Is the Microsoft Surface Go 2 the Ultimate Midrange Tablet PC?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design and Build Quality
3. Display and Screen Size
4. Performance and Specs
5. Battery Life and Storage
6. Cameras and Audio
7. App Support and Ecosystem
8. Gaming Potential
9. Productivity and Portability
10. Price Comparison with Apple iPad
11. Conclusion

Microsoft Surface Go 2: The Perfect Midsize Tablet PC

The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a powerful and portable two-in-one tablet PC that offers a range of features to enhance productivity and entertainment on the go. With a sleek and modern design, improved performance, and a host of upgrades from its predecessor, the Surface Go 2 is a polished device that caters to a wide range of user needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Surface Go 2 boasts a compact and edgy design that is both modern and eye-catching. With its built-in stand, the tablet can be easily adjusted for comfortable viewing on a table or in the lap. The inclusion of a micro SD card slot allows for easy expansion, while the magnetic connector on the power adapter ensures a secure and convenient charging experience. The tablet retains the same size as its predecessor but introduces a larger screen with reduced bezels, providing users with more screen real estate for their tasks.

Display and Screen Size

One of the noticeable upgrades in the Surface Go 2 is the increase in screen size. With a ten and a half inch display, the tablet offers a significant improvement over its predecessor's ten-inch screen, resulting in a better viewing experience for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. The increased screen real estate adds more value to the tablet's portability, making it an ideal option for users seeking a midsize device.

Performance and Specs

The Surface Go 2 offers various configurations to cater to different user needs. The entry-level model features an Intel Pentium Gold processor with four gigs of RAM and 64 gigs of eMMC storage. For those seeking a performance boost, the tablet can be equipped with an Intel Core m3 processor, offering a 64 percent increase in CPU power. The review unit, with its Intel Core m3 processor and 128 gigs of solid-state storage, ensures a smooth and efficient performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and light gaming.

Battery Life and Storage

The Surface Go 2 comes equipped with a larger battery that provides an impressive battery life of approximately 10 hours with normal day-to-day use. The tablet's software optimizations and the use of the battery-efficient Microsoft Edge browser contribute to an extended duration of battery usage. Although Microsoft does not provide a specific comparison to its previous model, they claim to have achieved a 20% improvement in battery performance. With up to 128 gigs of storage available, users have ample space for their files and applications. However, heavy gamers may need to consider adding additional storage due to the tablet's limited capacity.

Cameras and Audio

Microsoft has made significant improvements to the audio and video capabilities of the Surface Go 2. The tablet features dual Studio-grade microphones for improved audio quality, particularly beneficial during video conferencing and content creation. The front-facing camera has also received an upgrade, now boasting five megapixels and the ability to Record 1080p videos. The rear autofocus camera, although not as impressive as the competition, captures decent 8-megapixel photos and 1080p videos. These enhancements make the Surface Go 2 a reliable device for video calls and capturing moments on the go.

App Support and Ecosystem

While the Surface Go 2 offers compatibility with almost every desktop app, it falls behind its competitors when it comes to app support in its dedicated app store. Developers have not flocked to the Microsoft Store in the same way they have for Apple's App Store or Google Play. As a result, users may encounter limitations or difficulties in accessing certain apps. Despite this drawback, the Surface Go 2 offers a versatile experience by providing full PC capabilities in a portable form factor.

Gaming Potential

Although the Surface Go 2 is not designed as a gaming machine, it can handle lightweight gaming with ease. Users can enjoy Xbox cross-platform games and other casual titles, but resource-intensive games may require storage allocation due to the tablet's limited capacity. Gamers seeking an immersive gaming experience may find the Surface Go 2 lacking in terms of performance, but for casual gaming on the go, it fulfills the requirements.

Productivity and Portability

The Surface Go 2 excels in both productivity and portability. Its versatility as a two-in-one device enables users to transition seamlessly between tablet and laptop modes, making it ideal for professionals and students alike. The tablet's compact form factor and lightweight design facilitate easy transportation, allowing users to stay productive wherever they go. The inclusion of features such as Instant-on capability and Windows Hello authentication adds to the tablet's efficiency and speed in day-to-day use.

Price Comparison with Apple iPad

When considering a mid-range tablet PC, the Surface Go 2 is a strong competitor to Apple's iPad. Starting at $399, the Surface Go 2 offers comparable specs and features to the regular iPad, which retails for $559 with LTE and 128 gigs of storage. Though the Surface Go 2 is pricier, it provides a more versatile experience by offering full PC capabilities. Users should consider their specific needs, preferred ecosystem, and value for money when making a purchasing decision between the two.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is an impressive midsize tablet PC that combines portability and productivity into a sleek and polished device. With its improved design, larger screen, enhanced performance, and extensive battery life, the Surface Go 2 caters to a wide range of user needs. While app support may be lacking compared to its competitors, the tablet's ability to run desktop apps seamlessly sets it apart. Whether You're a professional, a student, or a multimedia enthusiast, the Surface Go 2 offers a versatile solution that can satisfy both work and entertainment requirements.