Hands-On with Microsoft Surface Go

Those familiar with our travel schedule will recall that Brad and I traveled to New York City two weeks ago to attend a meeting. That meeting, as it turns out, was with the Surface team at Microsoft’s flagship retail store on 5th Avenue. More specifically, in the loft space above the store.

After a brief recap of the current Surface product line, we were shown Microsoft’s newest Surface PC, the Surface Go. And the reveal was handled deftly: There was a black sheet of sorts on a long table at the end of the room, but Microsoft’s Natalia Urbanowicz pulled the Surface Go out of a purse that I assumed had been left nonchalantly on a chair.

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That move calls to mind Apple’s famous manila folder trick with the MacBook Air. But it was also more effective, since that is how many people would indeed choose to carry Surface Go with them out in the world. And it neatly highlights a key benefit of this small PC, it’s portability.

It’s tempting to compare Surface Go to Surface 3, Microsoft’s previous low-cost tablet. I get that, and I do provide some comparisons along those lines elsewhere. But my first thoughts on seeing Surface Go were of the newest Surface Pro, which remains one the most refined premium 2-in-1s on the market. And on first blush, Surface Go really did appear to deliver on the same look, feel, and quality that Surface customers have come to expect, albeit at higher price points.

The design is class, still. Surface Go looks like a slightly smaller 2017-era Surface Pro, with the same magnesium build quality, same full friction hinge with its 165 degrees of travel and Studio mode support, and the same Surface Connect port for power and expansion.

I asked about that. Like many, I had assumed that Microsoft would be moving to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. But on the other hand, doing so on an entry-level device did seem like overkill.

The answer I got was that Microsoft perceives Surface Connect as a core asset and benefit, and that its customers expect that compatibility as they move forward. This is important in business and education markets, of course, but also with consumers.

No matter: With its low-end specs—described at the time as being a Kaby Lake-era Pentium chip, 4 or 8 GB of RAM, and 64 or 128 GB of storage—no Surface Go owner is going to want to drive two 4K displays anyway. But that Surface Connect port lets customers use the normal Surface Dock, as they might with Surface Pro, Surface Book, or Surface Laptop. And there is a USB-C port on the side, as is the case with Surface Book 2.

The device itself is smaller—a bit smaller than Surface 3, and smaller still than Surface Pro—and quite light. (I believe it was 1 pound for the PC and .5 pounds for a Type Cover.) It is also the thinnest Surface PC that Microsoft has ever made, and I was shown how they’re going to have to start rethinking the kickstand if they wish to get any thinner. They are literally running into the limits of how thin a Surface can be, given that kickstand and the width of a headphone port.

(Fun fact: The headphone jack is never in the same location as the kickstand so that the device can be as thin as possible.)

Thanks to its low-end parts, Surface Go is fanless and silent, and it lacks the ventilation ports that you see on Surface Pro and Surface Book. But the device isn’t just smaller and thinner: Microsoft has also taken the opportunity to improve the design when compared to Surface Pro. For example, the edges are less sharp, and more rounded, and the result is a more pleasing overall shape.

Microsoft had a number of peripherals on hand, too, including different colored versions of its new Type Covers and Surface Mobile Mouse.

Basically, you can get a black Surface Go Type Cover, or go with the Signature Edition and choose between Platinum, Burgundy, and Cobalt Blue, each in high-quality Alcantara. The keyboard seems small—I believe I was told it was about 86 percent full-sized—and would be difficult for me to use reliably.

Surface Go Type Cover (top) vs. Surface Pro Type Cover (bottom)

But there are some nice new design touches here, too, including a continuation of that rounded look from the PC itself, here seen on the corner keys, and a nice touch. The touchpad is also larger compared to the overall size of the Type Cover when compared to that for Surface Pro.

The Surface Mobile Mouse is likewise available in these same colors, and it appears to be a colorized and slightly redesigned version of the Surface Bluetooth Mouse.

Surface Go is also compatible with the Surface Pen, which remains an optional extra purchase. However, when I asked, I was told that Surface Go does not include the Pixelsense Accelerator chip found in Surface Pro and Surface Book 2. That said, it still supports 4096 levels of pressure and tilt.

While I could tell immediately that this particular PC would never be suitable as a daily driver (for me), its appeal is obvious. And I think there are many families, students, and even mobile workers of various kinds that would be delighted to buy such a PC.

We didn’t meet with Ralf Groene, but he was randomly in town for a family event and dropped by to say hi

And on that note, I hope to review Surface Go soon. Microsoft said that review units would be available in late July, a timeframe that unfortunately corresponds to this summer’s home swap. Worst case, I will take a longer look at Surface Go when I get back home in early August. If I’m lucky, however, I can bring it with me on the trip, which would be ideal.

More soon.

 

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  • mtalinm

    09 July, 2018 - 9:24 pm

    <p>hate to be the one to say it, but "too little and two years late".</p><p><br></p><p>I owned every Surface from the original through Surface Book. but they lost me on reliability. Still have my SP4, but it feels like a device on its last legs. awaiting my X1 tablet</p>

    • lvthunder

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 12:26 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290014"><em>In reply to mtalinm:</em></a></blockquote><p>What do you do to these things that you need to replace them so often? I'm still using the first Surface Book and it runs fine.</p>

    • Otto Gunter

      10 July, 2018 - 11:19 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290014"><em>In reply to mtalinm:</em></a> My RT still works. It's useless, but it still works.</blockquote><p><br></p>

  • harmjr

    Premium Member
    09 July, 2018 - 9:28 pm

    <p>Looks like it has more of a rounded or polished looked.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:44 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290015"><em>In reply to harmjr:</em></a></blockquote><p>Yes it is.</p>

  • bbold

    09 July, 2018 - 9:30 pm

    <p>Looks amazing. And I can't wait to buy one! 😀 Thx Paul. I knew you and Brad were up to something in NY. lol </p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:49 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290017"><em>In reply to bbold:</em></a></blockquote><p>To be fair, we do have meetings of our own in NYC too :)</p>

  • inlocoabsentia

    Premium Member
    09 July, 2018 - 9:39 pm

    <p>Does USB-3.1 Type C *replace* USB 3 Type A? If so, I think that's worth calling out explicitly.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      09 July, 2018 - 10:15 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#290020"><em>In reply to inlocoabsentia:</em></a></blockquote><p>Yes it does.</p>

      • marshalltm

        Premium Member
        10 July, 2018 - 12:59 am

        <blockquote><a href="#290034"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><p>Does type C charge the device?</p>

        • Paul Thurrott

          Premium Member
          10 July, 2018 - 9:43 am

          <blockquote><a href="#290068"><em>In reply to marshalltm:</em></a></blockquote><p>It can, yes.</p>

        • VancouverNinja

          Premium Member
          10 July, 2018 - 9:45 am

          <blockquote><a href="#290068"><em>In reply to marshalltm:</em></a></blockquote><p>Yup.</p>

  • slbailey1

    09 July, 2018 - 9:50 pm

    <p>I am waiting for the LTE version with 8gb ram and 256gb storage.</p>

  • Dan1986ist

    Premium Member
    09 July, 2018 - 10:02 pm

    <p>Wonder what the cost difference between the 64 GB and the 128 GB storage-wise will be? Also, maybe this will prompt third-party OEMs to stop making 32 GB devices running Windows 10 and have 64 GBs of disk storage as the minimum. </p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      09 July, 2018 - 10:15 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#290029"><em>In reply to Dan1986ist:</em></a></blockquote><p>$150. But you also get more RAM (4 GB vs 8 GB).</p>

  • kjb434

    Premium Member
    09 July, 2018 - 10:20 pm

    <p>Could a full size surface type cover be used with it? I assume so. It may look a little weird, but could add to productivity for those with larger hands.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:42 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290038"><em>In reply to kjb434:</em></a></blockquote><p>No, and I should have called that out. They're not compatible.</p>

  • Yaggs

    09 July, 2018 - 10:35 pm

    <p>Windows Hello camera included?</p>

    • Yaggs

      09 July, 2018 - 10:38 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#290039"><em>In reply to Yaggs:</em></a></blockquote><p>Nevermind… just watched the YouTube video… see that it DOES include a Windows Hello camera!</p>

      • Paul Thurrott

        Premium Member
        10 July, 2018 - 9:42 am

        <blockquote><a href="#290040"><em>In reply to Yaggs:</em></a></blockquote><p>Yep.</p>

  • TEAMSWITCHER

    09 July, 2018 - 11:03 pm

    <p>The $399 specs are … so weak! You have to shell out another $100 for that cramped keyboard.</p><p>This device is going to usher in a quick and ugly end for the entire Surface line.</p><p><br></p>

  • dcdevito

    09 July, 2018 - 11:07 pm

    <p>I'll wait for 2nd gen with a Qualcomm Snapdragon and Always Connected LTE capabilities. </p>

    • Kristoffer Nørkjœr Randløv Jepsen

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 4:20 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290051"><em>In reply to dcdevito:</em></a></blockquote><p>Absolutely! I will buy that!</p><p><br></p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:42 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290051"><em>In reply to dcdevito:</em></a></blockquote><p>My guess is that a future version of this will indeed be ARM-based.</p>

  • PhilipVasta

    09 July, 2018 - 11:07 pm

    <p>Not normally one to complain about bezels but yikes those are huge. And as much as I have to say it, for a companion device, a $300 iPad seems like a better idea than this.</p>

    • VancouverNinja

      Premium Member
      09 July, 2018 - 11:15 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#290052"><em>In reply to PhilipVasta:</em></a></blockquote><p>One problem – iOS. </p>

      • PhilipVasta

        10 July, 2018 - 1:02 am

        <blockquote><a href="#290056"><em>In reply to VancouverNinja:</em></a></blockquote><p>Admittedly, I haven't used iOS in a very long time, and I've never owned an iPad. But I assume you're referring to it being less capable than Windows. Which is fair, but is much less of an issue in my eyes when you're talking about something that's probably a secondary device. And honestly, the tablet experience in Windows 10 is so much worse than it was in Windows 8. I don't mind as much with my Surface Pro 4 because I'm mainly using it as a laptop. On a device that's primarily a tablet though? Windows 10 just isn't a very good tablet OS.</p>

        • VancouverNinja

          Premium Member
          10 July, 2018 - 9:37 am

          <blockquote><a href="#290071"><em>In reply to PhilipVasta:</em></a></blockquote><p>I think the "Tablet experience" is a bunch of FUD. When you are in tablet mode you click on what you want just like the other OSs and you can still use a mouse (if you wanted to for some reason). People will have a better experience with this unit; the fact that they now will instantly have access to all their windows stuff – outstanding. If someone owns Windows 10 PC – this in now the best solution hands down. Probably 90% of the time I have used my iPad for reading, browsing, and watching videos. iPad does not have any advantage here. Plus that Kickstand, USB-C port, and Memory expansion is the icing on the cake.</p>

        • peterh_oz

          11 July, 2018 - 1:57 am

          <blockquote><a href="#290071"><em>In reply to PhilipVasta:</em></a></blockquote><p>The difference is that Windows can be either. Plus it can be a device for syncing ipod, cameras, accessing onedrive etc. IPad can't. I rarely use tablet mode on my Surface 3. I never use a separate keyboard or mouse. Touch is fine, even in normal (desktop mode) windows.</p>

      • Paul Thurrott

        Premium Member
        10 July, 2018 - 9:41 am

        <blockquote><a href="#290056"><em>In reply to VancouverNinja:</em></a></blockquote><p>On a content/consumption device, iOS is the key benefit.</p>

  • Bdsrev

    09 July, 2018 - 11:07 pm

    <p>It looks excellent without the Surface Pro-style vents. Stuff like this matters to people and this could make a difference</p>

  • dhallman

    09 July, 2018 - 11:16 pm

    <p>There we have it everyone. Last year Microsoft 'innovated' by unvailing the Laptop (oooh ahhh) and now, for the 3rd time (it's the charm you know) presenting the Surface (non Pro)! Two words: Washed Up. They really are Apple now. It was fun for a while.</p>

    • shameermulji

      10 July, 2018 - 1:14 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290057"><em>In reply to dhallman:</em></a></blockquote><p>Panos has been clear that he's going after Apple with the Surface line. Not exactly a secret.</p>

    • dontbe evil

      10 July, 2018 - 4:31 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290057"><em>In reply to dhallman:</em></a></blockquote><p>at least they innovate more than everyone else in the latest years: surface, book, studio, hub, HoloLens, xbox, one os, UWP…waiting for andromeda … last time apple copied ehm innovated was with iPhone and ipad.</p>

      • MikeGalos

        10 July, 2018 - 5:45 am

        <blockquote><a href="#290094"><em>In reply to dontbe_evil:</em></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: transparent;"> last time apple copied ehm innovated was with iPhone and ipad</span></blockquote><p>Don't forget Mac "Can't innovate, my ass" Pro.</p>

        • Paul Thurrott

          Premium Member
          11 July, 2018 - 8:33 am

          <blockquote><a href="#290101"><em>In reply to MikeGalos:</em></a></blockquote><p>Yeah, but they showed us! Oh. Right.</p>

      • dsharp75

        10 July, 2018 - 8:58 am

        <blockquote><a href="#290094"><em>In reply to dontbe_evil:</em></a></blockquote><blockquote><em>Apple never has and never will innovate. They are the clock radio of the tech world. They built an empire off the backs of real pioneers, marketed it better, reduced the complexity for the average simpleton to use, and has the audacity to charge a premium price. The sheer gall!</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

        • Bill Russell

          10 July, 2018 - 3:43 pm

          <blockquote><a href="#290143"><em>In reply to dsharp75:</em></a></blockquote><p>I am not a simpleton, I use every major OS regularly, but I like iPads for my non work time. The premium price argument is a bit of a stretch at least for iPhones and iPads, when iPhones are essentially the same price as the samsungs, and pixels and now supported for 5years typically. I got another 2017 iPad a few months ago for $279 (on sale). The Samsung galaxies cost more. At this point you really have to be just a die hard apple hater not to get the iPad if you are looking for a tablet.</p><p>An no, apple is not an innovator they are a refiner but you can't deny that the iPhone and iPad are the "real deal", not crappy overprice products that we get suckered into. Whose worse, if so? Don't bother with the Surface "does more" argument. I don't want to do more.</p>

        • curtisspendlove

          10 July, 2018 - 6:17 pm

          <blockquote><a href="#290143"><em>In reply to dsharp75:</em></a></blockquote><p><em>The sheer gall!</em></p><p><br></p><p>Yeah! Curse those jerks for making products people all over the world love to use. </p><p><br></p><p>Blimey bastards. Who do they think they are!</p>

        • dontbe evil

          11 July, 2018 - 7:17 am

          <blockquote><a href="#290143"><em>In reply to dsharp75:</em></a></blockquote><p><br></p><p>As I say: they're marketing brainwasher evil genius.</p><p><br></p><p>"good artists copy, great artists steal" (s. job… ehm Pablo Picasso)</p><p><br></p>

  • Xatom

    10 July, 2018 - 12:10 am

    <p>Setting aside the iOS vs window debate, venue cpu choice, how will this compare speed wise to an iPad Pro?</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:41 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290062"><em>In reply to Xatom:</em></a></blockquote><p>This is a good question. I will try to figure that out when I review it.</p>

  • UbelhorJ

    Premium Member
    10 July, 2018 - 12:33 am

    <p>Want! I already have a powerful desktop PC for real work. I want a thin and light laptop (or whatever portable form factor) with a decent screen. I don't want to spend $1000+ for an overpowered for my needs (but still no where near my desktop) laptop just to get away from awful cheap plastic garbage with 1366×768 screens.</p>

  • John Craig

    10 July, 2018 - 2:09 am

    <p>I'll take 2 thanks. That's the kids Xmas presents sorted :)</p>

  • RobertJasiek

    10 July, 2018 - 2:15 am

    <p>Whether I buy some mainly depends on reflectance of the display and battery life for light use. I suppose the ratio is 3:2 and Windows 10 Pro 64b is available.</p><p>First, let me congratulate Microsoft. Overall, it is the very much needed small Surface with good enough hardware for a reasonably light, handholdable, silent tablet with digitizer. eMMC or SSD give endconsumers the choice of price, speed and maybe a small difference in battery life.</p><p>I do not need the keyboard and would not buy it with its tiny arrow keys. I would use the device as a tablet. If necessary, I would connect a desktop keyboard. I despise the proprietary Surface Connect port. I also do not need the stand but would have preferred less weight, decreased thickness or slightly longer battery life.</p><p>The exact data about weight, thickness, resolution etc. will be interesting, of course. Is palm rejection good in portrait position?</p><p>The high price of the stylus may be a factor preventing purchase of the tablet. As would be greedy price jumps for larger SSDs or LTE, expensive service, repairs or battery replacements.</p><p>So far, the pictures do not enable me to judge about the design of the chassis.</p>

    • Simard57

      10 July, 2018 - 12:02 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#290081"><em>In reply to RobertJasiek:</em></a></blockquote><p>"exact data about weight, thickness, resolution etc. will be interesting"</p><p><br></p><p>from https://www.windowscentral.com/surface-go-specs-price-and-features</p><p><br></p><p>Dimensions 9.6" x 6.9" x .33" (245mm x 175mm x 8.3mm)</p><p> Weight 1.15 lbs (0.52 kg) without keyboard</p><p> 1.7lbs (0.77 kg) w/keyboard</p><p> Display 10-inch 3: 2 aspect</p><p> 1800 x 1200 with touch</p><p> 216 ppi</p><p><br></p>

      • RobertJasiek

        10 July, 2018 - 12:55 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290293"><em>In reply to Simard57:</em></a></blockquote><p>8.3mm, 0.52kg and 216ppi are acceptable.</p>

  • curtisspendlove

    10 July, 2018 - 2:53 am

    <p>I like this. I think it is a pretty solid entry for those who don’t want (or don’t like) an iPad. </p><p><br></p><p>I want to see what the performance is like before I consider it though. I doubt it will support a web development workload, but it isn’t meant to. </p><p><br></p><p>But it will likely do “productivity” for many people far better than an iPad would. </p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:47 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290083"><em>In reply to curtisspendlove:</em></a></blockquote><p>Agreed.</p>

      • curtisspendlove

        10 July, 2018 - 6:31 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290208"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><p>Hey Paul, the more I look at it, I’m thinking this might be great for my wife. </p><p><br></p><p>She’s a digital artist. You mention it doesn’t support some of the advanced pen support. </p><p><br></p><p>But I’m curious if it’s just slightly worse or significantly worse. </p><p><br></p><p>I’m thinking the smaller size might be a disadvantage to artists. </p><p><br></p><p>Also, does it support Surface Dial? (I know, again the screen size is quite small to be doing a lot on screen with peripherals. </p>

        • Paul Thurrott

          Premium Member
          11 July, 2018 - 8:32 am

          <blockquote><a href="#290424"><em>In reply to curtisspendlove:</em></a></blockquote><p>It works with Surface Dial off the screen, not on. There's not special there, I think you could do that with any PC.</p><p><br></p><p>Not sure about the Pen performance. I will need to test it.</p>

          • curtisspendlove

            12 July, 2018 - 11:47 pm

            <blockquote><a href="#290567"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><p>Sound like a definite contender for a Christmas present. </p>

  • Kristoffer Nørkjœr Randløv Jepsen

    Premium Member
    10 July, 2018 - 4:18 am

    <p>First comment from me here I believe. I would buy this with an arm chip and always on LTE… And I use G Suite almost exclusively… Almost being a key reason.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:41 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290090"><em>In reply to KNRJ:</em></a></blockquote><p>My guess is that the current-generation ARM chipset that they'd have to use would be too performance constrained. I bet a future version does go ARM.</p>

  • scoob101

    10 July, 2018 - 4:27 am

    <p>Release one with an ARM chip and I`m in. </p>

    • dontbe evil

      10 July, 2018 - 4:32 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290092"><em>In reply to scoob101:</em></a></blockquote><p>I think they'll wait for snapdragon 850/1000</p>

  • irfaanwahid

    10 July, 2018 - 5:02 am

    <p>I don't understand. Why is LTE option a second class citizen for Microsoft?</p><p>I believe LTE is important for devices like Surface Go. It is marketed as thin, lightweight that could be carried around. </p><p>Apple gets this right. iPads have both WiFi &amp; LTE support from get go. They understand a device that will be carried around, used while commuting needs connectivity. </p><p>I feel LTE is never a priority for Microsoft. It always gets pushed for later.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:47 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290098"><em>In reply to irfaanwahid:</em></a></blockquote><p>Yeah. I bet they get there. And it's good that it's coming, at least. Agree that this could/should have been launched as a new Always Connected PC.</p>

    • Simard57

      11 July, 2018 - 12:27 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#290098"><em>In reply to irfaanwahid:</em></a></blockquote><p>I wonder if an LTE version requires carrier certification which takes time? I would think using a certified LTE chip would meet the needs – but the carrier may require testing of products chips are integrated into.</p><p><br></p>

  • allanwith

    10 July, 2018 - 5:06 am

    <p>So, I am wondering, if they weren’t ‘literally’ running into the limits of how thin it can be, how would they be doing it ‘figuratively’? :p</p><p><br></p><p>Anyway, I get that they will have to think hard about how to design the thing to be thinner, but as for the headphone jack, Apple has found a solution on the iPad, which looks to be thinner than the Surface Go(?), so it is doable. There are phones with a headphone jack, which are probably thinner as well.</p><p><br></p><p>Besides that, it looks and sounds like this will be a nice evolution of the Surface line. USB-C along with the Surface connector is the right move, support for Windows Hello is a nice surprise and hopefully Pentium Gold will be a solid upgrade from Atom. Those who are wishing for Snapdragon, I get it, but my guess is that the Pentium will be much more performant and compatible at this stage. If battery life is as stated there isn’t really any need for Snapdragon in this device. I could definitely see them adding Snapdragon over time. Perhaps when the SD1000 comes out. I would even be curious whether it would be possible to throw something more powerful into this, like an i3 or i5. It would up the price, but I think there would be takers.</p><p><br></p><p>I would consider buying this myself, if Windows 10 was better on tablets and had more and better apps. I have have an iPad in that size range which I will stick with for consumption and a Surface Pro for production. But having something the size of the former being able to do what the latter can do, remains interesting.</p>

  • Simard57

    10 July, 2018 - 6:37 am

    <p>is the surface 3 keyboard cover compatible?</p><p><br></p>

    • Simard57

      10 July, 2018 - 8:39 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290107"><em>In reply to Simard57:</em></a></blockquote><p>unsure why this is down voted but whatever.</p><p>found answer on Windows central</p><p>"<span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: rgb(54, 54, 54);">Precision touchpad, backlit keyboard, and a newly designed connector"</span></p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:46 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290107"><em>In reply to Simard57:</em></a></blockquote><p>No.</p>

      • Simard57

        10 July, 2018 - 12:06 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290205"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><p>thanks – any word on the usability of SP3 components (such as Charger and Pen). </p><p>Would a SP3 charger support the fast intelligent charging in the tablet? </p><p><br></p><p>I am trying to get a sense what I might be able to repurpose from by dead SP3</p><p>thanks </p><p><br></p>

        • Paul Thurrott

          Premium Member
          11 July, 2018 - 8:29 am

          <blockquote><a href="#290295"><em>In reply to Simard57:</em></a></blockquote><p>Any Surface Connect charger will work.</p><p><br></p><p>Not sure about pen, but it works with the current pen generation(s) which is at least SP4 and the new Pro's.</p>

  • Tony Barrett

    10 July, 2018 - 6:50 am

    <p>Underpowered, too small a screen, and no keyboard or pen included (that's an additional $200 please…). Designed to take on Chromebooks I'm sure, but lacking in almost every other department. Are MS trying to create a 'budget premium' market here? Is the Surface 'premium' brand being eroded as MS cut corners to get the price down. An odd device (a tablet only really, and we know how poor Win10's tablet mode is) and still too expensive for the market it's designed for once you add in the 'extras'. I wouldn't think Google will be panicking, and I won't even start on how buggy it will be based on Microsoft's track record.</p>

    • warren

      10 July, 2018 - 10:08 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290111" target="_blank"><em>In reply to ghostrider:</em></a></blockquote><p><br></p><p>This is more like an iPad competitor. And while the iPad is cheaper, it doesn't have a full operating system, doesn't support mice, doesn't have an SD card, doesn't have a kickstand, and requires you to participate in Apple's walled garden. </p><p><br></p><p>Given the flexibility of the OS and the massive Windows developer base out there, a device like this could certainly find its way into retail &amp; POS applications. Checkout terminals, interactive ordering menus at sit-down restaurants… that sort of thing.</p>

      • Bill Russell

        10 July, 2018 - 2:30 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290229"><em>In reply to warren:</em></a></blockquote><p>Well, Apple's walled garden is much better than the Windows S walled garden :). I already see the other applications you mention as android based tablets at restaurants, and iPads at POS and retail. There are no shortage of those developers either. I'm not saying these *couldn't* but its not like there's a void to fill.</p>

      • curtisspendlove

        10 July, 2018 - 6:03 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290229"><em>In reply to warren:</em></a></blockquote><p><em>Given the flexibility of the OS and the massive Windows developer base out there…</em></p><p><br></p><p>0_o</p><p><br></p><p>You’re claiming that the active Windows app developer base is larger than the iOS developer base?</p><p><br></p><p>Also, there is already iOS software in existence for every category you listed above. </p><p><br></p><p>And I’m willing to bet a touch-first device and OS will perform significantly better for users in those roles. </p><p><br></p><p>I see them quite often. And I love when companies use iPads for point of sale. There are all sorts of nifty perks. </p><p><br></p><p>Yes, this is great for any company which already has a heavy investment in the MS stack, but I don’t like the touch experience of Windows 10. </p>

  • Daekar

    10 July, 2018 - 6:55 am

    <p>Appearance looks nice, and the performance is probably sufficient for most people. Nobody expects a full-size keyboard on a 10-inch tablet, so no problem there.</p><p><br></p><p>The value proposition is difficult for me to swallow regardless of the aesthetic improvements. I cannot imagine spending that much money on something with those hardware specs, especially when capable touchscreen laptops are available in that price range. And I don't know why anyone still builds machines with eMMC memory… I will NEVER again have a product with that in it, it's appalling. To me, this product starts at $550 without a keyboard or pen.</p>

    • MixedFarmer75

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 10:13 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290112"><em>In reply to Daekar:</em></a></blockquote><p>I agree with you. The price point is quite high for the spec level. It is the portability aspect that will probably make me buy it. If I knew the Andromeda device was going to be out by spring I would wait for it. That is what I said when the Surface Mini was being rumored, when they canceled it I bought the Surface 3. Maybe that is what I will do again. If Ms does not reveal Andromeda by Spring they likely never will and the Surface Go will probably drop in price a little by then. </p>

  • octafish

    10 July, 2018 - 7:30 am

    <p>This is a device I hoped Microsoft would get around to making one day. Three years in I still use my Surface 3 as my daily general run-of-the-mill work device (all Office apps) – much, much more so than I originally expected at the start. My very high spec laptop is relatively underused. The Surface 3 is going strong, although I've had to refresh twice in this time but that's no great hardship and the device seemed like new each time. The Surface 3 still looks good, despite going round the globe on quite a few occasions. Will wait for the LTE version but for me anyway it's a definite buy.</p>

  • wocowboy

    Premium Member
    10 July, 2018 - 7:41 am

    <p>I may be wrong, we will see what the test reports tell us, but based on my experience running Windows 10 on machines with limited RAM and processor capability, and I am talking about current-day processors, I can only imagine what a dog this thing will be at running Windows 10 on a Pentium-class processor with only 4 or 8 GB of RAM. I just don't see it being a good experience at all, and will only get worse over time as is quite common with Windows. We will see.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:40 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290119"><em>In reply to wocowboy:</em></a></blockquote><p>8 GB with fast SSD storage should be OK. 4 GB is a non-starter.</p>

    • peterh_oz

      11 July, 2018 - 1:52 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290119"><em>In reply to wocowboy:</em></a></blockquote><p><br></p><p>I have the original Surface 3, 128Gb 8Gb RAM. It is fine. Not world beating, but fine for what it is: a portable device for travel, syncing camera &amp; ipod, and for when a phone is too small (tinkering with my investment or travel spreadsheet, surfing the web, reading a PDF etc). It isn't my work device, and I don't game. I have no desire for the power of a Surface Pro, nor do I want the size/bulk of a laptop. The tablet (without type cover) suits my needs, and will do the same for many others. Its good to finally see what is effectively a modern/updated Surface 3.</p>

  • jwpear

    Premium Member
    10 July, 2018 - 7:57 am

    <p>This is a nice looking device. The slight rounding of the edges makes it look refined. Wish they would use fast SSD storage at all price points.</p>

    • jimchamplin

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 8:56 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290121"><em>In reply to jwpear:</em></a></blockquote><p>This. </p>

  • CoreyP

    10 July, 2018 - 8:42 am

    <p>Might replace my Surface 3. Depends on how the battery life is when tested.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:39 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290134"><em>In reply to CoreyP:</em></a></blockquote><p>Yeah. I don't have high hopes here. Guessing its 6-7 hours real world.</p>

      • skborders

        10 July, 2018 - 7:48 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290184"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><blockquote><em>That would probably be better than a Surface 3 on Windows 10.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

  • EcceLex

    10 July, 2018 - 8:52 am

    <p>I feel like I'm the exact target for this device. As a lawyer the SP4 is too bulky to be used as a notebook when I'm moving (judicial expertise, meeting, trial, whatever). We've got one at the office and is convenient to access our files, but it would be better downsized. Et voilà the Surface Go.</p>

    • EcceLex

      10 July, 2018 - 9:57 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290138"><em>In reply to EcceLex:</em></a></blockquote><p>I should add that most of the professional software we use is tailored for touch, despite the fact it does not run on anything but windows. It's like we were waiting for that exact piece of hardware.</p>

  • dsharp75

    10 July, 2018 - 9:03 am

    <p>I honestly do not understand the point of any excitement about this device. This is a 3 year late successor to the Surface 3. If MS was really serious about bringing the fight to Apple and Google in the education market, they would have announced this last year at the education event. They would have beaten Apple to the crappier lower cost ipad and had a quality opponent to Chrome books. </p><p>Seriously, for all the job postings and filled positions at MS, they really move way too slowly for an industry that changes rapidly. </p><p>This device is meh at best. Don't believe me? Did it even get a real event? Nope, it's not interesting in the least.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      10 July, 2018 - 9:45 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290159"><em>In reply to dsharp75:</em></a></blockquote><p>For people who simply cannot afford a Surface PC, this is pretty exciting. It's not Andromeda levels of excitement, obviously. But I'm glad they added this to the product line, and I never understood them walking away from this part of the market.</p>

      • Bill Russell

        10 July, 2018 - 2:17 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290201"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><p>I still think that most "in the know" would still pick a iPad or Chromebook, as they have clear benefits – price, simplicity, low/ease of maintenance, "magical" 😉 for consumer and student oriented use cases. This is an underpowered windows machine, appealing only on the surface, pun intended. My opinion also applies to any underpowered and space cramped desktop Linux, Mac, Chromebook, etc, I'm not just picking on windows. But, I guess any competition is good, and gives people jobs at MS, even if they ultimately are disappointing. </p>

  • Lordbaal

    10 July, 2018 - 9:58 am

    <p>I can get a Surface pro 3 that have better specs. From like $350-$450.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      11 July, 2018 - 8:26 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290226"><em>In reply to Lordbaal:</em></a></blockquote><p>Go for it. That computer is four years old, hisses like a snake, and is not as powerful as Surface Go, incidentally.</p>

      • Lordbaal

        11 July, 2018 - 7:31 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290563"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><p>Doesn't matter how old it is. It is still more powerful.</p><p>I can get a used or refurbish Surface pro 3 i54300u for around $400.</p><p><br></p>

  • F4IL

    10 July, 2018 - 10:11 am

    <p>It would be interesting to see how long it takes to perform a full system (windows) update on this unit.</p>

  • glenn8878

    10 July, 2018 - 10:25 am

    <p>Too expensive to buy outright and not powerful enough to last beyond 2 years. They should consider selling as a subscription. Upgrade every 2 years automatically. </p>

  • StrayMutant

    10 July, 2018 - 10:30 am

    <p>This is perfect for my partner. He is a medical doctor and he has been asking me about getting a surface device to carry around in his daily rounds with patients(apparently some of his peers already do – here i thought doctors only use ipad or macbook). He already have a Predator laptop with full gtx1080 for his gaming needs. So he doesn't need any bells and whistles and he doesn't care for big device either – just something light, with decent battery life to open browser or an application during his rounds. For this purpose, this device works better than regular surface and it's cheaper. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

  • edboyhan

    10 July, 2018 - 11:59 am

    <p>So all the talk about performance of this device got me to thinking — I'm running a Surface Pro 1 (3rd gen core I5 w 4GB RAM 128GB liteonit-lmt ssd — which is way slower than current ssd's about 4x) as my insider skip ahead machine, and I've never even thought about performance — it's been fine. So perhaps the low end of the Surface Go won't be so bad.</p><p>If I get one of these, it will be with LTE and 8GB whenever that's available.</p><p>I'm heading off to England tomorrow for 2 weeks — I'm taking my Surface Book — would've been really nice to be able to take a Surface GO LTE w 8GB instead. Maybe in time for Ignite 2018?</p>

  • cybersaurusrex

    10 July, 2018 - 7:28 pm

    <p>Maybe it'll help them in the education market, but I don't see this having much of an impact beyond the fanboys who visit this website. The iPad has a better mobile OS and about a million more apps. And the Windows apps that most people typically use won't work (well) on this device.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      11 July, 2018 - 8:24 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290435"><em>In reply to cybersaurusrex:</em></a></blockquote><p>The fanboys who visit this website. Is sort of where I drift off. </p><p>I don't cater to fanboys. I cater to people who can think for themselves and wish to make good technology decisions. This product may not meet your needs, which is fine. It doesn't meet mine either. But not understanding that there is a need for it beyond what you or I may want is rather sad. </p>

      • skane2600

        12 July, 2018 - 2:08 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290561"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><p>But aren't about 90% of the people commenting here fanboys of something? Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android etc. Even more obscure things like Continuum and Dex.</p>

        • RobertJasiek

          12 July, 2018 - 11:13 pm

          <blockquote><a href="#291095"><em>In reply to skane2600:</em></a></blockquote><p>No. Speaking up in favour of some operating system for good reasons differs from mindless cheerleeding. One need not be a convinced multi-OS user to avoid being a fanboy.</p>

          • skane2600

            13 July, 2018 - 12:38 pm

            <blockquote><a href="#291348"><em>In reply to RobertJasiek:</em></a></blockquote><p>Fanboys can operate in 2 ways: cheerleed their favored product or make unsubstantiated criticisms of competing products. IMO, a lot of both happens here.</p>

    • chaz_001

      01 August, 2018 - 12:14 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#290435"><em>In reply to cybersaurusrex:</em></a><em> So you yourself as an Apple Fanboy with no interest in the Surface Go comes on to a site that actually discusses a broad spectrum of technology and points fault as Microsoft when needed and says it won't work! Hmm, sorry but you have no clue and are just on here to give a Apple fanboy bonehead opinion.</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>The Surface devices can do a lot more than an iPad.</em></blockquote><p><br></p>

  • Thom77

    10 July, 2018 - 8:35 pm

    <p>As long as this Pentium processor can perform close to the same level a m3 can, I think I’m gonna get one (the 8Gb version with the faster storage). I have an IPad and am so sick of it’s artificial limitations and the fact that i run into things i want to do that is so simple on a Windows or Android device, yet I have to consort a website that has a 12 step list on how to do it on an IPad. I’m sick of not having a file system. I’m sick of background downloads stopping while I’m doing something else. I’m sick of the horrible pain it is to transfer files onto the IPad. I’ve bought Lumafusion to do video editing on the IPad, but haven’t done ONE video because of the horrible file system management.</p><p><br></p><p>For me, the IPad best feature is that it is a light-weight device (combined with keys-to-go keyboard that i bought) that I can carry around in my bag and forget its there. I’ve thought about buying a new laptop, but the extra weight and bulk is something I do not want, even though I would appreciate the extra functionality. </p><p><br></p><p>This device solves ALL my problems and hits all the criteria. Real file manager. Freedom of software. Micro Sd card. Great screen. An actual port. And I know this is nit picky … but the front camera is in the correct spot IMO and the cord is at the bottom of the device, not in the middle.</p><p><br></p><p>I will be waiting on the reviews and hopefully this Pentium processor isn’t crap. I’m VERY excited about this device. Some people are calling the Go a crappy laptop, some people are calling it an awkward tablet. For me … its not only an Ipad replacement, but an Ipad UPGRADE, without adding extra bulk or weight. I’ve been waiting for “this” device for a LONG time.</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      11 July, 2018 - 8:22 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290440"><em>In reply to Thom77:</em></a></blockquote><p>I'm hearing this sentiment a lot. Obviously, there is a market for this device.</p><p>But I'm curious why people who don't need such a device are shitting on it. There are choices. People have different needs.</p>

      • RobertJasiek

        11 July, 2018 - 11:25 am

        <blockquote><a href="#290560"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><p>People have different needs and different degrees of criticism of particular devices. We need not discuss the extreme case of unjustified absolute criticism.</p><p>The interesting point is the extent of choice we have. Now, with the Surface Go, we have more choice than before. Good in principle. However, this device does not fill all market gaps. The Surface Go meets some needs for sure: the light Windows 2-in-1 with, AFA we know now, reasonable build quality and reasonable speed for light office tasks.</p><p>The Surface Go does, however, not create the "Windows iPad" or the "Windows ebook reader" because (anticipated from the indoor, low light PR videos) the display is not particularly suitable outdoors, the (expected) real life battery duation is too short still by a wide margin and the device is clearly less convenient for long handholding.</p><p>At the same time, the existing choice is insufficient because the alternatives are insufficient for this purpose. The iPad lacks proper file management, Windows productivity software (for which there is no replacement among iOS apps), pointing device and power user configurability of all sorts. The ebook readers lack colour, grey scale, choice in software or even file formats, and have some of the iPad shortcomings.</p><p>Of course, there are also other market gaps between the existing devices.</p><p>Can I solve my needs by continuing to use an iPad? No. By buying an ebook reader? No. By buying a Surface Go? No. By buying any previously existing Windows tablet or 2-in-1? No.</p><p>We with needs in the persisting huge market gaps have the motivation to demand more choice of devices from the manufacturers. We can appreciate the Surface Go for what it is but we do not pretend that it would also be more and fill every market gap. Furthermore, the Surface Go is imperfect and deserves at least some criticism for its insufficient aspects.</p><p>You would know because you view on everything from the optimistic or sceptic sides (at different times). We await your "Why the Surface Go is a failure" point of view to be followed by "Why it fulfils everybody's dream":)</p>

      • skane2600

        11 July, 2018 - 1:03 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#290560"><em>In reply to paul-thurrott:</em></a></blockquote><p>It's more about Microsoft's overall strategy than any particular device. Time and money spent on tablet development means less resources spent on improving the Windows experience for MS's core audience who don't own tablets. </p><p><br></p><p>I also don't like the idea that people have to opt-in to get the full value of their purchase. If the choice were between UWP apps and Win32 apps it might make sense, but the choice is between UWP or both. It strikes me as fundamentally an anti-Win32 position which seems disrespectful to loyal Windows users.</p>

        • EcceLex

          12 July, 2018 - 4:21 am

          <blockquote><a href="#290643"><em>In reply to skane2600:</em></a></blockquote><p>Microsoft does have enough resources to do everything at once. </p>

          • Greg Green

            12 July, 2018 - 11:31 am

            <blockquote><a href="#290935"><em>In reply to EcceLex:</em></a></blockquote><p>There’s not a whole lot,of evidence for that yet. In theory yes, MS has the capability, but they really don’t seem to have the ability.</p>

          • skane2600

            12 July, 2018 - 2:05 pm

            <blockquote><a href="#290935"><em>In reply to EcceLex:</em></a></blockquote><p>So, I guess you agree with me.</p>

    • shameermulji

      11 July, 2018 - 10:05 am

      <blockquote><a href="#290440"><em>In reply to Thom77:</em></a></blockquote><p>All excellent points. The only downside to this device is the dearth of tablet-based apps.</p>

  • peterh_oz

    11 July, 2018 - 2:16 am

    <p>Looking at the specs, I suspect that the 128Gb would be faster on 2 fronts: not only the extra 4Gb RAM, but the larger drive is an SSD vs the smaller being eMMC. Also note it ships with Windows in S mode, but you can easily (and free) switch to normal mode.</p><p><br></p><p>Re battery: <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Testing conducted by Microsoft in June 2018 using preproduction Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y Processor, 128GB, 8 GB RAM device. Testing consisted of full battery discharge during video playback. All settings were default except: Wi-Fi was associated with a network and Auto-Brightness disabled.</span></p><p><br></p><p>This sounds like a fairly "real world" test rather than the old "under laboratory conditions" of old, which is good :)</p>

  • mattbg

    Premium Member
    11 July, 2018 - 11:53 am

    <p>Having gone through a Surface 1, 2, and 3, and then landing with an iPad, seeing these images invokes a bit of nostalgia.</p><p><br></p><p>But it's not necessarily good nostalgia. The apps are just so terrible on Windows, the tablet experience is just so well-refined on an iPad, and the PC experience is just so natural on a 14" ultraportable like the Carbon X1 that I can't imagine going back to a 2-in-1. I'd rather carry an ultraportable and an iPad and get the best experience on whichever device fits the bill at the time.</p><p><br></p><p>On the other hand, this doesn't take budget constraints into account as I'm willing to pay for good tech… </p>

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