Surface Go Explained

Developer:Microsoft
Family:Microsoft Surface
Type:2-in-1 detachable tablet computer
Generation:First
Price:USD 399
Os:Windows 10 Home S mode
(upgradable to Home or Pro)
Cpu:Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
1.6GHz, 2 MB cache, 6 W
Memory:8 GB or 4 GB RAM
Storage:NVMe SSD: 128 GB, 256 GB
eMMC: 64 GB
Memory Card:MicroSDXC
Display:10-inch Touchscreen
PixelSense Display
1800×1200, 217 PPI
3:2 Aspect Ratio
Gorilla Glass 3
Graphics:Intel HD Graphics 615
Sound:2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, 3.5 mm headphone jack, Single microphone
Input:Built in: touchscreen, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer
Sold separately: type cover, mouse, stylus pen, Surface Dial
Camera:Front: 5 MP, 1080p HD
Rear: 8 MP, 1080p HD
Touchpad:Surface Type Cover
(sold separately)
Connectivity:WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5, NFC,
LTE A, USB C
Service:Microsoft Store, OneDrive
Weight:522g (WiFi tablet)
532g (LTE tablet)
245g (Type cover)
Predecessor:Surface 3
Successor:Surface Go 2
Related:Surface

The Surface Go is a 10inches 2-in-1 detachable in the Microsoft Surface series that was released on August 2, 2018. It was unveiled by Microsoft on July 10, 2018.[1] It was the first generation of the Surface Go. In May 2020, the Surface Go was superseded by the Surface Go 2.

The device runs Windows 10 Home in S-Mode and features a 5MP front facing camera, an infrared camera, 8 MP rear camera, a NFC chip and a kickstand supporting an angle of up to 165°. The screen is a 3:2 optically-bonded PixelSense 1800×1200 display with a density of 217 PPI and a full 180 degree viewing angle. The Surface Go starts at US$399 and does not include a Type Cover or Surface Pen, which must be purchased separately. The Type Cover is offered in black, plus three options with Alcantara fabric—Burgundy, Cobalt Blue, and Platinum. The Type Cover also uses an 8-pin connection instead of the 6-pin connection featured in past Surfaces, breaking compatibility with other models.

Configuration

Surface Go Configuration Options[2] [3] [4]
Price Tier in USD CPU Integrated GPU RAM Internal Storage LTE
ConsumerBusiness
$400$450 Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y Intel HD Graphics 615 4 GB 64GB eMMC rowspan="3"
$500128 GB NVMe SSD
$550$6008 GB
$680$730rowspan="2"
$780$830256 GB NVMe SSD

Features

Hardware

The Surface Go is the 4th addition to small Surface lineup featuring a full-body magnesium alloy construction. The Surface Go is aimed toward children, students and schools.

The device features a fanless Intel Pentium Gold processor inside.[6]

For the first time, the device contains USB C port with power delivery, the first Surface device to support such port and a Surface Connect port. The front-facing camera contains an infrared sensor that supports login using Windows Hello.[7]

The detachable keyboard, which is sold separately, uses an 8-pin connection which is compatible with the newer model.

Software

Surface Go comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home in S Mode and a 30-day trial of Office 365. With S Mode, users may only install software from Windows Store. S Mode of the OS can be upgraded to Windows 10 Home for free or Windows 10 Pro for a fee.

Windows 10 comes pre-installed with Mail, Calendar, People, Xbox, Photos, Movies and TV, Groove, Office and Edge. The device also supports Windows Hello login using a biometric facial recognition.

Notes and References

  1. https://blogs.windows.com/devices/2018/07/09/meet-surface-go-starting-at-399-msrp-its-the-smallest-and-most-affordable-surface-yet/ Microsoft Devices Blog Surface Go article
  2. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/devices/surface-go/tech-specs Microsoft Surface Go tech specs
  3. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/business/surface-go Commercial Microsoft Surface Go tech specs
  4. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/surface-go-for-business/909WR0X3SGFK/ Surface Go for Business
  5. Web site: This is Microsoft Surface Go. betanews.com. July 10, 2018 . en. 2018-07-10.
  6. https://ark.intel.com/products/122697/Intel-Pentium-Processor-4415Y-2M-Cache-1_60-GHz ARK | Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y Processor (2M Cache)
  7. https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/11/6/18069086/microsoft-surface-go-costco-exclusive $499 4GB/128GB model perpetually out of stock?