Highlights
- The Surface Laptop 2 provides a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a 3.
- The Surface Go has a more limited set of connectivity options, including a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.
- The Surface Go also comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, offering the same familiar and versatile operating system as the Surface Laptop 2.
In the realm of premium 2-in-1 laptops, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Go stand out as formidable contenders. Both devices boast exceptional design, functionality, and portability, making them ideal for students, professionals, and creative enthusiasts alike. However, each device caters to specific needs and preferences, so choosing the right one can be a challenging task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Go, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your individual requirements.
Design and Build
Surface Laptop 2: The Surface Laptop 2 exudes elegance and sophistication with its sleek aluminum unibody design. It comes in a range of vibrant colors, including Cobalt Blue, Burgundy, and Matte Black, adding a touch of style to your workspace. Its 13.5-inch PixelSense display boasts a 3:2 aspect ratio, providing ample vertical space for productivity tasks.
Surface Go: The Surface Go prioritizes portability and versatility. Its compact 10-inch PixelSense display makes it highly mobile, while its magnesium alloy body ensures durability without adding excessive weight. The Surface Go is available in Platinum and Black color options, offering a more understated aesthetic.
Performance and Hardware
Surface Laptop 2: The Surface Laptop 2 offers a range of 8th-generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, providing ample power for demanding applications and multitasking. It comes with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of solid-state storage, ensuring smooth performance and ample storage space.
Surface Go: The Surface Go is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold processor or an 8th-generation Intel Core m3 processor, offering sufficient performance for basic computing tasks, web browsing, and light productivity. It comes with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of solid-state storage, providing adequate capacity for everyday use.
Display and Touchscreen
Surface Laptop 2: The Surface Laptop 2 features a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. The display offers vibrant colors, sharp details, and a wide viewing angle. Its touchscreen is highly responsive and supports the Surface Pen for precise writing and drawing.
Surface Go: The Surface Go has a 10-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1800 x 1200 pixels. The display provides good color accuracy and brightness, although it may not be as impressive as the Surface Laptop 2’s display. Its touchscreen is also responsive and supports the Surface Pen.
Battery Life
Surface Laptop 2: The Surface Laptop 2 offers excellent battery life, lasting up to 14.5 hours on a single charge. This makes it an ideal companion for long work sessions or extended travel.
Surface Go: The Surface Go has a more modest battery life of up to 9 hours. While it is still sufficient for most everyday tasks, it may require more frequent charging for extended use.
Connectivity
Surface Laptop 2: The Surface Laptop 2 provides a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast wireless connectivity.
Surface Go: The Surface Go has a more limited set of connectivity options, including a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity.
Operating System
Surface Laptop 2: The Surface Laptop 2 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, providing a familiar and versatile operating system.
Surface Go: The Surface Go also comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, offering the same familiar and versatile operating system as the Surface Laptop 2.
Price and Availability
Surface Laptop 2: The Surface Laptop 2 starts at $999 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. Higher-end configurations with more powerful processors, more RAM, and larger storage capacities are available at higher prices.
Surface Go: The Surface Go starts at $399 for the base model with an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Higher-end configurations with more powerful processors, more RAM, and larger storage capacities are available at higher prices.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Go ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Surface Laptop 2 if you:
- Prioritize performance and power for demanding applications and multitasking.
- Desire a premium design with a larger display and more storage space.
- Value excellent battery life and a wide range of connectivity options.
Choose the Surface Go if you:
- Prioritize portability and versatility for on-the-go use.
- Seek a budget-friendly option with sufficient performance for basic tasks.
- Prefer a compact and lightweight device with a smaller display.
FAQ
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Surface Laptop 2 has a larger and higher-resolution display with more vibrant colors and a wider viewing angle compared to the Surface Go.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The Surface Laptop 2 offers more powerful processors, more RAM, and larger storage capacities compared to the Surface Go.
Q: Which device has better battery life?
A: The Surface Laptop 2 has longer battery life than the Surface Go, lasting up to 14.5 hours on a single charge compared to 9 hours.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The Surface Go is more portable than the Surface Laptop 2 due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface Go is more affordable than the Surface Laptop 2, starting at $399 compared to $999.