There’s no questioning that the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is an incremental change over the previous model. However, it may be a good decision as a gadget focusing on design, portability, and usability. That maintains the price of this luxurious pocket laptop within the range of a student.
To cut to the chase, this laptop is an absolute delight. Those who cannot afford a more expensive MacBook but have long desired one should strongly consider the Surface Laptop Go 2. It’s the closest thing to a low-cost Apple foldable gadget.
It’s pretty light, and most of the laptop is clad in elegant, lightweight aluminum. However, unlike the MacBook, it is available in various vibrant colors. It’s the same as last time, with one excellent Sage addition. This is a gadget you’ll be glad to bring in and out of your backpack every day, knowing you’ve got something that looks beautiful and feels designed to last.
What will you see here?
Price:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 costs £529 ($599/A$1,099) with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. And £629 ($699/A$1,199) with 8GB and 128GB, or £729 ($799/A$1,299) with 8GB and 256GB.
Design
Microsoft has filled almost every possible price and size point in the Surface series. As the name suggests, the original Surface Laptop Go combines the features of the small Surface Go detachable and the classic Surface Laptop. Smaller than the latter, this portability-first laptop is designed for regular productivity users on the road.
The fabulous new sage green hue is the first thing you notice. It’s a pale green that’s nice to the eye. It sticks out from the crowd and adds style to a machine you’ll be seen lugging around. It’s one of four color possibilities, and its design is quite Apple-like since Surface products have long offered Windows alternatives to the MacBook and iPad ideas.
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is the same size and weight as the original, measuring 0.62 by 11 by 8.1 inches and weighing 2.48 pounds. The same quality aluminum is utilized on the lid, evoking the MacBook feel, albeit an economy notebook. The system isn’t all metal—the base comprises aluminum, plastic composite resin, and glass fiber, with 30 percent of the material being post-consumer recycled.
Performance
The Laptop Go 2 comes with an 11th-generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU and 4GB or 8GB of RAM, up to 23% quicker than the prior iteration. Despite competitors having 12th-generation Intel processors.
The Laptop Go 2 is competent enough for a little laptop. It operated noticeably quieter and more fabulous than prior iterations when tested with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It is quick to go between the browser, text editor, and chat apps. But it is slow when making sophisticated adjustments on huge picture files.
Battery life
The massive obstacle to justifying the purchase of this powerful laptop is battery life. Because it is a small and slim gadget, we can understand why this is an issue. But it is still significant. There’s just enough for a full day, although it’s not always pleasant. Microsoft advertises 13.5 hours of battery life. The average is closer to 7 hours. The Surface Laptop Go 2’s tiny size is one of its best characteristics. But for those who need more power—and if the price isn’t too high—look to the 14-inch variant with a greater capacity.
While the size of this laptop may limit battery life, it does not affect sound quality. The speakers, like their predecessor and more costly Surface Laptop 4, are outstanding. However, there are no speaker grills, so the music resounds from beneath the keyboard. For such a little gadget, this laptop has a surprisingly big soundstage. The powerful bass and detailed lows contradict the Laptop Go 2’s small size. It struggles with highs, particularly at higher levels, and some tinniness creeps in. But it’s far from bothersome.
None, however, equal the appearance and feel of the Surface Laptop Go 2, comparable to several computers costing more than the highest priced model ($729). So, while Microsoft’s newest laptop may not be the best value in terms of speed and convenience, the complete package will not disappoint if you’re looking for a cheaper MacBook competitor.
Fingerprints, Cameras, and Connections
The power button incorporates a fingerprint sensor, allowing for quick Windows Hello sign-ins. Because the webcam lacks IR facial recognition. Fingerprints are the only method to utilize Windows Hello, but at this price, that’s fine. Microsoft enhanced the sensor for today’s video-call culture and added dual-field microphones to improve the conferencing experience. Unfortunately, the camera has not been upgraded to 1080p; it is still a 720p device.
The video quality of the camera is good. Although its low resolution is noticeable, it does not perform well in low light. To be fair, many far more costly laptops still have 720p cameras, but a clearer webcam would have been good.
One USB 3.2 Type-A port, one USB Type-C port, and a headphone jack for communication. The Surface Connector on the laptop’s right side is used to charge it. This model also has the same loadout as the previous one. The presence of an HDMI connector for connecting an external display is a disappointment.
Is the Surface Go 2 a good buy?
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a good school laptop with a compact, lightweight design and a battery that lasts more than 8 hours for light office work. The screen’s tall, 3:2 aspect ratio gets bright enough to use in brightly lit environments. And the camera and microphone are excellent.
Is the Surface Laptop 2 still good?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 2, released at the end of 2018, is one of the finest ultrabooks for business. It has a Core i5-8250u CPU, an Intel UHD Graphics Card, and Windows Hello for more secure and tailored device access.
Is Surface Laptop 2 waterproof?
The keyboards on the Surface Book and Surface Laptop are easy and great. Microsoft has also introduced a new texture to the experience for individuals who care about the material on which their hands rest. It appears to be the material u which Microsoft claims is waterproof and long-lasting.
Conclusion
The Surface Laptop Go 2 outperforms its predecessor in practically every aspect. It is quicker, more relaxed and quieter, has a better camera, is easier to fix, and, most significantly, is less expensive. It’s still not a “cheap” computer, but it’s more reasonably priced for what it delivers.
