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. 

What you need to know

• Microsoft announced the Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 today.
• The pen is optimized to work with Surface Go and Surface Pro devices.
• The Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 will be available starting on April 27 for $20.

Microsoft announced a new digital pen today that's significantly cheaper than the competition. The new Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 only costs $20, which is less than all of best Surface Pen and Surface Slim Pen alternatives currently on the market. It's also cheaper than the best Apple Pencil alternatives. Microsoft announced the new digital pen in a recent blog post.

You can use the Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 with Surface Go or Surface Pro devices. Microsoft's blog post highlights that using digital ink within a classroom setting can help save paper, trees, ink, and money. Wellington College switched to Surface devices and saved 3.8 million sheets of paper, according to Microsoft.

The Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 has a longer enclosure and improved design compared to its predecessor. You can also replace the tip of the Microsoft Classroom Pen 2. It has a slot for tethering and a clip, both of which help people keep track of the pen. A video from Microsoft showcasing the pen discusses how a physical clip is more secure than attaching magnetically.

Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 will be available starting on April 27, 2021 for only $20 per pen. Microsoft says the Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 will be sold in packs of 20 for $399.80. The company does not state if the pen will be sold individually. The Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 will be sold exclusively to educational institutions.

Surface Laptop Go vs Surface Go 2: tech specs

Comparing the specs side by side, Surface Laptop Go and Surface Go 2 are two very different yet somewhat similar devices.

Beautiful design on a budget

Both the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Go 2 deliver premium hardware design on a budget. Surface Laptop Go features a combination of aluminum and polycarbonate, which feels excellent to hold and is very durable. Surface Go 2 features Microsoft's tried and true magnesium alloy, which is sturdy and premium. Both devices are fantastic from a design perspective.

Surface Laptop Go features a larger display with very thin bezels, at the cost of display clarify and Windows Hello facial recognition. Surface Go 2 has a smaller display, but a much higher resolution one, meaning text and images are crisper, and it retains Windows Hello facial recognition as the bezels aren't as slim.

Laptop vs tablet

Depending on your needs, you might prefer a laptop over a tablet, or vice-versa. Surface Laptop Go is a straight-up laptop, with no quirks and design tricks up its sleeve. It comes with a built-in keyboard and trackpad, both of which are excellent, just like any other laptop. Surface Go 2, on the other hand, is a tablet that can turn into a laptop, meaning you'll need to buy separately sold Type Cover if you want to take advantage of that.

The Surface Laptop Go's keyboard is relatively full-sized, compared to the much smaller and more cramped Surface Go 2's keyboard. But, the keyboard on the Surface Laptop Go isn't backlit, which means you won't be able to see the keys in the dark. Surface Go 2's Type Cover accessory does have a backlight, meaning it lights up at night when you need to type.

Power or portability?

An easy way to choose between Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Go 2 is whether or not you need more power or more portability. If you need more power, the Surface Laptop Go is the one for you, as it features a much more powerful Intel Core i5 processor to boot. The Surface Go 2 starts with an Intel Pentium GOLD processor, which is a low-end chip. You can upgrade it to an Intel Core m3, but that still isn't as powerful as the Intel Core i5 in the Surface Laptop Go.

Both devices can be specced out with the same RAM and storage options, so there's no real comparison to be made there. If you're looking for something more portable, the Surface Go 2 is your best choice as it's smaller and lighter than the Surface Laptop Go. Paired with a Type Cover, the Surface Go 2 becomes a mighty little laptop when you need it.

Cut corners

Both the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Go 2 are devices that bring premium design to a lower cost, but to achieve that, both make compromises in different ways. The Surface Laptop Go makes these compromises in material, display resolution, and Windows Hello capabilities. For example, Windows Hello is not available on the $549 Surface Laptop Go but is available in the form of a fingerprint reader on models that cost $699 or more.

The Surface Go 2 features a smaller 10.5-inch display and a lower-end Intel Pentium GOLD 4425Y processor in the $399 model. That said, it doesn't cut corners in build quality or Windows Hello support, featuring the full Windows Hello facial recognition on all models, including the $399 model.

If you prefer the traditional clamshell design

If you want a versatile, mini 2-in-1 PC

Whether you should buy the Surface Go 2 or Surface Pro 7 depends largely on how much you value portability. The Surface Pro 7 isn't heavy by any means, but it's a beast compared to the Go 2. That's because it's vastly more powerful, effectively allowing you to use it as you would your desktop PC.

You can find a whole host of electronics on sale for Black Friday, and the Surface range can often be found discounted on storefronts. Should you locate the Surface Go 2 or Pro 7 on sale, it's worth considering to save some money in the process. Microsoft also sells numerous other Surface devices at various price ranges and specifications, so you should be able to locate a new portable PC for you.

Surface Go 2 vs. Surface Pro 7: tech specs

Design and features

Not a lot changed between the Surface Go and Surface Go 2 in terms of design. The dimensions are pretty much the same, so too is the overall build. This allows for all previous generation accessories to continue working with the newer Surface Go—a massive win for anyone upgrading.

The Surface Pro 7 is of a similar affair with Microsoft not going all out with a redesign compared to the previous generation. The Go rocks more rounded, smoother edges and corners that make it easier to hold when being used as a tablet. It also weighs less, coming in at just 544g for the Wi-Fi only version. The Pro isn't exactly massive, but its 775g is noticeable.

Interestingly, both tablets have a kickstand that can rotate 165 degrees and are made of magnesium. They're also similar for cameras with a 5 and 8 megapixel (MP) combo being used for facial recognition in Windows 10. Ports are an interesting separation with the Go 2 coming with a single USB-C, Surface Connect, microSDXC card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The Surface Pro 7 rocks USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio jack, Surface Connect, and a microSD reader. If you're after LTE capabilities, the Go 2 is your only option right now since Microsoft doesn't offer the Pro 7 with LTE. For both tablets, you can buy a Surface Pen — sold separately for about $100 — and both have Type Covers — also sold separately — with Precision touchpads and an Alcantara fabric finish.

Display

You simply get more screen real estate with the Surface Pro 7, thanks to the 12.3-inch display compared to the Surface Go's 10.5 incher. Color accuracy between the two is roughly the same, so too are the bezels, making it largely down to which display size you'd prefer.

Where there is a difference between the two tablets is resolution. The Pro 7 is a clear winner here with a resolution of 2736x1824 and a pixels-per-inch (PPI) count of 267, which is pretty good. The Go 2 has a resolution of 1920x1280 and a PPI of 220. Both tablets have functional 3:2 aspect ratios, and both have magnets in the side to hold the Surface Pen when not in use.

Performance

Interestingly, while the Surface Pro 7 is the more capable device and comes rocking up to an Intel 10th Gen Core i7-1065G7 CPU, the Surface Go 2 is no slouch. Unlike Intel's low-end CPUs of old, the Intel Core m3-8100Y is rather snappy with daily use. It won't turn heads in benchmarks, but it's more than good enough for general PC use.

Still, if you need more power for a little photo editing on the go, the Surface Pro 7 is where you should spend your money. Storage is another win for Surface Pro 7, which is another small reason it costs considerably more than the Go 2. You can configure it with up to 1TB of storage, while the Go 2 can only max out at 128GB (or 256GB for commercial).

Surface Go 2 for those on the go

See what I did there? But seriously, the Go 2 is ideally suited to those who frequently find themselves moving between location and require a Windows-based tablet for the journey. You've got optional LTE, Wi-Fi 6 support, and various configurations available, starting at a lower price.

Surface Pro 7 for more performance

Get the Surface Pro 7 if you want a tablet that will almost provide a PC-like experience on the go. The speedy Intel Core i7 processor is great at general use and even some more powerful apps, but don't expect desktop-like performance. It's the premium Surface tablet.

I was a massive fan of the first Surface Go when it launched in the summer of 2018. A small, compact Windows PC that was both premium built and easy on the wallet. I loved the form factor and didn't find the Intel Pentium GOLD that powered everything to be much of an issue. Surface Go was remarkably close to being my all-time favorite Surface PC, and Surface Go 2 pushes it over the edge.

I've been using the Surface Go 2 since it launched, and while this isn't a review, I did want to share my thoughts on the product so far and how it has quickly become my favorite Surface PC as of late. When I say I loved the first Surface Go, that's not a lie. If I needed a PC for on-the-go work that didn't require a video card, I'd pick the Surface Go. It's small and agile enough to carry around in or out a bag.

In fact, this is precisely what I was doing at Microsoft Ignite 2019. You'd often find me in the press room writing up embargoes, editorials, and news articles all on a Surface Go. Most people couldn't believe I was using one, and Neowin's Rich Woods even snapped this hilarious photo of me working hard on the tiny Surface Go next to our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino's huge LG Gram with a 17-inch display.

What's improved?

The common complaints most people had with the first Surface Go was that it was too small to type on, the battery life wasn't great, the bezels were massive, and the processor was too slow. Microsoft has attempted to fix three of those issues with the Surface Go, and I think it's done an excellent job addressing at least two of them.

The obvious one that Surface Go 2 improves upon are the big bezels. Microsoft has put in a larger 10.5-inch display inside the same size chassis to help slim down the bezels, and it makes a huge difference. Not just to look at, but to use as well. Windows 10 often felt incredibly cramped on a 10-inch display, and the additional half-inch with a slight bump in resolution gives Windows a little more room to breathe.

Surface Go 2 review

Microsoft has also "fixed" the slow processor issue by including an option for an Intel Core M3 processor. Now, I personally don't think the Intel Pentium GOLD inside the Surface Go, and Surface Go 2 is all that bad. I was able to do most of the work I'd normally do when out and about on a Surface Go just fine, but it is nice to have an option for a more powerful processor for those that do need it.

The other area that Microsoft has attempted to improve upon is the battery life. Microsoft says Surface Go 2 has a bigger battery, but it's only 1WHr more than what's in the Surface Go. As such, battery life remains much the same if only a little bit improved. There's not much Microsoft can do here, as the Surface Go 2 is small and doesn't have a lot of room for a bigger battery.

Because Surface Go 2 keeps the overall size and dimensions of the first Surface Go, Microsoft hasn't been able to increase the size of the Type Cover. That means if you struggled typing on the first Surface Go, you'll have the same issue with the Surface Go 2. This "issue" does depend on who you are, however. For me, the Surface Go's Type Cover is a great size and have no issues typing on it.

Why I love the Surface Go 2

The bigger screen and optional Intel Core m3 processor push the Surface Go 2 into favorite territory for me. It propels the Surface Go from being a PC companion to a PC replacement for a lot of people. Students, teachers, and people who do office work will probably find the Surface Go 2 to be more than enough for their workloads. For writing reports, doing email, browsing the web, and listening to music, the Surface Go 2 is excellent.

The beauty of Surface Go is that it serves a specific purpose: being a sub 11-inch Windows PC. The Surface Go 2 isn't a device you'd buy as a strict tablet, because Windows isn't particularly good on tablets. You'd be better served buying an iPad for that. But that doesn't mean the Surface Go doesn't have reason to exist. If you need a small Windows PC, the Surface Go is the best one out there, by a wide margin.

Not everyone needs a small Windows PC, and that's fine. But for those that do, the Surface Go serves its purpose better than any other sub 11-inch PC before it. Surface Go 2 is my around-the-house, on the go PC for doing lightweight tasks. I wrote this entire article on my Surface Go 2 without issue, because luckily for me the size of the Surface Go Type Cover is fine. I just find the Surface Go 2 to be more accessible and convenient to use than my Surface Book or Surface Studio for quick tasks.

Surface Go 2 isn't for everyone, but I think it's a great PC for a lot of people. It's charming, fun, and easy on the wallet for the entry-level model. It's also premium, which I find to be understated in reviews. You're not buying a sub-standard PC with Surface Go. It's fully featured, with a premium chassis, Windows Hello IR, a high-quality display, pen support, touch, and everything else you'd expect to have on a premium PC.

Microsoft's Surface Go came as a surprise release in the summer of 2018. It had been three years since the similar Surface 3, filling the vaunted lower-end and more portable tablet PC segment.

While the Surface Go has since won many converts and fans, it has always been held back by its middling Pentium processor. The Surface Go 2 fixes that by offering a pricier Core m3 option, which effectively solves many of the Go's limitations. Add a slightly bigger display (with smaller bezels), and Microsoft has pushed the Surface Go 2 as far as it can, which is great but also reflects poorly on Intel.

Here is how Surface Go 2 stacks up against its predecessor, and why it is still a remarkably fun and nimble PC even if it costs a little bit more this time.

Mini Surface Pro

Microsoft Surface Go 2 technical specifications

The Surface Go 2 is a 2-in-1 tablet PC that can be accurately described as a mini-Surface Pro. Despite the weaker processor, everything about the Surface Go 2 is premium, including its fully articulating kickstand.

This year, the Surface Go 2 gets a bit more complicated thanks to two processor options. And unlike other laptops, the choice is dramatically different.

There is the Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y, a small bump from the previous Pentium Gold 4415Y in the original Surface Go. There's not much to say about this chip – it is 100Hz faster and uses UHD Graphics 615 (instead of HD Graphics 615). The Pentium Gold 4425Y is found in the $399 and $549 models of Surface Go 2.

However, the Intel Core m3-8100Y is a different story. While this processor is a few years old, it offers a substantive jump in performance, so much so that it makes it hard to recommend the Pentium Gold 4425Y model at all. But the pricing for the Core m3 starts at $629 (8GB RAM, 128GB storage), making it less of a value buy.

There are other differences between the Pentium Gold and Core m3 models. That $399 model has much slower eMMC for storage compared to the faster SSD found in the $549 and up models. RAM is also at just 4GB for the entry-level edition.

But one notable change that applies to all Surface Go 2 editions is the larger display. Microsoft thinned the gargantuan bezels from Surface Go, and the result not only looks better, but the display's size has grown from 10-inch (1800 x 1200) to 10.5-inch (1920x1280). The pixels-per-inch (PPI) also modestly increased from 216 PPI to 220 PPI.

Microsoft is also launching the Surface Go 2 with optional 4G LTE, which includes both a physical nano-SIM and electronic SIM (eSIM) capability. The Surface Go 2 with LTE is only in the top-of-the-line model with 128GB SSD, 8GB of RAM, and Core m3 for $729. It is the version used for this review.

For ports, nothing has changed. There is a single Type-C with USB 3.1 Gen 2, microSDXC slot (behind the kickstand), headphone jack, and Surface Connect for charging. That Type-C port can power one 4K display at 60Hz, or two full HD displays also at 60Hz. It can also be used for charging and data for thumb drives.

The 128GB SSD has about 81GB of free space after the initial setup. The Surface Go 2 ships with Windows 10 version 1909 (build 18363.15) in S Mode. Switching out of S-Mode is very easy with a simple button click in the Microsoft Store – you don't even have to reboot. The new Microsoft Edge came pre-installed to and pinned to the taskbar along with a few Office applications.

An awesome screen

Microsoft Surface Go 2 display, inking, audio, and cameras

While I regularly criticize Microsoft for not adding anti-reflective coatings to its display or skimping on Dolby Vision, both of which apply here, the Surface Go 2's screen is still remarkable at this price range.

The Go 2's screen can hit nearly 400 nits of brightness, which is brilliant. While many high-end laptops can go to 500 or even the rare 600 nits, Go 2's brightness level is more than enough indoors and can be used with moderate success outdoors too.

Color accuracy is also exceptionally good with 100 percent sRGB, 74 percent Adobe RGB, and 78 percent DCI-P3. Those numbers are similar to the Surface Pro 7 and reinforce the idea that Surface Go 2 is a mini Surface Pro instead of a cheap Surface.

The 10.5-inch 1920 x 1280 display has the familiar 3:2 Surface aspect and excellent contrast at 1400:1. It is a sharp, colorful display with exceptional viewing angles.

The thinner Surface Go 2 display bezels now look normal. They're not crazy Dell-InfinityEdge-thin, but there's a reason for that. The Surface keyboard now comes right up to the bottom of the display. Were the Go 2's bezels any thinner, either the keyboard would overlap onto the screen, or Microsoft would have to have a larger bezel just on the bottom, which ruins the symmetry. As is, your hand sometimes blocks the tiny Surface Go 2 display when typing, so it is not evident how those bezels could be made even thinner.

Inking has not changed between Surface Go and Surface Go 2. Both the regular Surface Pen and the new Surface Slim Pen work with the same 4,096 levels of pressure, tilt support, and Bluetooth.

Microsoft is emphasizing the cameras on the Surface Go 2 for a good reason. While nothing has changed between the previous generation and this one, the Surface Go 2's 5MP front-facing camera is the same one found in the Surface Book 3. It's not just beyond average — it is likely the best front-facing built-in web camera on any laptop. Due to workers and students needing to work from home, Surface Go 2 is an ideal teleconferencing companion. That notion is validated further with the new dual "Studio" microphones, which deliver excellent audio fidelity.

That front-facing camera is also Windows Hello compatible, letting you log in to Windows 10 with just your face. It is fast, reliable, and another premium feature that you won't find in any $400 laptop.

The speakers are first-rate. They are stereo, front-facing and nearly invisible. The positioning delivers good audio separation and volume that is aimed at your ears when using the Surface Go 2 in keyboard mode. While there is not a lot of bass, the sound is rich and enjoyable.

still the best

Surface Go 2 Type Cover is now stickier

There is no debating that the Surface Type Cover ($130) is a required purchase to make full use of the Surface Go 2. At least you get to pick one of three Alcantara-based colors, including ice blue, poppy red, and platinum. You can also save $30 with just a black, microfiber one, which costs $100.

The size of the Type Cover is small at just 9-inches across. Many people will find it too small at first. However, after some time, you realize it is not only usable but quite fantastic considering the constraints. It is hard to fathom how anyone could make a better keyboard at this size. The key travel is better than some full-sized Ultrabooks, and there is ample backlighting. While those with larger hands will feel cramped, this criticism feels obvious when talking about a tiny 10.5-inch tablet PC.

The trackpad is also well done. It is large, glass, and uses Microsoft Precision drivers. There is a satisfying click, and the trackpad registered movement with ease.

These second-generation Surface Go Type Covers are interchangeable with the first-generation saving money for those upgrading. But Microsoft did make two subtle changes this year. The functions keys have moved around with the two display brightness keys jumping from F1 and F2 to F6 and F7. The keyboard backlight key moved from F7 to F1 and so on for play/pause, volume, and mute keys, etc. These have no real impact on usability.

Microsoft also followed the Surface Pro X and put a small magnet below the trackpad in the new Surface Type Cover for Surface Go. This magnet lets the second-generation Surface Type covers stick to the Surface Go 2's bezel when closed, preventing it from flopping around. It is not a strong magnet, but it does make a difference. While you can use a first-generation Surface Go Type Cover on Surface Go 2, you won't get this little feature. The same is true in reverse as the original Surface Go does not have a matching magnet in its top bezel.

Speaking of magnets, I'm not thrilled with the lower magnet that holds the keyboard to the lower display bezel. It feels weaker on this model and would separate with too little force.

Core m3 steps up

Microsoft Surface Go benchmarks, LTE, battery, and heat

Early testing with the Surface Go 2 and Core m3 delivered striking results and a massive improvement over Pentium Gold.

The Core m3 runs at 5 watts versus the 6 watts of the Pentium chip with a lower base frequency (1.1 GHz, vs. 1.7 GHz, respectively). But the Pentium is effectively fixed at 1.7Ghz, whereas the Core m3 can use turbo to 3.4GHz. That turbo is the big difference in performance between the two chips.

Using PCMark 10, which does a decent job of simulating usage with a web browser, Microsoft Office, and video conferencing, the Core m3 gets 700 points higher than the original Surface Go.

A real-world comparison has Microsoft's Edge browser launching and loading the default MSN page taking around six seconds on Surface Go (Pentium Gold 4415Y), whereas Surface Go 2 (Core m3) can do it in just three. Multiply that by every other app or game, and you can see how Surface Go 2 with Core m3 dramatically enhances your productivity.

On 3DMark Night Raid, the Surface Go 2 gets a respectable 3,759. But even the Surface Pro X nearly doubles that score at 7,078 due to its powerful Adreno 685 GPU. The original Surface Go yields 2,873 on the same test.

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 (higher is better)

3DMark

Night Raid (higher is better)

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

.

It's not all just CPU and GPU, though. Microsoft is using a slightly faster SSD for storage, which increases read speeds by nearly 500 MB/s and write speeds almost triple to 373 MB/s. These are still well below proper Ultrabook storage performance, but they are much better than the Surface Go's original eMMC, which was just 260 MB/s (read) and 133MBs (write).

In real-world gaming, this means Rocket League can get 30 frames-per-second (FPS) when set to "performance" for graphics at 1152 x864 resolution. Side scroller action games like Bro Force or Fury Unleashed can hit 30 FPS or even 60 FPS, respectively. Meanwhile, Ori and the Will of the Wisps struggles at 10 FPS making it unplayable no matter the resolution. Ironically, while the Surface Pro X cannot play modern x64-bit video games, it will trounce Surface Go on 32-bit x86 ones due to its much more powerful GPU.

Under continued usage, the CPU hovers nicely at 2.0GHz (Intel XTU) with no drops due to thermal throttling (there is power limit throttling (PLT), which refers to how warm Surface Go 2's chassis gets, but this is standard). While the Core m3 is capable of turbo to 3.4GHz, that is only for short bursts. The Surface Go with Pentium 4415Y, however, would only hit 1.6GHz sustained, giving the Core m3 a nice 400Hz bump in overall performance for prolonged CPU-intensive tasks.

The most interesting (and complicated) metric is battery life. Despite the massive jump in performance, the Core m3 uses slightly less power than the Pentium Gold. That means battery life is not impaired from a much faster processor – a rare result. That's not to say battery life is outstanding – real-world usage pegs it at around 7 hours using typical display brightness. That number can shift to just five hours on the low-end up to eight hours if using battery saver mode. While more battery would have been nice, I found the result satisfactory, but underwhelming.

For synthetic benchmarks, PCMark 10's battery test dubbed "Modern Office" loops between productivity applications, web browsing, and video conferencing with small breaks in between to simulate everyday usage. The results may surprise some with Surface Go 2 beating the Surface Go by just over an hour (both PCs had display brightness set to 45 percent). But the reasoning is sound: The Core m3 uses 1-watt less power than the Pentium Gold processor, and it can idle at lower speeds (1.1GHz vs. 1.7GHz), which overtime pays off.

PCMark 10 Battery (Modern Office)

Recharging is also a breeze with the ultra-portable 24-watt charger, which is small enough to fit snugly in your front jeans pocket. Surface Go 2 does support quick charge (and you can use any Surface charger, even if it has more wattage) with the ability to replenish 80 percent of the battery in just over an hour.

Optional 4G LTE (+$100) had no connectivity issues whatsoever and is extremely reliable. The "Surface Mobile Broadband" modem is carrier unlocked. It supports global brands including T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint in the U.S. Speeds were on par with the Surface Pro X. LTE is an intriguing add-on value for Surface Go 2 letting you use the tiny PC anywhere in the world regardless of Wi-Fi. For those planning to use the Surface Go 2 regularly, the addition of LTE is encouraged.

Even if you do not opt for LTE, the new Intel AX200 with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 is welcomed over the previous Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.1.

There is an improved Instant On with Surface Go 2. The PC can turn on and log into Windows 10 in just three seconds, letting it behave more like a smartphone. After six hours of idling on battery, the laptop goes into a proper hibernate (changeable under advanced power settings).

Finally, because the Core m3 is a fanless processor, there is no excessive heat with Surface Go 2. Temperatures rarely went above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), which is well below what most laptops get on their top decks.

When and where

Microsoft Surface Go 2 pricing and availability

The Surface Go 2 is now available in these markets, following its May 12 release:

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Germany
• Austria
• UK
• Ireland
• France
• Switzerland
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Denmark
• Finland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
• Poland
• Japan

Surface Go 2 will also be launching in several more markets in the coming weeks, starting with China on June 2. On June 18, Surface Go 2 will launch in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, before also launching in Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India on July 14. Microsoft will also be launching Surface Go 2 in Mexico and South Africa, new markets for Surface, on August 25.

Multiple configurations and price points are depending on the consumer (Windows 10 Home in S-Mode) or business (Windows 10 Pro in S-Mode) SKUs:

Surface Go 2 Consumer

Surface Go 2 Commercial

Commercial customers have even more configurations to choose from, such as a Core m3 model with just 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Commercial SKUs also come with Windows 10 Pro instead of Windows 10 Home in S mode:

So much more fun

Microsoft Surface Go 2: As good as it gets

There are multiple ways to evaluate the Surface Go 2 and whether it is a smash hit or just an overpriced mini PC.

Compared to the original Surface Go, Surface Go 2 (Core m3) is an enormous improvement thanks to that larger display, smaller bezels, improved Instant On, and a much faster processor. You'll need to grab the $629 model to see that difference versus the $400 one, but if you are using this device hours a day, it is absolutely worth it. You get nearly double the performance, and yet do not sacrifice battery life. With this configuration, the Surface Go 2 feels like a real PC now.

Another way to look at Surface Go 2 is comparatively to other Windows laptops. Here, Microsoft wins by default. There is no other tablet PC this size that does this much. Assuming you want a 10.5-inch tablet PC that supports inking has excellent audio, a fully-articulating kickstand, microSD expansion, optional LTE, Windows Hello, all in a package that weighs just 1.2lbs (544g). It's actually an incredible machine making it ideal for students, professionals, business use, and journalists (especially if Surface Pro X is out of your price range).

But the Surface Go 2 also exists in the bigger world of Apple iPads – which device is better depends on your work style and goals. The Surface Go 2 is, at its heart, a real PC that can be docked and turned into a decently performing desktop one. The iPad is a tablet that is slowly getting better as a "real" PC but still falls short in some areas. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

What Surface Go 2 proves, unfortunately, is Microsoft may have hit a wall in design and performance. There is no way to make such a PC better (read: faster) without dramatically increasing its cost. While the Core m3 is a massive improvement in Surface Go 2, it is still a two-year-old processor – a dual-core throwback in a world of octa-core silicon. I can't spin that as a positive; it's frankly sad.

Battery life, performance, costs – these are still massive challenges for Windows 10 PCs when competing against Apple that the Surface Go 2 does not, unfortunately, solve. The needle has moved significantly, but things like longer battery life and octa-core CPUs are desperately needed in this category.

That Intel problem is not Microsoft's fault, but it is not clear what else can be done with Surface Go save for some new, low-cost/high-performance processor technologies. One does wonder, however, how the Snapdragon 7c or 8c would have compared. It is a bit bewildering that Microsoft did not make this an ARM PC.

Should anyone buy the Surface Go 2 with Pentium Gold? Sure. If you plan to use the Surface Go 2 as a companion PC to be used only occasionally in addition to your regular desktop PC or laptop. The Pentium Gold chip is OK for web browsing, email, and even light games. But if your goal is to use the Surface Go 2 habitually, the Core m3 version is preferred every time. It's not just slightly faster, it's massively so, and you get the right amount of RAM and storage capacity.

The bottom line is Surface Go 2 is the best Microsoft could have done in this form factor, and it addressed most of the original Surface Go's criticisms. I genuinely enjoy using Surface Go 2, and I could easily imagine taking it on a hike or out for the weekend when I do not need a full laptop. The performance and 4G LTE let me use it anywhere without getting frustrated, and it's still just really cool. I get why Surface Go has its fans - there is nothing else like it around. But for a Surface Go 3, I'd like to see more revolution than evolution in regards to battery and performance.

What you need to know

• Surface Go 2 received its first firmware updates today.
• These updates focus on improving connection reliability for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• Surface Go 2 is available now starting at $400.

Microsoft's new Surface Go 2 only just went on sale today, but it's already getting its first firmware updates. These day-one updates aren't large in number, but they hone in on improving both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

Here's a look at what's new, according to Microsoft's Surface Update History:

• Intel - net – 21.80.2.1: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 160MHz – Network Adapters - improve connection reliability.
• Intel Corporation –Bluetooth – 21.80.0.3: Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth – Bluetooth - improve connection reliability.

Surface Go 2 is the first big update to Microsoft's tiniest available Surface. It brings a slightly larger display in the same size body as the original Surface go. It also adds new chips to the mix, including an impressive option for a version with Intel's Core m3 processor.

If you get your hands on a Surface Go 2 this week, you can grab today's firmware updates now via Windows Update.

Why do Surface Go keyboards and cases still work?

The reason why keyboards and cases designed to work with the original Surface Go will still work with the Surface Go 2 is because Microsoft hasn't changed the shape or the size of the device for the Surface Go 2. This means that while things like internal hardware or bezels are different, the silhouette of the device is identical, and thus the Surface Go 2 can work with accessories designed to fit the first Surface Go.

If you're looking for a keyboard to go with the Surface Go 2, our favorite choice is Microsoft's own Surface Go Type Cover since it feels incredible to type on and is very comfortable overall. If you need a case, we love Procase's PU leather cover that both protects well and looks elegant.

Why get a Surface Go 2?

The brand new Surface Go 2 is an excellent step forward compared to its predecessor for quite a few reasons. The main one is that the Core m3 CPU you can outfit the Surface Go 2 with offers significantly better performance compared to the Surface Go's Pentium 4415Y chip. Also, the GPU is a little better as well; while the performance jump isn't massive, the Surface Go 2's Intel UHD 615 GPU is noticeably better than its predecessor's. All Surface Go 2 models also come with Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, and if you want it, you can get 4G LTE as well, though you'll have to pay some more.

The display has been upgraded as well. The bezels have been slimmed down a half-inch, and the color accuracy on the Surface Go 2's screen is a step up from the original Surface Go. On top of this, the device's SSD is faster than the first Surface Go's, as is the Surface Go 2's wake-up speed. Overall, the Surface Go 2 offers a massive performance boost compared to its predecessor, yet it still costs relatively the same amount, making it a fantastic device.

Why is LTE worth it?

In a day and age where people are always on the move, and Wi-Fi can often be scarce, cellular internet connectivity can be a lifesaver. Cellular internet allows you to get online anywhere at any time, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi.

LTE is the best kind of cellular internet, offering the user the fastest speeds possible on their devices. Nearly all smartphones have LTE, but in recent years, tablets and even laptops have begun to integrate it into their systems as well. The Surface Go, thankfully, is one such tablet/laptop hybrid, though you'll need to pay more for an LTE variant of the device than one without.

Why get a Surface Go 2?

Aside from the fact it has an LTE option, there are plenty of other reasons you'd want to buy a Surface Go 2. The main one is that it's affordable; even though the LTE variant of the Surface Go 2 is more expensive than the normal version, it's still less pricey than most LTE hybrid devices. Another is that it's very compact and light, making it perfect for people who are out and about. Additionally, there's an impressive amount of horsepower under the hood of the Surface Go 2. While it won't match the performance of a dedicated laptop, the Go 2 is still a very capable device and a big step up from its predecessor.

It's worth highlighting that LTE will drain your battery faster, but this drawback won't be too much of an issue as long as you're diligent about charging the Go 2 when you're able to. Considering Microsoft has made some improvements to battery life with this new Go compared to the original one as well, the battery is ultimately something you won't need to worry about. Overall, the Surface Go 2 is a fantastic portable device, and the version with LTE makes it even more versatile than it already is.

Microsoft launched a whole load of new Surface devices today. With the new Surface Book 3, Surface Go 2, and Surface Headphone 2 finally breaking cover, alongside a ton of other products, you're bound to have some questions, and we have answers.

Windows Central's Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden will go live on YouTube and Mixer today at 1 PM ET to answer any questions you may have about the new Surface gear announced today. We've already had some hands on time with the Surface Go 2, Surface Headphones 2, and Surface Earbuds, but we'll be fielding questions about everything else as well.

You can watch along on this page via the video embed above, or join us directly on YouTube and Mixer starting at 1 PM ET.

The Surface Go 2 is now official, and Microsoft will begin shipping the device on May 12th in more than 20 different markets. Now with a more prominent display, smaller bezels, and new processor options, the Surface Go 2 looks to be a significant bump over its predecessor, so long as you shell out the extra cash.

I have had the Surface Go 2 for nearly the last 24 hours. While it is way too early for battery life estimates, I have been able to run some synthetic benchmarks to add some perspective to that "new" Intel Core m3-8100Y processor.

Here are five things I have noticed with the new Surface Go 2, so far.

Intel Core m3 makes a big difference

Compared to the Pentium processor in both the older 4415Y and newer 4425Y models, the Core m3-8100Y delivers a significant step up in performance. The Go 2 now feels much more like a regular laptop.

The Core m3 runs at 5 watts versus the 6 watts of the Pentium chip with a lower base frequency (1.1 GHz, vs. 1.7 GHz, respectively). But the Pentium is effectively fixed at 1.7Ghz, whereas the Core m3 can use turbo to 3.4GHz. That's the big difference.

The Intel UHD 615 GPU is also tweaked by 50MHz, which adds a little boost, too.

The early benchmarks speak for themselves when compared to the original Surface Go:

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

GPU

Geekbench 4.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

3DMark

PCMark 10 (higher is better)

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

.

The heat is also well contained despite the higher CPU clockspeed. The Surface Go 2 with Core m3 is a fanless system, like before, but it doesn't get scorching either in my early tests.

The back of the Go 2 gets warm to around 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), which is well below what most laptops get on their top decks. You can see in my thermal image just how the heat is dispersed throughout the chassis.

Of course, the Intel Core m3-8100Y retails for roughly $120 more than the Pentium chip, and that is reflected in the slightly higher price point of the Surface Go 2. That said, the performance boost – when combined with the faster SSD in the Go 2 – makes a big difference in the user experience.

This is an excellent display

Even though the Surface Go 2 can creep up in price, that $399 model is still impressive, especially the screen for this class of device.

Sure, it's still glossier than I would prefer, but it is pulling in 99 percent Adobe sRGB with nearly 400 nits of brightness with outstanding viewing angles.

That extra half-inch of screen realestate is undoubtedly much nicer too. It's still a small device, but it's a bit better now.

The thinner bezels now look ordinary. They're not crazy Dell-InfinityEdge-thin, but there's a reason for that. The Surface keyboard now comes right up to the bottom of the display. Were the bezels to be any thinner, either the keyboard would overlap onto the screen (not good), or Microsoft would have to have a larger bezel just on the bottom of the Surface Go 2, which would ruin the symmetry and make it look goofy.

Instant On, magnets, LTE, and more

Some smaller changes with the Surface Go 2 get less attention, but here are a few.

There is now a better implementation of Microsoft's Instant-On technology that came to the Surface Laptop 3 (Intel versions) and Surface Pro 7 last year. Flipping the keyboard open now turns on the Surface Go 2 much faster without it going into hibernation as quickly. When combined with the zippy Windows Hello, it's very fluid.

Like Surface Pro X there are now small magnets at the top of the display that helps keep the keyboard from flopping around.

Microsoft is hyping the camera and microphones in its new sizzler video for the Go 2. It is right to do so as Surfaces have always had the best web cameras around, and this 1080P one is great. It's the same camera as the Surface Go, but now it has two Studio Microphones flanking it instead of one, making it even better for that online digital meeting life we're all doing in 2020. Compared to every premium Ultrabook on the market, the Go 2 smokes them.

The model I am testing also has 4G LTE, and Wi-Fi 6 is now standard. So far, the wireless abilities have been excellent. It is an unlocked LTE device, as expected. I'm using it with Verizon and have tried Sprint with no issue. There is also a secondary eSIM option letting you switch between a physical and electronic SIM on the fly.

Surface Go 2: More to come

As usual, I'll be spending the next few days with the Surface Go 2 before my review to get a better idea of battery life and performance.

So far, out-of-the-box impressions are great. The 128GB SSD has about 81GB of free space after the initial setup. The Surface Go 2 ships with Windows 10 version 1909 (build 18363.15) in S Mode. Switching out of S-Mode is very easy with a simple button click in the Microsoft Store – you don't even have to reboot. The new Microsoft Edge came pre-installed to and pinned to the taskbar along with a few Office applications.

The Surface Go 2 arrives on May 12 with a starting price of $399. The model I'm testing with LTE, and the Core m3 tops out at $729. You can get all the pricing and full specifications in our announcement post here.

Have any questions? Leave them in comments, and I'll answer them for the review.

It's new Surface hardware day! Microsoft has unveiled several new Surface products that are set to start shipping as soon as next week, and pack numerous improvements to Microsoft's low-end and high-end product lines. Here are all the announcements you need to know about.

Microsoft is announcing five new Surface products ranging from PCs to accessories, and is also releasing the Surface Earbuds that were originally announced back in October 2019. Here's a list of the new products being announced today:

• Surface Book 3
• Surface Go 2
• Surface Headphones 2
• Surface Dock 2
• Surface USB-C Travel Hub

The new Surface Book 3

Microsoft is finally updating its Surface Book product line with faster processors and more powerful GPU options. While the exterior remains the same, the inside has been updated with Intel 10th-Gen processors, up to 32GB RAM, and 2TB storage along with NVIDIA GTX 1650, 1660 Ti, or Quadro 3000 graphics options.

Surface Book 3 is not cheap, starting at $1599 for an Intel Core i5 with no dedicated graphics. We'd recommend skipping this model and jumping up to the Intel Core i7 models that start at $1999. This will get you a dedicated graphics card in the 13.5-inch, along with more storage and power to boot.

Surface Book 3 begins shipping on May 21 in the US and Canada. Check out our breakout post for availability, specifications, and more.

The new Surface Go 2

Alongside the Surface Book 3, Microsoft is updating the Surface Go product line with a larger display and a more powerful model for those who need it. The Surface Go 2 features the same overall design and size, but with a larger 10.5-inch panel with thinner bezels, which makes the product look more modern and less cramped to use.

Surface Go 2 still starts at $399, but users can now opt for a more powerful $629 model with an Intel Core m3 inside. This model provides 64 percent more power over the original Surface Go, making it suitable for most office-related tasks, browsing the web, checking email, and watching movies and listening to music.

Surface Go 2 begins shipping on May 12 in several markets. Check out our breakout post for availability, specifications, and more.

Surface Headphones 2 and Surface Earbuds

The Surface Headphones are also getting an update with a new black color option, increased battery life, and and Bluetooth 5.0 support. The Surface Headphones 2 look identical to the first generation, not including the new color of course. Most notably, these new Surface Headphones are cheaper than the originals, launching at just $250 instead of $349.

Microsoft's Surface Earbuds were originally announced in October 2019 and were supposed to start shipping before 2020 rolled around. However, the product was delayed and is only now beginning to ship. The only change between the Surface Earbuds launching today and the ones that were announced in October is that the price has dropped from $249 to $199, a saving of $50.

Make sure you check out our breakout posts for the Surface Headphones 2 and Surface Earbuds for information on availability, pricing, and more.

Surface Dock 2 and USB-C Travel Hub

Alongside the new Surface PCs comes a new Surface Dock to match. The new model includes USB-C ports in addition to USB-A ports. Interestingly, the new Surface Dock 2 only supports the Surface Book 3, Surface Pro 7, Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop 3, and Surface Go 2. It won't work on previous generation products, according to Microsoft.

Also new is a USB-C travel hub, which carries several ports for those who need them when on the go. These ports include 1x USB-C port, 1x USB-A port, 1x ethernet port, 1x HDMI 2.0 port, 1x VGA port, and 1x 3.5mm headphones jack. It's like a mini Surface Dock and works with more than just Surface products.

Check out our breakout post for these new accessories if you'd like to know more about pricing and availability.

What are you looking forward to?

That's all the notable announcements coming out of Microsoft today. We're expecting a handful of new Surface products to begin shipping in the next few weeks, most of which are modest updates over their predecessors. It's a little disappointing to see Microsoft hasn't changed the design of the Surface Book 3, but it's good to see a larger display and more powerful configurations on the Surface Go 2.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

What you need to know

• Larger 10.5-inch display with thinner bezels.
• More powerful Intel Core m3 option.
• Longer battery, dual studio mics, and a better front camera.
• Launches May 12 starting at $399.

Microsoft has unveiled the next version of its popular Surface Go product line, featuring a larger 10.5-inch display and a more powerful Intel Core m3 option for customers who need it. The Surface Go 2, as it is officially known, still starts at its hallmark price of $399 and is compatible with previous generation accessories, as the overall size and design of the product is identical to the original Surface Go.

Bigger display and more power

Surface Go 2: What's new for 2020

The biggest change with Surface Go 2 is the larger 10.5-inch display with thinner bezels. One of the original Surface Go's biggest complaints from users was that the bezels were too big. Microsoft listened, and slimmed the bezels down with the second generation by increasing the size and resolution of the display. The bezels are not the slimmest out there, but it is a massive improvement over what we had before.

On the inside, the entry-level $399 model ships with 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage and an Intel Pentium GOLD 4425Y which should offer modest performance for light work tasks such as checking email, writing a document in Office, and browsing the web. The higher-tier option will pack 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD storage, and a 64 percent more powerful Intel Core m3 processor which should be good for most work-related tasks and multitasking.

Indeed, our initial benchmarks reveal quite a leap in performance with the Core m3 processor over the Pentium Gold.

Other notable improvements with the Surface Go 2 include an updated 5MP front-facing camera for video conferencing, improved battery life with a physically larger battery on the inside, and the inclusion of Microsoft's dual "Studio Mics" for better audio clarify when on a call. Microsoft is touting about 10 hours of battery life with the Surface Go 2, but real-life results will likely be somewhat less than that.

As with the last Surface Go, the new Surface Go 2 also has an optional LTE model for those who need to be always connected. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 technology for faster data speeds, and once again ships with Windows 10 Home with S mode enabled by default. Users can turn off S mode with the click of a button if needed.

Surface Go 2: Pricing and availability

The Surface Go 2 is an overall modest update for the Surface Go line, but one that I think makes the Surface Go 2 one of Microsoft's best Surface products. The larger 10.5-inch display and more powerful processor should make the Surface Go a viable PC replacement for many people. The last Surface Go was recommended as a companion PC for your main computer, but the Surface Go 2 comes across as a device that many people might be happy with using as their only PC.

Surface Go 2 launches on May 12 in the following markets:

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Germany
• Austria
• UK
• Ireland
• France
• Switzerland
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Denmark
• Finland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
• Poland
• Japan

Surface Go 2 will also be launching in several more markets in the coming weeks, starting with China on June 2. On June 18, Surface Go 2 will launch in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, before also launching in Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India on July 14. Microsoft will also be launching Surface Go 2 in Mexico and South Africa, new markets for Surface, on August 25.

Pricing is interesting, as there are more configurations for consumers at different price points this year. You can get 8GB RAM and 128GB storage with either the Intel Pentium GOLD or Intel Core m3 processor, giving you the option to save a few bucks if you don't need the more powerful chip.

Surface Go 2 Consumer

Surface Go 2 Commercial

Commercial customers have even more configurations to choose from, such as a Core m3 model with just 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Commercial SKUs also come with Windows 10 Pro instead of Windows 10 Home in S mode:

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Daniel reviews the Dell XPS 13 (9300) and explains why it's the perfect 13-inch Ultrabook. There are some leaks to support rumors a re-designed XPS 15 will follow suit.

Zac provides details on a new Windows 10 build for Slow ring insiders. In one of this week's major stories, Windows 10X and Surface Neo may be delayed beyond 2020. However, Surface Duo may still come earlier than anticipated, and the fellows speculate on what could be announced at an upcoming hardware event.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on April 3rd 2020.

Links:

• Dell XPS 13 (9300) review: Literally a perfect 13-inch Ultrabook | Windows Central
• Windows 10 build 19041.173 ships out to Slow ring Insiders | Windows Central
• Microsoft may have delayed Windows 10X and Surface Neo beyond 2020 | Windows Central
• Brad Anderson shows off his Surface Duo and Surface Earbuds at home | Windows Central

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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
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What you need to know

• Retailer listings recently surfaced for a new Surface Dock and what could be Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2.
• Most of the listings are no longer publicly viewable.
• The appearance of the listings suggests a new slate of Surface devices could be close to launch.

A new batch of retailer listings in Europe over the weekend have outed a batch of new Surface devices that could be close to launch. As spotted by German blog DrWindows, it appears a new Surface Dock 2 may be in the works. Likewise, Dan S. Charlton's tech blog caught several retailer listings for what could be Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 configurations.

The Surface Dock 2 is still available to view at Shopmat.be, but there's no accompanying image or technical information. However, DrWindows speculates that we could see Microsoft add USB-C ports to this refresh. It's been five years since the original Surface Dock launched, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Microsoft adopt USB-C for any major refresh here.

While all of the unreleased products were briefly searchable, they're no longer visible without direct links to the listings. However, there were previously configurations for a Surface "Project T" and "Project U," which could be the 13.5-inch and 15-inch Surface Book 3 based on their pricing. Project T showed five configurations ranging from €1,617 to €2,616, while Project U ranged from €2,234 to €3,441.

Rounding things out is Surface "Project V", which showed five configurations ranging between €407 and €847. Based on this pricing, it's expected that this may be a potential Surface Go 2.

As for what to expect in each, recent reports have suggested Surface Book 3 will move to Intel's 10th Gen processors and NVIDIA GTX 16-series GPUs. The Surface Go 2 is expected to have a base configuration with an Intel Pentium Gold chip, but may also offer a Core M processor.

With the uncertainty around events right now, it's unclear whether we'll see Microsoft hold some sort of digital event for whatever it has planned. However, we're expecting to see the launch of Microsoft's Surface Earbuds and, potentially, a follow-up to the Surface Headphones, as well.

All the new Microsoft hardware we expect to see in 2020

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, Microsoft will hold a press event at Mobile World Congress later this month. Daniel and Zac speculate on what announcements may be forthcoming. They also talk about the movement away from UWP to web apps and why it isn't bad news.

Along with Surface Book 3 and Surface Go 2 rumors, Daniel compares folding displays to dual screen designs by looking at the pros and cons of each. Also this week, they revisit the potential of Surface Pro X, thanks to an article by Dieter Bohn over at The Verge. Finally, all signs point to Microsoft halting development of Surface Hub 2X.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on January 31st 2020.

Links:

• Microsoft will hold a press event at Mobile World Congress, likely about the HoloLens | Windows Central
• UWP apps to lose Microsoft Ad Monetization platform this June | Windows Central
• Folding displays vs. dual screens: Comparing pros and cons for PCs and phones | Windows Central
• Microsoft's Surface Pro X is the world's most extravagant Chromebook - The Verge
• Microsoft isn't sure if it'll ever ship a Surface Hub 2X | Windows Central

Subscribe to the podcast

• Download directly: Audio
• Listen via Spotify
• Listen via: Windows Central app Windows 10 | Android
• Subscribe via iTunes
• Subscribe via RSS
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• Subscribe via Pocket Casts

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

Qualcomm announced its new Snapdragon 7c and 8c compute platform chipsets that fall nicely below the flagship Snapdragon 8cx. While the performance of ARM-based chips is still behind Intel's 10th Gen Core processors, it's clear Qualcomm is always pushing forward to compete with Santa Clara's best.

Pricing for the Snapdragon 7c and 8c is going to be critical as, so far, Windows 10 on ARM has mostly been in the premium-tier category. Reported pricing though states that the Snapdragon 7c could hit sub-$400 laptops and that's a big deal for a few reasons.

Pentium Gold? No thanks

Intel struggles at the low-end

I've been quite bullish on Intel's recent moves in for its 10th Gen series of mobile processors. Performance, heat, battery life, and things like building in Thunderbolt 3 have solidified Intel as the go-to chip for premium Ultrabooks.

Intel's Project Athena – where it works closely with manufacturers – is resulting in some outstanding laptops. Both of HP's newest Ultrabooks – the Spectre x360 13 and Elite Dragonfly – push quoted battery lives of 20 or more hours. Even accounting for OEM overestimating real-world 10+ hours is doable while still running a quad-core Core i7 processor. That's magic.

Intel and Microsoft also did a fantastic job with the improved Instant On abilities of Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3. Both devices turn on instantly and seamlessly even now beating Qualcomm ARM-based PCs.

But Intel is still terrible on the low-end. Years of sub-par Atom processors and even last year's odd Pentium Gold have done nothing to slow Apple iPad sales and have had only moderate success at stemming the rise of Chromebooks in U.S. schools.

While the Surface Go looked the part its mediocre performance, and battery life resulted in it being a fun, but still flawed experience. So close, yet so far.

It's more than the US

4G LTE, PCs, and emerging markets

In many emerging markets, a person's first – and only – computer is the smartphone. Home internet and desktop PCs are not a thing. One way to circumvent that, or at least grow that market, is by offering low-cost laptops that also offer native 4G LTE.

If the Snapdragon 7c with its octa-core processor and LTE can be sold in $400-range laptops that's a huge win, Intel certainly doesn't have anything in that range. Even the Surface Go with LTE is priced at $679 without the keyboard.

For those in markets where the internet is mobile-only having a laptop that is always-connected and costs as little as a smartphone opens the door for new possibilities. Whether its coding and developing, or even just education, Qualcomm could push into a market that so far has eluded Intel.

This could happen

Surface Go 2 with ARM?

Turning back to Microsoft Surface Go, the big question for many is if Microsoft will do another version, and if so, what will power it.

If Microsoft offers Snapdragon 7c (and even 8c as an upgrade-SKU) with LTE, it could still be able to hit that $399 starting-cost (laptop costs are hard to define since screen type, resolution, RAM, storage, all play a factor).

The performance will be interesting. I don't expect the Snapdragon 7c to be a massive performer, but all it needs to do is beat the Intel Pentium Gold for price, battery, and performance. That's it. All three of those seem doable. Toss in some thinner bezels and some of that Surface Pro X design magic, and what's not love?

The Pentium Gold 4415Y is only a 1.6GHz dual-core processor limited to DDR3 memory. A Snapdragon 7c is octa-core clocked at 2.45GHz, supports DDR4 and Wi-Fi 6. It will beat out a Pentium Gold, especially on multi-core benchmarks (an older Snapdragon 850 gets double the multi-core compute score of a Pentium Gold already).

Of course, there are the usual hang-ups about Windows 10 on ARM, performance hits from Win32 emulation, and x86-64-bit incompatibility (for now), but considering what $400 PCs are used for these concerns are even less impactful than on premium-tier PCs where the critique holds more water.

Finally, whatever your thoughts on ARM, you can't deny one thing: it is causing competition. Intel's low-cost chips are terrible, but there's no reason why that suddenly can't shift now that Qualcomm is trying to go there. Apple is doing great with ARM on its iPad line, and we should all be rooting for Qualcomm (and AMD) to be making Intel work for your money. Microsoft knows this too. The Surface Go is amazing hardware held back by Intel. Hopefully, history doesn't repeat itself for a Surface Go 2.