Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts a more powerful Intel 11th Generation processor, an enhanced webcam, and Windows 11.
Microsoft is updating its budget laptop aimed to compete with Chromebooks two years after its first debut with updated technology and a higher starting price of $600.
Although the beginning price is around $50 more than the previous model, the hardware upgrade justifies the price rise. The base variant of the Surface Laptop Go 2 now includes a newer Intel 11th Gen Core i5-1135G7 processor and 128GB of storage, as opposed to 64GB in the previous generation. However, the base model still comes with 4GB of RAM, which is insufficient given that 8GB of system memory is now recommended.
If you are ready to spend more, the price goes to $700 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, or to $800 for 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
Surface Laptop Go 2 specifications
| SURFACE LAPTOP GO 2 | |
|---|---|
| Display | Screen: 12.4-inch PixelSense Display Resolution: 1536 x 1024 (148 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 Touch: 10 point multi-touch Maximum brightness: 330 nits |
| Processor | Quad-Core 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4x 8GB LPDDR4x |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Storage | 128GB 256GB |
| Ports | 1x USB-A 1x USB-C 3.5mm audio jack Surface Connect port |
| Audio | Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio Premium Dual far-field Studio Mics |
| Networking | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Camera | 720p HD f2.0 camera |
| Security | Firmware TPM Enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello sign-in One-Touch sign in with Fingerprint Power Button (excluding i5/4/128) |
| Battery | Up to 13.5 hours of typical device usage |
| Power | 39W Power Supply |
| Dimessions | 10.95” x 8.12” x 0.62” (278.2mm x 206.2mm x 15.7mm) |
| Weight | 2.48 lbs. (1,127g) |
| Color | Platinum, Ice Blue, Sandstone, Sage |
| OS | Windows 11 Home (consumer) Windows 11 Pro or 10 Pro (business) |
Additionally, the battery life has been increased from 13 to 13.5 hours per charge. The thermals have been enhanced to make the device quieter, and the HD camera has been upgraded, however it has the same 720p quality as the original laptop.
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is available in a variety of hues, including ice blue, sandstone, platinum, and a greenish-gray hue with a tinge of blue called new sage.
Microsoft notes that the Laptop Go 2 is more repairable than its predecessor due to the increased number of replaceable components, including the keyboard, trackpad, display, and battery. This is in addition to the SSD that can be replaced. However, these components should only be replaced by a qualified technician.
The laptop is generally comparable to its predecessor. It has the same USB-A and USB-C connections, headphone jack, Surface port charging, dual-microphone array, Wi-Fi 6 networking, and Windows Hello functionality with an integrated fingerprint sensor in the power button (only available in some models).
All accessible configurations contain the same Intel Core i5 processor, and the pricing difference depends on the memory and storage options chosen.
Due to the fact that this gadget is intended to compete with Chromebooks, Microsoft must reduce shortcuts to maintain a low price. However, the Surface Laptop Go 2 remains an expensive product that does not address all of the issues with its predecessor. There may be comparable laptops with superior hardware configurations available for the same price.
The Surface Laptop will be launched on June 7, although it is now available for preorder in certain areas. The laptop is available in three configurations: 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for $600, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for $700, and 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $800.
