Quick notes
- The Surface Go Laptop can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, while the MacBook Air can be equipped with up to 24GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.
- The Surface Go Laptop has a slightly larger battery than the MacBook Air, but the MacBook Air’s more efficient M2 chip gives it an edge in terms of battery life.
- However, if you require a more powerful laptop with a larger and more immersive display, the MacBook Air is the better option.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, the Microsoft Surface Go Laptop and the MacBook Air stand as formidable contenders. Both devices offer sleek designs, exceptional portability, and impressive performance for their size. However, each laptop has its own unique strengths and weaknesses that may influence your decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of these ultraportables, helping you choose the one that best meets your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Microsoft Surface Go Laptop and MacBook Air both feature premium designs with sleek and durable construction. The Surface Go Laptop boasts a magnesium alloy body that is both lightweight and sturdy, while the MacBook Air is crafted from 100% recycled aluminum, contributing to its eco-friendliness.
Both laptops are incredibly thin and light, with the Surface Go Laptop weighing in at just 2.4 pounds and the MacBook Air at 2.8 pounds. Their compact size makes them ideal for students, travelers, and professionals who need a portable device that can easily fit into a backpack or briefcase.
Display
The Surface Go Laptop features a 12.4-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024. It offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and wide viewing angles. The MacBook Air, on the other hand, boasts a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600. Its display is known for its exceptional brightness, sharpness, and color accuracy.
Ultimately, the choice between these displays depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you prioritize portability and battery life, the Surface Go Laptop’s smaller display may be a better fit. However, if you require a larger and more immersive viewing experience, the MacBook Air’s Retina display is the clear winner.
Performance
Under the hood, the Surface Go Laptop offers a choice of Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processors, while the MacBook Air is powered by Apple’s M2 chip. The M2 chip provides significantly better performance than the Intel processors, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks such as video editing and gaming.
In terms of memory and storage, both laptops offer a range of configurations. The Surface Go Laptop can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, while the MacBook Air can be equipped with up to 24GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for ultraportable laptops. The Surface Go Laptop has a slightly larger battery than the MacBook Air, but the MacBook Air’s more efficient M2 chip gives it an edge in terms of battery life.
On average, the Surface Go Laptop can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, while the MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours. However, actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and screen brightness settings.
Operating System
The Surface Go Laptop runs Windows 11, while the MacBook Air runs macOS Monterey. Both operating systems offer a user-friendly experience, but they have different features and ecosystems.
Windows 11 is known for its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of software and peripherals. macOS Monterey, on the other hand, is known for its sleek design, intuitive interface, and seamless integration with Apple’s other devices.
Price
The Microsoft Surface Go Laptop starts at $599, while the MacBook Air starts at $999. The price difference is primarily due to the more powerful M2 chip in the MacBook Air.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
Choosing between the Microsoft Surface Go Laptop and the MacBook Air ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize portability, battery life, and a lower price point, the Surface Go Laptop is an excellent choice. It offers a compact design, a decent display, and solid performance for everyday tasks.
However, if you require a more powerful laptop with a larger and more immersive display, the MacBook Air is the better option. It provides exceptional performance, a stunning Retina display, and longer battery life.
Battle of the Ultraportables: Microsoft Surface Go Laptop vs MacBook Air
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The MacBook Air has a larger and more vibrant Retina display with higher resolution and color accuracy.
Q: Which laptop is more powerful?
A: The MacBook Air is more powerful thanks to its Apple M2 chip, which provides better performance in graphics-intensive tasks.
Q: Which laptop has longer battery life?
A: The MacBook Air has slightly longer battery life due to its more efficient M2 chip.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Surface Go Laptop is more affordable, starting at $599 compared to $999 for the MacBook Air.
Q: Which laptop is better for students?
A: Both laptops are suitable for students, but the Surface Go Laptop is a more budget-friendly option with a longer battery life.
Q: Which laptop is better for professionals?
A: The MacBook Air is a better choice for professionals who require a more powerful laptop with a larger display and longer battery life.
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: Neither laptop is ideal for gaming, but the MacBook Air with its M2 chip provides slightly better graphics performance.
Q: Which laptop is better for video editing?
A: The MacBook Air with its M2 chip is better suited for video editing due to its superior graphics performance.