Surface Laptop vs. Surface Go.
Microsoft revealed the Surface Go this week, targeting the rise of Chromebooks and cheap iPads for consumers and education services. The Surface Go starts at just $399, making it the cheapest Surface available today, and it will launch in 35 countries by the end of 2018. But what exactly is powering this thing?
Surface Go overview
The Surface Go is a small 10-inch tablet which comes with Windows 10 in S mode, locking it to the safety of approved Microsoft Store apps. Users can upgrade to Home to free, or Pro for business customers, granting it full access to the Windows app ecosystem.
The Surface Go uses a fanless Pentium Gold CPU, which is more than twice as powerful as the Surface 3 (non-Pro) of yesteryear. This isn't built to be a graphics editing, gaming powerhouse. Instead, it's intended for casual note-taking, Microsoft Office, web browsing, research, and media consumption. Despite that, you most likely could run some less intensive, older games from Steam on this device, and enjoy some casual graphics and drawing apps, such as Sketchable in the Microsoft Store.
The Go starts at $399, without a keyboard or pen, both of which are available starting at $99.
Surface Go specs
| Category | Surface Go |
|---|---|
| OS | Window 10 Home in S-mode |
| Display | 10-inch 3: 2 aspect 1800 x 1200 with touch 216 ppi |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y (1.6GHz) Fanless |
| Graphics | Intel HD 615 |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB 1866MHz LPDDR3 |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC 128GB or 256GB SSD |
| Security | TPM 2.0 |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.1 (aux. charge, video out, data), microSD (up to 1TB), Surface Connect, headphone jack |
| Surface Pen | 4,096 levels of pressure, tilt suppport |
| Camera | 5MP front-facing with Windows Hello 8MP rear auto-focus |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.1 Optional LTE (late 2018) |
| Audio | Dual front-facing speakers Dolby Audio Premium |
| Battery | Up to 9 hours |
| Dimensions | 9.6" x 6.9" x .33" (245mm x 175mm x 8.3mm) |
| Weight | 1.15 lbs (0.52 kg) without keyboard 1.7lbs (0.77 kg) w/keyboard |
| Colors | Magnesium |
| Power | 24 W power supply |
| Price | Starts at $399 Keyboard $99 or $129 (Alcantara) |
More information
For more information on the Surface Go, such as pre-order availability, our hands on impressions, and more, hit the links below. Let us know in the comments if you intend to buy!
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Now that the reviews are in, will you buy a Surface Duo 2?
The Surface Duo 2 launched this week and received mixed reviews. Do you plan to purchase Microsoft's new foldable phone?
Surface Duo 2 receives first major update, 'improves system stability'
Just a day after its release, the controversial Surface Duo 2 is getting its first major patch. At 228MB, the update addresses system stability only, addressing ongoing bugs with the $1,500 dual-screen phone.
Join us LIVE for the Windows Central Video Podcast today at 2:30PM ET
We're LIVE with the Windows Central Video Podcast today at 2:30pm ET, make sure you're there!
These rugged cases add serious protection to your Surface Go
Sometimes a standard case or sleeve doesn't offer enough protection for your device. Check out our picks for the best rugged cases for the Surface Go, Surface Go 2, and the newest Surface Go 3.