Tech specifications

The Surface Laptop Go 2 has mostly seen changes on the inside. Here's a look at the specifications that make up the new PC and the original Laptop Go.

Comparing the Surface Laptop Go 2 with the Laptop Go

The Surface Laptop Go, as we've come to expect from Surface devices, has a nearly flawless design. The Laptop Go 2 continues exactly where its predecessor left off. It has an aluminum lid and a mix of aluminum and polycarbonate composite resin for the base, weighing in altogether at just 2.48 pounds (1.13kg) and measuring just 0.62 inches (15.7mm) thin. In his Surface Laptop Go review, Executive Editor Daniel Rubino said "it looks good and feels even better, especially for this price point."

New for the Laptop Go 2 is a Sage color. It joins the existing Platinum, Sandstone, and Ice Blue colors that the Laptop Go comes with. Ports are exactly the same, with USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio, and a Surface Connect port. Thankfully, Microsoft didn't mess with the comfortable keyboard and sizable Precision touchpad. According to Microsoft, you still get 30% more key travel than a MacBook Air.

The 12.4-inch touch display still has a 1536x1024 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio, and no inking capabilities. The front-facing camera has a 720p resolution, there's a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello, and you still get quality speakers with Dolby Atmos. Note that the Laptop Go model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD does not include a fingerprint reader.

The Laptop Go 2 has mostly seen improvements on the inside. It's now equipped with a newer 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU, putting up better performance. It still has four cores and eight threads, but it has a larger 8MB cache, higher 4.20GHz Turbo frequency, and a higher 28W TDP. You also get improved Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics with the newer CPU.

Both laptops are available with 4GB or 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM. Whereas the original Laptop Go had the option for slow eMMC storage, the Laptop Go 2 is sticking exclusively with M.2 SSDs. You can get 128GB or 256GB of storage, and the SSD is still user upgradeable (though the keyboard still has to be removed). Microsoft has made further strides toward serviceability, offering replaceable display, feet, battery, Surflink cable, and keyboard/touchpad to help keep its PCs running.

Microsoft quotes about 30 minutes of extra battery runtime with the Laptop Go 2, though we'll have to test that ourselves. In our testing, the original Laptop Go managed more than eight hours from a charge.

Bluetooth in the Laptop Go 2 got a bump up to 5.1, and both laptops still come with Wi-Fi 6. On the security front, the Laptop Go 2 is now classified as a Secured-core PC, helping protect your data at hardware, firmware, and software levels.

The Surface Laptop is still available to buy at some third-party retailers; Microsoft has stopped stocking it. The Surface Laptop Go 2 is now available to preorder, with models expected to start shipping on June 7, 2022. Check out more of the best Windows laptops to see how these PCs compare.

What you need to know

• The Surface Laptop Go recently received a firmware update.
• A Windows 11 feature that improves battery life now works with the Surface Laptop Go.
• The update also improves the stability of the device and addresses several bugs.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go just received a firmware update that improves the stability and battery life of the device. Following the update, the laptop will be able to take advantage of a Windows 11 feature that improves battery life.

Here are the changes in the latest Surface Laptop Go update for devices running the Windows 10 May 2020 Update or greater:

• Improves device stability [by] addressing bugcheck.
• Improves graphics stability and enables [Windows] 11 feature to improve battery life.

Microsoft details the components that have been updated in a support page:

The changelog does not specify how the Surface Laptop Go will have better battery life after the update. The support page mentions a "Windows 11 feature" that is enabled, but does not list which feature that is.

Back in September 2021, a Microsoft Mechanics video explained why some devices running Windows 11 would run better than if they were on Windows 10. Several features work in conjuction to improve performance, including the OS prioritizing apps in the foreground. There's a chance that one of the features outlined in that video plays a part in the recent improvement of the Surface Laptop Go's battery life.

Ultimately, the Surface Laptop SE is ideal for schools that need something affordable and reliable to provide to students in bulk. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop Go is perfect for individual students that need something for schoolwork, but also want something that can be used for fun after the school day is done.

Surface Laptop SE vs. Laptop Go: Specs and availability

When it comes to a raw performance matchup, the Surface Laptop Go outshines the Surface Laptop SE in nearly every metric thanks to its stronger specs and more advanced hardware. This includes a more capable processor, a better display with support for touch, more RAM on commercial models, additional SSD storage, a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello, and an extra microphone. The Surface Laptop SE's only advantage is its longer battery life, which is no doubt due to the performance optimizations of Windows 11 SE.

Because of this, the Surface Laptop Go is a better multipurpose device since it does a good job of handling both productivity work as well as recreational activities like media consumption and light gaming. The latter activities are things that the Surface Laptop SE simply can't do efficiently.

However, where the Surface Laptop SE pulls ahead is in the education sector. In situations where schools need to buy devices in bulk that are both affordable and performant enough for completing schoolwork, the Surface Laptop SE is a better choice thanks to its rock bottom $250 price. Windows 11 SE itself also comes with several education-focused benefits, such as preloaded access to Microsoft Office apps, restrictions on app installations, and fullscreen app launches.

It's important to note that when the Surface Laptop SE launches in early 2022, it will only be available for purchase in the education sector. Regular consumers will not be able to purchase the device, making the Surface Laptop Go the clear winner in this matchup for most people.

Laptop SE vs. Laptop Go: Which should you buy?

While both the Surface Laptop SE and the Surface Laptop Go are some of the best Windows laptops for students and educators, we feel that the Surface Laptop SE is ultimately the better choice for schools and other educational institutions looking for a classroom-friendly device to buy in bulk for students. With its extremely low cost, low-spec performance optimizations, and education-focused Windows 11 SE benefits, the Surface Laptop SE will no doubt stand as one of the top education devices.

If you're a student (or the parent of one) looking to get something that can handle work and recreational activities, the Surface Laptop Go is the clear choice here. The Surface Laptop SE doesn't have hardware that's good enough to handle the media consumption or light gaming you might want to do after your schoolwork is done, and it's not available to regular consumers anyway. This is where the Surface Laptop Go shines thanks to its 10th Gen i5 Intel CPU, support for touch, and other advantages.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go is a budget-friendly laptop that brings Surface computing to a lower price point. The little laptop lacks some of the more premium features of the Surface Laptop 4 but left in what's important for a solid experience. It runs on a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and has a bright display with good color accuracy.

The Surface Laptop Go is already one of the best Windows laptops, but its discounted price makes it even better. Right now, you can pick up the Surface Laptop Go from Best Buy or Microsoft for $550. That price will get you the model with 8GM of RAM and 128GB of storage. Normally, $550 will only get you half of that (4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage). Even the maxed-out version of the Surface Laptop Go with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage costs just $700.

In his Surface Laptop Go review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino said, "After spending the last week with Microsoft's latest laptop, I am convinced Laptop Go is the perfect couch companion — or an ideal notebook for the classroom." He later added, "There's no way to say it other than Surface Laptop Go is a fun and lovely little laptop."

The idea behind the Surface Laptop Go is to get a solid core computing experience without breaking the bank. It has a good trackpad, design, and battery life. Even though its display is only 1536x1024, it's bright and color accurate. The laptop has some nice little touches as well, including a fingerprint reader and Omnisonic speakers. Note that to get the fingerprint reader, you have to buy a model with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage.

The Surface Laptop Go is a good device for students or people who need an affordable PC that's easy to carry around. The high-end model adds quite a bit compared to the more affordable option, and right now, you can pick up the best Surface Laptop Go for $700.

This deal is only going to be good for Canadian bargain shoppers. Head over to the Microsoft store and save CAD $150 on the cost of a new Surface Laptop Go. You can get it for just CAD $809.99. That's a nice discount and it applies to laptops with either an English or French keyboard layout. This is a limited configuration as others with more RAM or a larger SSD aren't on sale. This sale ends on Sept. 3.

You could also save in a different way on the more advanced configurations. Grab the version worth CAD $1,230 and you can get a free pair of Surface Earbuds. Considering those earbuds normally cost CAD $260, that's some good savings.

In our review of the Surface Laptop Go we gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 and a The Best badge. Daniel Rubino said, "Looking at the core features – typing, trackpad, audio, display, size, weight, performance, and battery life – Laptop Go does an incredibly good job of balancing all that."

This version of the laptop includes a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 128GB solid state drive. It has integrated Intel graphics, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.

You don't have to worry about the battery life on this laptop, either. You can keep computing or gaming or whatever all day with up to 13 hours of use. That should be enough to get you from one charging session to the next.

The 12.4-inch display is also a 10-point multi-touch touchscreen. It has a pixel resolution of 1536 x 1024 with 148 PPI. The speakers are Omnisonic and support Dolby Atmos. You'll have a USB-C and USB-A port. It's also covered by a one-year warranty from Microsoft.

Microsoft has a great way for Canadians to save right now. If you get the Surface Laptop Go for CAD $1,229.99 you can bundle it with a pair of Surface Earbuds and get those absolutely free. The Surface Earbuds would normally cost CAD $259.99. They can pair with your new laptop or be used with your smartphone and other devices. The deal also comes with free delivery. The laptop is available in Platinum, Ice Blue, or Sandstone, and you can choose between an English or French keyboard depending on what's more convenient for you. This particular sale with the free earbuds ends on August 30, so take advantage of it while you can.

In order for the Laptop Go deal to work you will need to pick the configuration that includes an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB solid state drive. That's honestly the version you want anyway because less RAM or a smaller SSD would become cumbersome after a while.

This is honestly the perfect deal for us to share because our biggest concern with the Surface Earbuds in our review was the price. Well, it's hard to beat free when it comes to price. Daniel Rubino said, "...Surface Earbuds take the lead is comfort, battery life, and audio quality. Microsoft intends for these to be worn all day, and that goal is achieved."

We gave the Surface Laptop Go 4.5 stars out of 5 and said "it gets nearly everything right."

You get a 12.4-inch touchscreen with 1536 x 1024 pixel resolution, an all-day battery life that can last for up to 13 hours, Omnisonic speakers, and even a fingerprint reader that works with Windows Hello for easy login and better security. It has USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and more.

Remember this is a Canadian only deal! Sorry rest of the world!

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go is down to just $532 through Office Depot right now. The compact laptop is one of the best Surface PCs and a great laptop for students. The current deal on the Surface Laptop is for the Intel Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. That's actually cheaper than what Microsoft is selling the entry-level model for at the moment.

In our Surface Laptop Go review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino called the device a "fun and lovely little laptop." The laptop earned a 4.5/5 rating for its hardware, design, display, and battery life. The Surface Laptop Go comes in Platinum, Ice Blue, and Sandstone, but only the Platinum and Sandstone models appear to be on sale through Office Depot. If you want one in a different color, Microsoft has every color on sale, though they aren't as discounted as ones through Office Depot.

If you order the midrange model, you get more than just additional storage and RAM. The middle model includes a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello that isn't in the base model.

When Rubino wrote his review, the midrange model was $150 more than the base model. With its current deal the midrange model is almost $20 less than the model with only 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.

If the Surface Laptop Go doesn't meet your fancy, you can check out the best budget laptops.

Are you even going back to school if you don't have a laptop? In the day-and-age of remote work and Zoom classrooms... CAN you go back to school without a laptop? Don't worry. If you're lacking in the portable computer department, Microsoft has you covered. As part of its back-to-school savings, Microsoft is offering up to $150 off the Surface Laptop Go. Save on two different configurations of the Laptop Go and ensure you're ready for the new semester.

This is just one of the ways you can save at Microsoft right now. You could also look into getting a Surface Pro 7 for up to $200 off its regular price. Or if you're on a more strict budget for your laptop, try the Asus VivoBook, which is $140 off and down to $359 right now. Most of these deals end in the next week or so, so grab one while you can.

When we reviewed the Surface Laptop Go we gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 and a The Best badge. Daniel Rubino said, "...looking at the core features – typing, trackpad, audio, display, size, weight, performance, and battery life – Laptop Go does an incredibly good job of balancing all that against its $550 to $700 price."

The most basic version of the Laptop Go is $550 and it's not really a part of this sale. The next best version is the first one on sale, and it's down to $599.99 from $700. So for just $50 more than the basic version, you get double the storage, double the RAM, a faster SSD, and even a fingerprint reader.

This is a great laptop for students because it's incredibly lightweight at just 2.45 pounds. That means you can drop it in your bag and take it with you even as you run from class to class. Plus it has a battery life that can last for up to 13 hours. You won't need to stop to plug in. Just keep taking notes and move on to the next situation.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go is a compact PC and the smallest member of the Surface family. It weighs just 2.45 lbs (1.1 kg) and is one of the best Surface PCs. Right now, you can pick up the Intel Core i5 version of the Surface Laptop Go with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for only $600. That's $100 off of its normal price and only $50 more than the base model.

In his Surface Laptop Go review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino said, "There's no way to say it other than Surface Laptop Go is a fun and lovely little laptop." The laptop earned a 4.5/5 rating for its hardware, design, display and battery life. It also earned high marks for being a fun device with multiple color options (Platinum, Ice Blue, and Sandstone are all on sale right now).

Bumping up to the mid-range model doesn't just double your storage and RAM compared to the base model. It also includes a fingerprint reader for Windows Hello that isn't in the more affordable option.

At the time of Rubino's review, the mid-range model was $150 more than the base model. Even with that price difference, he said it was worth jumping up. With the current deal bringing the difference down to just $50, it's a no-brainer to pick one up if you're in the market for a Surface Laptop Go.

If the Surface Laptop Go doesn't meet your fancy, you can check out the best budget laptops.

What you need to know

• Firmware updates are available for the Surface Laptop Go, Surface Laptop, and Surface Laptop 2.
• The updates focus on improving reliability, stability, and addressing bugs.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go, Surface Laptop, and Surface Laptop 2 all have firmware updates available. As is normally the case with Surface devices, the updates focus on stability and reliability improvements rather than bringing any new features.

The Surface Laptop Go changelog is the longer of the new updates:

The changelog is the same for the Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2:

Surface updates roll out in stages, so you might not see these firmware updates yet. You may also need to use the "View optional updates" link in the Windows 10 Settings app.

What you need to know

• From May 17 to May 31, save $100 on Surface Go 2 bundles.
• From May 28 to June 20, save up to $100 on the Surface Laptop Go.
• From May 28 to June 13, save up to $360 on the Surface Pro X.

Microsoft has some snazzy deals lined up for just about every occasion happening in the near future. Father's Day, Memorial Day, and general graduation date ranges are all covered in the latest Microsoft Store sale, wherein the tech giant is offering up its Surface Go 2 bundles, Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Pro X at discounted rates.

As was noted when the deals were shared with Windows Central, keep in mind the following perks of grabbing one of these discounts from the MS Store: "Any Surface purchased from Microsoft Store comes with the Microsoft Store Promise for Surface, including free 2-3 day shipping, a 60-day extended return window and access to on-demand training videos and workshops."

The Surface Laptop Go, Surface Pro X, and Surface Go 2 are all among the best Microsoft Surface PCs you can get, so know that whatever product you want to score a deal on will likely be a good one; it's all just a matter of grabbing the one suited for your needs or those of the person you're buying gifts for.

What you need to know

• Several Surface devices just received their May 2021 firmware update.
• These include the Surface Laptop Go, Surface Book, and Book 3.
• The changes are minor and mostly pertain to stability and security fixes.

May 2021's firmware update for the Surface Book, Surface Book 3, and Surface Laptop Go is here. It's nothing exciting; just an assortment of minor stability and security tweaks, as well as some pedestrian tweaks such as improved battery reporting for the Surface Laptop Go. Here are some of the patch logs for each:

Surface Book 3

• 27.21.14.6140: Addresses display flicker issues and improve graphics stability (display adapters).
• 22.30.0.11: Addresses critical security vulnerabilities and improves connection stability (network adapters).
• 6.1.137.0: Improves stability when connected to an external display via Surface Dock 2.

Surface Book

• 1.62.321.1: Addresses security updates and improves system stability (software component).
• 92.3681.768.0: Addresses security updates and improves system stability (firmware).

Surface Laptop Go

• 8.16.140.0: Improves USB 2.0 stability and device reliability (firmware).
• 9.54.139.0: Improves device stability by addressing critical bugcheck (hub driver).

The full firmware logs can be found in the embedded links up above. And if you're not already an owner of one of these products (in which case, what brought you here?) and you want to learn more about the devices, check out our reviews, such as our Surface Book 3 review.

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's Surface Laptop Go brings the build quality and design of the Surface lineup down to a fun form factor that's incredibly portable. The little laptop weighs just 2.45 lbs (1.1 kg) and is a great option for students and people on the go. A deal at Walmart lowers its price by $200, which brings the Surface Laptop Go to its lowest price ever, at least for this specific variant.

Walmart's deal discounts the Surface Laptop Go with an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.

In his Surface Laptop Go review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino discusses the quality of the device, "The fit and finish of Laptop Go are outstanding. You can even open the display lid with one finger."

He also calls it a "lovely little laptop" and a "zippy fellow" in his review. Most importantly, that zip means that it "[feels] like a real laptop in every way without lag (Edge, though, has a bit of a wobble when web browsing)."

The Surface Laptop Go doesn't have that high of a resolution (1536x1024), but the display is color accurate and can reach nearly 400 nits of brightness. Its display is an example of how the device delivers quality, even if some of its raw specs aren't that high.

The Surface Laptop Go is a nice laptop for students, families that need an extra laptop and don't want to break the bank, and people whose computing needs aren't that heavy. It can handle things like Office, surfing the web, video conferencing, and the rest of the PC basics well.

Microsoft's discounts on Surface devices continue. We've covered several deals on the best Microsoft Surface PCs lately, and there are some more deals worth highlighting. Right now, you can grab the Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Laptop 3 for a discount through the Microsoft Store.

The Surface Pro X is on sale for up to $200 off right now. That discount of $200 is available on every variant listed on the Microsoft Store, but some options are out of stock. You can still order any variant in black at the time of publication, but platinum variants are limited.

Similarly, the Surface Laptop 3 discounts max out at $300 right now, but availability depends on the color you choose. A few options are only discounted by $200 right now, but many are $300 off.

The Surface Laptop Go starts at just $650 for the Core i5 version with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The cheapest version with only 4GB of RAM isn't on sale through Microsoft right now.

If you're trying to squeeze in some last-minute holiday shopping, Microsoft is here to help you out. The Microsoft Store has a big sale right now on Surface devices. You can save hundreds on devices like the Surface Pro 7, Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Pro X. Even Surface accessories are on sale, like the Surface Arc Mouse and the Surface Pen.

The headline deal for Surface savings is the discounted Surface Pro 7 bundle. You can save up to $430 off on the bundle that includes the Surface Pro 7, a Type Cover, and a sleeve. You can also tack on optional items, such as a Microsoft 365 subscription or Surface accessories. There are several storage and color options on sale for the Surface Pro 7, so you can make sure to get the exact configuration and color combination that you'd like.

In his Surface Pro 7 review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino said that the 2-in-1 is "an absolute joy to use," adding that, "It's simply terrific. It proves that the Pro's design is not only here to stay but that this the best iteration of it."

There are plenty of great deals on Surface devices, so make sure to check out Microsoft's page dedicated to the last-minute holiday deals. Deals include up to $300 on the Surface Laptop 3, up to $150 off on the Surface Laptop Go, and up to $300 off on the Surface Book 3.

What you need to know

• The Surface Laptop Go recently received its first firmware update.
• The update improves Windows Hello performance through the laptop's fingerprint reader.
• The update also brings several stability improvements.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go recently received its first firmware update. The update started rolling out at the end of last week and includes several stability improvements. It also improves the fingerprint reader performance of the laptop with Windows Hello.

The Surface Laptop Go is a more budget-friendly Surface device. In his Surface Laptop Go review, our executive editor Daniel Rubino called it a "perfect couch companion — or an ideal notebook for the classroom." It isn't the most powerful laptop around, but its Intel Core i5 processor is zippy enough for productivity, work, and studying.

Here's everything that's new for the Surface Laptop Go, as found on its update history page:

Microsoft points out that Surface updates are released in stages, so when updates are announced, you might see them right away. You may need to check "View option updates" in Windows Update to see the latest update.

Connecting your Surface

As laptops have evolved into thinner and lighter machines, people have had to grab a growing list of dongles and adapters to connect to accessories. Even the best laptops can benefit from some extra ports. The Surface Laptop Go has a USB-C port, USB-A port, and a Surface Connect port, but you may want to add even more ports. The Surface Dock 2 is an excellent tool to expand the capabilities of your Surface Laptop Go.

The Surface Dock 2 has a long list of ports. You can connect all of your accessories, monitors, and other devices to the Surface Dock 2 once and then just connect and disconnect your Surface Laptop Go with a single cable through the Surface Connect Port. Here are the ports on the Surface Dock 2:

• 2x front-facing USB-C ports.
• 2x rear-facing, video-enabled USB-C ports
• 2x rear-facing USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps) ports
• 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
• 1x 3.5mm audio in/out port
• Kensington compatible lock

The Surface Dock 2 doesn't work with older Surface devices, but it does work with the Surface Laptop Go. The Surface Dock 2 works with any Surface device made in 2017 or later.

What you need to know

• A Reddit user recently offered a peek inside of the Surface Laptop Go.
• The slight teardown shows the Go took some cues from Surface Laptop 3, making it relatively easy to get inside.
• TThe 128GB and 256GB models also feature an easily replaceable SSD.
• You can order the Surface Laptop Go starting at $550.

Microsoft launched the budget-friendly Surface Laptop Go more than a month ago, but we still haven't seen any comprehensive teardowns from the usual suspects. If you wanted to take a peek inside without damaging your own Laptop Go, Reddit user Kristosh has posted a video offering just that. The big takeaway is that it looks like Microsoft took inspiration from the Surface Laptop Go's bigger sibling, Surface Laptop 3, for getting inside.

As Kristosh notes, you can free the keyboard deck from the base of the Surface Laptop Go via screws hidden underneath the laptop's feet. From there, the deck is held in place with a series of plastic clips inside. This is similar to the Surface Laptop 3, however that laptop uses magnets instead of plastic clips, making it a tad easier to get inside.

Once inside, the Surface Laptop Go very much looks like the inside of most Surfaces. One notable addition is an easily removeable SSD if you've picked up the 128GB or 256GB configurations. The SSD is held in place with a single screw, allowing for potential upgrades in the future if you need to add more storage.

"The SSD is the standard 2230 size in the modern SL3 and SPX," Kristosh says in the video's description. It's worth noting that, if you buy the 64GB model, the storage is soldered to the motherboard, so you won't be able to replace it.

The Surface Laptop Go joins the Surface Go as Microsoft's latest budget play with the Surface line. It combines Surface's premium looks with an Intel Core i5 processor, up to 256GB of storage and up to 8GB of RAM. It sacrifices some premiums, like a Windows Hello IR camera, to hit its lower price target, but it's an interesting package nonetheless.

Surface Laptop Go is available now starting at $550.

Why the Surface Laptop Go is still worth getting

The lack of a backlit keyboard on the Surface Laptop Go is disappointing for people who like to work in the dark but don't let that downside sway you away from considering the device. Armed with a 10th Gen Intel i5-1035G1 processor, competent Intel UHD Graphics, and up to 8GB of memory, the Surface Laptop Go is quite capable considering its low price and footprint. The 12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 display looks pretty good too, which is always great to see (ha) on a laptop. The resolution is a bit low, but for day-to-day use, it's perfectly fine. You can get up to 256GB of storage, too, and the laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6, which is the new Wi-Fi standard that boosts network speed and stability.

In terms of physical design, the Surface Laptop Go is awesome. With dimensions of 10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches and a weight of 2.45 lbs, it's the lightest and smallest Surface Laptop device out there, making it perfect for travel. It also comes with a USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm, and Surface Connect port for excellent peripheral support. While unfortunately not backlit, the keyboard is very comfortable to use, and it even comes with a nifty fingerprint reader. Overall, the Surface Laptop Go is easily one of the best Surface PCs.

If backlighting is important

If you need a backlit keyboard, we recommend checking out the Surface Laptop 3 13.5, which is a larger, more capable, and more expensive Surface Laptop. With its more impressive 10th Gen Intel i5-1035G7 / i7-1065G7 CPU options, larger and higher resolution 13.5-inch display, and higher maximum RAM of 16GB, the Surface Laptop 3 is positioned as more of a traditional laptop rather than a compact and "fun-sized" one like the Surface Laptop Go is. That being said, it's not difficult to take around with you, and the keyboard is backlit impressively, making the Surface Laptop 3 an excellent alternative to the Surface Laptop Go if you need a device with a backlit keyboard.

Microsoft debuted the new Surface Laptop Go in early October, showing off what, for all intents and purposes, is just a smaller, more affordable Surface Laptop. While that doesn't necessarily make for the most exciting first impression, the value proposition makes it a compelling laptop to consider. But how do those expectations hold up?

Now that the Surface Laptop Go is actually available, reviews are starting to roll in, giving us a closer look at how this tiny Surface performs. We've rounded up some snippets from reviews around the web to get a broad view of what tech reviewers have to say about Microsoft's latest tiny Surface. If you haven't had a chance to read the thousands of words written about the Surface Laptop Go so far, here's a quick look at the top-line impressions.

Mark Hachman, writing for PCWorld:

Ed Bott, writing for ZDNet:

Rich Woods, writing for Neowin:

Dan Ackerman, writing for CNET:

Owen Williams, writes on his Medium blog:

Monica Chen, writing for The Verge:

Bill Thomas, writing for TechRadar:

Arif Bacchus, writing for Digital Trends:

Chris Davies, writing for Slashgear:

Devindra Hardawar, writing for Engadget:

The general feeling from the myriad reviews out there is that the middle-spec Surface Laptop Go is the sweet spot. The entry-level model may be cheap, but it's lacking a lot when it comes to RAM and storage. Meanwhile, going for the top-end model ventures way too close to laptops that are closer to the premium side of things.

If you're in the market for a budget-friendly Surface, the Surface Laptop Go is available now starting at $550.

In late 2018, I reviewed Microsoft's first "Go" device and noted how it brought the fun back to Windows. After all, what's not to love about a tiny Surface PC? Well, for one thing, the anemic processor, which was somewhat fixed with Surface Go 2.

Surface Laptop Go, however, is a different mini-me PC. It packs a real Core i5 processor, has a slightly larger display, and while Microsoft cut some corners, it is a charming little laptop. After spending the last week with Microsoft's latest laptop, I am convinced Laptop Go is the perfect couch companion — or an ideal notebook for the classroom. (We like it so much, it'll likely make our list of best Windows laptops. But get the $700 model instead of the cheapest version. Here's why.

Mini Surface Laptop

Surface Laptop Go specs and design

There is not a lot of mystery when it comes to the Laptop Go. Microsoft made a smaller Surface Laptop, reduced some specs, but kept all the quality. For instance, about 50 percent of the chassis is still aluminum (lid and keyboard deck), but the bottom half is now a soft-touch polycarbonate. That decision not only saves costs, but it keeps the weight to just 2.45 pounds (1.1kg). It looks good and feels even better, especially for this price point.

Microsoft offers three color options for Laptop Go: its traditional platinum, a lighter sandstone, and ice blue, used for this review. It looks great, and the mirrored Microsoft logo on the front gives laptop Go a chic appeal absent from many other low-cost laptops.

Ports are standard with just three on the left side: Type-A (10MB/s), Type-C, and one headphone/mic jack. Type-C supports display out, data, and fast charging (up to 60 watts). On the right side is the expected Surface Connect charge port, which also supports fast charging.

Onboard is an Intel Core i5-1035G1. It's a 10nm quad-core 15-watt CPU that's part of the 10th Gen Ice Lake series that launched in late 2019. It has a base frequency of 1GHz but can turbo to 3.60GHz, making it a much more satisfying solution than the Core m3 found in the smaller Surface Go.

Surface Laptop Go ships with Windows 10 in S Mode (build 19041.450). All that means is, out of the box, you can only install apps from the Microsoft Store, ensuring a streamlined, high-performance Windows experience. If you need to install an app from outside the Store, you can switch out of S mode without even rebooting the PC.

For connectivity, Microsoft includes Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 — a pleasant surprise. Reception is slightly below that of Microsoft's more premium line, but it should not be too much of an issue for everyday use.

The fit and finish of Laptop Go are outstanding. You can even open the display lid with one finger.

The screen is good

Surface Laptop Go display, audio, and camera

I can see many folks complaining about the measly 12.5-inch, 148 pixel-per-inch (PPI) 1536x1024 display. That PPI is the lowest of any Surface device to date, and yeah, if you eyeball the display yOu CaN sEe tHe piXeLs, but it is sufficient in everyday use. For some perspective, Razer sells a 17-inch $3,000 gaming laptop with a full HD display with a lower 127 PPI.

The bigger picture is the Laptop Go's display is very good quality. It reaches nearly 400 nits in brightness — the sweet spot for a laptop display that balances good battery life that is still viewable even in outdoor shade. It can drop to just two nits at zero percent, making it perfect for use in bed at night (which you'll want to do because of its size).

Color accuracy is fantastic, with 99 percent sRGB and a respectable 78 percent DCI-P3. Toss in some excellent color contrast, an auto-brightness sensor (I did not expect that), thin bezels, and touch support, and what more do you want at $550? Speaking of bezels, these are the thinnest Microsoft has made yet for a Surface (the Pro X has slightly thinner side bezels, but larger top and bottom ones).

Video and audio sample from Surface Laptop Go's 720P webcam.

For audio, Microsoft uses its dual "Omnisonic" speakers cleverly located below the keyboard deck, allowing no visible speaker grills to mar Laptop Go's clean design. The speakers are particularly good, reaching a decent volume level without distortion. While they lack deeper bass, they sound rich enough not to offend anyone. There is no Dolby Atmos to optimize the sound with more spatial presence due to the price point, but it has Dolby Premium Audio.

Dual microphones flank the front-facing 720P web camera. This camera is a teeny one by comparison to other Surface devices, which is one reason why there are no infrared (IR) sensors for Windows Hello facial recognition. While photo quality is not particularly good, it is impressive for video conferencing in Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Microsoft has always delivered excellent web camera support on its Surface line, and even at a lower price, Laptop Go does not disappoint. That makes this device ideal for work-from-home use cases, office meetings, or just catching up with a family member on Skype.

Typing master

Surface Laptop Go keyboard, trackpad, and fingerprint

Despite its small size, the keyboard on Laptop Go is exceptional. There is 1.3mm of key travel, it is spacious, the keys seem slightly larger than Surface Go, and it has terrific response and bounce.

But all is not perfect, and if there was one thing that bothered me about this laptop, there is no backlit keyboard. That choice was likely made to keep costs down (and enhance battery life), but it is a letdown on what is otherwise a near-flawless laptop.

The trackpad is one of the best Microsoft has made yet. It is exceptionally smooth, precise, and it has a satisfying, even-feeling click.

While there is no facial recognition for Windows Hello for logging into Windows, there is a fingerprint reader built into the power button. However, this feature is only available on the $700 model (and above) instead of that entry-level $550 one. The reader is speedy, reliable, and it has a white LED that calls attention to it when it is needed. If Laptop Go is in standby, pressing the power button turns it back on and logs you in with just one press.

Peppy

Surface Laptop Go performance and battery

Unlike Surface Go 2 with its "just OK" Core m3, the Laptop Go has a full quad-core Core i5 10th Gen processor. It's a zippy fellow that makes Laptop Go feel like a real laptop in every way without lag (Edge, though, has a bit of a wobble when web browsing).

For performance, Laptop Go holds its own. A full-fledged Surface Laptop 3 with Core i5 does better on multi-core likely due to better thermals, but otherwise, Laptop Go beats a Surface Laptop 2 (Core i5) or Surface Pro 6 (Core i5) on tests like Geekbench. On something like PCMark 10, the results are similar with Laptop Go approaching or matching an 8th Gen Core i5 found in more premium laptops.

The one area where Laptop Go slides a little bit is the GPU. The G1 Intel UHD graphics beats UHD 615 in Surface Go 2 and even a gen-one Surface Laptop (Core i5). It only has 32 graphics execution units (versus 64), making it moderately better than UHD 620. It's not terrible, and you can even game on it (arcade, 2D, platformer), but for 10th Gen Intel chips, it's on the lower side.

Microsoft cools the chip with a single fan and vent system hidden near the display. The laptop never got hot (peaks at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, 43 degrees Celsius, at the exhaust area), and while you can hear the fan when gaming or doing a Windows Update, it never went above 52dBa. It has a nice whooshing effect with no high-pitched noise. The plastic bottom ensures a cool laptop with minimal heat transfer.

The Core i5, however, will oscillate heavily under extreme load for long durations. This processor and thermal solution are best for short bursts of productivity versus prolonged, CPU, and GPU-heavy tasks.

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)

PCMark

PCMark 10

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

.

For storage, the SSD is quite good at around 2,000 MB/s for sequential read and around 800MB/s for sequential writing, putting it ahead of Surface Go 2 and even Surface Laptop 2. Speed will be worse on the $550 model, which only has slower eMMC for storage, but it should still be better than Surface Go 2 (eMMC).

Battery life consistently came in between 7 and 8.5 hours using a Windows generated battery report. On PCMark 10 Battery rundown (Apps), Surface Laptop Go yielded an impressive eight hours and 45 minutes. That test loops through web browsing, Office productivity, and web conferencing with pauses in between to simulate real-world workloads. Brightness was steady at around 150 nits for consistency.

For power, Microsoft includes a 39-watt Surface Connect charger. You can also use any Type-C charger, as Laptop Go can handle up to 60-watts and supports Fast Charge by either method.

Surface Laptop Go availability and pricing

Surface Laptop Go should be available on October 13 in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, Surface Laptop Go will be available on October 27 in the following countries:

• Austria
• Germany
• UK
• Ireland
• Switzerland
• France
• Netherlands
• Luxembourg
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Poland
• Italy
• Portugal
• Spain
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Greece
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia

It should come to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan on November 1. It should then come to Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand on December 6. In 2021, Surface Laptop Go is expected to come to more markets, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE on January 12, India on March 30, and South Africa on April 13.

There are three models to choose from varying on color choice including:

Like other Surface products, when bought through Microsoft, customers get a 60-day return policy with their purchase (undamaged, original packaging) via the Microsoft Store Promise for Surface. Eligible students, parents, teachers, and the military may qualify for a 10 percent discount through Microsoft.

It's charming

Should you buy Surface Laptop Go?

Who it's for:

• Families who need an extra laptop
• Students who want something for class
• Those who need to do Office, web, email, video conferencing, and the basics
• Anyone who needs a light, more affordable Windows 10 laptop

Who it isn't for:

• If you like to type in the dark
• If you need inking
• If you want a convertible PC
• If you want to do a lot of video editing or gaming

Going into this review, I was not expecting much from Laptop Go. After reviewing premium laptops, it is sometimes hard to get excited over something that is less in every way. But the more I used Laptop Go, the more I appreciate it – a similar feeling I had with Surface Go. But unlike Surface Go, the Core i5, SSD, ice blue colorway, and larger display let me enjoy it on a whole other level.

There's no way to say it other than Surface Laptop Go is a fun and lovely little laptop.

Sure, a higher resolution display would be ideal, or maybe even a backlit keyboard. But these are forgivable omissions to keep that price down. Looking at the core features – typing, trackpad, audio, display, size, weight, performance, and battery life – Laptop Go does an incredibly good job of balancing all that against its $550 to $700 price.

For students — whether working at home or in a college seminar — Laptop Go would be an excellent choice for tossing in your bag and taking notes (as long as you don't need a pen). The performance won't frustrate you, and the battery life should keep you going for the whole day.

Families who are looking for an extra PC to share would also benefit from Laptop Go. It's not expensive, and it is a joy to use on the couch or propped up in bed.

Of course, you could get the $550 model, which is tempting, but the $700 model is the one to get. For that extra $150, you get a fingerprint reader, double the storage to 128GB, a faster SSD, and double the RAM to 8GB, all of which will significantly enhance your enjoyment.

Microsoft sometimes takes a few generations to get one of its Surface products just right. That's not the case with Laptop Go. It's nearly perfect for a gen-one release except for some minor quibbles, making it easy to recommend to those who desire a tiny PC.

Why is Wi-Fi 6 important?

The fact that the Surface Laptop Go supports Wi-Fi 6 is awesome, but it's important to go over what makes Wi-Fi 6 special in the first place. Wi-Fi 6, or 802.11ax, is the latest Wi-Fi standard that improves upon Wi-Fi 5 in many ways. Wi-Fi 6 networks deliver faster throughput and can handle more devices connected at once than any Wi-Fi network ever before. They also have better range and efficiency. In addition to this, devices using Wi-Fi 6 will also consume less power, meaning that Wi-Fi 6 is more power-efficient than previous Wi-Fi standards.

For Wi-Fi 6 to work, you'll need a Wi-Fi 6 router as well as a device that supports Wi-Fi 6.

What makes the Surface Laptop Go special?

Aside from supporting Wi-Fi 6, the Surface Laptop Go is special because of how much quality hardware it packs into a device that's almost as small as the Surface Go 2. With it, you get a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 CPU, Intel UHD graphics, up to 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of SSD storage. The 12.4" PixelSense display, while boasting a modest 1536x1024 resolution, nevertheless looks pretty good based on what we've seen so far. Additionally, with its studio mics, Dolby Atmos speakers, and 720p front-facing camera, the Surface Laptop Go will also be a superb device for use during online meetings and classes when it releases on October 13, 2020.

On the physical side of things, the Surface Laptop Go is impressive as well. With a USB-C port and a USB-A port, you get a solid amount of peripheral connectivity for such a small device. Also, with a 0.62" thickness and just 2.45 lbs of weight, it's one of the lightest Surface devices that Microsoft has ever made.

What Wi-Fi 6 router should you get?

If you need to get a Wi-Fi 6 router to go with your Surface Laptop Go, we highly recommend the TP-Link Archer AX1500. It's a lot more affordable than many other Wi-Fi 6 routers on the market, yet you still get all the benefits that Wi-Fi 6 provides. It's dual-band, not tri-band, so you won't be able to comfortably connect as many devices as you would with a tri-band network. That being said, it's still an excellent router for an excellent price, making it one of the best Wi-Fi 6 routers and our favorite to pair with the Surface Laptop Go.

Why go with Best Buy?

As previously stated, Best Buy is the best overall retailer to order the upcoming Surface Laptop Go from because you have the option of enrolling in a monthly payment plan, something you can't do through the Microsoft Store. Additionally, Best Buy's plan doesn't have any interest as long as you don't miss a payment, meaning that it won't cost you extra in the long run to pay incrementally.

Of course, if you don't need or want to pay through a long-term plan, there's no reason you should avoid buying from Microsoft directly. Both Microsoft and Best Buy have all colors and configurations available, so when you take the payment plan out of the equation, they're basically identical.

Why get a Surface Laptop Go?

The Surface Laptop Go is one of the more exciting devices Microsoft has brought to us in recent years, as it packs the hardware of a very capable laptop into a small form factor that competes with Microsoft's own Surface Go 2. With a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 CPU, Intel UHD graphics, up to 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of SSD storage, this little laptop packs quite a solid punch. In addition to that, the 12.4" PixelSense display looks quite good despite having a modest resolution of 1536x1024. It also comes with studio mics, Dolby Atmos speakers, and a front-facing 720p camera, cementing the device as a great pick for people who have lots of virtual meetings or online classes. There's no Windows Hello facial recognition, but there is a very nice fingerprint reader that instantly signs you in when you use it. Also, the laptop comes with support for Wi-Fi 6, the latest Wi-Fi standard that boosts network speed, efficiency, and stability.

When it comes to the physical design, the Surface Laptop Go is great as well. With both a USB-C and USB-A port, you get some pretty great peripheral connectivity for such a small device. And with a thickness of 0.62" and a weight of 2.45 lbs, the Surface Laptop Go is easily one of the most portable Surface devices Microsoft has ever created. Without a doubt, it's shaping up to be one of the best Microsoft Surface PCs — and come October 13, 2020, you'll be able to get your hands on one.

What you need to know

• A couple of WaterField Designs sleeves fit the upcoming Surface Laptop Go.
• The Dash Sleeve and Sleevecase are now available and fit the Surface Laptop Go.
• The Surface Laptop Go will be available on October 13, 2020.

The Surface Laptop Go is the newest member of the Surface family. It's smaller and more affordable than the Surface Laptop and has a display that's 12.45 inches. Even though the Surface Laptop Go won't be available until October 13, WaterField Designs already has a couple of sleeves available for the device.

The Dash Sleeve fits a range of Surface devices, including the Surface Laptop Go, Surface Laptop 3, and Surface Book 3. It has an impact-resistant compression foam inside to keep your device protected. The Dash Sleeve starts at $89.

The SleeveCase offers a bit more protection and coms in either ballistic nylon or waxed canvas. It has a shock-absorbing neoprene lining to protect your device and an open-topped rear pocket for accessories. The SleeveCase starts at $89

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, it was a week chock full of new hardware this week with a refreshed Surface Pro X and an official announcement of the rumored Surface Laptop Go. Other manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, and HP showed off laptops with 11th Gen Intel processors. Especially interesting are the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold and HP's Spectre x360 14, which has a 3:2 OLED display.

They also discuss Windows 10 build 20226 and Windows Timeline support being removed from Microsoft Launcher on Android.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on October 2nd 2020.

Links:

• Microsoft unveils refreshed Surface Pro X and new Surface Laptop Go hardware line-up for the fall | Windows Central
• Windows 10 build 20226 brings new storage health feature to Insiders | Windows Central
• The foldable PC era begins as Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Fold goes live for preorders | Windows Central
• Lenovo announces new ThinkPad X1 Nano featuring Intel Evo, 16:10 and weighing just two pounds | Windows Central
• Dell XPS 13 and XPS 13 2-in-1 get speedy updates with Intel 11th Gen, Thunderbolt 4 | Windows Central
• The new HP Spectre x360 14 brings a gorgeous 3:2 OLED display and packs Intel 'smarts' | Windows Central
• Windows Timeline support is being removed from Microsoft Launcher on Android | Windows Central

Subscribe to the podcast

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• Listen via: Windows Central app Windows 10 | Android
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Hosts

• Daniel Rubino
• Zac Bowden

Make this show great by participating!

Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

• Email: wcpodcast@windowscentral.com
• Twitter: @WindowsCentral with hashtag #wcpodcast

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go is the latest addition to the Surface family. It's a smaller and more budget-friendly way to get a Surface with a traditional form factor. While the Surface Laptop Go starts at $550, that price only gets you 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. The cheapest model also lacks Windows Hello support. If you're willing to pay more, you can bump up to higher specs with SSD storage. We want to know which variant of the Surface Laptop Go hits your sweet spot.

To provide a bit of context, the Surface Laptop Go aims at a different demographic than some other Surface devices, at least when it comes to the entry variant. The entry model of the Surface Laptop Go is affordable and attractive in education markets where higher specs aren't always as important.

On the other hand, some have expressed disappointment online about the lowest-end version of the Surface Laptop Go existing at all. Those people claim that Microsoft should bump up the minimum specs or remove that SKU entirely.

We want to know which version of the Surface Laptop Go you're interested in. Are you intrigued by the low price point of the entry model? Are you eyeing the mid-range version with a faster SSD and Windows Hello? Maybe you love the form factor and want to max out the specs. Let us know in the poll above, and please share your thoughts in the comments below.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has unveiled a new Surface Laptop.
• Designed as an entry-level option at $549.
• Features a smaller display, fingerprint reader, and more.

Microsoft is today unveiling a new product in the Surface family; the Surface Laptop Go, designed as an entry-level variant of the Surface Laptop for a much lower starting price. Surface Laptop Go begins at $549, which nets you an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor along with 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage.

Pricing and SKUs go up from there, with options for an 8GB RAM model with 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage, just like the Surface Go. Surface Laptop Go features the same great laptop design found on the Surface Laptop 3, but just a little bit smaller and lighter with an Aluminium lid and keyboard deck paired with a polycarbonate base.

Surface Laptop Go also features relatively thin bezels. As a result, and to save on costs, Microsoft has swapped out Windows Hello facial recognition for a fingerprint reader built right into the power button instead on the higher-tier models. That means the entry-level model does not have Windows Hello in any capacity.

Curiously, Surface Laptop Go is the first Surface to feature rounded corners on its display. This gives it a more contemporary look and is something that I imagine will slowly but surely make its way to other Surface products in the future. It also features a large trackpad and relatively full-size keyboard with 1.3mm of travel.

It comes in three colors; Platinum, Ice Blue, and Sandstone, with no Alcantara options. For those curious, here's the full specs list:

Surface Laptop Go exists as a budget version of the premium Surface Laptop. At $549, you're getting a premium looking PC with a few compromises. 64GB of eMMC storage isn't the best, and a lack of Windows Hello on the base model is also a huge miss. I suspect most people will want to upgrade to the next available tier which has 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD storage, and a fingerprint reader for $699.

But it's important to understand why this $549 entry level model exists in the way that it does. Surface Laptop Go's primary goal is to compete in the education market, head to head with Chromebooks. In a lot of cases, schools and universities will buy the entry-level model in bulk to give out to students, and in that scenario, the device doesn't need a fingerprint reader or high-resolution display.

For the individual buyer, opting for a higher tier model makes more sense. Either way, Surface Laptop Go is somewhat of a bargain for the Surface line. Unlike Surface Go, Surface Laptop Go comes with the keyboard and trackpad included, and a much more powerful Intel Core i5 processor and a larger display for just $150 more than the base Surface Go. That's a deal.

Surface Laptop Go availability

Surface Laptop Go is available on October 13th in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, Surface Laptop Go will be available on October 27th in the following countries:

• Austria
• Germany
• UK
• Ireland
• Switzerland
• France
• Netherlands
• Luxembourg
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Poland
• Italy
• Portugal
• Spain
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Greece
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia

It will be coming to China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan on November 1st. It will then come to Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand on December 6th. In 2021, Surface Laptop Go will come to more markets, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, and UAE on January 12th, India on March 30th, and South Africa on April 13. So, Surface Laptop Go is going to be available everywhere.

You can pre-order Surface Laptop Go today. What are your thoughts on Microsoft's new addition to the Surface family? Let us know in the comments.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has announced a refreshed Surface Pro X with SQ2 processor.
• It has also announced the 12.45-inch Surface Laptop Go at $549.
• A handful of Microsoft-branded accessories have also been announced today.

It's that time of year again. New Surface hardware is upon us, and while we're not getting the same amount of hardware as last year, we are getting some interested refreshes and new products ranging from a new Surface Laptop to a new Designer Keyboard. Here's all of today's hardware announcements from Microsoft, in one convenient place.

Video overview of new Surface Pro X, Laptop Go

Here is the official Microsoft announcement video from the Surface leadership team before we dive into more details. In this nine-minute video, you get to see what is new with Surface Pro X and the new Surface Laptop Go, including colors, features, and more.

Surface Pro X with Microsoft SQ2

The new Surface Pro X is much like the old one, with the only physical difference being that it's now available in Microsoft's staple Surface color, Platinum. The biggest upgrades are on the inside with Microsoft's new SQ2 processor that features a more powerful Adreno 690 GPU. Microsoft is also touting better battery life at 15 hours, which apparently also applies to the first Surface Pro X too.

Learn more about the new Surface Pro X

Interestingly, the original Surface Pro X with Microsoft SQ1 is sticking around and will now serve as the processor found in the two bottom-tier Surface Pro X SKUs. The new Microsoft SQ2 chip is available on models with 16GB RAM, meaning you'll be paying at least $1,499 if you want the newer processor. That said, it doesn't look like there's much of a difference between the SQ1 and SQ2 outside of a minor performance bump.

Also new for Surface Pro X are more Type Cover colors. Up until now, Surface Pro X has only had black accessories to match, but now that the product is available in Platinum, Microsoft is also introducing the usual premium Type Cover colors to go with it. Those colors include Platinum, Poppy Red, and Ice Blue. Unfortunately, the Surface Slim Pen is still black regardless of the Type Cover color.

Yesterday, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 on ARM is getting 64-bit emulation support next year, and it will enter preview in November. That's huge news for the Surface Pro X, which up until now has had an "app problem" due to it not being able to run x86 64-bit applications.

Surface Pro X with SQ2 is available for pre-order now, and goes on sale October 13.

Surface Laptop Go

Surface Laptop Go is the "new" device to join the Surface family this holiday, featuring the same great design as found on the Surface Laptop 3 but at half the price. It has a 12.45-inch display with rounded corners, an Intel Core i5 under the hood, and up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The big news is that the Surface Laptop Go starts at just $549, making it a great entry-level laptop for students.

Learn more about the new Surface Laptop Go

Unlike the standard Surface Laptop 3, the Surface Laptop Go doesn't include Windows Hello facial recognition. Instead, it has a fingerprint reader built right into the power button. It's also using a combination of both aluminum and polycarbonate for the exterior chassis to help keep costs low. It's aluminum on the lid, and polycarbonate on the base. The 12.45-inch display is also a low 1536 x 1024 resolution.

But to achieve that $549 starting price, Microsoft had to make further cuts for the entry-level model. The $549 model doesn't include the fingerprint reader, meaning it has no Windows Hello bio-authentication at all. In addition, it also comes bundled with 4GB RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage. 4GB RAM is passable for some people, but eMMC storage is a tougher pill to swallow.

That said, there are higher tiers available, and the immediate step up to 8GB RAM and a 128GB SSD for $699 also includes the fingerprint reader, so we recommend checking that out if you're interested. All consumer models come with Windows 10 Home in S mode, but there is a commercial model available with Windows 10 Pro and up to 16GB RAM. All models come with an Intel Core i5.

Surface Laptop Go is available for pre-order now, and goes on sale October 13.

Microsoft Accessories

Microsoft is also announcing a handful of new PC accessories today, many of which pair very well with Microsoft's own Surface hardware. We've got a new Bluetooth keyboard, the Designer Compact Keyboard, and number pad, which feature contemporary designs and can pair with up to three devices to switch between easily. There's also a new Bluetooth ergonomic mouse that features the same shape as the Surface Precision Mouse, but at a cheaper price.

Elsewhere, Microsoft is updating its Wireless Display Adapter with a 4K model, meaning it can now stream 4K content to a TV or monitor of your choice. The Wireless Display Adapter is a great accessory for streaming your Windows 10 PC to a larger display. Finally, Microsoft is updating its Surface Mobile Mouse with a new Sandstone color which matches the Sandstone option on Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop Go.

Learn more about the new accessories

Surface in more markets

Microsoft has announced that Surface is coming to more European markets to address global demand. Here's the list of new markets:

• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Greece
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia

Learn more about Surface coming to more markets

And that's everything being announced today. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.