Microsoft’s Surface Go series has evolved significantly since its debut, catering to users seeking a compact and versatile 2-in-1 device. The original Surface Go, launched in August 2018, featured a 10-inch display and Intel Pentium Gold processor, offering portability for basic tasks. The Surface Go 2, released in May 2020, expanded the display to 10.5 inches and introduced improved performance with options up to an Intel Core m3 processor. In October 2021, the Surface Go 3 maintained the 10.5-inch display but upgraded to Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y or Core i3-10100Y processors, enhancing performance for everyday tasks.
The latest iteration, the Surface Go 4, launched on October 3, 2023, marks a notable shift as it is targeted exclusively at business and enterprise users. This model introduces several key enhancements:
Specifications of Surface Go 4:
- Processor: Intel Processor N200 with four cores and a maximum boost up to 3.7GHz.
- Memory: 8GB LPDDR5 RAM.
- Storage Options: 64GB UFS, 128GB SSD, or 256GB SSD.
- Display: 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 1920×1280 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio.
- Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics.
- Battery Life: Up to 12.5 hours of typical usage.
Ports:
- 1 x USB-C 3.1
- 1 x Surface Connect
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- MicroSD card reader
Cameras:
- Front: 1080p Full HD with Windows Hello face authentication
- Rear: 8MP 1080p Full HD
Audio: 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium and dual far-field Studio Mics with Voice Clarity.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Pro.
Notable Improvements:
- Enhanced Performance: The transition to the Intel N200 processor and standardization to 8GB RAM addresses previous performance limitations, offering smoother multitasking and responsiveness.
- Repairability: Designed with business needs in mind, the Surface Go 4 features improved repairability. Components such as the battery, kickstand, motherboard, and display are more accessible for replacements, extending the device’s lifespan and reducing downtime.
- Security Features: Incorporates enterprise-grade security with a hardware TPM 2.0 chip, BitLocker support, and Windows Hello face sign-in, aligning with business security requirements.
Market Reception
The Surface Go 4’s exclusive focus on business users has garnered mixed reactions. While enterprises appreciate the enhanced performance, repairability, and security features tailored to their needs, the lack of a consumer variant has left some potential individual buyers disappointed. Critics have noted that, despite internal improvements, the device’s design remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, and performance, while improved, may still lag behind more powerful alternatives.
In summary, the Surface Go 4 represents a strategic pivot by Microsoft to cater specifically to business users, offering meaningful internal upgrades and features that align with enterprise requirements. However, the absence of a consumer model and modest design evolution have influenced its market reception.