Surface laptop go vs go 2: which microsoft device reigns supreme?

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go series has been a popular choice for budget-minded consumers seeking a premium laptop experience. With the release of the Surface Laptop Go 2, it’s essential to compare these devices to determine which one offers the best value for your money. This comprehensive blog post will delve into the key differences between the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop Go 2, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality: Evolution in Aesthetics and Durability

Surface Laptop Go: The original Surface Laptop Go boasts a sleek and lightweight design, weighing just 2.45 pounds. Its compact size and magnesium alloy chassis make it highly portable. However, its durability may be a concern, as some users have reported issues with screen flickering and keyboard reliability.

Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 retains the compact and lightweight design of its predecessor but introduces a more durable construction. It features a reinforced magnesium alloy chassis, making it more resistant to bumps and scratches. Additionally, the improved hinge design provides a more stable and secure feel when opening and closing the laptop.

Display: Enhanced Clarity and Vibrant Colors

Surface Laptop Go: The Surface Laptop Go comes with a 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024. While it offers acceptable clarity for everyday tasks, its low color gamut and contrast ratio may disappoint users who prioritize visual fidelity.

Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 upgrades to a 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a higher resolution of 1920 x 1280. This results in sharper text and images, while the improved color accuracy and contrast ratio provide a more immersive viewing experience.

Performance: A Slight Boost for Multitasking and Light Productivity

Surface Laptop Go: The Surface Laptop Go is powered by an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. This configuration provides adequate performance for basic tasks such as browsing the web, emailing, and light office work. However, it may struggle with multitasking or demanding applications.

Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a slight performance boost with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. The upgraded processor and increased RAM allow for smoother multitasking and better handling of more demanding tasks.

Storage and Connectivity: Balancing Capacity and Versatility

Surface Laptop Go: The Surface Laptop Go offers limited storage options, with only 64GB of eMMC storage. This may be insufficient for storing large files or installing multiple applications. It also has a limited selection of ports, including one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and a Surface Connect port.

Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 provides more storage capacity with 128GB of SSD storage. SSD storage is significantly faster than eMMC storage, resulting in faster boot times and application loading. Additionally, it expands the port selection with the inclusion of a Thunderbolt 4 port, providing faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect external displays and devices.

Battery Life: Extending Productivity on the Go

Surface Laptop Go: The Surface Laptop Go offers a respectable battery life of up to 13 hours on a single charge. This is sufficient for a full day‘s work or entertainment on the go. However, some users have reported that the battery life may be shorter under heavy usage.

Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 improves on battery life, offering up to 14 hours on a single charge. This extended battery life provides greater peace of mind and allows you to stay productive for longer periods without worrying about running out of power.

Pricing and Availability: Value for Your Investment

Surface Laptop Go: The Surface Laptop Go starts at $549 for the base configuration with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. This makes it an affordable option for those on a tight budget.

Surface Laptop Go 2: The Surface Laptop Go 2 starts at $629 for the base configuration with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. While it costs slightly more than its predecessor, it offers better performance, storage capacity, and connectivity options.

Which Surface Laptop Go is Right for You?

Choosing between the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop Go 2 depends on your specific needs and budget.

Surface Laptop Go: If you’re looking for a highly portable and affordable laptop for basic tasks and occasional multitasking, the Surface Laptop Go is a solid choice.

Surface Laptop Go 2: If you prioritize performance, storage capacity, connectivity options, and enhanced durability, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is the superior choice.

Key Points: Making the Informed Choice

Both the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Laptop Go 2 offer unique advantages depending on your requirements. By carefully considering the differences in design, performance, storage, connectivity, battery life, and pricing, you can make an informed decision and choose the laptop that best suits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Surface Laptop Go has a better display?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 has a higher resolution display with improved color accuracy and contrast ratio.

2. Does the Surface Laptop Go 2 have a Thunderbolt port?
Yes, the Surface Laptop Go 2 includes a Thunderbolt 4 port for faster data transfer speeds and external display connectivity.

3. Which Surface Laptop Go offers more storage capacity?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 provides 128GB of SSD storage, while the Surface Laptop Go has only 64GB of eMMC storage.

4. Is the Surface Laptop Go 2 more durable than its predecessor?
Yes, the Surface Laptop Go 2 features a reinforced magnesium alloy chassis for improved durability and resistance to bumps and scratches.

5. Which Surface Laptop Go has a longer battery life?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 offers up to 14 hours of battery life, while the Surface Laptop Go has up to 13 hours of battery life.