The Microsoft Surface Go is a portable tablet, the latest in the Microsoft Surface series that launched in 2012. Microsoft released the Surface Go in August 2018 and has received favorable reviews. It’s easy to see why. This product has great battery life, is lightweight, and has amazing graphics. Unlike previous tablets from this series, though, a basic Surface Go purchase does not come included with a sensor pen. The pen, along with a Type Cover keyboard and mouse, must be purchased separately.
Basic Specs
Microsoft has listed its newest product as having the following features:
- Weighs only 1.15 lbs, making it extremely portable
- Extended battery life of up to 9 hours
- 10” screen (3:2 aspect ratio with an 1800 x 1200 display)
- Dimensions are 9.65 in x 6.90 in x 0.33 in
- Comes pre-installed with Windows 10 in S-mode (S-mode can be switched off)
- 5.0 MP front-facing camera
- 8.0MP rear-facing 1080p camera
- One (1) USB-C port
- Headphone jack
- Keyboard port
- MicroSD reader
- Port for Surface Connect
- Microphone
- Pre-installed Intel HD Graphics 615
Pricing
For a new Microsoft product, the starting price for the Surface Go is fairly reasonable. A basic purchase starts at $399.00. This includes 64 GB with 4 GB RAM. There is also the option to upgrade to 128 GB with 8 GB RAM. This will cost interested individuals $549.00. Both versions have an Intel 4415Y processor and come with a 1-year limited warranty.
The official company site offers discounts for certain students, parents, educators, and members of the military. Eligible customers can purchase a basic Surface Go for $379.05 or the upgraded product for $521.55.
Unfortunately, the Surface Pen will cost $99.99 from the official site. The company offers a $10.00 discount to eligible individuals. The keyboard (Surface Go Type Cover) is also listed as $99.99 on both the official company site and Best Buy.
What People Are Saying
This product is receiving plenty of favorable reviews. Most praise the sleek design, with its slimness and low weight making it extremely portable. Also popular is the long battery life, especially compared to previous models in this series. Some criticisms include the pre-installed S-mode operating system and need to purchase a pen separately. (Fortunately, the company has stated that S-mode can be switched off relatively easily.)
Some top reviewers have given this product the following ratings:
Amazon: 4.7 stars
TechRadar: 4.5 stars
PC Mag: Editorial review 4 out of 5
TechSpot: 76 metascore