Microsoft Surface Go 2 – 10.5″ Touch-Screen – Intel Pentium – 4GB Memory – 64GB – Wifi – Platinum: Detailed Review

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a compact, lightweight device that offers tablet portability with the versatility of a laptop, making it an ideal choice for students, casual users, and anyone looking for a travel-friendly machine. It aims to provide a balance between performance, affordability, and portability, and here’s a detailed breakdown of its features and performance.

Design and Portability

Weighing just 1.2 pounds (without the Type Cover), the Surface Go 2 is incredibly light, making it easy to carry around in a backpack or even a large purse. Its 10.5-inch display is compact, and the adjustable Kickstand adds to its versatility, transforming it from a tablet to a laptop in seconds. The design is sleek, with a platinum finish, giving it a premium look despite being more affordable than other Surface devices.

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Display

The 10.5-inch touchscreen display offers a resolution of 1920×1280, providing a sharp, clear visual experience. The screen is bright enough for most indoor environments, and its Full HD resolution makes it ideal for browsing, binge-watching, and casual gaming. The touchscreen is responsive, and the Surface Pen (sold separately) can be used for drawing or taking notes.

Performance

Powered by a 1.7 GHz Intel Pentium processor and 4GB of RAM, the Surface Go 2 is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing, checking emails, light multitasking, and streaming. However, it’s not designed for intensive workloads like heavy photo editing or gaming. The 64GB SSD storage might feel limiting, especially if you store a lot of files or apps, but the performance for everyday tasks remains smooth.

Battery Life

One of the strong points of the Surface Go 2 is its battery life. It can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, making it perfect for long days of work or study without needing to carry a charger everywhere. The efficient power management makes it ideal for users on the go.

Connectivity

The inclusion of a USB-C port, a headphone jack, and Bluetooth 802.11ax ensures you have the essential connectivity options. The device supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster internet speeds and more reliable wireless connections. The USB-C port allows for quick data transfer and charging, which is a versatile upgrade over older USB standards.

Camera and Audio

With an 8MP rear camera and a Full HD front camera, the Surface Go 2 is more than capable of handling video calls, photos, and recording videos. The cameras offer decent quality, and the front-facing one is especially good for video conferencing with clear visuals and sound.

Operating System and Upgrades

The device comes with Windows 10 Home, but Microsoft has included a free upgrade to Windows 11 when available. Windows 11 brings a refreshed interface, better multitasking features, and improved app compatibility.

Pros:

  1. Lightweight and Portable: At just 1.2 pounds, it’s perfect for on-the-go usage.
  2. Solid Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of battery life, ideal for all-day usage.
  3. Versatile Design: The Kickstand and optional Type Cover make it functional as both a laptop and tablet.
  4. Responsive Touchscreen: The Full HD 10.5-inch touchscreen is bright and sharp, ideal for media consumption.
  5. Affordable Windows Experience: A good entry-level price for a Surface device with a free Windows 11 upgrade.

Cons:

  1. Limited Performance: The Intel Pentium processor and 4GB RAM struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking.
  2. Storage Constraints: 64GB SSD is quite limited, especially for users who store lots of data or apps.
  3. No Type Cover Included: The Type Cover, which transforms it into a laptop, is sold separately.
  4. Basic Graphics: Integrated Intel graphics may not support heavy graphics tasks or high-end gaming.
  5. Not Ideal for Power Users: It’s best suited for light tasks like browsing, email, and media, but not heavy workloads.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a fantastic option for students, casual users, and frequent travelers who need a lightweight, affordable device for basic tasks. Its portability, battery life, and touchscreen are definite highlights, but its limited performance and storage capacity might not suit power users or those needing a machine for demanding tasks. If your needs are simple and you prioritize portability, the Surface Go 2 is a solid pick, especially with the free Windows 11 upgrade on offer.