Microsoft is bringing its premium surface design to the entry-level segment with the introduction of the Surface Laptop Go. That simple but stylish laptop should bring the Surface brand to the general public.
Microsoft launches the Surface Laptop Go: a 12.4-inch laptop that combines Surface design with modern hardware. Until now, Microsoft has mainly focused on the premium segment with its laptops. The Surface Laptop and the Surface Book are at the higher end of the spectrum, combining strong hardware with a recognizable design. The exception was the Surface Go (without ‘laptop’ in the name), but in terms of functionality that was little more than a Windows tablet thanks to the Intel Pentium processor. Until today, anyone who wants a Microsoft laptop that demands affordable but also sufficient horsepower has not been met.
Specifications
The Surface Laptop Go now solves that problem. The device combines an Intel Core i5-1035G1 with a full HD touch screen. That display has a 3: 2 ratio and has 1,536 x 1,025 pixels. In its basic configuration, the laptop is otherwise rather briefly equipped. 64 GB of eMMC storage and 4 GB of RAM will not make anyone happy. In combination with 8 GB of RAM and an SSD with 128 GB or 256 GB, the device is already a lot more interesting. On the outside, Microsoft combines plastic with aluminum to bring the premium Surf look to an affordable price segment.
The Intel Core i5 CPU dates from the previous generation, but luckily comes from the good 10nm Ice Lake branch of that family and not the 14nm Comet Lake side. A chip of this caliber is currently a rarity in the ultrabook segment, although we suspect that this will change towards the end of the year when other manufacturers refresh their line-up with 11th-generation Intel chips.
With a weight of 1.11 kg, the laptop is particularly light for this segment. That Microsoft claims a battery life of 13 hours is therefore impressive. In terms of connections, the device is equipped with 1 USB-C port, 1 classic USB-A connection, and 1 Surface Connect port. Windows Hello via IR sensors around the webcam is missing, but the device does have a compatible fingerprint sensor on board to log in securely without a password.
Price and availability
The laptop will be available in three basic configurations from October 27. The 629 euro version steals the show because of the low price in combination with the handsome CPU and the characteristic Surface design, but we already dare to advise against that version even before we have gotten our hands on it. We don’t want to hurt anyone with 4 GB RAM and sub-SSD performance on a Windows laptop. The Intel Core i5 will not be able to save the user experience in this case.
More fascinating is the mid-range model with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB SSD capacity. For 799 euros, this device seems an interesting option for those looking for a laptop for less than 1,000 euros. With 999 euros you double the capacity of the SSD. We find this version less interesting again: the added value of the larger SSD is approximately ten euros, so Microsoft charges very strongly for a higher profit margin.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go comes with Windows 10 Home in S-Mode. Read: your device comes with a strange handicap so you can install some apps from the Microsoft Store. Fortunately, you can disable that limitation with a few mouse clicks if desired. This way, you have a normal Windows 10 Home laptop in a matter of seconds. Upgrading to Windows 10 Pro afterwards is of course an option.
The device will be available from October 27. You can pre-order from today.
–
