The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a sleek and compact laptop that offers a robust set of features for its size. With an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, this device promises a smooth and efficient performance.

Priced at £509.99, the Surface Go 2 is designed to cater to professionals and students alike. Its 12.4-inch touchscreen and backlit keyboard in a stylish Sage color make it a versatile and attractive option for a variety of users.

Having used the Microsoft Surface Go 2 for a couple of weeks, I am impressed by its performance and portability. The Intel Core i5 processor handles multitasking with ease, and the 8GB of RAM ensures that applications run smoothly.

The touchscreen is responsive and the 2736 x 1824 pixel resolution provides clear and vibrant visuals. I also appreciate the backlit keyboard, which makes typing in low-light conditions much easier. The fingerprint reader adds an extra layer of security, which is a nice touch.

Design and Build Quality

Microsoft Surface Go 2

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 boasts a sleek and modern design, with a sage color that stands out in a sea of typical silver and black laptops. The build quality feels premium, thanks to the magnesium alloy chassis that not only adds durability but also keeps the device lightweight and portable. The 12.4-inch touchscreen is surrounded by narrow bezels, giving it a contemporary look and maximizing screen real estate.

The laptop features a backlit keyboard, which is a boon for working in low-light conditions. The keys are well-spaced and provide a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions. Additionally, the integrated fingerprint reader adds an extra layer of security, allowing for quick and secure logins.

Portability is another strong suit of the Surface Go 2. Weighing just a little over a kilogram, it is easy to carry around, making it perfect for students and professionals who are always on the move. Despite its compact size, it feels robust and well-put-together, ensuring that it can withstand daily wear and tear.

Display Quality

Microsoft Surface Go 2

The Surface Go 2 features a 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. The screen is bright and vibrant, making it perfect for both productivity tasks and media consumption. Colors are rich and accurate, which is particularly beneficial for graphic designers and photographers.

The touchscreen functionality is responsive and precise, enhancing the overall user experience. Whether you're navigating through Windows 11 or sketching with the Surface Pen (sold separately), the touch interface adds a layer of versatility that traditional laptops lack. The screen's aspect ratio of 3:2 is also worth noting, as it provides more vertical space, making it easier to read documents and browse the web.

One minor drawback is that the glossy finish of the screen can be reflective, which may cause some glare in brightly lit environments. However, this is a common issue with many touchscreen laptops and can be mitigated with the appropriate screen angle and brightness adjustments.

Performance

Microsoft Surface Go 2

Under the hood, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. This configuration ensures that the laptop handles everyday tasks with ease, from web browsing and document editing to light photo editing and streaming.

The Intel Iris Xe Graphics integrated into the processor provides a decent boost in graphical performance compared to older integrated graphics solutions. While it won't handle intensive gaming or high-end graphic design tasks, it is more than capable for casual gaming and running creative software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Multitasking is smooth, thanks to the 8GB of RAM, but power users who frequently run multiple demanding applications simultaneously might find the memory a bit limiting. The 128GB SSD offers fast boot times and quick access to files, but storage space might be a concern for those who need to store large files or have extensive media libraries.

Operating System and Software

Microsoft Surface Go 2

The Surface Go 2 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, offering a host of new features and improvements over its predecessor. The new user interface is sleek and intuitive, with a centered taskbar and redesigned Start menu that enhance usability.

Windows 11 Pro also includes advanced security features such as BitLocker device encryption and Windows Information Protection, making it a great choice for business users who need to protect sensitive data. The operating system is optimized for touch, which complements the Surface Go 2's touchscreen capabilities, providing a seamless and responsive user experience.

Additionally, the laptop supports a range of Microsoft services and applications, including Microsoft Office 365, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams. These integrations make it easy to stay productive and connected, whether you're working from home or on the go. The device also promises guaranteed software updates for an extended period, ensuring you always have the latest features and security patches.

Battery Life

Microsoft Surface Go 2

Battery life is a critical factor for any portable device, and the Surface Go 2 delivers a respectable performance in this area. On a full charge, the laptop can last up to 10 hours with moderate usage, which includes web browsing, document editing, and streaming videos.

This makes it suitable for a full day of work or school without needing to be tethered to a power outlet. For more intensive tasks, such as continuous video playback or gaming, the battery life will be shorter, but it still holds up reasonably well compared to other laptops in its class.

Charging the device is quick and convenient, thanks to the Surface Connect port. The laptop also supports USB-C charging, providing flexibility if you prefer to use a third-party charger or need to charge on the go with a power bank. Overall, the battery performance is reliable and should meet the needs of most users.

Connectivity Options

The Surface Go 2 is well-equipped in terms of connectivity, offering a range of ports and wireless options to meet various needs. It includes a USB-C port, which supports charging, data transfer, and display output, making it a versatile addition.

Additionally, there is a USB-A port for connecting older peripherals, a headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port for charging and docking. The inclusion of a microSD card reader is a welcome feature, allowing for easy expansion of storage or quick transfer of files from cameras and other devices.

On the wireless front, the laptop supports Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast and reliable internet connectivity. Bluetooth 5.0 is also included, enabling seamless connections with wireless peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headphones. These connectivity options make the Surface Go 2 a versatile device that can easily integrate into various workflows and environments.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The Surface Go 2 features a backlit keyboard, which is a significant advantage for working in dimly lit environments. The keys are well-spaced and offer a comfortable typing experience, with good travel and tactile feedback. This makes it suitable for long typing sessions, whether you're writing essays, coding, or handling emails.

The keyboard also includes a row of function keys that provide quick access to essential features like volume control, brightness adjustment, and media playback. The inclusion of a fingerprint reader adds an extra layer of security, allowing for quick and secure logins with Windows Hello.

The trackpad is equally impressive, offering a smooth and responsive surface for navigation. It supports multi-touch gestures, making it easy to switch between applications, scroll through documents, and perform other tasks. The combination of a quality keyboard and trackpad enhances the overall usability of the laptop, making it a joy to use for various tasks.

Audio and Webcam

Audio quality on the Surface Go 2 is commendable, thanks to the built-in speakers that deliver clear and balanced sound. While they may not offer the depth and richness of external speakers, they are more than adequate for video calls, watching movies, and listening to music.

The laptop also features dual far-field Studio Mics, which help in capturing clear audio during video calls and voice recordings. This is particularly useful for remote work and online classes, where clear communication is essential.

The front-facing webcam offers a 5-megapixel resolution, providing sharp and clear video quality. It supports 1080p HD video, ensuring that you look your best during video conferences and online meetings. The camera also works seamlessly with Windows Hello facial recognition, allowing for quick and secure logins without the need for a password.

Storage and Expansion

The Surface Go 2 comes with a 128GB SSD, which provides fast read and write speeds, ensuring quick boot times and responsive performance. However, the storage capacity might be limiting for users who need to store large files, such as videos, high-resolution photos, or extensive software libraries.

Fortunately, the laptop includes a microSD card reader, allowing for easy storage expansion. This feature is particularly useful for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs to transfer data quickly between devices. You can easily add more storage by inserting a microSD card, making it a flexible solution for varying storage needs.

For those who require even more storage, the Surface Go 2 supports external drives via its USB-C and USB-A ports. This flexibility ensures that you can always have the storage capacity you need, whether for backup purposes or for carrying large files on the go.

Additional Features

One of the standout features of the Surface Go 2 is its compatibility with the Surface Pen (sold separately), which adds a new dimension of productivity and creativity. The pen is perfect for taking notes, sketching, and annotating documents, making it a valuable tool for students, artists, and professionals alike.

The laptop also supports the Surface Dial, another accessory that enhances its functionality. The Dial can be used to easily navigate through menus, adjust settings, and perform various tasks with a simple turn. This is particularly useful for creative professionals who work with design and editing software.

Additionally, the Surface Go 2 includes a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip, which provides hardware-based security features. This ensures that your data is protected at a hardware level, making it a secure choice for business users. These additional features contribute to making the Surface Go 2 a versatile and powerful device suitable for a wide range of users.

Pros:

Cons:

Read also:

Conclusion

Overall, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a reliable and efficient laptop that offers great value for its price. Its combination of performance, portability, and design makes it suitable for both work and play.

If you're in the market for a compact yet powerful laptop, the Surface Go 2 is definitely worth considering. Its various features and reasonable price point make it a compelling choice for a wide range of users.

Questions & Answers:

Question: Does this laptop have a backlit keyboard?

Answer: Yes, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 comes with a backlit keyboard.

Question: What is the screen resolution?

Answer: The screen resolution is 2736 x 1824 pixels.

Question: Does it support fingerprint login?

Answer: Yes, it includes a fingerprint reader for secure login.

Share this:

Like this:

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram