The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a laptop that promises to be the ideal companion for students in 2024. It blends a sleek, premium design with decent performance and an affordable price point. As someone who’s always on the move, I was intrigued by this laptop’s compact size and eye-catching appearance. But does it truly have the chops to handle the demands of student life? This surface laptop go 2 review will explore its features and capabilities to see if it lives up to the hype.
Polished Design and Portability
One of the first things that caught my eye about the Surface Laptop Go 2 was its stunning, compact form factor. Measuring just 278 mm x 206 mm and weighing a mere 1.1 kg, this laptop is an absolute dream to carry around campus. It slides effortlessly into my backpack, ensuring I can easily transport it between classes, study sessions, and group projects without feeling weighed down.
The use of premium materials, like the sleek aluminum chassis, adds a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic. The available color options, including the eye-catching Ice Blue, the warm Sandstone, and the classic Platinum, allow me to choose a style that reflects my personal flair. It’s a laptop that not only performs well but also turns heads with its refined, modern look.
Durability Concerns and Upgradeability Limitations
While the Surface Laptop Go 2’s build quality is impressive, there are a few areas of concern. The lack of user-serviceable components, such as the soldered RAM and storage, means that I’m locked into the configuration I choose from the start. This could be a dealbreaker for students who anticipate needing more memory or storage capacity down the line.
Additionally, the limited repairability of the device might be a worry for those of us who are a bit heavy-handed or tend to be accident-prone. While the aluminum construction suggests a decent level of durability, the inability to upgrade or replace certain components could make long-term use a bit more challenging.
Decent Display and Comfortable Typing Experience
Turning our attention to the Surface Laptop Go 2’s display and input devices, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the overall user experience. The 12.4-inch screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio provides a nice balance between productivity and entertainment, making it well-suited for tasks like note-taking, essay writing, and occasional media consumption.
Vibrant and Color-Accurate Display
The display’s resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels may not be the sharpest, but the image quality is still quite decent. With a brightness of 400 cd/m² and an impressive color accuracy (average Delta E 2000 of 1.8), the panel delivers a visually appealing experience that meets the needs of most students. The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles, making it easy to share the screen during group study sessions.
Comfortable Keyboard and Precise Touchpad
The keyboard on the Surface Laptop Go 2 has been a joy to use, with a responsive and satisfying typing feel. The key travel is just right, allowing me to hammer out essays and assignments without feeling fatigued. The ClickPad touchpad, on the other hand, is smooth and precise, making it a reliable companion for navigating the interface and executing various gestures.
The Lack of Keyboard Illumination
One minor drawback I’ve encountered is the absence of keyboard illumination. While this feature may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, it can prove inconvenient for students who regularly work in dimly lit environments, such as late-night study sessions or poorly lit classrooms. The lack of backlighting makes it a bit more challenging to type in low-light conditions.
Adequate Performance for Student Needs
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which provides sufficient performance for the majority of my academic tasks. Whether I’m conducting research, writing papers, or tackling light programming, the laptop handles these everyday activities without any noticeable lag or slowdowns.
Multitasking and Productivity Capabilities
In my day-to-day usage, I’ve found the Surface Laptop Go 2 to be a capable multitasker, allowing me to juggle various productivity apps, web browsers, and document editors with ease. The integrated Iris Xe Graphics G7 chip is also adequate for basic photo editing and media playback, ensuring I can stay productive and entertained.
Limitations in Intensive Tasks and Gaming
However, it’s important to note that the Surface Laptop Go 2 is not designed for more demanding tasks. If you’re a student who requires high-end gaming or intensive creative workloads, such as video editing or 3D modeling, this laptop may not be the best fit. The integrated graphics solution is suitable for casual gaming, but more performance-hungry titles are likely to push the limits of this device.
Battery Life: A Decent, but Not Exceptional, Companion
One of the aspects I was most curious about with the Surface Laptop Go 2 was its battery life. After all, as a student constantly on the go, I need a laptop that can keep up with my busy schedule without needing to be tethered to a power outlet.
Real-World Usage and Endurance
In my testing, the Surface Laptop Go 2 managed to deliver around 7.5 hours of battery life during typical web browsing usage at 150 cd/m² of brightness. This is a respectable result, allowing me to get through the majority of my class schedule and study sessions without needing to recharge. However, when I cranked the display brightness to the maximum, the battery life dropped to approximately 4.5 hours, which may not be sufficient for a full day of classes and activities.
Balancing Performance and Battery Optimization
It’s worth noting that the battery life can be affected by various factors, such as the brightness settings, the intensity of the tasks I’m performing, and the number of applications I have running simultaneously. While the Surface Laptop Go 2 provides decent battery life for most everyday usage, students who require extended runtime or plan to use the laptop for more demanding workloads may need to adjust their expectations or consider carrying a power bank.
Connectivity and Features: Covering the Basics
The Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a range of connectivity options that cater to the needs of students, though it lacks some of the more advanced features found in premium laptops.
Ports and Wireless Connectivity
The laptop includes two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a Surface Connect port for charging and docking. While it doesn’t support the latest Thunderbolt standard, the USB-C port can still be used for power delivery and external display connectivity. Additionally, the device features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for reliable wireless connections, ensuring I can stay connected to the internet and collaborate with classmates without interruption.
Webcam Quality and Additional Features
One area where the Surface Laptop Go 2 falls short is the built-in 720p webcam. While it’s functional, the image quality may not be up to par for online classes or video conferencing, which are becoming increasingly common in the modern academic landscape. On the bright side, the laptop does include a fingerprint reader for convenient login and a brightness sensor that automatically adjusts the display brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, adding a touch of convenience to my daily use.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is priced starting at around $570 for the base model, which includes an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. However, for most students, the recommended configuration with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, priced at approximately $680, may be a more suitable choice.
Balancing Affordability and Quality
When compared to other laptops in the same price range, the Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a compelling value proposition. Its premium build quality, decent performance, and portable design set it apart from more budget-oriented options, making it a viable choice for students who prioritize aesthetics and functionality without breaking the bank.
Leveraging Student Discounts
It’s worth noting that Microsoft often provides student discounts on their Surface devices, including the Surface Laptop Go 2. These discounts can make the laptop even more accessible, further enhancing its value proposition for those of us on a tighter budget. By taking advantage of these offers, I can get the performance and portability I need without stretching my finances too thin.
FAQ
Q: Is the Surface Laptop Go 2 good for gaming?
A: The integrated Iris Xe Graphics G7 in the Surface Laptop Go 2 is capable of running some less demanding games at low settings, but it’s not suitable for more intensive or modern gaming titles.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the Surface Laptop Go 2?
A: Unfortunately, no. The RAM and storage are soldered to the motherboard, making them non-upgradable.
Q: Does the Surface Laptop Go 2 have a good webcam for online classes?
A: The webcam on the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a 720p sensor, which may not provide the best image quality for video calls and online classes.
Q: Is the Surface Laptop Go 2 durable enough for college?
A: The aluminum build and overall construction of the Surface Laptop Go 2 suggest a decent level of durability. However, the lack of user-serviceable components may be a concern for students who want to perform their own repairs or upgrades.
Conclusion: A Stylish and Capable Companion for Savvy Students
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a compelling option for students who value a sleek and portable laptop that can handle their everyday academic tasks. Its premium build quality, decent display, and sufficient performance make it a viable choice, especially for those who prioritize portability and a polished aesthetic.
While the lack of keyboard illumination and the limited upgradeability may be drawbacks for some, the Surface Laptop Go 2 still offers a solid value proposition. With its affordable pricing and the potential for student discounts, it could be an attractive option for students who want a premium-feeling device without breaking the bank.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Surface Laptop Go 2 will depend on a student’s specific needs and preferences. Those seeking a balance of portability, quality, and affordability may find the Surface Laptop Go 2 to be a well-rounded companion for their academic journey. With its blend of design, functionality, and reasonable pricing, this laptop stands as a noteworthy choice for students aiming to enhance their educational experience.