18.4.2019

Purchased: Microsoft Surface Go - 8GB RAM / 128GB StorageI had been considering a Microsoft Surface product for some time. The full fat Surface products are expensive. I always figured they are good products, but the price compared to other non-MS offerings put me off. I then bumped into someone using a Surface Pro, we got talking about it. This guy said that the Surface Pro was the best computer he had ever owned. That comment just made me that much more interested in a Surface product.Anyway, I am a single computer business user. I need something that is fast for everyday productivity tasks. Microsoft Office products, including heavy Outlook usage. VPN connectivity, Remote Desktop ability,VOIP, sometimes heavy web browsing. File management, including cloud based, music player, basic to intermediate photo editing. The odd lightweight game (MAME, emulation, etc.).I absolutely don't need cutting edge gaming / graphics performance. For gaming I will use my Xbox One X. I also do not have a need for the more advanced photo or video editing suites. My main focus is on day to day productivity applications, and for that, the Surface Go has more than surpassed my expectations.My line of work is mostly office based. With occasional work away from the office. I also use a 10" Android tablet occasionally - in the office and out on site.Generally, I was looking to replace the Android tablet with something more powerful. Powerful in the sense that it would be something running a fully-fledged OS. I've used an iPad in the past - and it is not good enough for my needs.So, I figured that the Surface Go (in 8GB form), was sufficiently cheap enough to take a gamble on whether this machine would replace my existing set up. Worst case, I would end up with a reasonably powerful tablet computer.The Surface Go has exceeded all of my expectations - and then some.In a matter of days, this machine has replaced my more powerful laptop as my main computing device. In some ways, it betters my more powerful machine. With no loss in productivity.Now, when office based. I like to use a bigger screen. I have a Samsung 28" 4K monitor. When used with my more powerful laptop, 4K can be used via HDMI 1.4 - but only at 30Hz (30 frames per second). Also, because of the size of the laptop, it has to go under the desk on separate shelf / level. Meaning that I can only use the main 4K display. Well, the Surface Go can output a 4K 60Hz signal... 60 frames per second. I'm using a £15 cable that converts from USB-C to 'DisplayPort'... and it works perfectly. Even better, the 'Go' is sufficiently small enough to sit in front of the monitor and behind my Bluetooth keyboard. This allows me to use the 'Go' as another display, and it doesn't impact my view of the 4K screen at all (still on its normal supplied stand), and the keyboard is still in the ideal position for use. Even better still, the USB-C to DisplayPort cable carries audio to the monitor. The monitor has a 3.5mm jack which is then plumbed into my stereo speakers. So that's the music sorted.I use a VOIP application rather than a desk phone. On my old machine I used to have to use it with a headset - because the computer was below the desk. Because the 'Go' is right in front of me. I can set the VOIP app up to use the microphone and speakers in the 'Go' itself. Which means all of my call audio - is all via the Go. Whereas music (and everything else), is relayed to the monitor and out of the much better quality desktop speakers. That said, the VOIP call quality via the Go is excellent. According to people I have spoke to, there is no feedback echo. Apart from sounding like you're calling from the toilet. It is superb.Everything else. Productivity, etc. is excellent. I can have multiple tabs open in Edge with no performance hit. I'm sure the 8GB of RAM helps with that - which is as much as my old machine. I don't have a need for heavy CPU processing. So all of the regular apps I use are more than fast enough. The SSD performance is perfectly quick enough. I've added an extra 128GB of storage to the machine by way of a SanDisk 'A2' performance MicroSDXC card. Copying to and from the car is about 60MB/s. Not blazing. But certainly fast enough for everyday tasks.I also purchased the Surface Mobile Mouse for desktop duties. Works perfectly via Bluetooth. Lastly, I also have a Bluetooth Arteck keyboard to use at the desktop.Also, for mobile usage... the Alcantara 'Type Cover'. This and a slip case to put it into means that it is easy to carry. Also, the Surface Go is incredibly light. The magnesium build helps with that. The kickstand is nothing but awesome as well. Some people moan that the Surface Go is not powerful enough. Of course, if you want to do heavy video or photo editing - this machine is not for you. Purely as a productivity tool, it is MORE than powerful enough. I think it might be the most powerful computer 'per gram' on the market.Some people will say an iPad is better. I don't agree. But that depends on what you need from your device. An iPad is just a restrictive toy in comparison. The orientation of an iPad is all wrong for a serious computer replacement. The camera / speakers are in the wrong orientation. The add-on keyboard doesn't have a track pad... and no mouse support? Also, no fully-fledged operating system... and let's face it, if you're using a computer in a business environment - it has to be Windows. An iPad may be more 'swish' in use, but it offers nothing like the flexibility of a full desktop OS Surface Go.Something else. Reviews suggest that the Go comes in Windows 'S' mode out of the box. Well, my brand-new unit came with Windows 10 Pro out of the box. Microsoft may have recently changed how this machine ships now. In any case, I would have switched the machine out of 'S' mode anyway. So, having 'Pro' enabled in the first instance - was a bonus.In my opinion, this machine (and the Windows 10 OS) is likely highly optimised for each other. I think this machine feels more powerful than the numbers suggest. I'm very familiar with Windows, it's my job to know a lot about how Windows works. There are certain things I've noticed when using the Go compared to Windows 10 on 'another brand' machines. Memory management and application suspend / resume seems to be pretty damn good on the 'Go'. This likely helps with the performance delivered by the machine - with a relatively low spec.Ok, to finish. Out of the box, the 'scaling' of the display is 150%. That makes everything a little too big for the display in my opinion. I tweaked this down to 125% and it is perfect. It also matches the scaling I use on my 4K display. At 125%, the Surface Go display has just the right scale for good productivity without the text being too small.So. The 8GB Surface Go. Certainly not the most powerful machine I have used. But - I've got to say - from a power versus productivity point of view - quite possibly... the best!Highly recommended. Well done Microsoft!

8.4.2019

I mainly use a really high spec tower PC or most things in my office but now and then need a laptop when out and about, or when I feel like sitting somewhere else for a change and a bit of inspiration. I also like to have something to browse the internet on while in cafes or even in bed (plus when in bed its nice to occasionally have something to watch movies on... as a cancer patient I spend a surprising amount of time in bed at home and now and then in hospitals too).Until recently I had a Surface Pro 2 for al that - a present several years ago from my wonderful wife when I thought I needed a cheaper, more powerful, but also more clumsy and less elegant or portable ordinary laptop.I was quickly won over to the joys and benefits of the surface Pro, although it's essential (in my opinion anyhow) to have the keyboard and a really good, well designed case/cover.A couple of weeks ago, for my birthday, my wonderful wife decided I needed an upgrade and so she very kindly and generously bought me a Surface Go, together with the keyboard and an excellent case (she has good taste). Anyhow, the only slight snag was she hadn't realise the VERY SIGNIFICANT TECHNICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE 4GB and 8GB versions, so opted for the 4GB (which for a present was plenty expensive enough and, as I said, very generous).There are a few subtle - but for me very important - differences. It's not just that the internal storage of the 4GB is 64GB whereas for the 8GM version its 128GB. That's significant enough - I'd always get the biggest internal file storage possible as I'm sure to fill it up fast enough and USB sticks/drives are all very well but slow to access and easy to lose or forget to bring. Her reasoning was you get 370GB (or something) of "cloud" via MS's OneDrive, which is true but (a) you're not always online and (b) even when online, with wifi moving large files around is totally impractical and way-too slow... I don't like OneDrive much anyhow (there are many better alternatives) but its handy as a background tool quietly copying files for online backup (provided you trust Microsoft and also provided none of your files/date are especially sensitive or confidential because at some point there will probably be one of those massive security breaches or something, and anyhow - depending on what sort of work you do - it might violate your company's privacy and security policies to let MS "host" copies of your data anywhere in the world they feel like). but asside from the ondrive verses internal storage issue there's another big difference.... not everyone would care or even notice but for me it matters.... the 4GM / 64GB version uses eMMC cards (multi-media cards a bit like what you stick into cameras), whereas the 8GB / 128GB version uses "proper" SSD (solid state drive technology). Firstly SSD is more robust and likely not to fail catastrophically so soon (but still might, so always be up to date with your backups) but secondly access times are much faster so opening, closing and updating files is faster.Also, of course, you get 8GB of working memory instead of just 4GB and that makes a LOT of difference to me, not just for speed (as less needs to be cached to that relatively slow and puny eMMC memory, instead of a smaller amount of caching to the slightly faster more robust SSD card).Anyhow, luckily my wife and I have a very solid relationship because after getting over my surprise and delight that she'd even thought of treating me to such a wonderful new thing - which I never realised I needed but now I have it there's no going back and its absolutely brilliant - BUT she was easy going when I then read-up on it, check the specs and very cautiously asked if I could pay the difference and swap it for the 8GB version which she realily agreed to without thinking me ungrateful or cheeky! Lucky, eh?!There's one more VERY important difference as far as I'm concerned.... for many people (using it professionally rather than recreationally anyhow) this in itself would be a decisive factor and mean they'd HAVE to have the 8GB version.... the higher spec (8GB) one comes with Windows 10 Pro and NOT Windows 10 Home Edition. That means you automatically get Bit Locker which, for those that don't known, is a powerful automatic data encryption tool that runs quietly and almost without performance impact. If you lose your Surface Go or it is stolen then nobody can access your data - all they can do is a full factory reset or similar and anyhow end up with an empty SDD card only containing windows without any of your data or settings or account details or identity or anything. I think that is worth the price difference on its own - as the cost of a windows 10 pro licence is similar and you'd have all the hassel of installing and setting it up and registering it - I'd rather have it pre-installed and "ready to go" (as my time and energy is also worth quite a bit to me too).Well, the choice is yours but I'd recommend the 8GB version without hesitation unless you only want to use it occasionally as a PC for minor things and it's mainly just a sort of windows-tablet for you to browse on.In case you're wondering why I didn't give it 5 stars, only 4..... I think Microsoft is a bit greedy and I don't like the facts that(a) they have a propriety power connector so you have to use THEIR power adapter (you CAN charge it on USB but as that's a much lower ampage/wattage its incredibly slow and won't even charge while the surface is on as it drains the battery faster than it charges it but will make the batter last a lot longer, so it does really need a separate much higher power charge but it COULD have a more universal connector, even though their magnetic one is very cute and nice to use)...(b) all their accessories are over-priced, e.g. their power adapter and the keyboard (even though brilliantly designed and you really do have to have one as they are so nice to use and make the whole experience much better and more efficient and practical). .....so look after you power adapter very carefully and never pull it around by the lead because you'll hate the cost of it's replacement!

26.11.2018

I've never been a fan of iPads or their Android equivalents, seeing them as oversized mobile phones that can't make calls, their only appealing feature being that photos and videos are larger than on a phone screen, but I have always been a fan of small portable personal computers, this Surface is a great marriage between the two concepts, and it benefits from having the hardware chosen by the company who develop the operating system, a benefit Apple users have enjoyed for decades. Being able to carry a Windows computer around and switch it off and on again speedily - a feature which is further aided by the fast Windows Hello facial recognition on the lock screen - is for me the ideal functionality for that 10.1" device that will,of course, also get used for media playback.The worry was that by buying the entry level model I would not be getting the processing power and memory resources required for the tablet to be functional, and this is obviously going to depend upon what you want to use it for, this was not intended to replace my more powerful laptop which I use in part for editing large images, it was for less memory hungry tasks. However, I have found myself swiftly editing very large images using this tablet with Gimp, just not with as many files open. Realistically this machine would have been considered decent spec 5 or 6 years ago, with exception of the storage space, so when it comes to software performance I think the trick is to use lighter applications or older applications, a look at the game store also shows that the requirements of games from a couple of years ago are often met by this tablet whereas the best new games are more demanding. In short, while it is easy to notice the limitations of the specifications, especially with the display on a larger screen, this tablet out-performed my expectations.While having the full version of Windows 10 on a tablet is one of the main advantages of this device, it is also one of the main disadvantages. I have never found Windows (8 or 10) to be particularly intuitive with touch screen, for any given function you have to work out whether you tap, double tap, long tap etc... and it's not much better using a pen, but you get there in the end. Also, out of the box you are given Windows S instead of Windows Home, this is to stop you loading applications that use even more resources than Cortana and the anti-malware service (such as Chrome, potentially) and thinking the tablet is too slow or not lasting long enough on battery, but unless you just want Microsoft Office and media players that is not going to suffice, even for web browsing Edge and Internet Explorer - the two included browsers - have insufficient touch screen support for more complex web sites, I have found Firefox to be a reasonable alternative for this, and am somewhat surprised that Microsoft's browsers are weaker at this.Eventually though, if you want to get the most out of the tablet you need to use a keyboard and maybe a mouse / touchpad / pen, there are good on-screen options for both of these, though they are both too large for my liking and I can't find a way to resize them, and in addition to the official Microsoft add-on devices you can attach Bluetooth devices to the tablet very easily, I have never known Bluetooth pairing to be as quick and completely effortless as it is with the third-party keyboard I use with mine.Wired external devices, including monitors, mice, keyboards and hard drives, can all be connected through the USB C port on the side, it is inexpensive to find a hub on Amazon that will allow you to connect all of your devices at the same time, and again everything works perfectly, you can quickly have your tablet acting as your home computer.Battery life depends on how it is used, compared to tablets and phones when both performing similar tasks, like watching Netflix, the battery life is similar or better on the Surface Go. I charge my phone in the morning and use it a lot during the day, by evening it is beeping at me needing a recharge, the Surface Go can be used much more for basic PC tasks such as email and Word processing and still have a reasonable amount of juice left in it, but play the most demanding games you can find that it is technically able to run and the battery life drops considerably. In the time I've had it I have only once been surprised to find the battery low (after intense use) but have more frequently been surprised that it still has life left in it. Standby time is not so great, because of its "connected standby" using some power while it is "off", I find I'm recharging every day or two with regular use. Other tablets I have had can last for weeks of occasional use without a recharge, and I can’t see the Surface Go managing that, though to be fair I haven’t put it down for long enough to know yet.The sound and the picture are not amazing but are definitely good, the design is good, that large black border around the screen may look too much but occasionally doesn't feel like enough when you are holding and turning the screen around, so on balance it is probably about the right width. Storage is too low, but you can add an SD card, if you're going to add any software or keep any files on this you'll want to invest in one of these, Windows 10 itself will probably require a lot of the standard 64 GB over time. I've added a 256GB U3 Miro SD card to it, the slot is just behind the stand on the back.In summary, you'll probably want to add a keyboard (Microsoft or 3rd-Party Bluetooth) to this and some extra storage, and if you like to use processor or memory intensive applications then this won't be your primary computer, but if you want a tablet that doubles as a portable computer with which you can instantly continue work on your files (potentially synced via OneDrive) or correspondence, or if that is all you want a computer for, this might even be more powerful and more robust than you need.

4.11.2018

Actually, I don't think I've ever been this impressed by a new PC/Laptop/Tablet/Smartphone in the 25+ years since I bought my first one.The pre-launch marketing of the Surface Go caught my attention when I once again got frustrated by the little touchscreen laptop I was using. But I was very reluctant to pay this price for what appeared to be a glorified tablet. After a day or so of comparing options I decided to buy a 'foldable' laptop instead. I've also bought some hybrid touchscreen laptops and detachable keyboard tablets in recent years. All of them mean I have grown to appreciate the portability and immediacy of a small touchscreen device with the power of having a full blown Windows 10 installation (and the ability to use all the software I've learned to master over the years).I thought I was buying bargains when choosing devices with the flexible form factors but opting for less storage / memory / features and only 'adequate' engineering standards, but it turns out I was just wasting money. OK, not entirely wasted, they have gone on to do other things. But his one is a gem and worth every penny.To be clear: "this one" is a Surface Go, 128GB SSD, 8GB RAM, Type cover and Surface pen. It cost me more than the combined total for the three other devices I am comparing it to and I still rate it as excellent value for money!I was worried that compared to a conventional laptop it would be fiddly to use on my lap. Not so. The kickstand makes it more stable than my lightest laptop in fact. And it makes it possible to hold the thing in tablet mode much more securely and more comfortably in different situations. I am still surprised at just how clever and useful this design feature is.The keyboard works very well - good feel to the keys and I can type at full speed. The adjustable backlighting is a great help when using in the evening and in bed. And it has made me realise just how bad the trackpads are on my other devices. They all have special Fn keys to turn off the trackpad and it has become reflexive to use them constantly because as soon as you put your hands on the keyboard (to touch type) the mouse shoots the cursor off to some unwanted part of the screen. With the Surface it is as if the trackpad is not there when typing. But when you do want to use it the responsiveness and accuracy and features (multi-finger functions and gestures etc.) are all so much better than I'm used to. I was plugging in a USB mouse when at my desk with the other machines but no need with this.Similarly the screen. The resolution means the small size is not an issue. And the touchscreen and pen just work and you can rest your palm on the screen and not worry about interfering with the drawing / writing from the pen.Performance was another worry. The tech specs do not promise much, but I have yet to find it lacking. A 250MB PowerPoint presentation stuffed with over 500 annotated images opens and responds without issue but the same file had become almost unusable on my other apparently equally capable devices.All the 'clever' features like magnetic power socket and pen holder and going to sleep when folding the (detachable) type cover and waking up when Windows Hello almost unfailingly recognises my face etc. may not be that new or particularly innovative in broad tech market terms but are another set of things that I think represent real value for money here. They don't make me think they are expensive tweaks but just make me realise my other machines are crude and outdated by comparison for not having them.I have one 'qualifying' comment to make. The printed instructions mention that charging via the USB C socket is suppoorted but may be unpredictable. I have bought one generic USB C charger that works perfectly and another that doesn't work at all. So the instructions are quite right.In conclusion, if you want what is probably the smallest and lightest form factor for a fully featured and performant Windows 10 computer then look no further. You'll get a brilliant tablet and digitial notepad as a bonus too.

12.10.2018

I've been looking for an iPad replacement for a while, as my iPad has become so slow that it is now only usable as a web browser.I've been looking at the Surface Pro line for years, but they've always been too expensive to justify the cost. When I saw the Surface Go released at the same price point as an iPad, I bought one straight away, and I am very impressed with it. I bought the version with 8GB of RAM.It is such a nice change to have a fully featured OS. The freedom to run any Windows software is incredible.Processor:I was concerned that the Intel Gold processor might prove to be too slow for my needs, but it has continued to impress me. I've had it doing intensive photo editing,

21.9.2018

This is a really nice 10 inch Windows based tablet.To start with, it's designed well, taking account of the need for it to be slim, small and lightweight, while allowing users to hold the device without accidentally setting off any apps. Admittedly, tablets tend to look much of a muchness, but that's not to say this one hasn't made an effort with materials and the look.It performs pretty well, so far. This, I suspect, is partly due to the decision to use Windows 10 S, which restricts the things you can do with it (mostly along the lines of what you can and can't install). This might be a huge negative for a lot of users, though I understand you can switch out of it. That said,

26.12.2018

Bought two of these Surface Gos at the end of August to use as travel laptops.. I also bought the red keyboards that go with it, which is excellent. I wanted light weight and small and I am not two worried about Core I processing power, but I do want a good quality machine. I am basically writing emails, letters, surfing the net, watching movies and playing some light weight games on Stream.I have had various Asus or HP atom tablets before running Windows 10 and this Surface GO (4GB 64GB eMMC model) blows them away. My computing needs are kind of low power, but this machine is like 4 times faster than the recent HP 10" atom laptop (also 4GB 128GB eMMC) that I had for traveling and cafe work...

30.10.2018

I really like the concept of the Surface Go but there are a number of issues that need to be addressed by Microsoft. It's great to have a truly portable machine that runs Windows 10 and on which I can touch type. The keyboard works extremely well and the Surface Go can cope with basic tasks, running Office programs, surfing the web and basic photo processing. It does this in an extremely lightweight and portable format that has been carefully thought through.It's because it is so nearly the perfect travel companion for doing serious work that it's defects are all the more disappointing. Other reviewers have already pointed out the problems so I'll simply list them below:-Poor battery life.

15.9.2018

I bought the 8gb RAM version and it's stunning (from John Lewis as they do free 2 year warranty). I use OneNote a lot and it runs much more smoothly on this than my 2017 Macbook Pro. I also run some other (non-Windows S Mode apps) and they run great. I leave 3 windows worth of apps running all the time and just close the cover when not in use (i don't switch off).I haven't used windows for over a decade and i'm blown away by how smooth and usable it's become.Can't recommend enough. I've come to this from a Macbook Pro and a 9.7 iPad pro (with pencil and keyboard). The Surface Go smashes both out of the water for what i need - a machine with access to real apps (iPad productivity apps and the iPad's user interface have become so tedious)

28.9.2018

For starters -You do not get a keyboard. It has to be ordered separately.Your current laptop wireless mouse will not work. You need to order a Bluetooth mouse.I have the 8gb ram version which is dearer but worth it. It really behaves exactly like my larger windows 10 laptop. Excellent. After looking at lightweight laptops I think this is competitively priced.I bought it for travelling and it is excellent apart from the fact that the charger is not via USB but a large heavy charger. Very disappointing.Also it comes with windows s which means you cannot install software other than from Microsoft store. Who on earth is going to pay all this money when you could buy a far cheaper android.

2.3.2020

I decided to upgrade my Surface 2 RT which I'd used for 7 years for work. I'm really pleased with the Surface Go. I had been really reluctant about the smaller screen size till I realised it was only a slight difference - most of the size difference was reducing the bezel. I can still just about use split screen (two apps side by side) for certain tasks. The touchscreen is really responsive and I enjoy using the stylus pen with it. I also bought the type cover - yes the keys are smaller and close together but as a touch typist I have adjusted to this. I don't think the battery life is quite as good but I do now use it for longer periods to study (notetaking during lectures and reading ebooks).

25.10.2019

As my ancient HP laptop was dying I wanted a suitable replacement in a more useable form. I needed windows because I needed to run Microsoft Money and other windows apps. Firstly it is beautifully built and feels great in your hand. The screen is excellent and allows me to read magazines and books without going crossed eyed. Windows Tablet mode is ok not the most intuitive interface around but is useable. Battery life us ok don't think I'm getting any where near the claimed life. Performance is good ,chrome opens within a few seconds and multi apps doesn't seem to affect it. I ditched windows s for Windows Home despite the warnings about the downsides which haven't had come to pass.

15.5.2019

Always been a fan of the surface line but for my use case price point just too high compared to competitors similar hardware. So then out came the ‘Go’. I wanted a secondary machine to take to meetings and have my information with me while on the go rather than unplugging my main laptop. I had some reservations about the CPU but did not need to worry don’t get me wrong i do t have multiple applications consuming CPU but can easily have word documents, onedrive, onenote and web browser sessions open with no real slow down in performance. The device is compact crisp clean screen, I thought bezels a bit wide but this becomes unnoticeable when in use. The stand out for me is the surface pen support.

4.12.2018

I’ve always used the traditional laptops. The traditional laptops are much heavier, slower, and have shorter battery life.The surface go has changed all that. It is much much lighter, thus making it very portable. The battery life is very good. The touch screen is a brilliant feature, to use without keyboard.The screen is only ten inches, but the display can be enlarged. The magnetic keyboard attaches, and detaches, effortlessly. This pc switches on very quickly. All of my windows software loads much faster. The processing speed is very good.The style and design is very eye catching. Unlike some other tablets, this pc has a micro Sd card slot, for memory expansion.The price of this pc is reasonable.

24.9.2018

This is the mini Me version of the Surface Pro. Cheaper and with lower specs, it is still a very fast portable tablet, which is VERY usable for Windows fans. For review, I didn't get the keyboard cover or pen. Even so, it's an excellent tablet with decent power and spec, and it is definitely the best tablet I've tried. Borrowing my wife's pen, it works really well with a stylus and becomes even more flexible, and borrowing a friend's keyboard cover(thanks, Bill!!), it becomes a very usable mini PC, ready for work. It's light and easily portable., and I thoroughly recommend it! My wife has raved about her Surface Pro for eighteen months now, and finally I can see why. Minor quibble : not enough ports,

Microsoft Surface Go - Reviews

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