In the struggle for all the best tiny 2-in-1 laptops, the latest Microsoft Surface Go takes it off the perks. This ultimate tiny laptop that could be tag tablet excellently sums up everything we love about the Surface Pro 6 into one smaller package, proving to everyone that Windows tablet can also be cheap.
Nevertheless, there are no many new features, but there are two major advantages of this laptop over other slates. The first is that Windows 10 OS enabled out of the box is more versatile than Android or iOS. The second which is welcomed by all of us is that the Surface Go includes a touchpad that gives you space to control the cursor without resorting back to the Surface pen or touchscreen. It’s good to know that the Surface Go pen will cost you an additional ₦24,000 ($63).
To maintain the affordable price tag, Microsoft has to cut some edges starting from the processor, with the Intel Core lineup being replaced by low-Performance Pentium Gold. However, on the outside, it’s not noticeable where changes have been made. The Microsoft Surface Go still has the same solid aluminum body just like the Pro, but with more rounded corners. The cameras are also the same and the keys are firm and tactile.
Notwithstanding your workload, the Surface Go is surely your ideal laptop for entertainment and productivity needs. We’ve been with the Microsoft Surface Go for a while now and reviewed the total features, specs, and price of the Surface Go in Nigeria.
Microsoft Surface Go Key Features
- Display: 10-inches LCD
- Resolution: 1800 x 1720 pixels
- Processor: Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
- Rear Camera: 8-MP
- Front Camera: 5-MP
- RAM: 4GB/8GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC/128 SSD
- Battery Capacity: 9 hours
- OS: Windows 10
Microsoft Surface Go: Design and Build-up
When you think of an affordable Windows laptop, the robust build-up is the last thing that comes to your mind, but that’s exactly what the Surface Go is made of. The silver aluminum case looks superior with a nifty kickstand for support. The nifty kickstand makes switching from tablet to laptop mode easier, and you can stand the tablet upright for a movie binge.
Unfortunately, the Surface Go display is surrounded by a thick bezel which would have been better if Microsoft squeezed an 11-inches screen with a 10-inches edge-to-edge display. Beyond that, this display is almost similar to its forebears, except smaller. The excellent hinges can bend up to 180°, making this tablet an ideal one for student’s note-taking, and digital drawing for graphics designers.
Microsoft impressed us by squeezing a microSD card reader, and USB-C port into this small Surface Go which is not available on the latest iPad. This did not only limit you to expand the storage but gives you two ways to connect the dock and extend your displays contrary to iPad’s single method.
However, there’s a new smaller, type cover which Microsoft manages to wedge in complete keys, though with more pronounced curves. Microsoft also included a glass trackpad that’s bigger in-depth than the Surface Pro. However, you’ll have to master using slightly tighter keys especially when on your lap. We noticed that the keys are closely spaced than normal keyboards which changes where your fingers naturally rests, thereby placing your index fingers on the F and J keys.
Microsoft Surface Go: Display and Audio
Beyond that, Microsoft continues to impress us with its top-notch display on the Surface Go. At 1800 x 1720 pixels resolution and 217PPI density, this puts it slightly behind the latest iPad when it comes to the sharpest 10-inches laptop with the latter coming at 2048 x 1536 pixels. Nevertheless, Surface Go’s display is extremely beautiful in everyday use.
The 10-inches display have a very exceptional color reproduction, watching movies or playing games will be a dream come true on it. Moreover, the 3:2 aspect ratio is the best for work and surfing the internet. Like we earlier said, the bezels surrounding the display are extremely thick, slightly limiting the display size.
The Microsoft Surface Go’s dual speakers are positioned on both sides of the screen. This set of speakers are very powerful and sounds deep. This makes the Microsoft Surface Go more of a multimedia tablet than work productivity.
Microsoft Surface Go: Performance and Benchmarks
Before going further, it’s better to know that you won’t buy a laptop for this price and expect a super powerhouse. However, Microsoft squeezed into it a processor that’s competent enough to handle basic tasks and plays casual games.
The Microsoft Surface Go ships in an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor which can effectively handle nothing more than just basic workloads. There are 4GB RAM and 8GB of RAM in the higher-end model which allows you to run several open tabs efficiently. However, when in par with iPad’s latest A10 processor, the Intel chip here is slightly below that of Apple. Also, it’s good to know that Apple use to build its chipset to work at the highest rate iOS.
More to that, Microsoft employs Intel HD Graphics 615 that handles graphics duties. This GPU will effectively handle all types of games, unlike the limited processor. Furthermore, Microsoft’s paint 3D tools run effectively on this laptop likewise other education apps.
Microsoft Surface Go: Battery Capacity
Microsoft revealed that this laptop can last up to 9 hours of continuous use. However, the reverse was the case on the Surface Go as users complain of lower battery life. However, if you’re into light works and heavy on travel, this tablet is the best for you as the small tiny build-up added to the advantage.
Microsoft Surface Go: Price in Nigeria and Availability
Currently, the world is trending with smaller and smaller computing devices and that’s what Microsoft Surface Go is all about. Of course, there are some series of complaints, but that’s what you’ll expect on a laptop of this price.
However, we’re disappointed in how Microsoft split up the Surface Go components making them be sold separately. The Microsoft Surface Go will cost you ₦152,000 ($400) for 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and Pentium Intel Gold 4415Y. Furthermore, there’s a ₦209,000 ($545) model with double RAM and storage size of 8GB and 128GB respectively. However, the Stylus pen is sold for ₦24,000 ($63), while the type cover starts at ₦10,000 ($26).
