Surface Laptop Go: Microsoft delivers a decent budget PC

Microsoft promised an affordable Surface, and the Surface Laptop Go delivers. Even compromises like its sub-1080p screen surprisingly work.

- MARK HACHMAN

The Surface Laptop Go is Microsoft’s second try at an affordable Surface, and it hits the mark better than the original Surface Go tablet did (go.pcworld.com/golp). It still offers compromises, with strategic cuts to keep the price competitive with a Chromebook. Still, they’re mostly smart decisions—even a sub-1080p display and Windows 10 in S Mode didn’t turn us off. Although the Surface Laptop Go lacks the easy expansion of some competing laptops, it’s otherwise a solid budget offering.

Still, be picky in what you consider buying. We wouldn’t recommend the Surface Laptop Go’s minimum $549 configuration, but the middle $699 option (which we didn’t test) seems like the best bang for the buck. At $899, the 12.5-inch Surface Laptop Go review unit we tested bobs up to the very top of the “budget” category, though it shows off this new product at its best.

SPECS AND FEATURES

Display: 12.45-inch (1536x1024, 148 ppi, 330 nits rated) multitouch PixelSense display (Microsoft says there is no pen support.)

Processor: Core i5-1035G1

Graphics: UHD Graphics

Memory: 4GB-8GB LPDDR4x (8GB as tested)

Storage: 64GB eMMC, 128GB-256GB SSD (256GB SSD as tested)

Ports: 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A, Surface Connect, 3.5mm audio jack

Camera: 720p f2.0 (user-facing)

Battery: 39.7Wh (design), 41Wh (full charge)

Wireless: WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0

Operating system: Windows 10 Home in S Mode

Dimensions (inches): 10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches

Weight: 2.45 pounds

Chassis: Aluminum, with plastic resin

Colors: Ice Blue, Sandstone, Platinum