Microsoft Surface Go - 64 GB, Silver - Advice

IndigoSparrow

Hi,

I need a new laptop but i travel a lot so I want something light and easy to carry around.

I've been looking at the Microsoft Surface Go - 64 GB but I could do with some advice before spending so much. I've read some articles online about the best tablets to get but I'd prefer advice from people with everyday experiences!

Basically i need a light, portable laptop for word processing, emails, browsing, and editing graphics. I figured the surface would be good as it's portable and has a nice pen and keyboard but in terms of anything technical - i'm a bit rubbish!

Could someone advise me on if it would be ideal and also explain what Windows 10s means?
Someone told me I wouldn't be able to install software such as Itunes, is this true or is there a way around it?

Thanks!

Chino

IndigoSparrow wrote: »

Someone told me I wouldn't be able to install software such as Itunes, is this true or is there a way around it?

Presumably a reference to this restriction from Microsoft's product page for the Surface Go:

[1] Windows 10 in S mode works exclusively with apps from the Microsoft Store within Windows and accessories that are compatible with Windows 10 in S mode. A one-way switch out of S mode is available. Learn more at Windows.com/SmodeFAQ.

By the way, iTunes is available from the Microsoft Store.

that

IndigoSparrow wrote: »

I need a new laptop but i travel a lot so I want something light and easy to carry around.

if you have a computer that has limited storage, and is reliant on web apps, and on line stores, you better have a good wifi connection near by - preferably always on your travels, otherwise it may dissapoint.

Secondly the 64 version uses eMMC which is both slower than pcle SSD , and also it can not be swapped out for a larger one.

if you want to store lots of music films, photos, video editing, etc then this device is probably not for you.

Also 64G storage and a few apps plus some temp files, may soon leave you too little space for updates - if you are not careful

an i5-520 cpu that is 9 years older, found in older laptops has more grunt, but also has about 6 times more power consumption

giraffe69

I had a Microsoft Surface. It died after only two years and could not be brought back to life. I replaced it with an HP Envy 13 which is many times better IMO and has a significantly better battery life. Oh, and it was also cheaper.

System

If you go for it go for the 128GB version.

colin79666

Tarambor wrote: »

If you go for it go for the 128GB version.

This. It has the same processor but the storage is significantly faster as well as double the capacity. By the time you install just a few apps and Windows update 64GB is all used up anyway. For less demanding tasks the 128GB 8GB RAM version is pretty good really, I was sceptical but we recently got in at work to test and it has been fine. Don't forget you also need a type cover which isn't included in the unit price, as is the pen so the total cost mounts up.

Cisco001

For £400, I would rather go for a used Lenovo X270/ X280

toshi

I also want to point out upgradablity, (repairblity) aspect, just like a latest MacBook Pro, the user is not able to replace (upgrade) memory and storage. This would be more or less (disposable) Tablet rather than conventional Windows computer.

And you may not be interested, but iFixit offers 1/10* for the repairability as well.

https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Microsoft+Surface+Go+Teardown/111895

I would be also concerned about the duality as well, then I would try to get a lightweight business grade (refurbish? ) notebook if this would fit to your requirement.


*Edit :correction : iFixit rate 1/10 not 0/10 !!

IndigoSparrow

Thanks for the advice everyone - there's a lot to think about but it's certainly helped! I hadn't even considered upgradabilty or storage restrictions!