Microsoft debuts the 12-inch Surface Laptop Go, for an affordable $549

Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop Go finally looks like the Surface that everyone can buy. Announced Thursday, it’s a smaller 12.5-inch notebook PC that retains the high points of the Surface lineup, at an accessible $549 price. Microsoft begins selling it October 13.

Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop Go fits within the niche between the 10.5-inch Surface Go 2 tablet, and the 13-inch versions of the Surface Laptop 3. Inside lies a 10th-gen Core chip, though Microsoft has made some compromises, too: a return to Windows 10 S and a display that doesn’t quite reach 1080p resolution.

We haven’t seen this product in person yet, but we already have a lot of information about it. Keep reading to learn more about this affordable Surface.

Surface Laptop Go: Basic features

  • Display: 12.45-inch (1536×1024, 148 ppi) multitouch PixelSense display
  • Processor: Core i5-1035G1
  • Graphics: UHD Graphics
  • Memory:  4GB-8GB LPDDR4x
  • Storage: 64GB eMMC, 128GB-256GB SSD
  • Ports: 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A, Surface Connect, 3.5mm audio jack
  • Camera: 720p f2.0 (user-facing)
  • Battery: “13 hours of typical device usage” with Fast Charging
  • Wireless: WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0
  • Operating system: Windows 10 Home in S Mode
  • Dimensions (inches): 10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches
  • Weight: 2.45 pounds
  • Chassis: Aluminum
  • Colors: Ice Blue, Sandstone, Platinum

Microsoft’s offering the Surface Laptop Go in three different color schemes—the familiar Platinum and Sandstone, but also a new Ice Blue option. While you’re probably familiar with the Sandstone and Platinum finishes, here’s a look at the Ice Blue finish:

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go ice blue Microsoft

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go, in Ice Blue

Surface Laptop Go: Available configurations

Microsoft is offering overlapping configurations of the Surface Laptop Go for consumers, education, and business. Microsoft’s education channel offers an additional model not shown here. All of these will go on sale October 13.

  • Core i5/4GB RAM/64GB SSD: $549 Consumer/Education
  • Core i5/8GB RAM/128GB SSD: $699 Consumer/Education, $799 Business
  • Core i5/8GB RAM/256GB SSD: $899 Consumer/Education, $999 Business
  • Core i5/16GB RAM/256GB SSD: $1,099 Education, $1,199 Business

The Surface for Business models offer Microsoft Advanced Exchange in supported markets–a $100 warranty service that includes expedited device replacement. Surface Laptop Go buyers can opt for a Surface Laptop Go for Business, which upgrades the OS to Windows 10 Pro. 

While that $549 starting price is appealing, the basic Core i5/4GB RAM/64GB configuration should probably be passed over in favor of more powerful options. The $699 Core i5/8GB RAM/128GB SSD is acceptable, especially when paired with Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage. 

Across all configurations, Microsoft says you can expect the familiar Surface keyboard, Windows Hello accessibility and strong battery life, albeit with a few compromises here and there. 

Source Article