Fact CheckedMicrosoft Surface Laptop Go 2 Review
In this ConsumerReviews blog post, we’ll be discussing the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2. This laptop aims to strike a balance between affordability and performance, making it a potential recommendation for those seeking an all-around laptop without breaking the bank.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a lightweight and affordable laptop that was released in June 2022. It has a 12.4-inch touchscreen display, an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. The laptop also features a full-size keyboard with backlit keys, a large precision trackpad, and a USB-C port.
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a good choice for students, business users, and anyone who needs a portable and reliable laptop. Because of these reasons, in our best laptops 2023 review, we awarded the first rank to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2. It is not the most powerful laptop on the market, but it is still capable of handling most everyday tasks. The laptop also has a long battery life, so you can stay productive all day long.
Quick Summary
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Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2
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The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is Affordable, sleek, 12.4″ touchscreen, 11th Gen Intel, versatile for students and everyday use.
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Buy on Amazon |
Product Specification
| Design & Build | Premium all-metal design, Sage color option, 1.1 kg weight |
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| Display | 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen with 3×2 aspect ratio, >720p resolution, 150 PPI, 350 nits brightness |
| Performance | 11th Gen Intel processors, Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, 18-20% performance boost, suitable for light gaming |
| Keyboard & Input | Responsive keyboard with increased key travel, no backlighting except for the power button (also a fingerprint reader), precision touchpad, touchscreen |
| Battery Life | Claimed up to 13.5 hours, real-world usage approximately 6.5-7 hours, fast charging (80% in about an hour) |
| Connectivity & Ports | USB Type-A, USB Type-C with display output, headphone jack, Surface Connect charging port |
| Audio & Speakers | Surprisingly good audio quality for its size and price |
| Pricing & Variants | Starts at £529 (or $599) for 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, mid-range model with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage at £629 (or $699), various configurations available |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics |
| Storage | 128GB PCIe storage (base model), options for more storage available |
| Webcam | Improved webcam quality, best in its price range |
| Screen | PixelSense touchscreen with decent color accuracy (98% sRGB) |
| Size & Weight | Compact and lightweight, easy to carry |
| Competition | Competes with Asus ZenBook 14, VivoBook 15, and similar laptops in its price range |
| Overall Assessment | A well-designed, compact laptop with a balance of performance and affordability, suitable for students and everyday use |
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Design and Build Quality
The Surface Laptop Go 2 maintains the premium design and build quality that Microsoft is known for. It’s an all-metal laptop with a sleek and elegant look. The new color option, Sage, adds a touch of silver with a hint of green under certain lighting conditions. It’s a lightweight device, weighing just 1.1 kilograms, which makes it a great option for students or as a home or office laptop The laptop features a 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a 3×2 aspect ratio. While it doesn’t offer full HD resolution, it’s reasonably sharp with a pixel density of around 150 PPI. The screen is vibrant, and the brightness measures around 350 nits, which is decent for indoor use.
The compact design of the Surface Laptop Go 2 is complemented by its solid build quality. The laptop feels sturdy and well-built, with minimal flex in the chassis. The keyboard deck is firm, and the keys have a satisfying tactile feel. The trackpad is large and responsive, making navigation smooth and effortless. Overall, the design and build quality of the Surface Laptop Go 2 are impressive, especially considering its affordable price point.
Performance
Under the hood, the Surface Laptop Go 2 comes equipped with the 11th gen Intel processors, which offer a notable performance boost over its predecessor. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics provide a substantial improvement, making light gaming and graphics-intensive tasks more feasible. This laptop can handle everyday computing tasks with ease.
The base model of the Surface Laptop Go 2 comes with 4GB of RAM, which may be sufficient for basic web browsing and document editing. However, for smoother multitasking and better performance, it is recommended to consider the mid-range model with 8GB of RAM. Storage options range from 128GB to 256GB, providing ample space for storing files and applications.
In terms of performance, the Surface Laptop Go 2 delivers a responsive and smooth user experience. It boots up quickly and handles tasks efficiently. Whether you’re working on spreadsheets, editing photos, or streaming videos, the laptop performs well without any noticeable lag or slowdown.
Keyboard and Input
Typing on the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a comfortable experience, thanks to the keyboard’s responsive keys. While it offers more key travel than the previous version, it doesn’t have backlighting, except for the power button, which also functions as a fingerprint reader. This can be a minor inconvenience in low-light settings.
The trackpad on the Surface Laptop Go 2 is large and precise. It supports multi-touch gestures, making it easy to navigate through documents and web pages. The trackpad is responsive and offers a satisfying click when pressed.
The inclusion of a fingerprint reader in the power button adds an extra layer of security and convenience. It allows for quick and secure login without the need for a password.
Battery Life
Microsoft claims a battery life of up to 13.5 hours, but real-world usage may not quite reach that mark. In typical use cases, such as web browsing and media streaming, you can expect around 6.5 to 7 hours of battery life. However, the good news is that the laptop charges relatively quickly, reaching 80% charge in about an hour.
The battery life of the Surface Laptop Go 2 is decent for everyday use, but it may require frequent charging if you’re using power-intensive applications or running multiple tasks simultaneously. If you’re planning to use the laptop on the go, it’s advisable to carry the charger or invest in a portable power bank.
Connectivity and Ports
The Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a standard USB Type-A port, a USB Type-C port with display output capability, a headphone jack, and a Surface Connect charging port. While the inclusion of USB Type-C is welcome, it’s important to note that it’s not the fastest port available.
The USB Type-C port allows for data transfer and charging, but it doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3 or USB 4.0 speeds. Nonetheless, it provides flexibility for connecting various peripherals and external displays.
The laptop also includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity. Whether you’re browsing the web, streaming media, or video conferencing, you can expect a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
Audio and Speakers
Surprisingly, the speakers on this laptop are quite impressive for its size and price range. They deliver decent audio quality, making it suitable for media consumption and video conferencing. The speakers are loud and clear, providing a good audio experience even in a moderately noisy environment.
If you’re looking for an immersive audio experience, it’s recommended to use headphones or external speakers. The laptop supports Dolby Atmos, enhancing the audio quality when using compatible headphones or speakers.
Pricing and Variants
The Surface Laptop Go 2 starts at a competitive price of £529 (or $599 in the US) for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. However, it’s recommended to consider the mid-range model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, priced at £629 (or $699), as it offers a better balance of performance and storage capacity.
There is also an option to upgrade to the 256GB storage variant, which provides additional space for storing files and applications. The pricing for the higher storage variant varies depending on the region and availability.
Competition
The Surface Laptop Go 2 faces stiff competition from other laptops in its price range, such as the Asus ZenBook 14 and VivoBook 15. These competitors offer arguably better specifications, including OLED screens, faster graphics, more RAM, and more storage for similar prices.
If you prioritize display quality or require more powerful hardware for demanding tasks, it’s worth considering alternatives in the same price range. However, if you value the overall user experience, build quality, and the Microsoft ecosystem, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is still a compelling option.
Pros and Cons of the Surface Laptop Go 2
Pros
- Premium design and build quality
- Responsive keyboard and trackpad
- Affordable price
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Lack of keyboard backlighting
- Average battery life
- Limited port selection
Conclusion
In summary, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a well-designed, compact laptop with solid performance and a reasonable price tag. It’s an excellent choice for students or anyone looking for an affordable and versatile laptop for everyday tasks. However, it does have some competition from laptops with better specs at a similar price point, so it’s essential to consider your specific needs before making a final decision.
Further Reading
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