What To Know
- Both the Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 boast a sleek and compact design, making them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone on the move.
- While the Surface Laptop Go is a solid choice for budget-conscious users, the Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a more compelling package.
- While the Go might still appeal to budget-minded buyers, the Go 2 sets a new standard for portability and productivity in the budget laptop segment.
Choosing the right laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with similar models that offer subtle differences. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 are two such models, both designed for portability and productivity. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive guide will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of both laptops, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Portability
Both the Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 boast a sleek and compact design, making them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone on the move. The Go 2, however, introduces a slightly refined aesthetic with a new color option: Sage. Both models feature a 12.4-inch PixelSense display, offering vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
Surface Laptop Go:
- Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.45 pounds
Surface Laptop Go 2:
- Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.48 pounds
While the dimensions are nearly identical, the Go 2 is slightly heavier. However, the weight difference is negligible and shouldn’t be a major deciding factor.
Performance and Battery Life
The Go 2 offers a significant performance upgrade over its predecessor. It features the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processors, delivering faster processing speeds and improved multitasking capabilities. The Go 2 also boasts a longer battery life, allowing you to work or play for extended periods without worrying about running out of juice.
Surface Laptop Go:
- Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5
- RAM: 4GB or 8GB
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
Surface Laptop Go 2:
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7
- RAM: 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Battery Life: Up to 13.5 hours
Keyboard and Trackpad
Both laptops feature comfortable and responsive keyboards, perfect for typing long documents or emails. The trackpads are also smooth and accurate, providing a seamless user experience. The Go 2, however, introduces a larger trackpad, offering more space for gestures and navigation.
Ports and Connectivity
Both the Go and Go 2 offer a decent selection of ports for connecting peripherals and external devices. They both include a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port for charging. The Go 2, however, adds an additional USB-C port, providing greater flexibility for connecting multiple devices.
Display and Audio
Both laptops feature a 12.4-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024. The displays are bright and vibrant, offering a great viewing experience for movies, videos, and browsing the web. The Go 2, however, features a slightly higher contrast ratio, resulting in deeper blacks and more vivid colors.
Both laptops also include Dolby Audio speakers, delivering clear and balanced sound for multimedia consumption. The Go 2, however, boasts slightly louder speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience.
Price and Value
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is more expensive than the Surface Laptop Go, but the price difference is justified by the performance upgrades and additional features.
Surface Laptop Go:
- Starting price: $549
Surface Laptop Go 2:
- Starting price: $629
Choosing the Right Laptop
Choosing between the Surface Laptop Go and Go 2 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop with solid performance and portability, the Surface Laptop Go is a great option. However, if you prioritize performance, battery life, and a more refined experience, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is the clear winner.
The Verdict: Surface Laptop Go 2 Takes the Crown
While the Surface Laptop Go is a solid choice for budget-conscious users, the Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a more compelling package. Its enhanced performance, longer battery life, and refined design make it a more desirable option for those seeking a versatile and powerful laptop.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just an Upgrade
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is not just an incremental upgrade but a genuine leap forward. It addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor and delivers a more refined and capable device. While the Go might still appeal to budget-minded buyers, the Go 2 sets a new standard for portability and productivity in the budget laptop segment.
Popular Questions
Q: Is the Surface Laptop Go 2 worth the price increase over the Go?
A: If you prioritize performance, battery life, and a refined user experience, the Go 2 is definitely worth the price increase. However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need the latest features, the Go remains a solid option.
Q: Which laptop is better for students?
A: Both laptops are suitable for students, but the Go 2 offers a more powerful processor and longer battery life, making it ideal for demanding tasks like multitasking and video editing.
Q: Is the Surface Laptop Go 2 good for gaming?
A: While both laptops can handle casual gaming, they are not designed for high-performance gaming. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop, consider other models with dedicated graphics cards.
Q: What is the difference in the display between the Go and Go 2?
A: Both laptops feature a 12.4-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024. However, the Go 2 offers a slightly higher contrast ratio, resulting in deeper blacks and more vivid colors.
Q: Which laptop is better for everyday use?
A: Both laptops are excellent for everyday use, but the Go 2 offers a more refined experience with its enhanced performance, longer battery life, and larger trackpad.
