Released in 2018, the Microsoft Surface Go (1st Gen) was an ambitious attempt to bring the Surface experience to a more affordable and portable form factor. As the smallest and lightest device in the Surface lineup at the time, it was designed to cater to students, travelers, and professionals looking for a secondary device. While not a powerhouse, the Surface Go played an essential role in Microsoft’s broader hardware strategy, blending versatility, premium design, and Windows capabilities into a compact tablet.
The Role of Surface Go in Microsoft’s Ecosystem
Prior to the Surface Go, Microsoft had already established itself in the premium laptop and 2-in-1 market with the Surface Pro series. However, these devices were often expensive, making them less accessible to budget-conscious users. The Surface Go aimed to fill this gap by offering a more affordable entry point into the Surface ecosystem (Surface 2, and Surface 3) without compromising build quality and essential functionality.
In the broader market, the Surface Go directly competed with devices like the iPad, Chromebooks, and budget Windows laptops. Unlike most tablets, which primarily ran on mobile operating systems, the Surface Go provided a full Windows 10 experience, positioning itself as a more capable productivity tool than its mobile-first competitors.
Specifications and Configurations
The Surface Go (2018) was powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, a dual-core chip with hyperthreading, making it more energy-efficient but not particularly powerful. It came in two configurations:
- 4GB RAM with 64GB eMMC storage
- 8GB RAM with 128GB SSD storage
Other key specifications include:
- Display: 10-inch PixelSense Display (1800×1200 resolution, 3:2 aspect ratio)
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615
- Ports: USB-C 3.1, Surface Connect, microSD card reader, headphone jack
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, optional LTE Advanced model
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours (varies based on usage)
- Operating System: Launched with Windows 10 in S Mode, but users could upgrade to full Windows 10 Home or Pro
Key Features and Design
One of the standout features of the Surface Go was its 2-in-1 form factor, allowing it to function both as a tablet and a laptop with the optional Surface Go Type Cover. The built-in kickstand provided flexibility, offering up to a 165-degree angle, making it suitable for various use cases, from media consumption to note-taking.
Ports and Connectivity
While compact, the Surface Go included:
- USB-C 3.1, a modern and versatile port for charging and data transfer
- Surface Connect, Microsoft’s proprietary charging and docking solution
- microSDXC slot, allowing for expandable storage
- 3.5mm headphone jack, which was becoming a rarity even in 2018
Additionally, Microsoft offered an LTE Advanced model for those needing constant internet access on the go, making it a compelling option for professionals and students alike.
Operating System and Software Support
At launch, the Surface Go ran Windows 10 in S Mode, a more secure and streamlined version of Windows that only allowed apps from the Microsoft Store. However, users could switch to full Windows 10 for free, unlocking the ability to install traditional desktop applications. Over time, the device received updates to Windows 11, although its hardware limitations meant that performance was not always optimal.
Market Reception and User Opinions
The Surface Go received mixed to positive reviews upon release. Here’s what people said:
Positives:
- Premium Build Quality: The magnesium chassis and overall design were praised for maintaining the premium feel of higher-end Surface devices.
- Excellent Display: The 10-inch PixelSense display was noted for its sharpness, color accuracy, and aspect ratio, making it great for reading and productivity.
- Portability: At just 1.15 lbs (522g), the Surface Go was easy to carry, making it an excellent travel companion.
- Windows Experience: Unlike an iPad or Chromebook, it provided a full-fledged Windows experience, allowing users to install software like Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and other productivity tools.
Negatives:
- Performance Limitations: The Pentium Gold 4415Y was underwhelming for anything beyond basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.
- Battery Life: While Microsoft advertised up to 9 hours of battery life, real-world usage often resulted in 5-6 hours, which was below expectations.
- Expensive Accessories: While the Surface Go itself had a competitive starting price, the Type Cover and Surface Pen were sold separately, making the full experience more costly.
Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction
The Microsoft Surface Go (2018) was an important device for Microsoft, marking the company’s serious attempt to capture the affordable tablet-laptop hybrid market. While it wasn’t the most powerful device, its premium design, Windows experience, and portability made it a compelling choice for casual users, students, and professionals needing a secondary device.
Although newer Surface Go models have since improved upon its weaknesses, the first-generation Surface Go remains an essential part of Microsoft’s evolution in creating accessible, versatile computing devices.