for both the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X. Whether or not this feature ships will depend on if Microsoft was able to maintain acceptable battery life in testing.

Surface Book 4 is the star of the show

I've been hearing for a while now that Microsoft is planning to unveil a new flagship Surface "laptop" at this event. I'm told it'll feature a non-detachable 2-in-1 design, essentially combining the Surface Laptop with the Surface Pro form factor. The display can be pulled forward and laid flat over the keyboard deck for drawing or taking notes, similar to the HP Elite Folio.

I'm unsure whether Microsoft plans to call this device the "Surface Book 4" or if it'll ship under another name. Sources familiar with Microsoft's hardware plans have referred to this device as several different names, including Book 4, Laptop Pro, and Laptop Studio. For now, the name remains a mystery. This device will likely be the star of the show, as it's the only product with a new form factor and design within the Surface line that's being announced.

Other details include a larger trackpad compared to the Surface Book 3, a display size of around 14-inches with a dynamic refresh rate, and slim uniform bezels with rounded corners. The device has two USB-C ports, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. I'm also told the device will ship with NVIDIA RTX graphics, though I am yet to hear of which series, specifically.

No word on what chips it will ship with, but given the new design, I'm hoping that that Microsoft will strive for more powerful 6 or 8-core chips to rival high-end devices like MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 15. I'm also unsure if any of the USB-C ports are Thunderbolt enabled.

Minor revisions to Surface Go 3

Microsoft's budget Surface Go is likely to remain very similar to the Surface Go 2, with only chip updates expected. Geekbench results have revealed that the Surface Go 3 will likely ship with an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y in the low-end model and an Intel Core i3-10100Y in the higher-end LTE-enabled model.

I was told last year that Microsoft was playing with the idea of shipping a black Surface Go 2, though that never materialized. Perhaps we'll see a black Surface Go 3 ship instead.

More accessories to come...

We also expect Microsoft to announce a handful of new accessories, as with past events. A new Surface Pen with haptics tops the list, which Microsoft has announced will be required to leverage some Windows 11 pen features. I suspect the new pen takes on the same Slim Pen form factor that was introduced with the Surface Pro X.

We also expect Type Covers to be updated with the new Windows 11 logo on the Start key, and possibly new colors too. I'm unsure if we'll see a new pair of Surface Headphones or Surface Earbuds, though both products are severely overdue at this point.

What not to expect

As is the case every year, there's a couple of Surface PCs that won't be getting an update this fall. These include the Surface Studio, Surface Laptop, and Surface Laptop Go. We also likely won't be seeing the Surface Neo given the fact that the Intel Lakefield chip inside has since been discontinued by Intel.

What are your thoughts?

That's everything I'm told we will and won't be announced on September 22nd. Of course, Microsoft is sometimes able to keep a few things a surprise, so maybe we'll see some addition things that we haven't heard about yet. Either way, the event is slated to commence at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT, with coverage to follow on Windows Central. Let us know what you're most excited about in the comments below.

Microsoft is set to announce a bevy of Surface hardware next week. The company will likely unveil the Surface Pro 8, Surface Duo 2, and several other devices on September 22, 2021. We want to know which device you're looking forward to the most.

Our senior editor Zac Bowden has a full breakdown of what to expect from Microsoft's fall 2021 Surface hardware event, but we'll run through the anticipated devices here as well.

The Surface Duo 2 looks to be a major step up from its predecessor. It's said to have flagship specs, bigger screens, improved cameras, and support for NFC. We also expect it to support 5G. Sources indicate that the Duo 2 will have a screen with a faster refresh rate as well. In short, the Surface Duo 2 looks to be an improvement across the board compared to its predecessor.

The Surface Pro 8 will probably be a minor update when it comes to external design. The display should be a bit bigger than that of the Surface Pro 7, but a design overhaul isn't likely. The Surface Pro 8 could ship with Thunderbolt support, which would be a first for Surface hardware. We do expect some new features in the Surface Pro 8, such as "wake on touch" and "wake to approach," both of which are Windows 11 features.

We predict a new Surface Pro X announced at the event, likely in a chip refresh capacity. It should also support Windows 11 features like "wake on touch." Both the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X could support Dynamic Refresh Rate.

The Surface Book 4 may be the biggest announcement of the day. We aren't sure the device will be called the Surface Book 4. We believe that Microsoft will unveil a flagship laptop with a non-detachable 2-in-1 design. There's enough speculation about the Surface Book 4 that you should read up on our coverage of the device before voting here.

The Surface Go 3 will likely see a chip refresh as well. We may also see the smaller Surface in a new color.

Maybe you're happy with your main Surface hardware but are excited about some new accessories. We expect Microsoft to announce a new Surface Pen and Type Covers. We could also see new Surface Headphones or Surface Earbuds, though Microsoft might not have new versions of these to unveil next week.

Tons of Surface news is forecast to drop next week. We'll cover all of it here and will even have a special edition of the Windows Central Podcast after the Surface hardware event.

While we wait for the event, please let us know your thoughts on the upcoming hardware. Which device are you most excited about? Vote in the poll above and share your opinions in the comments below.

Welcome to the seventh episode of Ask Windows Central, a show where we answer our communities most asked questions around Microsoft, Windows, Surface, Xbox, and the general tech industry. In today's episode, we answer questions about Microsoft's new Windows 11 CPU requirements, the future of HoloLens in the consumer space, and whether or not we'll be seeing a Surface Go 3 anytime soon.

This week's episode features the following questions:

• What is Microsoft's reasoning behind its CPU requirements for Windows 11 and which chips will they be adding to the officially supported list?
• When are we getting consumer hololens glasses powered by Windows 365?
• Has the Windows Central team ever opted for non-Microsoft products for work and communication? (e.g. Slack instead of Teams, Google Drive instead of OneDrive, etc.)
• What does Panos Panay's promotion to the SLT mean for the future of Windows and Surface?
• Will there be a Surface Go 3 and what CPUs do you think it will have?

If you have a question you'd like us to answer on the show, be sure to submit them in the comments below, or email daniel@windowscentral.com with "Ask Windows Central" in the subject line! You can also join the Windows Central Discord and ask questions in the dedicated #ask-wc channel.

If you're on Twitter, you can tweet your question with the #AskWindowsCentral tag included, and make sure you tag either @daniel_rubino or @zacbowden so we can see it.

If you have any feedback about the show format, please let us know. We're building this show around you, so if there's something you don't like or think we should change, we're all ears. We hope you enjoy the episode, and look forward to getting back to your questions in the next one.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has announced its fall hardware event.
• The event will take place on September 22.
• It'll be an online event with a live webcast, beginning 11AM ET.

Microsoft has today announced that it will be holding a Surface hardware event in a few weeks time, on September 22 as a virtual event. The company is expected to unveil new hardware with Windows 11, including the Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, and perhaps a new flagship Surface laptop.

We also expect Microsoft will announce Surface Duo 2, though that won't be shipping with Windows 11. We already know that Surface Duo 2 is set to feature a new triple camera system housed in a bump on the outside of the device, higher-refresh rate displays, a Snapdragon 888 with 5G and 8GB RAM. It'll be a big upgrade over the original Surface Duo, which launched with year-old specs and an eye-watering price tag of $1400.

In regards to the new Surface PCs, recent geekbench results appeared to reveal that the Surface Go 3 will ship with either an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y as well as an Intel Core i3-10100Y for the model with LTE. The rumored Surface Pro 8 is expected to ship with 11th-gen chips, high-refresh rate displays, and an updated design more similar to the Surface Pro X.

I've also heard that we may see a new Surface laptop of some kind. I'm unsure if this will be a "Surface Book 4" or "Surface Laptop Pro" kind of device. I've heard it's a convertible with a non-detachable design, possibly similar to this recent patent filing from Microsoft. I guess we'll find out in a few weeks.

Finally, I've also heard that we may see a new Surface Pro X. I'm unsure about what exactly will be new, but I have heard there may be Wi-Fi only models of the Surface Pro X for the first time.

We'll know more when the event takes place on September 22. What are you hoping to see? Let us know in the comments.

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Dan and Zac explain (again) why Windows 11 CPU support is essentially a non-issue. They also digest some spicy benchmarks for Surface Go 3 and Surface Duo 2 along with rumors about other Surface products. Panos Panay has earned a seat at the executive table at Microsoft, plus a ton more.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on August 27th 2021.

Links:

• Microsoft updates list of officially supported CPUs for Windows 11 with some Intel 7th-Gen chips | Windows Central
• Official Windows 11 ISOs will not hard block most PCs with CPUs that aren't officially supported | Windows Central
• Surface Go 3 benchmarks allegedly spotted online with new Intel CPUs | Windows Central
• Surface Duo 2 appears on Geekbench with Snapdragon 888 and 8GB RAM | Windows Central
• Panos Panay has been promoted to Microsoft's senior leadership team, elevating Windows and Surface | Windows Central
• AT&T Samsung Galaxy Book Go 5G with faster 8cx Snapdragon now available for $800 | Windows Central

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What you need to know

• Benchmarks were spotted online that appear to be for the Surface Go 3.
• The listings show two variants of the device, one with an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y and one with an Intel Core i3-10100Y CPU.
• Our sources indicate that a Surface Go 3 could be announced alongside the Surface Pro 8 in October 2021.

Microsoft appears to have a Surface Go 3 in the works. Listings appeared on Geekbench that are believed to be for the upcoming Surface Go 3. WinFuture reports on the listings and breaks down some of the specs. The outlet also explains why it believes the listings are for a new member of the Surface Go lineup.

The name listed on Geekbench is "OEMAL Product DV1.1." Before you get worried that Microsoft has come out with a new naming structure, this name lines up with previous Surface hardware leaks. WinFuture believes that the "AL" in the name refers to a still-unknown codename for the device. For context, the most recent Surface Pro X was listed as "OESMR."

While nothing is confirmed regarding the Surface Go 3 at this point, the device showing up on Geekbench around this time makes sense. Our sources indicate that Microsoft may announce a Surface Go 3 alongside the Surface Pro 8 and whatever the company decides to call the Surface Book 4. If that is the case, now is about the time benchmarks would start to trickle out on the web ahead of an October announcement.

As for the devices themselves, there appear to be two variants of the Surface Go 3. One has an Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y processor, while the other has an Intel Core i3-10100Y CPU. Both CPUs are from Intel's Amber Lake Y Series. These are energy-saving chips that deliver more modest performance.

Based solely on these listings, the base model of the Surface Go 3 seems to have an option with 4GB of RAM, while the Core i3 model has an option with 8GB of RAM. Of course, exact specifications aren't known at this time, and different configurations could be available.

The Geekbench 4 scores for the listed devices are 3,197 for single-core and 5,643 for multi-core. These are solid improvements over the Surface Go 2. The base model of what is believed to be the Surface Go 3 has 62% better single-score, and 47% better multi-score figures than the Pentium Gold 4425Y model of the Surface Go 2. The difference in the higher end appears to be smaller. The listing for the alleged Surface Go 3 is 4% better in single-core and 11% better in multi-core than the Surface Go 2 with an Intel Core i3-8100Y.

If these benchmarks are for the Surface Go 3, they don't fully reflect improvements over its predecessor. We don't know all of the configurations that will be available and will need to perform our own tests to confirm benchmarks on any future hardware.