Latest from Windows Central in Surface-laptop-go

Exclusive report: What's next for Surface in 2025, including a possible mini Pro and Laptop

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:04:47 +0000

It’s been a very busy year for Surface, the first under new leadership with Pavan Davuluri at the helm. In March, Microsoft launched its first ever specialized commercial Surface PCs with the Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors and anti-reflective screens.

Just a few short months later, the company unveiled its first ever Copilot+ PCs with the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, both headlining Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X SoCs along with updated designs and accessories. It's the first time we’ve seen Microsoft ship multiple generations of hardware in such a short time span.

This year was all about AI PCs, specifically Copilot+ AI PCs. The focus was on Microsoft’s hero devices to kickstart this new category of AI-powered Windows computers. I fully expect this trend to continue as we head into 2025 as Microsoft aligns more of the Surface portfolio under the Copilot+ umbrella.

The Surface Pro will get an Intel Lunar Lake processor. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

According to my sources, Microsoft is planning to ship new versions of the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, Surface Laptop Studio, and maybe even a new 11-inch Surface of some kind.

Up first are new versions of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, this time with Intel Lunar Lake chips powering things under the hood, joining the Snapdragon X versions already on the market. These devices are expected to ship as Microsoft’s first Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, something many Surface customers will have been waiting for.

The Surface Laptop with Intel Lunar Lake has already leaked, confirming that its design will remain identical to the existing Surface Laptop 7 with Snapdragon X. This is unsurprising given the Surface Laptop was only just refreshed with a new design, so I don’t expect to see another design update for at least a few years yet. The Surface Pro with Intel Lunar Lake will be a similar affair.

I think Microsoft will bring the anti-reflective coating from the Pro 10 and Laptop 6 to the new Intel Lunar Lake models, which was confusingly missing from the Laptop 7 and Pro 11. I also hear the Surface Laptop with Intel Lunar Lake will be configurable with a card reader, just like the Laptop 6. And for the first time, Microsoft may even offer a variant of Surface Laptop with 5G.

The Laptop Studio is also scheduled for a refresh. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

I’m also expecting Microsoft to bring Copilot+ capabilities to other members of the Surface portfolio, such as the Surface Laptop Studio. I'm unsure which chips will power this, it could be Intel or AMD, but for it to be classed as Copilot+ compatible it needs an NPU of 40+ TOPS. I don't expect too much to change in regard to design, but I did hear whispers that a 16-inch model was being considered.

I’ve also heard that Microsoft is working on a new Surface device with a display size of around 11 inches. ~~I'm not fully sure what form factor this will take—my sources have described it as a Surface Go-sized Laptop Go hybrid that uses premium materials and components.~~ UPDATED December 9: I believe this smaller device is a Surface Laptop, likely replacing the Surface Laptop Go. Sources say it will feature premium materials and components, and be powered by an Arm processor.

Lastly, I hear a new Surface Dock is on the way, but I have no idea what’s actually new with it at this time. Microsoft’s last Surface Dock dropped Surface Connect in favor of USB-C, so it will be interesting to see if that change sticks with the new one.

The timing for when all of these products will arrive is uncertain for now. I believe the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop will likely land in the first quarter of 2025, but the rest of the lineup could arrive from spring to fall.

As always, there may also be some surprises that we're yet to know about. We'll be sure to keep you updated if things change.

This Surface Laptop Go 3 deal cuts a huge chunk off an already affordable Windows 11 laptop — now it's cheaper than ever!

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 16:15:31 +0000

Amazon Prime Day hasn't even started, yet we're already seeing some unmissable deals that you shouldn't pass up if you're in the market for a new Windows laptop. Take this Surface Laptop Go 3 deal, which is on sale for just $599 right now, down from the usual $799 starting price. That's a $200 saving, making this a no-brainer for anyone looking for a small, lightweight laptop for travel and office work.

In our Surface Laptop Go 3 review, I asked whether this might be the best 12-inch Windows laptop. It has a nice, premium build quality, a touchscreen, and a best-in-class trackpad and keyboard typing experience. Plus, it has good battery life too. So for $200 off, I think this is an excellent recommendation for yourself or a loved one in need of a new lightweight school or work laptop.

Surface Laptop Go 3 | was ~~$799.99~~ now $599.99 at Amazon

This is the perfect laptop for on-the-go working, featuring a 12.5-inch touchscreen display, 12th-Gen Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB fast SSD storage. If you're a student, teacher, office worker, or fall somewhere in between, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is more than capable for most productivity-based tasks. And for $599, you're getting a premium build quality too.

Today's top Amazon Prime Day deals

Logitech MX Master 3S wireless mouse | was ~~$100~~ now $86 at Best Buy
EVGA X20 wireless gaming mouse | was ~~$70~~ now $20 at Newegg
GameSir G7 SE gamepad | was ~~$60~~ now $42 at Newegg
MATEIN travel laptop backpack | was ~~$40~~ now $22 at Amazon
Baseus 9-in-1 USB-C hub | was ~~$70~~ now $39 at Amazon
Kensington SD2480T Thunderbolt 3 dock | was ~~$180~~ now $55 at Amazon
SK hynix Tube T31 1TB SSD | was ~~$100~~ now $70 at Newegg
SK hynix Beetle X31 1TB SSD | was ~~$135~~ now $88 at Amazon

What is Surface Laptop Go?

The Surface Laptop Go 3. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is Microsoft's budget-friendly laptop line, designed to be sold at a lower price point compared to the flagship Surface Laptop line. However, the Laptop Go 3 is still excellent because it uses premium materials in all the places you're most likely to be touching.

This includes the keyboard deck and laptop lid. Polycarbonate is only used on the underside of the laptop to reduce costs, but because it's on the side you don't usually see or touch, it ultimately feels much more premium.

Who should buy a Surface Laptop Go?

If you're looking for a compact Windows laptop, there really are no other options in this space. The 12-inch laptop market is pretty scarce these days, which makes the Surface Laptop Go 3 one of the best 13-inch Windows laptops you can buy today.

If you're looking for a lightweight laptop that is capable of handling productivity-based workflows such as Microsoft Office, Teams, Slack, Zoom, Email, Internet, and watching movies or listening to music, the Surface Laptop Go 3 will serve you very well.

We also like this laptop because it's a great option for couch surfing, doing some light work at the coffee shop, and especially for students who want something that easily fits in their bag, is durable, and won't take up a ton of space on your desk. It's the perfect travel laptop, and it's light enough that you won't feel it in a back pack.

What is Amazon Prime Day 2024?

Amazon Prime Day is a two-day event where Prime subscribers can save big money on popular products, including laptops, accessories, and more. Prime Day runs from July 16 to July 17, and at Windows Central we're doing our best to round up the actual good tech deals between now and the end of the event. We know it can be hard to sift through all the rubbish deals, so we've compiled a collection of the best Prime Day deals we've spotted for you. Our collection will be constantly updated, so keep checking back!

You can buy a new Surface Laptop 5 for the price of a Surface Laptop Go right now for Cyber Monday

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 10:30:13 +0000

Cyber Monday sales are already popping off, and we've just spotted a great deal on Microsoft's latest flagship laptop, the Surface Laptop 5. Usually, the Surface Laptop 5 retails for around $999, but right now you can find one for the same retail price as a Surface Laptop Go 3, meaning the Surface Laptop 5 can be had for just $799 right now.

Surface Laptop 5 | ~~was $999~~ now $799 at Best Buy

The Surface Laptop 5 is Microsoft's MacBook Air competitor, best suited for productivity workflows and light creative tasks. It has Intel's powerful 12th-Gen Intel chips, one of the best keyboards and trackpads in the PC space, and is available in two sizes: 13.5-inch or 15-inch variants.View Deal

There's more good news! This deal comes from Best Buy, one of the more trusted retailers with excellent customer support and an easy return process. You may even be able to get the laptop in your hands faster with in-store pickup, which can take as little as two hours in some areas across the United States.

A My Best Buy membership can net other benefits like faster (free) shipping, longer 60-day return windows, exclusive deals, and more! For more information, you can check out our in-depth guide on My Best Buy memberships.

More great Cyber Monday deals

Microsoft's answer to the MacBook Air

The latest Surface Laptop. (Image credit: Microsoft)

The Surface Laptop 5, as its name implies, is Microsoft's 5th-generation Surface laptop. It features a traditional clamshell design with no quirks to the overall form factor. It features a beautiful external chassis that looks good on any desk, and features one of the best keyboards and trackpads found on a Windows laptop in 2023.

Cyber Monday 2023

(Image credit: Windows Central)

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Surface Laptop 5 can be configured in either 13.5-inch or 15-inch screen sizes, and both are rocking Intel 12th-Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors under the hood. The $799 model includes a 13.5-inch screen, an Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD storage to boot. It's also available in a number of colors, including Platinum, Black, Sandstone, and Sage.

In our Surface Laptop 5 review, I said the Surface Laptop 5 is Microsoft's MacBook Air competitor product. It's a straight up laptop, just like the MacBook Air, with the only quirks to its design coming in the form of an Alcantara keyboard deck on the 13.5-inch Platinum model, and a touchscreen as standard across all configurations.

Compared to the Surface Laptop Go 3, the Surface Laptop 5 features a bigger screen with a higher resolution screen, backlit keyboard, and overall higher quality chassis. Considering $799 is the price you normally pay for a Surface Laptop Go 3, paying that for the Surface Laptop 5 is a no brainer really.

Enhance the Surface Laptop 5 with these accessories

Microsoft makes a handful of accessories that pair up nicely with the Surface Laptop 5, including wireless mobile mice and docks that transform the Surface Laptop 5 from a laptop to a powerful workstation.

Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock | ~~was $299.99~~ now $239.99 at Best Buy

The Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock enhances your Surface PC with additional ports, including 3x USB-C ports, 3x USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, 2.5G ethernet, and a security lock. The Dock itself uses a USB-C cable, meaning it's compatible with all modern Surface PCs and non-Surface devices too! View Deal

Surface Precision Mouse | ~~was $99~~ now $79 at Microsoft Store

The Surface Precision Mouse is Microsoft's most comfortable wireless mouse. It features an ergonomic design that feels great in the hand, and programmable shortcut buttons that can be customized with Microsoft's own software.View Deal

Surface Laptop Go 3 review: The best 12-inch Windows 11 laptop?

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0000

Quick menu

1. Pricing & specs
2. Display & design
3. Camera & audio
4. Keyboard & pen
5. Performance & battery
6. Competition
7. Should you buy?

Microsoft's third-generation Surface Laptop Go is now available, and in a lot of ways, it's the same product as the last version. But this year, there are some key changes to how the laptop is positioned on the market. Originally, Surface Laptop Go was presented as a budget version of Microsoft's flagship Surface Laptop, with a low starting price of $549 to match.

But with the Surface Laptop Go 3, that positioning no longer makes sense as Microsoft has increased the price of Surface Laptop Go 3 by a staggering $250 over the original, now starting at $799. That's upper-midrange laptop territory, just $200 short of the flagship Surface Laptop 5 and Surface Pro 9.

Why is it so much more expensive? It's because the new entry-level model doubles both RAM and storage, up from 4GB RAM and 128GB storage to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It also now comes with a fingerprint reader, which the original $549 model did not. Microsoft essentially removed that cheaper entry-level configuration from the lineup.

So, with all that in mind, does the new Surface Laptop Go 3 meet those upper midrange standards to justify its $250 price increase for the new entry-level model? I've been using the laptop over the last week, and this is my full review.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by Microsoft. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Surface Laptop Go 3: Price & specs

We love the Sage colorway. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Surface Laptop Go 3 specs

- Price: $799 at Microsoft Store
- Processor: 12th-Gen Intel Core i5-1235U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 3:2 1536x1034 touchscreen
- Weight: 2.49lbs
- Cameras: 720p
- Biometrics: Fingerprint
- Ports: 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 3.5mm jack
- Battery: 12hrs+ (benchmarked)

Surface Laptop Go 3 is available directly from the Microsoft Store and retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, with a starting price of $799. That will get you the entry-level configuration with an Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD storage. This also includes a Windows Hello fingerprint reader embedded into the power button.

You can step up from here with more RAM and storage, maxing out with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage for an eyewatering $1,249 at Microsoft. I don't recommend springing for that, as you can find many other laptops for the same price with much better all-round specs.

Education and commercial customers have an extra SKU available to them that costs $699, but that model excludes the fingerprint reader and halves the storage to 128GB. This is probably the model your school or work will give you if they order these in bulk.

Surface Laptop Go 3 Recommended Configuration

Intel Core i5 | 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD

We recommend the entry-level model of Surface Laptop Go 3, as 8GB RAM and 256GB storage should be more than enough for the kind of workflow this device is built for. Web browsing, email, calls in Teams or Zoom, and working on Microsoft Office or Google Docs, this configuration should be perfect for that. View Deal

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Surface Laptop Go 3: Design and features

This laptop's profile is on the thinner side. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

If you were a fan of the original Surface Laptop Go, you'll love the new one. It features an identical design, right down to the selection of ports and display size. They are 1:1 comparable, meaning the only real changes to the Surface Laptop Go 3 in regard to hardware are on the inside.

But that's okay because I think this is a good opportunity to revisit just how nice this laptop design actually is. If you were tasked to create a "more affordable" version of the Surface Laptop 5's design, how would you do it without making the laptop look and feel cheap?

Microsoft decided to go the route of keeping the high-quality aluminum materials on every surface (pun intended) that the user touches most, which in this case is the lid and keyboard deck. The underside of the laptop is made from soft-touch plastic, which is actually very high quality and feels great, too.

The use of plastic on the underside also helps with keeping this laptop feeling light, and that's something I noticed right away compared to the Surface Laptop 5. It's just 2.49lbs. This thing just feels great to walk around with, and the plastic bottom makes it feel more durable. I'm not afraid of scratching the bottom of this laptop like I might be the Surface Laptop 5.

The two different materials also offer a nice two-tone appearance on the casing that you don't find on any other Surface. Plus, the tolerances where the aluminum meets the plastic base are so tight you'd be mistaken for thinking they were the same part. Overall, I'm actually a huge fan of the Surface Laptop Go's external design, and I wish more laptops utilized this dual metal/plastic setup.

These bezels are thin enough. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Moving onto the IPS display, which, in my opinion, is the first semi-weak point of this laptop. Microsoft opts for a sub-1080p screen resolution on this device. Now, when this laptop started at $549, this was understandable. But for $799? That's a much tougher ask.

The display is 1536x1024, which equates to 147 pixels per inch. This means pixels are visible from an average working distance, and text/images don't look all that sharp. If the resolution were just a few hundred pixels higher, I'd be happy. I do think for $799, we need to be meeting that 1080p bar at the very least.

Now, it's not all bad news. The display outside of its resolution is actually pretty good. Colors are quite punchy, viewing angles are okay, and the inclusion of a touchscreen is always nice to have. The display is rated for 96% of the sRGB color gamut, and our testing found peak brightness hits around 347 nits, which is fine for a laptop of this caliber.

96% sRG color gamut.Windows Central

Windows Central

The display itself is a 12.4-inch inch panel with thin bezels and rounded display corners. From a distance, it looks great, almost flagship level. It's only when you get close and see the low-resolution display that you realize this is actually a budget laptop.

Moving onto ports, we've got a modest selection on the Surface Laptop Go 3. On the left, you'll find one USB-A 3.1 port, one Thunderbolt 4-enabled USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the left, you'll find nothing but the magnetic Surface Connect charging port.

As an aside, I just wanted to mention how happy I am that Microsoft continues to ship Surface devices with this proprietary port. I know that sounds weird to say, given the age of USB-C we live in, but Surface Connect is just so delightful. The magnetic attachment for charging should be something all laptops have in addition to USB-C charging. I'm glad it's here.

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Surface Laptop Go 3: Camera and audio

Looking good. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

As the bezels around the display are so thin, Microsoft wasn't able to get that good of a Surface webcam in here, at least compared to other Surface devices. Laptop Go 3 ships with a 720p front-facing camera, and it's fine. For video calls, it will get you by, but you will notice that the image isn't very sharp and a little noisy, which becomes more noticeable in darker environments.

Microphone quality is actually very good on Surface Laptop Go 3, using the same "studio mics" found on other high-end Surface devices like the Surface Studio 2+ and Surface Laptop Studio 2. These microphones operate in a dual-array setup, which helps with reducing background noise in a loud environment and is great for shared office spaces.

Speaker performance is also strong, for the most part. The speakers are hidden underneath the keyboard and sound good enough for a $799 laptop. The audio is clear, and there's even a little bit of bass, which gives your music a richer-sounding presence. Unfortunately, my review unit appears to be suffering from intermittent popping of the speakers.

I can't consistently reproduce it, but sometimes audio will just randomly start popping as I'm listening to music. I think this is a firmware issue, as it's not the same "levels" of audio that cause the popping, and it happens seemingly randomly. A restart fixes it, but after a few hours, it will return.

I was able to capture it happening on camera, which you can view above. When it's happening, it's incredibly noticeable.

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Surface Laptop Go 3: Keyboard and touchpad

The keyboard and touchpad are great to use. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Starting with the touchpad, I have no real complaints here. It's a nice Windows Precision touchpad that works just as you would expect. It's a smooth surface (pun intended again) with a quiet yet satisfying click to it. The only criticism I could throw at it is that it's a touch on the small side. That's to be expected on a 12-inch laptop, of course, but I figured I would mention it anyway.

Moving onto the keyboard, which I have a love-hate relationship with. We'll start with the positives, which are that this keyboard feels excellent. It has a key travel of 1.2mm with tactile yet quiet feedback, which equates to an incredibly satisfying typing experience.

The keyboard itself is also relatively full-sized for a laptop of this size. I was expecting it to feel a little cramped like the touchpad does, but honestly, it doesn't. I never once found myself thinking, "Man I wish this keyboard was bigger," like I do on the smaller 10.5-inch Surface Go.

Now, why is my relationship with this keyboard a love-hate one? Well, it comes down to what's on the underside of the keyboard, or, in this case, lack thereof. Most laptops at $800 will come with a backlit keyboard, which illuminates the individual keys in dark environments.

The lack of a backlit keyboard is frustrating. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

This is useful, perhaps even required, for anyone looking to use a laptop in the dark, late at night in a shared dorm room or in your home office. It doesn't matter where the dark environment is; a backlit keyboard is important if you want to be able to see where the keys are.

Surface Laptop Go 3 curiously omits this backlighting on its keyboard. Why? Well, Microsoft says it needs to differentiate between the budget Surface Laptop Go and the flagship Surface Laptop 5, which does have a backlit keyboard. Now, again, when this laptop was $549, that was something that made sense. But at $799? That reasoning begins to fall apart.

I couldn't find a laptop on the market for $799 that doesn't have a backlit keyboard. I'm not saying they don't exist, but the likes of HP, Dell, and Lenovo have $799 laptops with backlit keyboards. For this price, Surface Laptop Go should have one.

If you don't plan to use your laptop in dark environments, this will be a non-issue for you. But as a night owl myself, this is one part of the laptop that I really noticed. Luckily for me, I can type without needing to see the keyboard, but I still need to see it sometimes for random symbols or just to get my footing. It's a lot harder in the dark.

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Surface Laptop Go 3: Performance and battery life

Battery life on this laptop is shockingly good. (Image credit: Windows Central)

Performance on the Surface Laptop Go 3 is overall actually very good. Even with its last-gen Intel Core i5, I was happy with the speed and efficiency of this laptop. In daily tasks, the Surface Laptop Go 3 didn't even blink. It was able to handle web browsing, email, listening to music on Spotify, watching videos on YouTube, and even a bit of light Photoshop work.

The Intel Core i5-1235U is a great chip, almost beating the processor found in Microsoft's original Surface Laptop Studio, which was presented as Microsoft's "most powerful" Surface when it was unveiled in 2021. So you're really not going to need to worry about CPU performance on the Surface Laptop Go 3.

In regards to graphics, we have an integrated Intel Iris Xe chip, which is fine. Integrated graphics have come a long way compared to a few years ago, but they're still not good enough for heavy gaming sessions. The Iris Xe really helps with creative tasks like photo and video editing, but anything heavier and you'll want to look elsewhere.

Windows Central

Moving onto battery life, which I think impressed me the most. You don't look at a 12-inch laptop and think, "I bet that has great battery life." But lo and behold, it does! In our controlled PCMark 10 battery test, Surface Laptop Go 3 lasted an incredible 12 hours and 14 minutes on a single charge. To compare, the Surface Laptop Go 2 only lasted 6 hours in our battery test.

For a 12-inch laptop, 12 hours is excellent. This translates to real-world usage, too. By the end of an 8-hour workday with the laptop on and off throughout, I find myself still with 45% left in the tank. This is almost Windows on ARM level of battery life. I guess the small, low-resolution display and lack of a backlit keyboard really help improve the endurance of this laptop. A worthy trade-off?

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Surface Laptop Go 3: Competition

HP Pavilion Aero is a close competitor. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

There are two ways to look at competitors to the Surface Laptop Go 3: Size and price. If you're looking for similar laptops in size, your options are somewhat limited. There aren't many 12-inch laptops that target the upper-midrange segment of the market other than Microsoft's own last-gen Surface Laptop Go 2.

If we're looking at 13-inch laptops, the HP Pavilion Aero is a great competitor. You can find them for around the same price as a Surface Laptop Go 3, and often with better specs. In this case, the Aero has 16GB RAM and an AMD Ryzen 5 7535U processor for just $879. In our HP Pavilion Aero review, we called it the best mid-range laptop with AMD available.

That's because the Ryzen 5 in the Pavilion Aero is excellent, plus 16GB RAM will double your longevity in regard to multitasking. It's also even lighter than the Surface Laptop Go 3, even with a larger 13.3-inch 1080p display.

Elsewhere, we have a 2-in-1 in the form of the Robo & Kala 2-in-1, which is a flagship Windows 11 on ARM device with a Snapdragon 8cx Gen3 SoC. It has a 12.6-inch display, which is close to the 12.4-inch screen size of Surface Laptop Go 3, but comes with a much better OLED display, along with support for pen input.

It's also $799, which matches the Laptop Go 3. The only problem with the Robo & Kala is that it's not a "pure" laptop; it's a tablet with a keyboard cover that turns it into a competent laptop. Still, if you're looking for a 12-inch laptop, the Robo & Kala won't scratch your itch.

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Surface Laptop Go 3: Should you buy?

The aluminum lid looks premium. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

You should buy the Surface Laptop Go 3 if ...

You want a 12-inch laptop with a great design.
You need something lightweight and portable.
You want a laptop with excellent battery life.

You should not buy the Surface Laptop Go 3 if ...

You want a high-resolution display.
You need a backlit keyboard.
You need powerful graphics performance.

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is an odd beast. On the one hand, I love it for how compact and simple it is. It's an easy "on the go" machine for when you need to travel because it's just so light and fits so well into any backpack. It also has one of the better designs on a $800 laptop, in my opinion at least.

On the other hand, $799 is a lot of money, and you can find laptops out there with way more features and better specs for that price. Heck, you can even dig around for a last-gen flagship Surface Laptop 4 for $799 and come away with a much better overall package.

But I've realized those other laptops don't offer the one thing that makes Surface Laptop Go 3 great: its size and portability.

I think that's the Laptop Go 3's strongest selling point. 12-inch laptops are pretty rare these days, and the ones you can find are usually really low-end with terrible displays and cheap plastic exteriors or run Chrome OS. Surface Laptop Go 3 is the only good "upper midrange" 12-inch Windows 11 laptop on the market currently.

Not only that, it's incredibly lightweight and compact, too. It's so easy to throw this laptop around without a care in the world. It's durable, and as long as you're not treating it like an absolute maniac, it should last you a very long time.

So, if you're hellbent on getting a 12-inch laptop, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is really your best choice for now. Even with its lack of a backlit keyboard and sub 1080p display, the Laptop Go 3 is overall a really nice machine. I've enjoyed my time with it, even if I do wish it was a little cheaper.

My only gripes are the sub 1080p display and the lack of a backlit keyboard. If Microsoft is able to improve any parts of this laptop with the next version, I hope it's those areas.

Be sure to check out our roundup of best Windows laptops to see where all our reviewed laptops rank!

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Surface Laptop Go 3

Surface Laptop Go 3 is Microsoft's budget-friendly laptop offering, but it's also one of the better 12-inch Windows laptops on the market, with a fun design, excellent battery life, and compact form factor to boot. This laptop is great for traveling and office-based workflows.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 1 vs Laptop Go 2 vs Laptop Go 3: Which should I buy?

rebecca.spear@futurenet.com (Rebecca Spear) — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:56:33 +0000

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: Specs
Category	Surface Laptop Go	Surface Laptop Go 2	Surface Laptop Go 3
OS	Windows 10 Home in S mode	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Home
Processor	Intel Core i5-1035G1	Intel Core i5-1135G7	Intel Core i5-1235U
RAM	4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x 16GB (commercial only)	4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x	8GB or 16GB LPDDR5
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics	Intel Iris Xe Graphics	Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Storage	64GB eMMC \| 128GB or 256GB SSD	128GB or 256GB SSD	256GB SSD
Display	12.45-inches 1536x1024 (148 ppi) 3:2 PixelSense Touch display	12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 (148 ppi) 3:2 PixelSense Touch display	12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 (148 ppi) 3:2 PixelSense Touch display
Ports	1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x Surface Connect	1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x Surface Connect port	1x USB-C 3.2, 1x USB-A 3.1, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x Surface Connect port
Audio	Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Premium Audio	Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby-Audio Premium	Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby-Audio Premium
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0	Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.1	Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.1
Camera	720p HD f/2.0	720p HD f2.0 camera	720p HD camera
Security	Windows Hello fingerprint reader	Windows Hello fingerprint reader	Windows Hello fingerprint reader
Battery	Up to 13 hours	Up to 13.5 hours	Up to 15 hours
Dimensions	10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches	10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches	10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches
Weight	2.45lbs (1,110g)	2.48 lbs (1,127g)	2.49 lbs (1,129g)
Color	Platinum, Sandstone, Ice Blue	Platinum, Ice Blue, Sandstone, Sage	Platinum, Ice Blue, Sandstone, Sage
Availability	October 1, 2020	June 7, 2022	October 2, 2023
Price	$550 - $1,100	$600 to $1,100	Starting from $799.99

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

The Surface Laptop Go line are slim-but-powerful little devices. (Image credit: Windows Central)

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.

The Surface Laptop Go 2 had the same amount of RAM for consumers that the original model did. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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.

Each of the Surface Laptop Go models is very sleek and slim. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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.

Surface Laptop Go models are compact but have good keyboards and trackpads. (Image credit: Windows Central)

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?

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is the best option so far. (Image credit: Windows Central)

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.

Surface Laptop Go 3

The latest and greatest Surface Laptop Go provides the best processing power and highest RAM of any Surface Laptop Go yet produced. What's more, the battery has been improved to last a couple more hours. Altogether, that makes this the best iteration to release thus far.

Surface Laptop Go 2

The second version of the Surface Laptop Go was a step up from the original, providing a significantly better graphics card in the form of the Intel Iris Xe and a better CPU with the Intel Core i5-1135G7. It's not the most powerful option anymore, but it's still a great choice.

Surface Laptop Go

While outdated, the original Surface Laptop Go is a reliable little laptop with plenty of battery life and processing power. However, the GPU and CPU are less powerful than the more recent Surface Laptop Go models. But if you want to save some money, you might be able to do so by going with this older option.

Surface Laptop Go 2 is official with 11th-gen Intel Core i5 and $599 starting price

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

What you need to know

Surface Laptop Go 2 is official and it's available for pre-order today.
It features an 11th-gen Intel Core i5, and a new Sage colorway.
It's expected to start shipping next week for $599.

The Surface Laptop Go 2 is official! Microsoft has announced that the product is available for pre-order right now, with shipments expected to take place starting June 7. The product is a relatively minor refresh over its predecessor, featuring an 11th-generation Intel Core i5, up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, and the debut of a new Sage colorway.

The Surface Laptop Go 2 is identical to the original on the outside. It features the same 12.4-inch "PixelSense" touch display, a fingerprint reader on the models with 8GB RAM, and is built out of a mixture of aluminum and polycarbonate materials. Like the original, it doesn't have a backlit keyboard or Windows Hello facial recognition, though Microsoft is touting an improved webcam for video calls.

You can read our Surface Laptop Go vs. Surface Laptop Go 2 guide for a deeper comparison.

The bigger changes are on the inside and will help to reduce Microsoft's carbon footprint via easier-to-repair products. Laptop Go 2 joins the Surface Laptop Studio in being one of Microsoft's "repair friendly" devices, with more components that can be removed and replaced by authorized technicians. These components include the keyboard and trackpad, display, battery, Surflink cable, and the SSD.

Surface Laptop Go 2 in SageMicrosoft

Surface Laptop Go 2 on the InsideMicrosoft

Surface Laptop Go 2 specifications
Category	Spec
OS	Windows 11 Home
Processor	Intel Core i5-1135G7
RAM	4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Storage	128GB or 256GB SSD
Display	12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 (148 ppi) 3:2 PixelSense Touch display
Ports	1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, Surface Connect port
Audio	Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby-Audio Premium
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.1
Camera	720p HD f2.0 camera
Security	Windows Hello fingerprint
Battery	Up to 13.5 hours
Dimensions	10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches
Weight	2.48 lbs (1,127g)
Color	Platinum, Ice Blue, Sandstone, Sage
Availability	June 7
Price	$599, $699, $799

The Intel Core i5 on the inside is a last-generation chip but still plenty powerful for this laptop's target demographic. It's a nice upgrade over the 10th-gen chip in the first Laptop Go, with better graphics performance and battery efficiency.

Microsoft has cut the original entry-level model with 64GB of eMMC storage, and the base model of Laptop Go 2 has 128GB of SSD storage right out of the gate. Because of this, its starting price has crept up to $599, but you are getting more storage, better graphics, and better performance.

Price list
Price	SKU
$599	Intel Core i5, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD
$699	Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
$799	Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD

Finally, Microsoft notes that the Surface Laptop Go 2 is the company's first "Secured-Core PC" to hit the market. This means it features better security at a firmware level, which is great for businesses looking to keep their data as secure as possible.

Curiously, the Surface Laptop Go 2 appears to be Microsoft's only new Surface product launching in the first half of 2022. Microsoft usually ships a handful of Surface product refreshes in the spring, but we're just getting an update to the Laptop Go line this time.

Surface Laptop Go 2 is available for pre-order today in select markets, with shipping expected to start next week from June 7.

Pre-order

Surface Laptop Go 2

The Surface Laptop Go 2 gets a glow-up with 11th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, new serviceable parts, Secured-core designation, and new Sage color.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 leaked by retail listing

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Tue, 31 May 2022 10:46:47 +0000

What you need to know

An alleged retail listing for the Surface Laptop Go 2 has appeared online.
The Surface Laptop Go 2 runs on an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, according to the listing.
It appears to have a similar physical design to the original Surface Laptop Go, including a 12.4-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Go 2 has appeared online in the form of an alleged retail listing. Korean outlet Cafe Naver has a page for the Surface Laptop Go 2 that includes specs, images, and other details (via The Verge).

Assuming the details of the listing are accurate, the Surface Laptop Go 2 will run on an 11th Gen Intel CPU and feature an improved HD camera. The PC will likely be available in several versions, but the specific listing that leaked online shows a model with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.

A preorder date of June 2, 2022 appears on the page, so we may not be far off from an official announcement from Microsoft.

These aren't the first leaks or rumors we've seen about Microsoft's next affordable laptop. Our senior editor Zac Bowden has a piece that rounds up all of the suspected specs and details about the Surface Laptop Go 2. The information from Cafe Naver's listing lines up well with our previous reports.

Other than an internal spec bump, the Surface Laptop Go 2 appears to be a relatively minor refresh, which is what we expected. The listing shows a 12.4-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a body that's overall similar to the original Surface Laptop Go.

The PC's ports also appear to be the same as its predecessor, including USB-C, USB-A, a headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port.

The leaked order page shows a model with 8GB of RAM, but the laptop will likely have models available with 4GB or 8GB of memory. We've also heard that the Surface Laptop Go 2 will be available in a new Sage color.

Project Volterra: Everything you need to know about Microsoft's ARM developer kit

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Thu, 26 May 2022 13:08:21 +0000

Microsoft has announced its first ARM desktop PC in the form of a developer kit it calls "Project Volterra." It's a small, Mac mini style desktop that's designed to help developers build apps that leverage the power of AI using a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) built by Qualcomm.

According to my sources, the device was codenamed Black Rock, and has been in development internally at Microsoft since last summer. The product was built by the Surface team in partnership with Qualcomm, and will be the first Windows on ARM developer kit to ship with a flagship Snapdragon SoC.

Microsoft will share more about Project Volterra over the coming months. In the meantime, here's everything we know so far! We'll continue to update this post as new information becomes available.

Project Volterra: Price & Availability

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft is yet to announce exact pricing or availability details for Project Volterra. However, we do know that the company did originally intend to start shipping the product at Build, but was unable to do so for undisclosed reasons.

A likely explanation for the delay can be pinned on the ongoing component shortage, which appears to have affected the launch of other Snapdragon 8cx Gen3 products such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X13s, which is supposed to start shipping soon. With that in mind, we suspect that Project Volterra will begin shipping later this summer.

Microsoft hasn't provided any info on pricing either, but we can assume it'll come in under $1000. Unlike other flagship Windows on ARM devices on the market, Project Volterra is a barebones mini PC, meaning it comes without a display, keyboard, or trackpad. It's also made using plastic instead of a more premium material. This should hopefully bring down its price, but we'll have to wait and see.

Market availability is also a mystery, but given that this is Microsoft, it's likely that the device will only be sold in the United States at launch. Most of Microsoft's previous new form factor products launch as US only at first, with availability in more markets arriving at a later date.

Project Volterra: Ports & Specifications

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft has not provided any official information regarding what specifications you'll find on the inside of Project Volterra. However, Windows Central understands that the device ships with a flagship processor from Qualcomm, likely a customized Snapdragon 8cx Gen3 of some kind, as Qualcomm's next-generation NUVIA chips aren't ready to be manufactured until next year.

It's unclear if Microsoft intends to advertise the chip as a Snapdragon 8cx Gen3, or if Microsoft has made customizations to the SoC that would warrant them branding it as "Microsoft SQ3" instead. Perhaps the company wants to save its "SQ" chip branding for its main Surface Pro X line.

Microsoft also revealed that the product has a fan on the inside, which will help with keeping the SoC cool and reduce throttling. The inclusion of a fan may allow Microsoft to squeeze more power out of the processor, as you're no longer thermally limited by a fanless design as seen on most other Windows on ARM devices.

Regarding ports, we know the device features three USB-A ports, a mini DisplayPort, and an ethernet jack on the back of the device, and two USB-C ports on the left side. Of course, the device comes with Windows 11 preloaded, though we don't yet know if that will be of the "Home" or "Pro" variety. Given this is a developer kit, we assume it'll ship with Windows 11 Pro.

Project Volterra: Design and Features

(Image credit: Microsoft)

According to sources familiar with the product, Project Volterra was built by Microsoft's Surface team in partnership with Qualcomm. It's a PC housed in a mini desktop form factor, similar to that of a Mac mini. It features ports on both the back and left sides of the device, and an LED status indicator on the front.

The device itself is housed in a black recycled ocean plastic, a similar material to that on the Microsoft Ocean Plastic mouse. On the bottom are four rubber feet, and on the top is a engraved Microsoft logo. On the inside, Microsoft says the product features a built-in neural processing unit designed to help developers leverage the power of AI in their applications.

The NPU will enable developers to take advantage of features such as eye correction, background blur, voice clarity, and much more in their apps. Offloading these features to a dedicated NPU will allow the main processor to focus on powering other app functionalities, which will help keep things running fast.

Microsoft says the design of Project Volterra allows for multiple devices to be stacked on top of each other, useful for developers who might need several running tests at one time, or for deploying in a server rack environment.

The company isn't advertising Project Volterra as an all-purpose desktop PC for consumers. It's a product that was designed and built specifically for developers building applications that utilize AI and Windows on ARM. That said, there's nothing stopping you as a consumer from buying one and using it as a normal PC if that's something you want to do.

Microsoft has also announced that the tool-chain that developers can use will be Arm-native on Project Volterra. That includes everything from Visual Studio 2022 right down to .NET 6 and Java. Here's the list of Arm-native tools for developers on Project Vortella:

Visual Studio 2022
Visual Studio Code
Visual C++
Modern .NET 6 and Java
Classic .NET Framework
Windows Terminal
Windows Subsystem for Linux
Windows Subsystem for Android

Surface Laptop Go 2: Price, release date, and everything you need to know

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Microsoft has officially announced the next version of the Surface Laptop Go, fittingly titled "Surface Laptop Go 2" which features a better processor, faster graphics, and kills off the 64GB eMMC base model in favor of one with 128GB SSD storage.

It's also available in a new Sage color, which mixes hints of green, silver, and blue together for a unique looking design.

The Surface Laptop Go line is Microsoft's budget-friendly Surface Laptop, and we think it's one of the best Surface PCs for students thanks to its premium design and small overall form factor.

Surface Laptop Go 2: Availability

Surface Laptop Go 2 is available to order now, with shipments expected to begin starting June 7.

Surface Laptop Go 2: Price and specs

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Surface Laptop Go 2 features a starting price of $599, up from $549 on the first Surface Laptop Go. This is because the Laptop Go 2 has more storage, and a better processor on the inside in the base model.

Surface Laptop Go 2 specifications
Category	Spec
OS	Windows 11 Home
Processor	Intel Core i5-1135G7
RAM	4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Storage	128GB or 256GB SSD
Display	12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 (148 ppi) 3:2 PixelSense Touch display
Ports	1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, Surface Connect port
Audio	Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby-Audio Premium
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.1
Camera	720p HD f2.0 camera
Security	Windows Hello fingerprint
Battery	Up to 13.5 hours
Dimensions	10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches
Weight	2.48 lbs (1,127g)
Color	Platinum, Ice Blue, Sandstone, Sage
Availability	June 7
Price	$599, $699, $799

Price list
Price	SKU
$599	Intel Core i5, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD
$699	Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD
$799	Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD

Surface Laptop Go 2: Design and features

Surface Laptop Go 2 is a relatively minor refresh, meaning there are no significant design changes to the product. This means it features the same 12.4-inch screen size, same ports, thickness, chassis, and materials as the first generation device.

There is a new Sage color option, but that's the only external difference you'll notice. The bigger changes are on the inside, with improved thermal cooling, and more replacable parts including the keyboard, trackpad, display, battery, and Surflink cable.

Unfortunately, the Laptop Go 2 still misses out on a backlit keyboard, and its display resolution is still quite low compared to other Surface devices on the market.

Surface Laptop Go gets better battery life when running Windows 11

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 18:38:44 +0000

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:

Windows Update History	Device Manager
Intel Corporation – Display - 27.20.100.9621	Intel UHD Graphics – Display
Intel Corporation Ext – 27.20.100.9621	Intel UHD Graphics – Extension
Surface - Surface System Management - 3.140.139.0	Surface SMF - Surface System Management

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.

Canadians can save CAD $150 on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go through Labor Day

jd.levite@futurenet.com (John Levite) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 15:00:02 +0000

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.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go | CAD $150 off

The specs for this laptop include a 12.4-inch touchscreen, a 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 128GB SSD. You can choose French or English keyboard and still save the CAD $150.

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.

May 2021's firmware update arrives for the Surface Laptop Go, Surface Book, and Book 3

Robert Carnevale — Tue, 11 May 2021 21:11:14 +0000

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.

Two in one

Surface Book 3

Power on the go

The Surface Book 3 is a quality laptop that's still receiving firmware update after firmware update, meaning if you go with it, you'll have the latest in security and stability improvements.

Surface Laptop Go teardown shows it took some cues from Surface Laptop 3

dan.lancaster@mobilenations.com (Dan Thorp-Lancaster) — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 19:53:35 +0000

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.

Category	Surface Laptop Go
Operating System	Windows 10 Home in S mode
Display	12.45 inches 3:2 aspect ratio 1536x1024 (148 ppi) resolution PixelSense
Processor	Intel Core i5-1035G1
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics
Memory	4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x 16GB (commercial only)
Storage	64GB eMMC 128GB or 256GB SSD
Front Camera	720p HD f/2.0
Security	Fingerprint Reader
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0
Ports	1x USB-C 1x USB-A 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect
Audio	Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Premium Audio
Battery	Up to 13 hours
Dimensions	10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches 278.18mm x 205.67mm x 15.69mm
Weight	2.45lbs 1,110g
Colors	Platinum Sandstone Ice Blue

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.

Surface Laptop Go

Looking for something with the same design as the Surface Laptop but easier on the wallet? Look no further with the Surface Laptop Go with its 12.45-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, aluminum and polycarbonate exterior, Omnisonic speakers, and Windows Hello-enabled fingerprint reader. The $700 model is the one to get.

Can you use a pen on Surface Laptop Go?

Brendan Lowry — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 19:00:03 +0000

Can you use a pen on Surface Laptop Go?

Best answer: Unfortunately, the Surface Laptop Go does not support inking. However, it's still a great device, and you can always go with the Surface Go 2 if you need pen support.Fun-sized Surface: Surface Laptop Go (From $550 at Microsoft)Pen-friendly alternative: Surface Go 2 (From $400 at Microsoft)

Why the Surface Laptop Go is still a good option

While the lack of pen support on the Surface Laptop Go is disappointing, the issue pales in comparison to the things that make the device such a great laptop. With its 10th Gen Intel i5-1035G1 CPU, Intel UHD Graphics, and up to 8GB of RAM, the Surface Laptop Go packs quite a punch despite its small size and price tag. The 12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 display looks awesome too, which is a great achievement for Microsoft considering the modest resolution. You can get up to 256GB of storage as well, and the top-notch Omnisonic speakers and studio mics provide a superb audio experience. Finally, the device supports Wi-Fi 6, which is important since Wi-Fi 6 is becoming the new standard.

In terms of physical design, the Surface Laptop Go is excellent as well. At 10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches and 2.45 lbs, it's Microsoft's lightest and most compact laptop Surface device. Additionally, it also comes with a USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm, and Surface Connect port for strong peripheral connectivity. The low-profile keyboard is very comfortable to type on, too, and the large trackpad makes accurate navigation a breeze. Finally, the nifty fingerprint reader on the keyboard enables partial Windows Hello support. Overall, between the device's solid specs and amazing design, the Surface Laptop Go cements itself as one of the best Surface PCs.

The little guy

Surface Laptop Go

Size doesn't tell the full story

Despite its small size and cost, the Surface Laptop Go packs quite a punch, making it a fantastic device even though it doesn't support inking.

Pen-friendly alternative

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

If your heart is set on having a device that supports inking, we recommend the Surface Go 2 as a 2-in-1 alternative. With its weaker Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y / Intel Core m3-8100Y CPU options, smaller 10.5-inch display, overall smaller footprint, and a lower starting price of $400, the Surface Go 2 is essentially the Surface Laptop Go's less capable, but more affordable cousin. The display's full support for inking also means that people who like to draw, jot down notes, or mark up documents by hand will find the Surface Go 2 to be the better option.

The littler guy

Surface Go 2

Get inking

The Surface Go 2 is smaller, more affordable, and less capable than the Surface Laptop Go, but it comes with inking support.

Surface Laptop Go vs. Surface Pro X: Which is a better buy?

c.cale.hunt@gmail.com (Cale Hunt) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:00:03 +0000

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go

Portable, Affordable Notebook

The Surface Laptop Go is aimed at those who want a compact notebook built to premium Surface standards. Its display isn't as large or as high-res (with no inking capabilities) and there's no LTE connectivity, but it delivers 10th Gen Intel Core i5 performance and Wi-Fi 6. This is the right choice if you don't need the versatility of a 2-in-1 and don't want to deal with some of ARM's limitations.

Pros

Starts at a more affordable price
10th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU
Premium design and construction
Easy to carry with you
Available in three colors

Cons

No LTE connectivity
Smaller, lower-res display
No inking capabilities
No keyboard backlight

Microsoft Surface Pro X

ARM-Powered 2-in-1

The 2-in-1 Surface Pro X costs more than the Laptop Go, but it's packing more features. Higher-res touch display with inking, 4G LTE connectivity, superior cameras (including IR), replaceable storage, and two USB-C ports are included. As long as you don't mind running Windows on ARM and paying a bit more, the versatility here is unmatched.

Pros

4G LTE connectivity
More versatile 2-in-1 build
Slim, premium construction
Larger, higher-res display
Far better cameras

Cons

Starts at a higher price
ARM has some limitations
Type Cover and Slim Pen sold separately
No 3.5mm audio jack

These two devices might come from the Microsoft Surface lineup, but they're actually quite different and will no doubt appeal to different types of users. Let's take a look at the raw specs before breaking down design, display, performance, and value.

Surface Laptop Go vs. Surface Pro X tech specs

	Surface Laptop Go	Surface Pro X
OS	Windows 10 Home in S mode	Windows 10 Home on ARM
Processor	10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1	Microsoft SQ1 Microsoft SQ2
RAM	4GB, 8GB LPDDR4x	8GB, 16GB LPDDR4x
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics Integrated	Adreno 685 Adreno 690
Storage	64GB eMMC 128GB, 256GB SSD	128GB, 256GB, 512GB SSD
Display	12.4 inches 1536x1024 (148 PPI) 3:2 aspect ratio Touch, no inking	13 inches 2880x1920 (267 PPI) 3:2 aspect ratio Touch, inking
Ports	USB-C USB-A 3.5mm audio Surface Connect	Two USB-C Nano-SIM Surface Connect
Audio	Omnisonic speakers Dolby Audio	Dual 2W speakers Dolby Audio
Camera	Front-facing 720p	Front-facing 1080p Rear-facing 1080p and 4K
Connectivity	802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0	802.11ac Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.0 Snapdragon X24 LTE
Keyboard	No backlight	Type Cover (optional)
Biometrics	Fingerprint reader	IR camera
Battery	Up to 13 hours*	Up to 15 hours*
Dimensions	10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches (278.18mm x 205.67mm x 15.69mm)	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches (287mm x 208mm x 7.3mm)
Weight	2.45 pounds (1.11kg)	1.7 pounds (774g)
Material	Aluminum (top) Polycarbonate composite (bottom)	Anodized aluminum
Color	Ice Blue Sandstone Platinum	Matte Black Platinum

*Real-world battery information below.

Surface Laptop Go vs. Surface Pro X design and features

The Surface Laptop Go is a rather petite notebook, and is the lightest of the Surface Laptop lineup (including the Surface Laptop, Laptop 2, and Laptop 3). Weighing in at 2.45 pounds (1.11kg) it's not as portable as the Pro X, but it's still not going to be much trouble for anyone constantly on the move. Wi-Fi 6 connectivity sets you up for a fast wireless future, but there's no LTE connectivity. For that you need to go with the Pro X and its Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 LTE modem, able to handle eSIM and Nano-SIM alike.

Because the Laptop Go is a notebook, you get everything you might need in one package. Conversely, the Pro X is a 2-in-1 device with its Type Cover keyboard and Surface Slim active pen generally sold separately (or bundled at a higher cost). A stand on the back of the Pro X props up the tablet portion for a notebook experience with Type Cover attached. At least you get a backlit keyboard with the Pro X, something the Laptop Go is missing. Typing is excellent on both devices, but if you're often working after hours, the lack of lighting could be an issue.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Ports are similar across devices, and in typical Surface fashion you won't be getting the most modern selection. The Laptop Go has a single USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio, and Surface Connect. The Pro X has dual USB-C, Nano-SIM slot, and Surface Connect, ignoring those who still use wired headphones with a lack of 3.5mm jack. At least you can easily expand connectivity with something like a Surface Dock 2 that hooks up with the proprietary Surface Connect port.

If you're interested in photography or video work with your Surface device, the Pro X has the Laptop Go cornered. The Pro X has a front-facing 1080p camera ideal for video conferencing, plus an IR camera is included for facial recognition through Windows Hello. The back of the tablet has another camera that can handle 4K video. The Laptop Go has just one front-facing 720p camera. It does a good enough job, but the Pro X is what you want if you don't have a good backup camera on another device.

The Pro X was originally available only in a Matte Black color, but a mid-generation Pro X hardware refresh has also brought a Platinum chassis color and some new Type Cover finishes. The Laptop Go has from the start been available in Ice Blue, Sandstorm, and Platinum colors.

Surface Laptop Go vs. Surface Pro X display and inking

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Surface products always excel in the display department, but between these two devices the Pro X is the winner. It has a larger 13-inch screen with 2880x1920 resolution, resulting in 267 pixels per inch (PPI). The 3:2 aspect ratio is ideal, allowing you to fit more on your display. It's touch and it offers inking capabilities, further upping the versatility of the device.

The Laptop Go's display is a bit more basic, but still above what you'd usually expect from a device in the price range. It's sized at 12.4 inches with a resolution of 1536x1024, resulting in 148 PPI. That's about half as sharp as the Pro X, but at 12.4 inches it nevertheless looks great. Unfortunately, the Laptop Go's touch display doesn't have the option for inking. If you want to jot down notes, sketch drawings, and enjoy some of the best apps for the Surface Pen, it's the Pro X you want.

Surface Laptop Go vs. Surface Pro X performance and price

Windows Central Executive Editor Daniel Rubino has reviewed both the Surface Laptop Go and first-gen Surface Pro X, with the SQ2 version review coming in the near future. Focusing first on battery life, the Laptop Go managed between 7 and 8.5 hours according to a battery report generated by Windows, and about 8.75 hours in PCMark 10's battery rundown. That's with screen brightness at 150 nits.

Our testing of the Pro X revealed about 10 hours of battery life when sticking to ARM64 and UWP apps, dropping down to about 7 hours when using only emulated 32-bit x86 apps. On that note, keep in mind that Microsoft's SQ1 and SQ2 processors are tweaked versions of Snapdragon 8cx CPUs, meaning you will be emulating some apps. Performance isn't quite as good when not running natively, but the Pro X is still snappy for just about all productivity work. On a positive note, work is underway to make popular apps compatible with ARM, and x64 emulation for Windows on ARM is also on the way.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

The Laptop Go is available with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 CPU, and in most cases it's going to overpower the SQ1 in terms of raw performance, both on the CPU and integrated GPU sides. However, it will be interesting to see how well the SQ2 version of the Pro X, with boosted CPU and GPU performance, will compare. Something the Pro X has going for it is the ability to upgrade the SSD, whereas the Laptop Go's storage is permanent.

As for pricing, the Laptop Go with Intel Core i5 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB eMMC storage starts at about $550. Moving up to something a bit more impressive (4GB of RAM and eMMC storage will seem slow), a model with Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD costs about $900.

The Pro X begins at about $1,000 for a model with SQ1 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. That's still more than the Laptop Go, plus you need to factor in the cost of a Type Cover and Surface Slim Pen if that's the way you're going. Expect to pay about $270 altogether for the accessories. Jumping up to the SQ2 model, 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD costs about $1,500. It's clear that while the Laptop Go doesn't come with as many premium features, its considerably lower price easily makes up the difference.

Surface Laptop Go is right for those who want an affordable premium notebook

If you don't want to deal with some of ARM's limitations and prefer to use a standard notebook, the Laptop Go should be more appealing. It doesn't have as nice of a display (and no inking), it's lacking LTE connectivity, and there's no keyboard backlight, but it's nevertheless a quality Surface device with excellent mid-range performance.

Portable, Affordable Notebook

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go

Looking for something with the same design as the Surface Laptop but easier on the wallet? Look no further with the Surface Laptop Go with its 12.4-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, aluminum and polycarbonate exterior, Omnisonic speakers, and Windows Hello-enabled fingerprint reader.

Surface Pro X is right for professionals on the move

As long as you don't mind the higher price and can live with emulating some apps, the Pro X is a versatile 2-in-1 device that you can use anywhere thanks to LTE connectivity. Larger high-res display with inking, upgradeable SSD, and stellar cameras make up the difference in price.

ARM-Powered 2-in-1

Microsoft Surface Pro X

Surface Laptop Go vs Surface Laptop 3: Which should you buy?

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:00:03 +0000

Surface Laptop Go

Budget Laptop

The new Surface Laptop Go features the same great design as the Surface Laptop 3 but in a smaller chassis and at half the price.

Pros

12.45-inch display
Premium aluminum chassis
Multiple colors available
Full-blown Intel Core i5 processor

Cons

Low-resolution display
No Windows Hello facial recognition
No backlit keyboard

Surface Laptop 3

Premium Laptop

Surface Laptop 3 features an all-aluminum chassis, large 13.5-inch or 15-inch display, Intel 10th Gen or AMD Ryzen processors for extra power, and great battery life.

Pros

Larger 13.5 or 15-inch display
Windows Hello facial recognition
Backlit keyboard
High-resolution display

Cons

AMD only in the 15-inch model
No Thunderbolt 3
Slightly thicker bezels

Surface Laptop Go vs Surface Laptop 3: tech specs

Comparing the specs side by side, Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop 3 are two very similar yet somewhat different devices.

	Surface Laptop Go	Surface Laptop 3
CPU	Intel Core i5-1035G1	Intel 10th Gen i5 or i7 AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 custom CPU
RAM	4GB, 8GB, 16GB	8GB, 16GB 32GB
Storage	64GB eMMC 128GB or 256GB SSD	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD
Display	12.45-inch 1536x1024 touchscreen	13.5-inch 2256x1504 touchscreen 15-inch 2496x1664 touchscreen
Graphics	Intel® UHD Graphics	Intel Iris AMD Vega 9 AMD Vega 11
Security	Windows Hello fingerprint	Windows Hello facial recognition
Pen Support	No	Yes
Ports	1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect	1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, Surface Connect
Dimensions	278.18 mm x 205.67 mm x 15.69 mm (10.95" x 8.10" x 0.62")	13.5-inch: 12.1" x 8.8" x .57" (308 mm x 223 mm x 14.5 mm) 15-inch: 13.4" x 9.6" x .57" (339.5 mm x 244 mm x 14.69 mm)
OS	Windows 10 Home in S mode	Windows 10 Home
Colors	Platinum, Sandstone, Ice Blue	Platinum, Sandstone, Black, Cobalt Blue

Beautiful designs all round

Both the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop 3 deliver premium hardware design, but the Surface Laptop Go makes compromises in specific areas to keep costs low. The Surface Laptop 3 features an all-aluminum build, from top to bottom. But the Surface Laptop Go only features aluminum on the lid and keyboard deck. The underside of the laptop is made from polycarbonate plastic. It's a nice plastic, but still plastic.

Surface Laptop Go still feels incredibly premium, especially for the price. Both laptops feature very similar designs, and the Surface Laptop Go comes out ahead in the bezels department. Surface Laptop Go features the thinnest bezels on a Surface, much thinner than those on the Surface Laptop 3, but at the cost of Windows Hello facial recognition.

Power or portability?

An easy way to choose between Surface Laptop Go, and Surface Laptop 3 is whether you need more power or more portability. If you need more power, the Surface Laptop 3 is the one for you, as it features a much more powerful Intel Core i7 or AMR Ryzen 7 processor to boot. The Surface Laptop Go is limited to an Intel Core i5 processor, which is a low-end chip. There are no upgrade options, either.

Not only that, but the Surface Laptop 3 has a more powerful GPU if you opt for the 15-inch variant with an AMD processor, featuring either Vega 9 and Vega 11 graphics. Of course, this does mean sacrificing portability. If you're looking for the best laptop experience in the smallest package, and power isn't much of a concern to you, then the Surface Laptop Go is a much better choice.

If you prefer small and portable

Budget Laptop

Surface Laptop Go

A traditional laptop for less.

Featuring the same great design as the Surface Laptop 3 but in a smaller chassis and at half the price, the Laptop Go is a great choice for students in need of a stylish PC with a full-size keyboard and trackpad.

If you need more power and a larger display

Premium Laptop

Surface Laptop 3

The premium ultrabook.

Surface Laptop 3 features an all-aluminum chassis, large 13.5-inch or 15-inch display, Intel 10th Gen or AMD Ryzen processors for extra power, and great battery life.

Best External Monitors for Surface Laptop Go 2020

cale.hunt@futurenet.com (Cale Hunt) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 10:00:03 +0000

It's a potent, compact package on its own, but adding an external monitor to the Surface Laptop Go can really turn it into a productivity machine. All that extra screen real estate makes it far easier to multitask, and the Laptop Go keeps it simple thanks to USB-C and Surface Connect ports for docking. Let's take a look at some of the best display options out there, ranging from budget to high-end picks.

Dell UltraSharp U2719DC

Best Overall

This monitor connects with USB-C for easy cable management, plus it has a bunch of other ports and VESA mounting for your convenience. Its 27-inch 2560x1440 (QHD) screen is absolutely brilliant, and the slim bezel just makes it look that much better. If you need a good multipurpose monitor for the home or office, this is it.

Razer Raptor 27

As Good As It Gets

The Razer Raptor is on the expensive side, but this 27-inch monitor is a well-balanced option that can do pretty much anything. It has a QHD resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and HDR400 certification, plus you can choose between AMD or G-Sync VRR tech. Its accurate color makes it great for professional work as well as gaming. Connect easiest with USB-C.

HP Z27

Beautiful 4K

HP's 27-inch Z27 is one of the most well-rounded 4K monitors out there, and if you can't live without the higher resolution, it will make a great pick. It has an adjustable stand, the IPS panel offers wide viewing angles, and the thin bezel really makes the picture pop. Connect with USB-C and even hook up some accessories thanks to USB-A ports.

Dell UltraSharp U2415

Best Budget Pick

If you hate going back to a 16:9 aspect ratio after the Laptop Go's 3:2 ratio, you could go with Dell's 24-inch UltraSharp U2415 with a boxier 16:10 ratio. It has a 1920x1200 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and brightness up to about 300 nits. HDMI and DisplayPort inputs mean you'll need an adapter or docking station to connect.

BenQ EX3501R

Ultrawide Picture

Want two additional monitors but only want one stand? This ultrawide BenQ option measures 35 inches diagonally; it has a 21:9 aspect ratio, crisp 3440x1440 resolution, 100Hz refresh rate, and 1800R curve for easy viewing. HDR certification is included, and you can connect with USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort.

ASUS ZenScreen MB16AMT

Portable Touch Display

The 15.6-inch ZenScreen portable monitor is a great addition you can slip in alongside your Laptop Go. It's touch-enabled, it has an FHD resolution, 5ms response time, and good color. Its built-in stand keeps it propped up during use, and you can easily connect with USB-C. If you're often on the move and need more screen real estate, this is a great option.

If we're making some suggestions

The Surface Laptop Go is a great little notebook if you like Microsoft's premium lineup but don't want the full-sized Surface Laptop option. However, the 12.4-inch display might be just a bit too small for some work. That's why connecting an external display either via the USB-C port or a proprietary Surface Dock 2 connected with the Surface Connect port is a popular solution.

If we're making a multipurpose suggestion, check out Dell's UltraSharp U2719DC. It costs about $447, but Dell's displays are always a top choice. It has a sharp 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution, beautiful color, and a slim bezel that makes the picture stretch from edge to edge. You can connect with USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort, and you can even mount the display thanks to VESA compatibility.

If you have a bigger budget — about $700 — and want a well-rounded monitor that can really do it all, the Razer Raptor 27 is our suggestion. It's a 27-inch monitor with a QHD resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and HDR400 certification. It works with AMD and NVIDIA variable refresh rate technology, making it ideal for gaming, professional work, or media consumption. If you have a PC that can handle gaming, this is a great display that will work across your platforms.

For more great display options, be sure to look at our overall best computer monitor picks.

Surface Laptop Go vs. Dell XPS 13: Which is a better buy?

richard.devine@futurenet.com (Richard Devine) — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 12:30:02 +0000

Surface Laptop Go

Tighter Budget

The new Surface Laptop Go features the trademark great Surface design and build at a lower price. But that lower price doesn't come without compromise, though it is a killer feature over even the cheapest XPS 13.

Pros

12-inch touch display
Premium design and construction
Multiple colors available
10th Gen Intel processor
More affordable

Cons

Low-resolution display
No backlit keyboard
Only one CPU option

Dell XPS 13

Unbeatable Ultrabook

The XPS 13 is generally the best Ultrabook you can buy and became the class leader for a reason. It's more expensive but packs more inside while maintaining a form factor on par with that of the Surface Laptop Go.

Pros

Range of 11th Gen Intel processors
Gorgeous design
Stunning displays with minimal bezels
Excellent keyboard
High-resolution display option

Cons

More expensive
Limited port selection

There's no better time to shop and save money on a new laptop. Be sure to check out our continuously updated article on the best Dell XPS 13 Black Friday deals.

Ordinarily, Surface products would compete directly with the Dell XPS 13, but the Surface Laptop Go is a little different. It's a budget device that starts at almost half the price of the XPS 13, and that lower entry point isn't without compromise. The XPS 13 remains the best Ultrabook you can buy, and even though both of these are extremely compact computers, they're really for different people.

Surface Laptop Go vs. Dell XPS 13 tech specs

	Surface Laptop Go	Dell XPS 13
CPU	Intel Core i5-1035G1	11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7
RAM	4GB, 8GB, 16GB	8GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x
Storage	64GB eMMC 128GB or 256GB SSD	256GB PCIe SSD 512GB PCIe SSD
Display	12.45-inch 1536x1024 touchscreen	13.3 inches UltraSharp 4K (3840x2400) FHD+ (1920 x 1200) non-touch display
Graphics	Intel® UHD Graphics	Intel UHD 620
Security	Windows Hello fingerprint	Windows Hello
Pen Support	No	No
Ports	1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect	2x Thunderbolt 4 with PowerShare Headset jack
OS	Windows 10 Home in S mode	Windows 10 Home

Which should you buy?

The specs list doesn't tell the whole story, but it does paint a picture of why the Dell is twice the price of the most affordable Surface Laptop Go. Dell is using the latest 11th Gen Intel processors, PCIe SSDs, and Thunderbolt 4 while also having higher resolution displays at every price point.

The Surface Laptop Go only has a single CPU option. Still, it's commendable that Microsoft has gone for something capable rather than relying on a Core m or even Pentium in this budget notebook. But it could also be partly responsible for other corners having been cut, like a pretty low-resolution display and only eMMC storage and no Windows Hello at all on the entry model.

The Surface Laptop Go is an Ultrabook for mid-range money

And since both are extremely compact laptops, the biggest factor in the decision-making process should be price. If you were leaning towards an XPS 13 anyway and the price tag isn't an issue, then it's still going to be the laptop to get. It's more powerful, has a larger, better-looking display, more up to date connectivity in the form of USB-C and Thunderbolt 4, and it's still small enough to toss in any bag and travel light.

By contrast, the Surface Laptop Go is for the folks who would love something like an XPS 13 but want something much more affordable. By all accounts, it's an Ultrabook, and it looks just as classy as the other Surface products. It's far from perfect and has many compromises, but it's also an awful lot cheaper than the XPS 13. So the compromises might well be worth it to you. So long as you're not looking for something to handle more intensive workloads.

Budget laptop

Surface Laptop Go

A baby Surface Laptop.

Featuring the same great design as the Surface Laptop 3 but in a smaller chassis and at half the price, the Laptop Go is a solid choice for those looking to get an Ultrabook but for much less money.

Unbeatable Ultrabook

Dell XPS 13

An incredible Ultrabook for everyone

The latest update to the ever-popular XPS 13 adds Intel's 11th Gen processors, pairing great hardware and design with portability and solid battery life. It's much more expensive, but it's also much more laptop in so many areas

Windows Central Podcast 200: Surface Pro X, Surface Laptop Go, iPhone 12

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 12:33:52 +0000

We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, and this week, the Surface Pro X with the new SQ2 processor is here, and it's the most platinum computer Microsoft has ever made. Dan and Zac review Surface Laptop Go and talk about a new Windows 10 build for Insiders, plus using Bing on Xbox.

They also evaluate Apple's lineup of iPhone 12 models and how they stack up for Microsoft users. Finally, they introduce a new segment called "Thing of the Week"!

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast was recorded on October 16th 2020.

Hosts

Make this show great by participating!

Send in your comments, questions, and feedback to:

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

Surface Laptop Go vs. Surface Go 2: Which is a better buy?

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 13:00:02 +0000

Surface Laptop Go

Budget laptop

The new Surface Laptop Go features the same great design as the Surface Laptop 3 but in a smaller chassis and at half the price.

Pros

Larger 12.45-inch display
Premium aluminum chassis
Multiple colors available
Full-blown Intel Core i5 processor

Cons

Low-resolution display
No Windows Hello facial recognition
No backlit keyboard

Surface Go 2

Budget 2-in-1

Surface Go 2 has the same great magnesium design as the Surface Pro 7 but in a much smaller chassis, with a crisp 10.5-inch display with pen support.

Pros

High-resolution display
Premium magnesium chassis
Windows Hello facial recognition
Backlit Type Cover accessories

Cons

Low-end processor
Type Cover sold separately
Mediocre battery life

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.

	Surface Laptop Go	Surface Go 2
CPU	Intel Core i5-1035G1	Intel Pentium GOLD 4425Y Intel Core m3-8100Y
RAM	4GB, 8GB, 16GB	4GB, 8GB#
Storage	64GB eMMC 128GB or 256GB SSD	64GB eMMC 128GB or 256GB SSD
Display	12.45-inch 1536x1024 touchscreen	10.5-inch 1920x1200 touchscreen
Graphics	Intel® UHD Graphics	Intel® UHD Graphics 615
Security	Windows Hello fingerprint	Windows Hello facial recognition
Pen Support	No	Yes
Ports	1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect	1x USB-C, Surface Connect, microSD
Dimensions	278.18 mm x 205.67 mm x 15.69 mm (10.95" x 8.10" x 0.62")	245 mm x 175 mm x 8.3 mm (9.65" x 6.9" x 0.33")
OS	Windows 10 Home in S mode	Windows 10 Home in S mode
Colors	Platinum, Sandstone, Ice Blue	Platinum

Beautiful design on a budget

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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

Budget laptop

Surface Laptop Go

A traditional laptop for less.

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

Budget tablet

Surface Go 2

The cheapest Surface yet.

Sporting the same great magnesium design as the Surface Pro 7 but in a much smaller chassis, a crisp 10.5-inch display, and optional Type Cover accessories, the Surface Go 2 is a mighty mini-PC when upgraded.

Surface Laptop Go review roundup: Here's what everyone's saying about Microsoft's budget play

dan.lancaster@mobilenations.com (Dan Thorp-Lancaster) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:15:05 +0000

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:

Microsoft touts the Surface Laptop Go as the "everyday, everywhere" laptop, implying that you would be better off buying the Laptop Go than a Chromebook. I still believe that Microsoft has it in them to develop the "everyday, everywhere, everyone" laptop. With the Surface Laptop Go, Microsoft is headed in the right direction.

Ed Bott, writing for ZDNet:

The danger of making anything smaller and cheaper is that you run the risk of making it too small and too cheap. After spending a week with the Surface Laptop Go, I can report that it avoids both traps, although I hesitate to recommend the underpowered entry-level configuration.

Rich Woods, writing for Neowin:

The Surface Laptop Go is a really nice little laptop, little being part of the value proposition. It's not just lightweight, but it's compact. I kind of love it. I called it my 'couch PC' earlier, and that's actually significant to me. I review PCs by using them to work. If I grab a laptop to use on the couch, that's all up to what I prefer in the moment.

Dan Ackerman, writing for CNET:

So, should you buy one? I like the Surface Laptop Go, but it's not for everyone ... If you're going for 60% style, 40% specs, and can swing $700, I'd say that specific version is the one to consider and makes for a great budget-ish laptop with sharp style.

Owen Williams, writes on his Medium blog:

Not only was I surprised by how much I like the Surface Laptop Go, it's become my go-to computer around the house. Not every task needs a 15-inch powerhouse; sometimes you just want to quickly edit some photos or bang out some email on the couch, and the Laptop Go hits all those right notes, at the right price.

Monica Chen, writing for The Verge:

It's understandable to cut corners for a good price. Some (like the lack of facial recognition) are understandable at $900. But this laptop doesn't fit into today's market. It's too expensive to compete in the budget space, and it makes too many compromises to rise to the top of the midrange. When it goes on sale, maybe take another look.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Bill Thomas, writing for TechRadar:

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is without a doubt the standout in the entire Surface lineup, thanks to the ultra-approachable price, excellent build quality and gorgeous display. This laptop will redefine what budget laptops should look like.

Arif Bacchus, writing for Digital Trends:

Starting at $550, the Surface Laptop Go is an excellent Surface take on the Chromebook. But for a Surface device, there is a lot of cuts for the price, including the display resolution, and lack of backlighting on the keyboard. Under the hood, though, the Surface Laptop Go packs a lot of value and power with its quad-core 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor.

Chris Davies, writing for Slashgear:

It feels like I've spent half the year fielding the "what laptop should I buy for my kids?" question, and the rest of the time answering "what laptop should I buy for myself?" There's undoubtedly an audience out there for a notebook that's priced aggressively but still delivers style and performance, and which has the familiarity of Windows 10.On that front, the Surface Laptop Go rises somewhat to the challenge, but it's not a clean sweep. Had the $550 model come with even just 128GB of SSD rather than underwhelming eMMC storage, it would've been much more convincing.

Devindra Hardawar, writing for Engadget:

It won't take you long to understand what compromises Microsoft made to create such an affordable machine. Its screen is surprisingly low-res, it maxes out at 8GB of RAM (for consumers), and its case is mostly made of plastic. At the same time, I realize that for some users — kids, and anyone else with basic needs — those flaws won't really matter.

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.

Surface Laptop Go

Surface Laptop Go review: This delightful mini PC gets (almost) everything right

daniel@windowscentral.com (Daniel Rubino) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:00:02 +0000

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.

Surface Laptop Go

Starting at $549 Bottom line: Surface Laptop Go is a smaller and more affordable Surface Laptop, and it nails all the fundamentals to deliver a surprisingly delightful computing experience. Most of that is attributable to the Core i5 processor, which results in a responsive OS. With decent battery life and compact size, this lil' laptop is perfect for the couch, class, or boardroom.View Deal

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.

Category	Surface Laptop Go
Operating System	Windows 10 Home in S mode
Display	12.45 inches 3:2 aspect ratio 1536x1024 (148 ppi) resolution PixelSense
Processor	Intel Core i5-1035G1
Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics
Memory	4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x 16GB (commercial only)
Storage	64GB eMMC 128GB or 256GB SSD
Front Camera	720p HD f/2.0
Security	Fingerprint Reader
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.0
Ports	1x USB-C 1x USB-A 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect
Audio	Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Premium Audio
Battery	Up to 13 hours
Dimensions	10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches 278.18mm x 205.67mm x 15.69mm
Weight	2.45lbs 1,110g
Colors	Platinum Sandstone Ice Blue

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.

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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.

The fit and finish of Laptop Go are outstanding

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

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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.

Color accuracy is fantastic.

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

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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).

Laptop Go feels like a real laptop in every way.

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)

Device	CPU	Single core	Multi core
Surface Laptop Go	Core i5	1,185	3,390
Surface Go 2	Core m3	847	1,609
Surface Go	Pentium	376	947
Surface Pro X	SQ2	798	3,046
Surface Pro X	SQ1	725	2,819
Surface Laptop 3 13.5	i5-1035G7	1,177	4,413
Surface Laptop 2	i5-8250U	909	3,372
Surface Pro 7	i5-1035G4	1,191	4,441
Surface Pro 6	i7-8650U	1,113	3,519
Surface Pro 6	i5-8250U	904	3,440

Geekbench 4

Geekbench 4.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)

Device	CPU	Single core	Multi core
Surface Laptop Go	Core i5	5,226	13,144
Surface Go 2	Core m3	4,028	6,804
Surface Go	Pentium	2,078	3,934
Surface 3	Atom x7	1,078	2,777
Surface Pro X (ARM)	SQ2	3,649	12,300
Surface Pro X (x86)	SQ2	2,379	7,422
Surface Pro X (ARM)	SQ1	3,505	11,727
Surface Pro X (x86)	SQ1	2,182	6,822
Surface Laptop 3 13.5	i5-1035G7	5,265	17,345
Surface Laptop 2	i5-8250U	4,203	13,233
Surface Laptop	i5-7200U	3,725	7,523
Surface Pro 7	i5-1035G4	5,245	17,350
Surface Pro 6	i7-8650U	5,037	13,864
Surface Pro 6	i5-8250U	4,287	14,031
Surface Pro 5	i7-7660U	4,513	9,346
Surface Pro 5	i5-7300U	4,302	8,482
Surface Pro 4	i5-6300U	3,319	6,950

GPU

Geekbench 4.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

Laptop	GPU	Score
Surface Laptop Go	UHD	24,905
Surface Go 2	UHD 615	19,488
Surface Go	HD 615	16,490
Surface 3	Intel HD	8,055
Surface Pro 4 (m3)	HD 515	14,650
Surface Pro 4	HD 520	17,395
Surface Book	HD 520	18,197
Surface Laptop i5	HD 620	19,256
Surface Pro 2017	HD620	20,688
Surface Pro 2017	Iris 640	30,678
Surface Laptop i7	Iris 640	31,010

PCMark

PCMark 10

Device	Score
Surface Laptop Go	3,410
Surface Go 2	2,554
Surface Go	1,808
Surface Laptop 3 15 (AMD)	4,006
Surface Laptop 3 15 (Intel)	4,604
Surface Laptop 2	2,748
Surface Pro 7 i5	3,992
Surface Pro 6 i7	3,644
Surface Pro 6 i5	3,501
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 7390	4,427
Dell XPS 15 7590	5,521
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 7390	4,427
Dell Inspiron 13 7390 2-in-1	3,764
HP Pavilion x360 14	3,558
Lenovo ThinkBook 13s	3,468

SSD

CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)

Device	Read	Write
Surface Laptop Go (SSD)	2,007 MB/s	791 MB/s
Surface Go 2 (SSD)	1,630 MB/s	373 MB/s
Surface Go (SSD)	1,185 MB/s	133 MB/s
Surface Go (eMMC)	260 MB/s	145 MB/s
Surface 3	149 MB/s	33 MB/s
Surface Pro X	2,023 MB/s	832 MB/s
Surface Laptop 3 13.5	2,338 MB/s	1,583 MB/s
Surface Laptop 3 15	2,028 MB/s	806 MB/s
Surface Laptop 2	1,509 MB/s	811 MB/s
Surface Laptop	486 MB/s	244 MB/s
Surface Pro 7	2,040 MB/s	809 MB/s
Surface Pro 6	1,632 MB/s	814 MB/s
Surface Pro 5	847MB/s	801 MB/s
Surface Book	1,018 MB/s	967 MB/s
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 7390	2,400 MB/s	1,228 MB/s

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

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

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:

CPU	RAM	Storage	Fingerprint	Price
Core i5	4GB	64GB (eMMC)	No	$549
Core i5	8GB	128GB (SSD)	Yes	$699
Core i5	8GB	256GB (SSD)	Yes	$899

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?

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

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.

Surface Laptop Go is a lovely little laptop.

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.

Surface Laptop Go

Surface Laptop Go, Surface Pro X shown off by Panos Panay and in sizzler videos

sean.endicott@futurenet.com (Sean Endicott) — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:56:50 +0000

What you need to know

New videos from Microsoft show off the Surface Laptop Go and updated Surface Pro X.
Microsoft's Panos Panay leads one of the videos from Microsoft's Building 87.
The Surface Laptop Go and upgraded Surface Pro X will be available on October 13 and be preordered now.

Microsoft announced the Surface Laptop Go and the upgraded Surface Pro X today. In a new video on the Microsoft Surface channel, Microsoft chief product officer Panos Panay breaks down both new devices. Panay is joined by Microsoft CVP Robin Seiler and VP Pete Kyriacou to introduce the new Surface hardware.

The Surface Laptop Go is a smaller and lighter laptop from Microsoft's Surface team that starts at a more affordable $549. The Surface Pro X maintains its form factor, but now has an option with the new SQ2 processor and a faster GPU. The updated Surface Pro X starts at $1,499, though the entry-level model with the SQ1 starts at $999.

If you prefer a snappier sizzler video, you're in luck. Microsoft shared sizzlers for both new devices within the longer video with Panay and on their own.

The new Surface devices are available for preorder now.

Surface Laptop Go

Looking for something with the same design as the Surface Laptop but easier on the wallet? Look no further with the Surface Laptop Go with its 12.45-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, aluminum and polycarbonate exterior, omnisonic speakers, and Windows Hello-enabled fingerprint reader.

Preorder

Microsoft Surface Pro X SQ2

The thinnest and lightest Surface Pro available – now better

Refreshed for late 2020 is the new Surface Pro X with the SQ2 processor. A faster CPU, more powerful GPU, improved battery life, x64 app emulation in November (Insiders), and now in platinum, there is a lot to like here. You can even now pick multiple colors for the Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen Bundle. Preorder now; get it for October 13th.

New toys

Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen Bundle

This bundle includes the Surface Pro X Signature Keyboard that features Alcantara and the Surface Slim Pen that charges wirelessly within the keyboard. Previously only in Black, you can now get newer colors like Platinum, Ice Blue, and Poppy Red.

Microsoft unveils refreshed Surface Pro X and new Surface Laptop Go hardware line-up for the fall

zac.bowden@futurenet.com (Zac Bowden) — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 13:00:02 +0000

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

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

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

SKU	Price ($)
SQ1/8/128GB	$999
SQ1/8/256GB	$1,299
SQ2/16/256GB	$1,499
SQ2/16/512GB	$1,799

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.

Microsoft Surface Pro X SQ2

Surface Laptop Go

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

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

SKU	Price ($)
4/64GB	$549
8/128GB	$699
8/256GB	$899

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.

Surface Laptop Go

Looking for something with the same design as the Surface Laptop but easier on the wallet? Look no further with the Surface Laptop Go with its 12.45-inch display, Intel Core i5 processor, aluminum and polycarbonate exterior, omnisonic speakers, and Windows Hello-enabled fingerprint reader.

Microsoft Accessories

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

SKU	Price ($)
Designer Keyboard	$69.99
Number Pad	$24.99
Ergonomic Mouse	$49.99
4K Display Adapter	$69.99

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

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

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.