Microsoft has officially announced the Surface Laptop Go, a new 12.5-inch laptop that’s essentially a smaller and more affordable version of the Surface Laptop 3.
A 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor can be found under the hood, along with 4GB / 8GB of RAM. That should be more than enough power for the likes of web browsing and video streaming, but don’t expect a content creation or gaming grade performance.
The laptop runs on Windows 10 in S Mode, which is a scaled down and app-centric version of Microsoft’s operating system. Users will be able to switch to Windows 10 Pro if you fancy more freedom, but this could potentially see a noticeable slowdown for the performance.
Other features include a fingerprint scanner (but not on the cheapest base model), a claimed battery life of up to 13 hours and a 720p front-facing webcam.
For more details on the Surface Laptop Go, keep reading on and keep this page bookmarked for future updates.
Related: Surface Pro X 2020
Surface Laptop Go release date – When will it launch?
The Surface Laptop Go will be available to buy from 27 October 2020 in the UK.
Pre-orders are open right now via the online Microsoft Store and select third-party retailers such as Amazon and Currys PC World.
Related: Surface Pro X 2020 vs Surface Pro X 2019
Surface Laptop Go price – How much will it cost?
The Surface Laptop Go has a starting price of £549.99, which bags you a model with an i5 Intel Core processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage. You unfortunately don’t get a fingerprint scanner at this price point.
The laptop is also available with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage for £699, and with extra roomy 256GB storage for £899.
Related: Surface Laptop 4
Surface Laptop Go specs – How powerful is it?
The Surface Laptop Go is designed for casual use such as web browsing, video streaming and word processing. With just Intel UHD Graphics on show, professional-grade content creation and gaming outside of cloud-streaming services are essentially ruled out.
Still, the Surface Laptop Go looks like a fantastic compromise between performance, portability and price on paper. The Windows 10 in S Mode will restrict you to Microsoft-approved apps, but you can always upgrade to Windows 10 Pro at a future date if you fancy more freedom.
The resolution of the 12.45-inch display is sadly just shy of hitting Full HD, but we doubt that will be an issue considering the small size of the screen.
| Surface Laptop Go | |
| Display | 12.45-inch, 1536 x 1024 touchscreen |
| Processor | Intel Core™ i5-1035G1 |
| RAM | 4GB / 8GB |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Storage | 64GB eMMC or 128GB / 256GB SSD |
| Ports | 1 x USB-C
1 x USB-A 3.5 mm headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port |
| Dimensions | 278 x 206 x 15.7 mm |
| Weight | 1.1 kg |
Our biggest concern is the base storage option. With a 64GB eMMC drive, you may find yourself running out of space if you like to store photos and videos on the laptops. This isn’t a major issue for everyone though, as Cloud services such as Google Drive and Microsoft’s OneDrive allow you to store data on external servers instead.
Microsoft’s tiny laptop also features a USB-C (although no Thunderbolt 3 support), USB-A and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Related: Best Laptop 2020
Surface Laptop Go design – How will it look?
The Surface Laptop Go essentially looks like a smaller variation on the Surface Laptop 3, measuring in at just 15.7mm tall and having a dainty weight of 1.1kg.
The new Microsoft laptop will be available in three different colours – Ice Blue, Sandstone, and Platinum – although availability may vary by market.
A large glass trackpad and a full-size keyboard feature, with the latter seeing 1.3mm travel in its keys, which Microsoft claims provides a comfortable typing experience – we’ll judge that for ourselves once review samples become available.
A fingerprint scanner will be baked into the power button, but unfortunately not for the base model – you’ll have to pay a little more than the $549 base price to get that high-tech security.
Stick with Trusted Reviews for our upcoming review, as we determine whether this diddy laptop is as good as it looks.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
