Quick summary
- However, the Surface Laptop Go has a more traditional clamshell design, while the MacBook Air features a wedge-shaped profile that is thinner towards the front.
- The MacBook Air is a more expensive device, but it also offers a more powerful processor, a higher-resolution display, and longer battery life.
- The MacBook Air has a longer battery life than the Surface Laptop Go, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge.
In the realm of ultraportable laptops, two devices stand out as contenders for the crown: the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go and the Apple MacBook Air. Both offer sleek designs, powerful processors, and impressive battery life. But which one is the right choice for you?
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Laptop Go and MacBook Air share a similar minimalist aesthetic, with sleek aluminum bodies and compact dimensions. However, the Surface Laptop Go has a more traditional clamshell design, while the MacBook Air features a wedge-shaped profile that is thinner towards the front.
In terms of build quality, both devices are incredibly well-made. The Surface Laptop Go’s aluminum chassis feels sturdy and durable, while the MacBook Air‘s unibody construction is renowned for its strength and precision.
Display
The Surface Laptop Go features a 12.4-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024. The MacBook Air offers a slightly larger 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600.
Both displays are bright and vibrant, but the MacBook Air’s higher resolution provides a sharper and more detailed image. Additionally, the MacBook Air’s display supports True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color temperature based on ambient lighting.
Performance
The Surface Laptop Go is powered by an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, while the MacBook Air comes with an Apple M1 chip. The M1 chip is based on ARM architecture and offers significantly faster performance than traditional Intel processors.
In real-world usage, the MacBook Air outperforms the Surface Laptop Go in most tasks, including web browsing, video editing, and photo manipulation. However, the Surface Laptop Go is still a capable device for basic tasks and light multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for ultraportable laptops. The Surface Laptop Go promises up to 13 hours of battery life, while the MacBook Air boasts up to 18 hours.
In our tests, the MacBook Air consistently delivered longer battery life than the Surface Laptop Go. However, both devices can easily last through a full day of use on a single charge.
Connectivity and Ports
The Surface Laptop Go and MacBook Air offer a limited selection of ports. The Surface Laptop Go has one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and a Surface Connect port. The MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack.
Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, but only the MacBook Air supports Wi-Fi 6E.
Price
The Surface Laptop Go starts at $549, while the MacBook Air starts at $999. The MacBook Air is a more expensive device, but it also offers a more powerful processor, a higher-resolution display, and longer battery life.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
The Surface Laptop Go is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly ultraportable laptop. It offers solid performance, a decent display, and good battery life.
The MacBook Air is a better choice for those who demand the best performance and battery life. It is more expensive than the Surface Laptop Go, but it also offers a superior display, faster performance, and longer battery life.
Takeaways: The Ultimate Choice
Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you need a budget-friendly device for basic tasks and light multitasking, the Surface Laptop Go is a great option. If you demand the best performance and battery life, the MacBook Air is the clear choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The MacBook Air has a longer battery life than the Surface Laptop Go, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge.
Q: Which laptop has a higher-resolution display?
A: The MacBook Air has a higher-resolution display than the Surface Laptop Go, with a resolution of 2560 x 1600.
Q: Which laptop is more expensive?
A: The MacBook Air is more expensive than the Surface Laptop Go, starting at $999 compared to $549.