Microsoft Surface Laptop Go Review: Is It the Right Choice for You?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is an affordable, stylish, and compact laptop designed for everyday tasks. With its sleek design, solid build quality, and impressive display, this laptop appeals to students, home users, and office workers looking for a reliable and portable device. It’s a great choice for those on a budget who need a laptop for light computing tasks.

Product Features

The Surface Laptop Go is available in several models, with the entry-level version featuring a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of flash storage. This model is ideal for light tasks like web browsing and social media. For users requiring better performance, the next step up includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. There’s also a model with 256GB SSD storage for even more space.

One of the standout features of the Surface Laptop Go is its 12.4-inch touchscreen, offering a 3:2 aspect ratio that’s taller and narrower than the typical 16:9 screens. This makes it easier to work with documents or spreadsheets. The resolution is slightly below full HD (1,536 x 1,024), but the display offers vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and a good color range, which compensates for the slightly lower resolution.

The front-facing 720p HD camera is decent, though not as sharp as the 1080p cameras found on other Surface devices. The speakers, located beneath the keyboard, deliver clear audio at a reasonable volume, though they tend to sound a bit tinny, which is common in many laptops.

The keyboard is comfortable, and the power button includes a fingerprint reader for easy sign-in (note that this feature is not available on the entry-level model). However, the lack of backlighting on the keyboard could be an issue for those working in dimly lit environments. The touchpad is large and responsive, making navigation smooth.

For connectivity, the Surface Laptop Go offers a good range of ports, including one USB-A, one USB-C, and a Surface Connect port for charging and docking with Microsoft accessories. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable

• Stylish design with color options

• Premium build quality

• Bright, colorful display

• Comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad

• Fingerprint reader for secure logins

Cons:

• Entry-level model may feel underpowered

• No full HD display

• No backlit keyboard

• No facial recognition

• No 1080p camera

• Limited storage options (up to 256GB)

• Average battery life

Key Specifications

• Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5

• Operating System: Windows 10 Home in S Mode

• Display: 12.4” PixelSense touchscreen, 1536 x 1024 resolution

• Memory: 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x RAM

• Storage: 64GB eMMC, 128GB SSD, or 256GB SSD

• Battery Life: Up to 13 hours of typical usage

• Camera: 720p HD front-facing camera

• Audio: Dual far-field studio mics, Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Audio

• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5

• Weight: 1.11 kg

• Dimensions: 27.8 cm x 20.57 cm x 1.57 cm

• Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty

Ports and Slots

• 1 x USB-C

• 1 x USB-A

• Headphone/microphone combo jack

• 1 x Surface Connect port

Customer Feedback

The Surface Laptop Go has garnered mostly positive reviews from customers. Many users praise its solid build quality and attractive design, noting that it’s easy to set up and use. The portability of the laptop is often mentioned as a key benefit, with customers appreciating its lightweight and compact form.

However, there are some criticisms as well. The lack of a full HD display is a common complaint, as some users find images to appear grainy. The 720p camera and the absence of a backlit keyboard are also frequently mentioned as drawbacks. Additionally, some users find the battery life to be average compared to other laptops in this price range.

Unique Selling Points

The Surface Laptop Go stands out due to its stylish design, premium feel, and vibrant display. Unlike many other laptops in this price range, the keyboard is made of aluminum, giving it a more high-end feel, which is ideal for those who type frequently. The laptop’s 300 nits of brightness and 102.6% sRGB color coverage ensure that images look vivid, even in bright environments. It also offers a good selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and the Surface Connect port, allowing for flexible connectivity options.

Additionally, the Surface Laptop Go comes with minimal bloatware, as it only includes a trial version of Microsoft 365, aside from Windows 10. This makes it a clean, efficient option for users who want to avoid unnecessary software.

Alternative Products to Consider

If you’re considering alternatives to the Surface Laptop Go, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is a solid choice. This 14-inch convertible laptop offers similar specs at a comparable price, but with the added flexibility of a 360-degree rotating touchscreen. It’s heavier than the Surface Laptop Go but includes a more powerful processor.

If you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit further, the Surface Laptop 3 and the MacBook Air (2020) are great midrange options. The Surface Laptop 3 offers a more powerful processor and better battery life, while the MacBook Air boasts a superior display and excellent battery life, though it lacks a touchscreen and has fewer ports.

Changes from Previous Model

The Surface Laptop Go is a new addition to Microsoft’s Surface lineup, designed to target budget-conscious consumers looking for a quality laptop without paying a premium. Unlike the Surface Go, which is a 2-in-1 device, the Surface Laptop Go is a traditional clamshell laptop with more computing power. It sits between the entry-level Surface Go and the more powerful Surface Laptop 3.

Summary

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is an excellent option for those seeking a compact, affordable, and stylish laptop for everyday tasks. It delivers solid performance, a premium feel, and a bright, colorful display in a lightweight package. While it may not be suitable for more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, it’s an ideal choice for office work, education, and light computing needs. If you need a portable laptop with reliable performance for basic tasks, the Surface Laptop Go is a great fit.