Surface Go, a worthy surface 3 successor.

I have been reading about the new Surface Go. Looks to be a great surface 3 replacement. Not quite as much computer as I would like but the 8gb/256gb/LTE flavor is interesting for sure for a compact, well built computing device.

thoughts?

 

I'm basically the target market for this. I'm an attorney where my work doesn't involve CAD or MATLAB or anything resource intensive, but instead Microsoft Office and a web browser. I want something small, light, and unobtrusive that I can have with me for meetings all day. I want something that looks and feels professional and quality. I used a base-spec VAIO Duo 11 for years and it excelled in this role.

The screen you get for the price point is incredible for a full Windows machine instead of an iOS/ChromeOS/Android device, especially when you consider it's the rare-but-useful 3:2 aspect ratio instead of 16:9.

The one thing that gives me pause about this is the form factor when compared to either a clamshell, 360 hinge, or slider; the Surface form factor works well on a desk but decidedly less well on a lap, and sometimes in meetings I'm typing with my laptop literally on my lap instead of on a desk.

 

When I had my surface 3, using it on my lap was not to bad, but I get what your saying. That being said, If you want a small lightweight device that is super comfortable on your lap, my wifes inspiron 11 3000 fits the bill nicely. But the surface is awesome too. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

One huge selling point of the Surface Go versus something like the Inspiron 11 is the aspect ratio. 3:2 instead of 16:9 can be very useful when viewing a Word document on a 10" or 11" device, especially if Word's ribbon is deployed and eating into the vertical space.

On a shallower note, there's something to be said for fancy case materials, at least subjectively if not objectively. The Surface Go is magnesium; the Inspiron 11 is very-practical-but-non-luxurious plastic. Since Sony killed the VAIO Duo 11, I'm not of other examples of 10" or 11" Windows PCs with materials like the Surface lineup's magnesium and alcantera.

 

Oh...I get that. I am, however very surprised at how well built the 11 3000 is considering the cost, plus the upgradability too. You can add 16gb of ram and a full blown SSD to the inspiron too...well the new ones. the ram is soldierd onto the board on my wifes.

 

I really want to see a back-to-back comparison between the base model Surface Go and the Acer Spin 1 (11.6" 1920x1080p touch display, 4 gb RAM, 64 gb eMMC, aluminum case, 360 degree hinge, $329 out-the-door).

 

64 gb. Oops my mistake. I was thinking 32gb. I think either would be “fine”. The surface would be the better built device.

 

What is your opinion about Windows 10 S version would you upgrade it to the Windows 10 pro?

I would use it for office, internet, videos so I wasn't sure if I would need to upgrade to Windows pro.

I am looking at the 8gb, 128 ssd model.

 

Do you use Chrome as a web browser, or are you happy with Edge? That's probably the #1 shortfall of Windows 10 S in my book (and the only potential problem for your stated usage scenario)...no Chrome.

 

Right I do remember reading this about the S version only Microsoft store apps allowed so I will need to upgrade to the pro version.

I am deciding between the Surface pro and the Surface Go quite a big price jump between the 2 but better specs. I live in Canada so it makes the cost even more because our dollar sucks.

 

I suspect for your usage the Surface Go would do just fine. I used a 2012 VAIO Duo 11 for that sort of usage for years, with the base model ULV i3, which a lot of people said would be cripplingly slow, and it was just fine.

 

Thanks I think you are right the Surface Go should be good enough thanks for the response.

 

Please, anyone - what is the Wi-Fi speed of it? Does it have 867Mbps 2x2 adapter or 433Mbps 1x1?

 

I will go with Windows 10 Pro. Pro permits Bitlocker to encrypt the SD card as well as the C drive. S or Home don't do that. The extra security alone is worth the upgrade.

I'll be upgrading my Surface 3, which I have used as my daily driver for the past 3 years. I'm going to wait for LTE, however. 128GB SSD/8GB/LTE.

 

I have to,upgrade my computers to pro for remote access. That’s an awesome feature I cannot take advantage of now.

 

Yes, and it's cheap af (<$5) on eBay. Some sellers are obvious scammers, though.

 

Anyone know if the Pentium Gold is enough to handle some basic photoshop and lightroom? Or even some light web development? I'm not looking for anything professional grade. But maybe being able to do some light editing during a family trip for family photos.

 

It can handle it.

 

Let me make a slight technical correction. Bitlocker works on the SD card from S mode if it is from a Pro license. The point is that you still need W10 Pro.

Can't wait for the LTE versions to hit the streets. Why can't Microsoft just have these ready on launch day?

 

Reviews are rolling in and they're extremely positive. It's not a powerhouse, sure. But for word processing use and that sort of light student/business use, it has software utility and a keyboard setup that trumps an iPad, and fit and finish and screen that trumps other $500 PCs.

 

That's good to hear just too bad you still need to buy the keyboard and the pen which in Canada brings the price up around $900.00. I will most likely get one as I need something to fill in when I don't want to cart my 15 inch notebook around.

 

Just checking to see if anyone pick up the Surface Go and do you like it?

I am still debating as I am not sure about the CPU there are mixed reviews on it so I was looking at the surface pro with the i5 cpu but the price difference is still about $500.00 more expensive by the time you add in the keyboard and the pen. I have already decided that I can get by with the 128 gb ssd as I have one drive.

 

I should have one by the end of August. I might even buy the base model that no reviewer has tested and every reviewer is speculating will be useless. I've used multiple 4gb machines with Win10 and they had limitations but they weren't useless. And eMMC isn't going to be slower than the HDDs that all my machines had until a few years ago; I suspect it will still be significantly faster than those.

 

I picked one up on Launch Day, and have loved it. I immediately upgraded to Pro and took the machine out of S mode after going through the Day One firmware upgrades.

Most of the reviews say that the CPU bogs down under intensive tasks like photo/video editing in Adobe products or "complex web pages." I can't speak to the former as I have a dedicated machine, but the latter doesn't seem to be an issue on Edge. Chrome had some issues with the same pages, so I don't use Chrome on the Go as much. Generally, the CPU does what I need - web browsing, media consumption, and Word/Excel. In most cases I can use RDP to my VM if I need 'more power'. I used Steam streaming for video games, too. If I'm at home, I'm generally using my desktop for most tasks, and the Go streams stuff from Plex or Netflix. I like that I can remove the keyboard/pen for tablet mode.

The only thing that falls outside my expectation is how easily the case scuffs. There are two points on the side where the Surface Pen attaches that are scuffed and worn after a few days of use.

My conclusion is that this is a great second device for on the go productivity.

**Edit - I picked up the 8GB model with the Alcantara Cover and Surface Pen.

 

Thanks for the mini review this helps me as I was really debating about the Surface Pro but it was at least 500.00 more.

I did order the 8 gb, 128 ssd I should get it tomorrow it will be used for Microsoft office, Netflix, surfing so nothing really intensive so it sounds like it's the right choice. I really wished it came with the pen as I only ordered they keyboard with it.

 

Checked it out in person. The screen was great and the performance was definitely better than some OEM devices with eMMC storage.

BUT...

That keyboard is just too small for me to type well. As someone who used a VAIO Duo 11 for years, I wasn't expecting that at all. Try before you buy, folks.

 

I just got mine today you are right about the keyboard very small but it may still work I am going to use it quite a bit for the next couple of weeks as I have 30 days to return the unit to Microsoft if I don't like it.

So far it's a good little machine, the screen is nice, Netflix plays really well, the sound is good and I do like how light it is.

I am still debating on the surface pro 12 " as it's a bit bigger and so it would be a full size keyboard but then I am back to a bigger laptop.

I do find the bezels quite big as well but I am sure it's something that I can get used to. The more I type on this tiny keyboard the better I get not too many mistakes.

The one thing I am not impressed with is the price with the keyboard, taxes it was over $900.00 in Canada that's without the pen and right now they have the i5 256gb 8 gb ram surface pro on sale for 1299.00 so it may be worth buying that one.

 

So I haver been using the Surface Go since yesterday I am getting used to the keyboard but not sure if I can get used to the screen it's a bit on small size but I do love the weight of it. I am testing the battery not sure if it is going to get the 9+ hours that is stated I am sure at this point I will only get about 5 not good.

I am going to check on the surface pro 12" it's only 2 inches bigger than this one and I can get the i5 cpu.

 

I've been using it since yesterday as well.

The screen is definitely tiny... Though, I do just love the form factor in terms of mobility.

The battery life is my only gripe so far. I'm not getting as much as I thought but I'm going to reserve judgement until I've used it for at least a week or two.

 

I was slow at first on the keyboard, but I'm up to about 80% speed from my desktop keyboard. I was used to typing on a touchscreen iPad keyboard, and this is miles better. It's nice and clicky, and not spongey like some other KBs. You'd probably adjust pretty well.

It is tiny, but that's what I was going for. I tried a Pro and a Pixel as secondary machines, but both were too big/heavy to really use as a tablet.

How's your battery life? I'm getting about 6 hours of heavy use. I got a bit more (maybe an hour?) in just tablet mode w/o the KB and Pen.

 

I'm getting about 2 - 3 hours. I'm using Windows Pro, suggested battery mode (one step above battery saver) and exclusively using the MS office apps (outlook, excel, word, project) along with edge and also bluebeam for PDF editing.

Also, as it's a work computer, Maleware Bytes and an anti virus software are running in the background.

I'm not sure if the battery life I'm getting is normal or if something is wrong but so far it's far too low. I really need at least 4 while I'm outside the office running between meetings.

 

It's nice to see other reviews from users it does look like the battery isn't lasting as long as it was stated.

I really do like the device but will be sending it back due to the battery life and also the screen is just a bit too small for me also the cost is over $900.00 with the keyboard and taxes just a bit too much for what I am getting.

The things I love about the Surface Go:

The size is really nice very light and very portable.
The screen is really crisp and sharp no issue with it at all other than the small size although this is why they made the Surface Go is take with you.
The speakers are good loud and clear.
The keyboard is nice and worth getting it's a bit small but didn't take long to get used to it and I would recommend it.

I am going to try the 12.3" Surface Pro as I think the screen size is what I need and it will still be lighter than my XPS 15" to cart around.

 

Hmm.. those are my settings, and I have the brightness set at "brighter"

Ive got Pro, turned off S mode, and just stock AV

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I would have one when they release the LTE model but windows does not have texture, so I would still have to travel with my iPad. So, that’s a deal breaker

 

If you install a SIM card, you can send and receive SMS messages. They'll pop up in the notification tray (**edit if your mobile carrier allows SMS to tablets.)

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I am fully aware of that, I am talking about texture magazine app. An app I use very regularly while travelling.

 

Oh, that. Well that's Apple. They said they were cancelling Texture for Windows 10 shortly after they acquired it - part of their ongoing strategy to cut off anyrhing and anyone outside their ecosystem. I don't see how you can fault the Surface Go for that.

If that app is a deal breaker, you can't look at anything but Apple.

**Edit: I know it's on Android. Why not get an emulator for Windows and run it that way?

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I have emulators on my windows devices, however they are wonky to use. And again, I am fully aware that apple owns texture now. I do not "fault" the surface go, however, not having that app, makes it a no go for me as a replacement for my ipad 128gb. I wish I could, as I would rather the go for everything else. BUT, cannot be without the magazine app for traveling.

 

I'm confused why you'd go off topic when you started the thread about the Surface Go and a successor to the Surface. Suddenly we're talking about your iPad?

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Well, if you could read the entire post....you would see what I was saying. I WANT to goto the surface go, but texture is keeping me from moving to it. End of story...how hard is that to comprehend? It's not a dig at the go, I think it's an awesome device. However, I need texture for travel. Just because you own one and I own and ipad does not make me a hater, sheep or otherwise. Quite the contrary actually. I LOVE MS, I hate that I cannot use this app via the web, or natively on my MS products.

If you think I am an Isheep here to ***** at MS and it's products, guess again. I HATE apple, actually deteste the insanely frusturating MacOS based computers.

 

Whoa.. ease off, buddy. Defensive much?

You started the topic as the Surface Go as a Successor to the Surface 3. Your words in that title. Texture support for Windows ended weeks before your OP. If that's a dealbreaker, why post? There's no discussion about that at all until you brought it up. Confusing, no?

No one's accusing you of being an iSheep or whatever. Chill.

Edit: put it another way, if your OP had been, "Surface Go or iPad - which to choose after Surface 3," your Texture comment would make sense as why it's a deal breaker for the Go. As presented it's out of place, and confusing.

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It is a worthy successor to the surface 3. I just stated the reason I CANNOT buy one after. big deal. Speaking of being defensive!

 

I see nothing wrong with kojack's comments on this thread.

Xerloq, you are talking about "chill" and that you aren't calling Kojack an iSheep, but your defensive remarks seem to indicate otherwise. You said it isn't Microsoft's fault about the magazine app, well I fail to see which post of kojack blamed Microsoft - kojack is right, you are being defensive.

 

Well I sent my Surface Go back after using it for a couple of weeks I really liked it although the battery life was lacking a bit.

I liked the crispness of the screen although a bit to small for me, the audio was excellent, the keyboard was really good considering how small it was but didn't take long to get used to.

The main reason I returned it was by the time I bought the keyboard the 8gb model with taxes it was over $900.00 for me that was a bit too much for what I was getting but I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small computer.

 

Jabbok. What kind of screen on times were you getting?

 

With the release of Amberlake (and maybe could even include the i3 Whiskeylake), I think Microsoft missed a trick. They could have definately made the bezels thinner and the battery life for a device such as this should definately be longer.

Having played around with one in a store and knowing the above, I think the chances of purchasing one is near 0 (especially as the cost addsup with accessories)

 

I don't agree with the bezels, I use this to walk and write notes, without the bezels there would be no room to hold the device. if you use this mostly as a laptop then the bezels could be smaller.


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Not sure what you are asking

 

I think writing while walking on this is a rather rare use case for the majority of us, at least not one I think is worth increasing bezel size over. I like the bezel sizes of the competition such as the newer iPad Pro's etc. Also usually when writing, the screens are smart enough to ignore other inputs, so you shouldn't have to rely on bezels.

Besides that is one of the complaints, the battery life and the cost of add-ons, I feel, completely fail at what this product should excel at.

 

How long is your battery lasting watching movies etc.