Finding the right device for student life can be a balancing act between affordability, portability, and performance. The Microsoft Surface Go 3 promises to be a reliable companion for students with its 10.5-inch display and 8GB of RAM, but its battery life, while adequate, may not last through a full day of classes for all students. The Surface Go 3’s ability to transform from a tablet to a laptop with the addition of the Type Cover keyboard makes it a flexible option however, the optional accessories can increase the overall cost significantly. This microsoft surface go 3 review will delve into the pros and cons of this device for students.
Microsoft Surface Go 3 Review: A Compact and Portable Design for On-the-Go Learning
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 shines in the portability department. Weighing just 1.2 pounds, this sleek device is incredibly easy to carry around campus. Its compact 10.5-inch design means you can slip it into your backpack without breaking a sweat, making it the perfect study buddy for students on the move.
Sturdy Construction for Everyday Use
Built with a magnesium chassis, the Surface Go 3 is not just lightweight; it’s also durable enough to withstand the ups and downs of student life. Whether you toss it into your bag or set it down on a crowded table, this little powerhouse is designed to take a beating. The premium feel of the magnesium construction adds an extra layer of confidence, ensuring that this device can handle the rigors of daily use.
- Pros: Durable, lightweight, compact
- Cons: None specific to students.
A Versatile Kickstand for Optimal Viewing
One of the standout features of the Surface Go 3 is its adjustable kickstand. This nifty design lets you prop up the device at different angles, making it perfect for taking notes, watching lectures, or even video chatting with classmates. Whether you need to type up an assignment or catch up on a lecture, this kickstand has got your back. The flexibility it offers means you can easily find the perfect viewing angle for any task.
- Pros: Adjustable kickstand for different viewing angles
- Cons: None specific to students.
A Bright and Vibrant Display for Immersive Learning
When it comes to displays, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 doesn’t disappoint. Its 10.5-inch screen boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1280, delivering a sharp and detailed viewing experience. Whether you’re reading e-books or scrolling through research papers, everything looks crisp and clear. This vibrant display ensures that your study materials are not only legible but also visually appealing.
Sharp and Detailed for Text-Heavy Tasks
If you’re the type who spends hours poring over dense course materials or writing up essays, you’ll appreciate the Surface Go 3’s high-resolution display. It ensures that your eyes won’t strain, thanks to its accurate color representation and high contrast ratio, making multimedia content a joy to view. The display is especially beneficial for students who spend long hours reading, as it reduces fatigue and enhances the overall reading experience.
- Pros: High resolution, good color accuracy
- Cons: None specific to students.
Immersive Viewing for Movies and Shows
Need a break from your studies? The Surface Go 3’s display is also fantastic for streaming your favorite movies and shows. With impressive brightness and contrast levels, you can enjoy your entertainment in all its glory, right from your dorm room. Whether you’re binge-watching a series or catching up on the latest documentaries, this device makes for an enjoyable viewing experience.
- Pros: Good brightness and contrast
- Cons: None specific to students.
Adequate Audio for Casual Listening
The built-in speakers on the Surface Go 3 provide clear audio quality, making it suitable for listening to lectures, music, or the occasional podcast. While they may not rival a high-end speaker system, they get the job done for casual listening. If you’re in a quiet library or a bustling café, the audio quality remains sufficient for an engaging auditory experience.
- Pros: Clear audio quality
- Cons: Not as loud as some laptops.
Performance: Meeting the Needs of Everyday Student Tasks
Under the hood, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is powered by an Intel Core i3-10100Y processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. This configuration strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it suitable for typical student tasks. It’s not a powerhouse, but it gets the job done for most everyday applications.
Efficient for Basic Productivity
The Surface Go 3 excels at handling everyday workloads like web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking. Its responsive performance allows you to seamlessly switch between apps and manage your coursework without breaking a sweat. You can easily run Microsoft Office applications, browse the web, and even engage in video calls without experiencing significant lag.
- Pros: Handles basic tasks efficiently
- Cons: May struggle with demanding software or heavy multitasking.
Battery Life: Powering Through a Day of Classes
With a battery life of around 6.5 hours in our testing, the Surface Go 3 can keep up with your busy schedule. Whether you’re taking notes in class or streaming educational videos, this compact device should have enough juice to last through a typical day of classes without the need for constant recharging. However, if you’re planning on using it for intensive tasks or streaming for extended periods, you might want to have a charger handy.
- Pros: Decent battery life for a full day of classes
- Cons: May not last as long with heavy use or demanding tasks.
Optional Accessories for Enhanced Productivity
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 offers a range of optional accessories that can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow as a student. These accessories can help transform your device from a simple tablet into a versatile laptop replacement.
The Type Cover: Transforming into a Laptop
Want to turn your Surface Go 3 into a full-fledged laptop? The Type Cover is your answer. This Microsoft keyboard accessory provides a comfortable and responsive typing experience, making it easy to tackle research papers, writing assignments, and more. The keys are well-spaced and offer a satisfying tactile feedback that mimics a traditional laptop keyboard.
- Pros: Good keyboard feel, transforms into a laptop
- Cons: Additional cost, may feel cramped for some.
The Surface Pen: Note-Taking and Creativity
For students who prefer the tactile feel of pen and paper, the Surface Pen is a game-changer. This digital stylus offers precise input, allowing you to handwrite notes, sketch diagrams, and annotate documents with ease. It’s an invaluable tool for visual learners or those who enjoy a more hands-on approach to studying. The pen feels natural in hand and can detect different levels of pressure, making it ideal for drawing and detailed note-taking.
- Pros: Precise note-taking, drawing capabilities
- Cons: Additional cost.
Weighing the Surface Go 3 Against Other Options
When considering the Microsoft Surface Go 3 for your academic needs, it’s essential to compare it to other popular student devices on the market. In this section, we’ll pit it against some of its key competitors.
Surface Go 3 vs- iPad
The Surface Go 3 offers the full Windows 11 experience, giving you access to a wider range of desktop applications and software that may be crucial for your coursework. This versatility is appealing for students needing to run demanding programs. However, the iPad’s streamlined interface and expansive app ecosystem may be more suitable for those prioritizing simplicity and mobility. If you primarily use apps available on the iPad, you might find it to be a more user-friendly option.
- Pros: Full Windows 11 experience, wider app compatibility
- Cons: Higher price, may not be as app-rich as the iPad.
Surface Go 3 vs- Chromebooks
Chromebooks are popular in education due to their affordability and simplicity. While the Surface Go 3 may carry a higher price tag, it offers a more robust and flexible computing experience, allowing you to run a wider range of software and tackle more complex tasks. Chromebooks excel at basic web-based activities and may be a more budget-friendly option for students. However, if you need to run specific applications that are Windows-based, the Surface Go 3 is the clear winner.
- Pros: More versatile, runs more demanding applications
- Cons: Higher price, may not be as simple to use as a Chromebook.
FAQ
Q: Is the Surface Go 3 a good choice for students who need to run demanding software like video editing or graphic design?
A: While the Surface Go 3 can handle basic tasks, it may struggle with more demanding software. If you require a device for intensive applications, it’s best to consider a more powerful laptop that can better accommodate your needs.
Q: Can I use the Surface Go 3 for gaming?
A: The Surface Go 3 is not primarily designed for gaming. It can handle casual or low-requirement games, but it may not provide the best gaming experience for more demanding titles.
Q: Is the Surface Go 3 worth the price for students?
A: The Surface Go 3 offers a good balance of portability, features, and affordability for many students. However, the additional cost of accessories like the Type Cover and Surface Pen should be factored into your overall budget. It’s essential to compare the Surface Go 3 to other options to determine if it’s the best fit for your specific needs and financial constraints.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Go 3 presents an intriguing option for students seeking a compact and versatile device to support their academic journey. With its sleek design, sharp display, and decent performance, it’s a compelling choice for everyday tasks. However, the additional cost of accessories should be taken into account. The Surface Go 3 can be a valuable tool for students prioritizing portability, flexibility, and the full Windows 11 experience.
As you navigate the world of student devices, the Surface Go 3 is certainly worth exploring as a potential companion for your studies. However, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate your specific needs and budget to determine if the Surface Go 3 is the best fit for your academic requirements. With its strengths in versatility and portability, the Surface Go 3 could be a valuable asset in your academic toolbox, but it may not be the optimal choice for every student.
In summary, whether you’re taking notes in class, streaming your favorite shows, or working on group projects, the Surface Go 3 has the features that can help you succeed. Just remember to consider the extra costs for accessories and your specific needs when making your decision.