Microsoft Announces Smaller, Cheaper Surface Go
Following a long list of leaks, Microsoft has finally announced Surface Go, a 10-inch tablet that's smaller, lighter and more affordable than previous Surface products. Microsoft will release the device on August 2 starting at $399, making it a rare affordable device in the Surface family.
| Price | Starting at $399 |
| CPU | Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4415Y |
| Display | 1800 x 1200 PixelSense Display |
| RAM | 4 or 8GB 1866MHz LPDDR3 |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC, 128GB SSD, 256GB SSD |
| Ports | Surface Connect, USB Type-C, MicroSDXC, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Size | 9.6 x 6.9 x 0.3 inches |
| Weight | 1.2 pounds, 1.7 pounds with Type Cover |
| Consumer OS | Windows 10 Home in S Mode |
| Commercial OS | Windows 10 Pro (S Mode configurable) |
For a hands-on with the device, check out our sister site, Laptop Mag.
The device measures just 9.6 x 6.9 x 0.3 inches with a 10-inch, 1800 x 1200 display in the Surface's usual 3:2 aspect ratio. It runs on an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage (the 64GB option is eMMC, the 128GB and 256GB options are SSDs). Microsoft is claiming the Surface Go will last up to nine hours on a charge.
At launch, there will be a $399 model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage and a $549 configuration with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Both will use only connect to the internet over Wi-Fi. LTE and 256GB SSD models are coming later. Commercial versions with the same specs will be available at $449 and $599 respectively.
This will be the first of Microsoft's Surface tablets with USB Type-C. It's almost a surprise, as the more advanced Surface Pro doesn't have that yet (but we expect to see a refresh of the Surface Pro later this year). It also has a microSD card reader, Surface Connect and a headphone jack.
In stores, the laptop will come with Windows 10 Home in S Mode, which limits users to programs in the Microsoft Store. Users can switch to regular Windows 10 Home, which doesn't have that limit, for free. Businesses and schools buying the device will get Windows 10 Pro, which they can put in S Mode if they wish.
For typing, you'll still need to buy a type cover separately. There will be a black polyurethane Type Cover and a Signature Type Cover that comes in Alcantara, the suede-like material Microsoft has used for its keyboards and on the Surface Laptop in the past. That keyboard will be available in platinum, burgundy and cobalt blue. With 1 millimeter of travel and LED backlighting, Microsoft says the Surface Go offers the best typing experience ever in a Surface. Attaching a keyboard adds 0.5 pounds to the Surface's weight.
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Microsoft is also announcing a new travel mouse which pairs via Bluetooth and comes in platinum, burgundy and cobalt blue.
We look forward to putting the Surface Go through its paces and seeing how premium an affordable PC can be when it lands in our lab.
Andrew E. Freedman is a senior editor at Tom's Hardware focusing on laptops, desktops and gaming. He also keeps up with the latest news. A lover of all things gaming and tech, his previous work has shown up in Tom's Guide, Laptop Mag, Kotaku, PCMag and Complex, among others. Follow him on Threads @FreedmanAE and BlueSky @andrewfreedman.net. You can send him tips on Signal: andrewfreedman.01
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pacdrum_88 Looks interesting. Not sure who this is for though. Really small laptop, or not a great tablet... I had the Surface RT when they first came out years ago, and it was neat, and I'm glad the Surface has come as far as it has, but the RT was not great. And this kind of feels similar. At least you can take it out of S mode for free. I thoroughly enjoy my Surface Book 2 15", and there's no denying that Microsoft has done a great job with all of their Surface devices in the last few years.Reply -
reportsbbstats I own a Surface Pro, awesome laptop. Microsoft really knows the rule of sleek and robust design.Reply -
g-unit1111 Reply21130839 said:Looks interesting. Not sure who this is for though. Really small laptop, or not a great tablet... I had the Surface RT when they first came out years ago, and it was neat, and I'm glad the Surface has come as far as it has, but the RT was not great. And this kind of feels similar. At least you can take it out of S mode for free. I thoroughly enjoy my Surface Book 2 15", and there's no denying that Microsoft has done a great job with all of their Surface devices in the last few years.
I'm actually going to buy a Surface Pro. I remember the RT not being great because of the limited version of Windows, but now that they discontinued that, and put full Windows on, it will be a much better device.