Here is the second release series of the Surface Go 2-in-1 laptop-tablet from Microsoft. It comes into 2020 with new upgrades and features from the 2018 model and starts at a mid-range price.
It comes with the intention to compete with other top tablet brands, with a sleeker look, good display, and better performance. It may not be a cheap buy but it’s very much capable and versatile for all to use.
1 x USB-C® 3.5 mm headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port Surface Type Cover Port Micro SDXC Card Reader Compatible with Surface Dial*
Overview
Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a tablet that can be used as a laptop with the right accessories. From the first view, it looks pretty decent with a 10.5-inch touchscreen.
Inside the tablet includes an Intel Pentium or Core m3 processor, with choices between 4 to 8GB RAM, and choices of internal storage from 64 to 128GB.
Initially, it’s a tablet but easily becomes a 2-in-1 laptop when you add the ‘Surface Go Type Cover’, where you can freely type and use the touch-pad like a normal clamshell laptop.
Design & Display
The Surface Go 2 comes with a 10.5-inch ‘PixelSense’ touchscreen with 1920 x 1280 resolution. It’s bright and vibrant.
The bezels are thinner. The screen is a half-inch bigger than the 2018 model. Overall, the screen is slightly bigger and has a better quality view.
With the design, it’s pretty much the same as the older version. It has two lens webcams, one front-facing and one at the back.
Speaking of which, at the back is also a kickstand to hold the tablet upright, and a micro SD slot to add more storage.
On the right side is the charger port (Surface Connect) to charge the mobile unit, along with a USB-C port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. On the left side is the SIM card tray.
On the top is the power button, along with the volume button. On the bottom lies the port to connect the ‘Surface Go Type Cover’
Therefore, the overall design may be the same as the older model, but it worked well. It’s still simple to use, and easy to connect to the keypad.
Performance
The base entry model comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. That’s typical specs of a budget tablet.
From the first test and usage, the performance of the tablet is good and works pretty well. The experience of doing daily tasks was delightful with no slowdown in system performance.
However, it starts to slow down though when you switch between apps on stand-by. But overall, the tablet performs well and is capable of handling everyday tasks with ease.
This is no gaming tablet. You may get away with light gaming on the go but won’t work well with intense 3D games.
Sadly, the hardware won’t support that type of gaming, not like gaming laptops. Overall, casual gaming is fine but not hardcore gaming.
Battery life
With battery life, the Surface Go 2 tablet lasts longer in tablet mode, however, it’s shortened when you attach the keypad and switch to S Mode.
From tests conducted without S Mode, with the keypad attached, the battery life of the tablet lasted up to 5 hours. Without the keypad, the tablet lasted up to 7 hours.
Therefore, the battery life of the tablet lasts longer in tablet mode. It’s best to detach the keypad if you’re not using it to save battery life.
Audio
The tablet comes with 2W stereo speakers in front. It sounds good and has detailed audio quality but sadly lacks bass and it’s not very loud. Therefore, the overall sound is typical of a normal tablet.
Camera
The tablet comes with two cameras: a 5MP front-facing and an 8MP back-facing.
They both support 1080p video, meaning sharp and clear full HD quality videos. That also means good HD videos and images, sadly not 4K but hey, this is a budget tablet.
Additionally, the front webcam comes with infrared sensors for face recognition that works well with Windows Hello. It’s a security feature to help prevent unauthorized access.
Bottom line. The tablet comes with two cameras that deliver full HD quality videos and the front camera comes with security features.
Verdict
Surface Go 2 is great to use and has the potential to be a great 2-in-1 tablet. With a bigger display, reliable performance for everyday use, and features, it’s a fun, portable mobile device to use wherever you are.
I recommend this tablet to students, corporate or technical professionals, and others who are looking just to do daily tasks. The entry model is a great start at a retail price of US$399.99.
The other models are more expensive, but provide better performance and more internal storage options.
So there you have it. This was the Microsoft Surface Go 2 review, the compact 2-in-1 laptop/tablet.
If you have comments, feedback, or just want to add to the review, please leave them below. If any questions, please leave them as well and I’ll find get back to you ASAP.
New Microsoft Laptops Preview: Surface Go 2 & Surface Book 3
Microsoft has announced new laptops scheduled for release later this month. The Surface Go 2, the budget tablet/laptop, and the Surface Book 3, the powerful 2-in-1 laptop. Let’s do a preview and see what you can expect from these two devices upon release.
The Surface Go 2 is a portable, 2-in-1 Microsoft laptop or tablet that comes with a big 10.5-inch touch screen, a large resolution, and comes with better battery life compared to its predecessor.
Speaking of battery life, you are looking at up to 10 hours and weigh only 1,2 lbs (0.5 kg). It’s the next best in portability and a lightweight package for you to use anywhere and on the go. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons.
Pros:
Nice Full HD display
More storage with the MicroSD
Compatible with many Microsoft accessories
Great budget price
Lightweight
Good battery life
LTE Model available
Cons:
Surface Pen & Surface Go Type Cover sold separately
If you get the keypad accessory, then you can use it as a laptop, but in most cases, it’s sold separately and so is the stylus pen. So if you have a little extra, I suggest you get the keypad if you wish to type.
The starting price for this Microsoft laptop is US$399. It’s available online right now for you to configure and pre-order.
This is a great Microsoft laptop or tablet for people who like to work on the go. If that’s you and are looking for an affordable one then this one’s for you. You can find out more about what’s in store here.
Surface Book 3
The Powerful 2-in-1 Microsoft Laptop
Official Tech Specs:
Display:
13.5” PixelSense™ Touchscreen, 3000 x 2000 resolution 15” PixelSense™ Touchscreen, 3240 x 2160 resolution
Memory:
13.5” – 8GB/16GB/32GB RAM 15” – 16GB/32GB RAM
Processor:
13.5” Quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-1035G7 Quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1065G715” Quad-core 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7
Graphics:
13.5” Intel® Core™ i5-1035G7: Intel® Iris™ Plus Graphics Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with Max-Q Design15” Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti with Max-Q Design
The next Microsoft laptop is the new Surface Book 3. It comes with a detachable keypad with hinges that connect to the Surface Book. The hinges are strong enough to bend the screen up to 360 degrees. It promises better performance, better graphics and texture, and better gaming than its predecessor.
It comes in two model sizes: 13.5-inch and 15-inch, both with high-resolution and touchscreen displays. It also includes a GPU from NVIDIA GeForce and a mid to high-performance Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. Let’s move on to the pros and cons.
Pros:
Comes in 13.5-inch and 15-inch models
Great quality 4K display
Similar features to a 2-in-1 laptop
GPU for gaming included
Up to 2TB of storage
Up to 32GB system memory
Good battery life
Cons:
15-inch model is expensive
Surface Pen & Surface Go Type Cover sold separately
GPU best for creative works not for hardcore gaming
Surface Book 3 is not a gaming laptop. You can get away with playing less hardware-demanding games though. But it’s a great tool to use if you need one for creative works.
The starting price for the Surface Book 2 is US$1600. It’s available now on pre-order, releasing on 21 May 2020.
The Surface Book 3 may come at a high price but you get a more powerful 2-in-1 laptop with a bigger screen and better specs meaning better performance. If you want to see more, see it here.
Verdict & Impressions
This is just a preview of what you can expect to get when you purchase the Microsoft laptop. Performance cannot really be said yet until the laptops have been reviewed. But for now, here are my impressions of the two.
The Surface Go 2 looks like a Microsoft laptop or tablet catered for those with budget constraints. The initial price is well below US$500, making it affordable and great value in my opinion.
The specs are similar to a typical budget laptop, so expect a standard laptop with a mediocre performance. But at the same time, expect a good laptop with the ability to help you get things done, nothing else. do normal everyday tasks, such as:
Bottom line – This is a budget Microsoft laptop or tablet. It’s going to be affordable. It will let you do normal everyday things well with features of lightweight and good battery life.
Surface Book 3 is looking to be a good mid to top-range Microsoft laptop, aimed at people looking for a more powerful 2-in-1 laptop, especially for those who are in the creative arts, and media development.
Gamers can also make use of this laptop as the GPU can help run PC games, but it won’t be as powerful as top-ranked gaming laptop brands. If top-ranked laptops are what you prefer, then check them out here.
It’s going to be a pricy one, with the starting price at US$1600, and that’s only for the mid-range 13-inch Intel Core i5 model.
Bottom line – If you’re looking for a more powerful Microsoft laptop, with premium looks, nice display, and other premium features, then this one is for you.
So there you have it, two Microsoft laptops scheduled to come out before the end of May 2020. Release dates are scheduled from the 21st May 2020.
Now you know what to look forward to when you get one of these two Microsoft laptops, keep your eyes open for the next coming news and updates.
If you’re curious about the older Microsoft laptop models, check them out here. Anyone curious about what to look out for when getting a new laptop, check it out here.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below and I will respond to you as soon as possible. Stay safe and take care until next time. 🙂
