Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 review
The Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 ranks as the #595 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 69. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #589-ranked features among 633 laptops. Consider the LG gram 17 or LG gram 13, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a solid all-around student laptop that doesn't break the bank. With its sleek design, premium feel, and impressive specs, it's a great option for those who want a reliable device without the hefty price tag. The new Intel processor provides a welcome boost in performance, while the integrated graphics are surprisingly capable. However, the battery life could be improved, and the screen resolution, although decent, is not particularly impressive. At £529-£629, it's competitively priced against other options like the Asus Zenbook 14 or Viva Book 15. Ultimately, if you're looking for a good all-around laptop without an absolute fortune, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is definitely worth considering.
Build
The Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts a solid build quality, with an all-metal construction that feels premium in hand. The laptop's design is clean and minimalist, with a tapered profile that gets thinner towards the front. Weighing just 1.1 kg, it's comfortable to carry around. The hinge is sturdy, with minimal screen wobble. However, the viewing angles could be improved, as the screen can appear washed out when viewed from the side. Overall, the build quality is excellent, making this laptop a great option for students or those seeking a reliable, compact device. If you're after top-notch build, consider Microsoft Surface Laptop Go.
Display
The display on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is a mixed bag. While it's reasonably sharp at 12.4 inches with around 150 PPI, the resolution is just over 720p, which may not be ideal for some users. However, in everyday use, it's fine and not pixelated. The brightness does drop off slightly when viewing from the side, but Microsoft claims 330 nits, while I measured 350, which is decent. Color accuracy is also decent, with around 98% sRGB coverage. The touchscreen display is a welcome feature, although proper pen support is lacking. Overall, the display is good enough for everyday use like watching movies, editing photos, and writing essays, but it may not be suitable for graphic design or video editing. It’s worth checking out Microsoft Surface Laptop Go, delivering remarkable display.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts a welcome 18-20% boost in performance courtesy of the Intel i5 1135G7 processor. The Iris Xe integrated graphics offer an impressive 82% jump, allowing for light gaming and efficient multitasking. While battery life could be extended to match Microsoft's claimed 13.5 hours, I experienced around 6-7 hours in everyday use. This, however, is still sufficient for a full day of school or work. The laptop's performance is well-balanced, making it suitable for students and professionals alike who need a reliable device without breaking the bank. Give Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled performance.
Battery and Charging
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2's battery life could be improved with a longer runtime. In real-life use, I managed to squeeze out around 6-7 hours, which is a far cry from the claimed 13.5 hours. Charging is relatively fast, though, taking about an hour to reach 80% capacity via the Microsoft connector charger. The laptop also supports charging via its USB-C port and has a decent-sized battery, making it suitable for a full day of work or school. However, a more substantial battery upgrade would be welcome.
Connectivity
The Surface Laptop Go 2 offers decent connectivity options. You'll find a regular USB-A port, a USB-C port with DisplayPort support for external monitors, and a headphone jack. The laptop also features a MicroSD card reader, which is convenient for expanding storage. However, the USB ports are surprisingly slow, and the lack of an SD card reader on some models might be a drawback for some users. Consider discovering the power of Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, featuring the latest advancements in connectivity.
Features
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts an 11th gen Intel processor, faster iGPU, and improved webcam with decent color accuracy (98% sRGB). The laptop features a 12.4" screen with 150 PPI, 330 nits brightness, and a touchscreen. It has 30% more keyboard travel and a fingerprint reader. The battery life is up to 7 hours in everyday use, while the speakers are surprisingly good for its size and price. You might prefer Microsoft Surface Laptop Go, designed with an upgraded features for a better experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a solid choice for students or those seeking an affordable laptop. While it excels in terms of design and usability, its battery life falls short of expectations. A full day's use may be achievable, but not with the estimated 13.5 hours claimed by Microsoft. The lack of significant storage upgrades also feels like a missed opportunity.
Pros
1. It's a pretty good laptop, actually I wish I had one of these 10 years ago.
2. The keys have 30% more travel which is really nice to type on
3. The battery's been boosted by a couple of hours so you might just about get through a full day of school or work at the office with this
4. The screen looks really good, Microsoft claim they've also boosted the display brightness with this and we should be looking at up to 13 and 1 half hours
5. I love the keyboard on this, it's got a little bit more key travel than before though you might not really notice it
6. The speakers are surprisingly good for a laptop this size and well this price, not bad at all
Cons
1. A slightly longer battery life would be nice
2. Nor is the screen resolution particularly impressive
3. All those view angles are fine but could be better
4. I just kind of wish that we had 8 gigs of RAM as standard, that would make a big difference
5. The biggest problem with this is the competition from things like the Zenbook or Viva book with arguably better specs and for similar money
6. Paying another 100 just for four more gigs of RAM is not ideal
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