A week after its developer conference BUILD 2022, Microsoft unveils a refresh for the Surface Laptop Go, that updates the name to the Surface Laptop Go 2, new colors for personalization and even more replaceable components.
In 2020 Microsoft introduced the Surface Laptop Go amid the height of pandemic-led homeschooling, at a starting price of $549 arguably in an attempt to siphon Chromebook-curious parents as they bought supplies for an at home learning environment.
Now, two years later, Microsoft is following up the original Laptop Go with the Laptop Go 2 that will run its latest Windows OS upgrade, support an improved web cam and dual studio mic arrangement, improved typing experience and come in a new Sage color, all for $599.
With Microsoft unveiling and releasing the Surface Laptop SE six months ago, it now seems the company is pivoting the Surface Laptop Go 2 as less of a Chromebook competitor and more of “low cost” traditional form factor entry point varietal device.
While some may scoff at the inclusion of Intel’s last gent Quad-Core i5 processor, the 11th Gen chip from Intel proved to be a solid leap in performance from year to year. We’ll have to wait and see how well Microsoft has optimized the year-old processor to obtain its “all-day-battery life” claims as well how the device handles airflow and heat.
Intel’s 12th Gen chips are proving to be another substantial leap in performance but are reliably sacrificing battery and cooling to achieve power hungry benchmarks, Microsoft opting to keep things relatively cool and quiet on the Surface Laptop Go 2 with 11 Gen chips may be more appreciated than at first glance.
In addition to the tweaks to the normal hardware, Microsoft is also pursuing a more manageable device producing the Laptop Go 2 with replaceable SSDs, C-Cover (Keyset and Trackpad), AB Cover (Display) and batteries and support of Surflink cabling to help users extend the life of their laptop this time around.
For the most part the Surface Laptop Go 2 has taken the past year to remain relatively the same in regards to design, keeping the same heft at 2.48lbs, its 3:2 – 12.4 PixelSense 10-point multi-touch display, polycarbonate composite resin and fiber glass materials and embedded fingerprint reader.
The port selection on the Laptop Go 2 also sticks to layout from the original Go with 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack and proprietary Surface charging port that supports a 39W power supply.
As far as preloaded software, users can expect Windows 11 Home Edition out of the box as well as a 1-month trial of Microsoft 365 Family, Microsoft 365 Apps, Xbox App and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 1-month trial.
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is available for pre-order at Microsoft.com and BestBuy.com starting today.
