Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
Surface Go

Microsoft’s latest attempt at launching a miniaturized tablet is finally here. It’s not a dream anymore. The Surface Go is here. And though it doesn’t bring any new surprises, perhaps that’s a good thing.

What the device offers now should perhaps have been the core of the Surface concept. But its here now and it seems to be worth the wait. No half constructed operating systems, no incompatible apps and higher portability.

Of course, there are some minor cuts, mostly in the power department, by constructing a device of this size. But it still delivers where it should

Price and Availability

Unfortunately, this product is yet to have a price tag in India. But we will still inform you about its prices elsewhere.

Microsoft is selling the Surface Go at the relatively approachable starting price of $399.99 (£379.99, AU$599.99). This nets you the starting Surface Go configuration, including an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, 4GB of memory and 64GB of flash storage.

From there, Microsoft is offering configurations with 8GB of RAM paired with 128GB of storage (priced at $549.99, £509.99, AU$839.99), with either model having LTE options available later this year. All models include the gorgeous, 10-inch 1,800 x 1,200 touch display and Windows Hello biometric login via a 5-megapixel (1080p) webcam with an infrared sensor. (The rear camera is rated at 8MP with 1080p video.).

These prices will not include the Surface pens, that have been tried and tested by users worldwide. Users will also not get the newly designed Type Covers, that were all in hype over the summer.

Design and Display of Surface Go

At first glance, the 1.15-pound Surface Go appears simply to be the Surface Pro shrunken down by 2.3 inches on the diagonal, and that’s largely true – excellent kickstand and all. However, Microsoft clearly put some design effort into this version, targeting it directly towards a generally wider audience, specifically students.

The intended audience for the new Surface is hinted by the extreme softening of the edges and the angles that Microsoft provided. The new Surface has been revamped. Unlike the angled edges of the Surface Pro, it has rounder and softer edges.

Of course, a smaller version of the Surface tablet requires a smaller version of the Microsoft Type Cover. The firm has taken its apparently popular Alcantara fabric and applied it to new Signature Type Covers for the Surface Go. These go for $129 (around £100, AU$170), while a basic nylon version will sell for $99 (around £75, AU$130).

Microsoft managed another feat by incorporating full-sized keys into such a small packet. It also introduced a deep glass trackpad onto the model. Although it may look small, it doesn’t feel that way when typing.

Even in such a diminutive state, Microsoft managed to cram a USB-C 3.1 port and microSD card reader into the Surface Go, neither of which the latest iPad has. This means that not only can this tablet’s storage be expanded, but it has two methods of hardwired docking and displays expansion to the iPad’s one, thanks to the mainstay Surface Connect port.

Even the 3:2 display does not feel let down in any way. The only thing that Microsoft seems to have done with it seems to be only a decrease in size. The colour and Graphics are as vibrant as the Surface Pro.

Given that the Surface Pro display puts up 293 pixels per inch (ppi), and the Surface Go just 217 ppi (compared to the new iPad’s 264 ppi), we’re pleasantly surprised that the display left us with such an impression.

The Conclusion

Ultimately, this Surface will undoubtedly look and feel smaller to those who have come from Microsoft’s 12.3-inch tablet or others. The full-sized Type keys and larger trackpad do well in shoring up that difference when the tablet’s on your lap.

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