Hands-on with the Microsoft Surface Go

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Microsoft’s Surface Go is their smallest, most aggressively priced Surface 2-in-1 device geared towards consumers but also aims to be a secondary device for front-line workers, CEO’s or office workers needing a small yet capable Windows tablet.

The device itself is impeccably designed and shares the solid fit and finish of larger Surface devices. It is definitely smaller at 10-inches, but it is also thinner and lighter at under a pound. It’s very easy to make comparisons to the latest Apple iPad and although the Surface Go is priced higher at $529, it is running Windows 10 S for consumers, which  means it can run desktop apps (it can be upgraded to Windows 10 Home).

Microsoft has envisioned this device to handle 80 per cent of what people use a PC for. It has a 3:2 aspect ratio which is good for having two-windows open at the same time.

Built out of magnesium alloy, the Surface Go feels durable and luxurious. The rounded corners and more tapered design is friendlier for those times when you’re using it in tablet mode. Essential add-ons are a Surface Type Cover, which is smaller and requires some getting used to.

A larger trackpad makes scrolling and mousing easier. The Surface Pen, as well as the Surface Dial, also work with the Surface Go which makes this enticing for illustrators looking to get one of the most portable tablets for art, drawing, and design.

Microsoft has chosen a Pentium processor to run the Surface Go, from my brief demo with the device, It seems to have ample performance and speed. Microsoft says they have optimized the OS for this processor as well as tweaked Windows and Office on the Surface Go.

Microsoft says the Surface Go will have between 4.5 to 6 hours of battery life. While this isn't stellar, the good news is that it can charge quickly using Surface connector.

Surface Go is the second device after the Surface Book 2 to offer USB-Type C. You can charge the device using a smartphone charger (don’t expect a quick charge) as well as use it to network or provide video out capability.

It is smart of Microsoft to include backwards compatibility with Surface docks and Surface Connector which will help businesses upgrade from existing devices.

Personally, I’ve always been fond of sub-portable computing devices and there’s not been a viable subnotebook with a Surface form factor until now. If I can get used to the keyboard, it should be an ideal writer or reporter’s tool specially for travelling. A dual-core Pentium processor with 1.6GHz and 8GB of RAM (the higher spec model) should be able to handle photo editing as well as light video editing.

For many users who have been interesting in Surface Pro devices but have found them too expensive, the Surface Go is a more viable entry point and one that is even more portable.

An LTE-enabled model of the Surface Go is expected to ship in the fall. We hope to have a unit to review in full soon.