What to know
- The Surface Laptop Go is powered by an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, while the Go 2 offers a choice between an Intel Core i5-1135G7 or an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor.
- If you need a more powerful laptop with a higher-resolution display and more storage, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a better choice.
- The Surface Laptop Go 2 has a faster processor, a higher-resolution display, and a longer battery life than the Surface Laptop Go.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 are two of the most popular lightweight laptops in the market. Both devices offer a sleek and portable design, making them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a reliable and versatile computing companion. However, there are several key differences between the two models that you should consider before making a purchase decision. In this comprehensive blog post, we will compare the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go vs Go 2, highlighting their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed choice.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 are both well-designed laptops with a premium feel. They feature a lightweight and durable magnesium chassis that is available in various colors. The Go 2 is slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at just 2.45 pounds. Both models have a 12.4-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides ample screen space for multitasking and entertainment. The Go 2’s display has a slightly higher resolution (1536 x 1024) than the Go’s (1536 x 1024), resulting in sharper text and images.
Performance
The Surface Laptop Go is powered by an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, while the Go 2 offers a choice between an Intel Core i5-1135G7 or an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor. The Go 2’s processors are significantly faster than the Go’s, providing a noticeable performance boost for demanding tasks such as video editing and software development. Both models come with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, but the Go 2 can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration when choosing a laptop, and both the Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 offer impressive endurance. The Go can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, while the Go 2 can last up to 14 hours. This means that you can easily get through a full day of work or school without having to worry about running out of power.
Connectivity
The Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 have a similar set of connectivity options. Both models feature a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port. The Go 2 also includes a microSD card slot, which can be useful for expanding storage.
Software
The Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 come pre-installed with Windows 11 Home. Both models are also eligible for free upgrades to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 offers a number of new features and improvements, including a redesigned interface, new multitasking features, and enhanced security.
Price
The Surface Laptop Go starts at $549.99, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 starts at $629.99. The price of each model will vary depending on the configuration you choose.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 are both excellent laptops, but the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a lightweight and affordable laptop with solid performance and battery life, the Surface Laptop Go is a great option. If you need a more powerful laptop with a higher-resolution display and more storage, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a better choice.
Alternatives
If you’re still not sure which laptop is right for you, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is a popular ultraportable laptop that offers a sleek design, a high-quality display, and excellent battery life.
- Dell XPS 13: The Dell XPS 13 is another lightweight and powerful laptop with a premium design and a beautiful display.
- Lenovo Yoga 9i: The Lenovo Yoga 9i is a 2-in-1 laptop that offers a versatile design, a high-quality display, and powerful performance.
What You Need to Know
1. What are the key differences between the Surface Laptop Go and Go 2?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 has a faster processor, a higher-resolution display, and a longer battery life than the Surface Laptop Go.
2. Which laptop is better for students?
Both the Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 are good options for students. However, the Surface Laptop Go is more affordable, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 offers better performance.
3. Which laptop is better for professionals?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a better choice for professionals who need a more powerful laptop with a longer battery life.
4. Can I upgrade the RAM and SSD in the Surface Laptop Go and Go 2?
No, the RAM and SSD in the Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 are not user-upgradeable.
5. Which laptop has a better keyboard?
The Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 both have comfortable keyboards with well-spaced keys. However, some users may prefer the slightly larger keys on the Surface Laptop Go 2.