Microsoft updates the Surface Laptop Go 2: Better processor, new colours
Microsoft is updating its Surface Laptop Go range with a zippier Intel Core i5 processor and a new range of colours.
It's pretty much a given that Microsoft – along with the rest of the PC manufacturing industry – will release regular updates to product lines that largely focus on the updated processors within.
For the Surface Laptop Go 2, that's absolutely the story relative to its predecessor, the original Surface Laptop Go.
The Surface Laptop Go 2's form factor is basically identical to the original, being a smaller and critically more affordable version of the bigger Surface Laptop.
Microsoft doesn't go in for obscure naming conventions, because the Surface Laptop Go – as distinct from, say the Surface Pro or Surface Go – isn't a tablet with optional keyboard, but instead a full clamshell style laptop, built around a 12.4 inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio touch enabled display.
That's 100% in line with its predecessor, with the big new style design choice being a new colour. Joining the existing Ice Blue, Sandstone, and Platinum colourways is a new Sage colour, which is (like everyone else's interpretation of the word Sage) a light green shade.
It's not yet clear if (as has been the case with prior Surface devices) you'll be stuck with specific RAM/Storage combinations for specific colour choices, though history says it's pretty likely.
On the keyboard front, Microsoft isn't being subtle, noting that the Surface Laptop Go 2 has "30% more key travel than a MacBook Air".
Gee, I wonder which laptop maker they're targeting with that comment?
Were you to tear the keyboard off – not advisable under warranty, although Microsoft does note that it's now a replaceable component alongside the SSD, display and battery – you'd be faced with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor and a choice of 4GB, 8GB or 16GB of RAM.
It's worth noting that the 16GB variant is for the commercial variant of the Surface Laptop Go only; if you're buying the consumer model you're stuck with either 4GB or 8GB only.
On the storage front, you're faced with either 128GB or 256GB of storage. Windows 11 is standard as you'd probably expect, so that'll take up some of your storage space along the way. Expansion would need to be via the single USB-C or USB-A ports.
While the inbuilt webcam remains at 720p with an f/2.0 aperture, Microsoft says it's an upgrade. At the very least, it's now Windows Hello compatible for quick biometric unlocking, but that's not via the camera. Instead, it's through a fingerprint sensor built into the power button.
If you're going to be using the Surface Laptop Go 2 for your Netflix binges, it's also equipped with Omnisonic Speakers (which means they sit under the laptop keyboard, more or less) with Dolby Audio Premium capabilities.
US list pricing for the Surface Laptop Go 2 is "from" $US599, which would equate to around $919 including GST. It appears we're being stung with a little bit of the classic Australia tax, however, with the Surface Laptop Go 2 selling locally from $1,199.
The Surface Laptop Go 2 will be available in Australia from 7 June 2022.
Buy cheap Microsoft Surface laptops
If you don't fancy waiting for these new laptops to launch, now is a pretty good time to pick up a bargain on a previous-gen model. Here are a few Microsoft Surface deals that caught our eye:
Microsoft Surface Pro 4: $485
Amazon is selling the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 for just $485. It comes with a Core i5-6300U CPU, 8GB RAM and 256GB on inbuilt storage.
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Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: $485
Kogan is selling the 13.5-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 for $1,613 - down from $1,898. It comes with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB RAM and 512GB on inbuilt storage.
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20% off Microsoft
Microsoft has slashed a bunch of products by 20% off the RRP - including Surface laptops, headphones, gaming peripherals and heaps more.
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Want even more savings? Head over to Sales Finder or check out today's top daily deals.
