Microsoft Surface Go 10″ Tablet with Optional Keyboard and Pen

Microsoft Surface Pro 2017 FJR-00001 FJT-00001 FJX-00001 FJZ-00001 FKH-00001 FKK-00001

The Microsoft Surface Go is a budget-friendly and smallest member of the popular Surface mobile computer lineup. Just like the higher-end Surface Pro, the Surface Go is a tablet with a kickstand on the back, optional attachable keyboard, and optional active pen with pressure sensitivity. But, the 1.15-pound magnesium-clad Surface Go has a smaller 10″ touch-screen and lower-end internal components.

The Go features sharp 1800×1200 screen resolution and IPS wide viewing angles. The display retains productivity-centric 3:2 aspect ratio of the Surface series, as opposed to usual movie-friendly 16:9. The screen is covered with scratch-resistant Gorilla glass.

Inside, the tablet packs Intel’s lower-end Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y dual-core processor with Intel HD 615 integrated graphics. The chip is suitable only for the basic day-to-day computing tasks, such as web browsing, work in Microsoft Office and similar productivity software, media playback, and light gaming. On the positive side, the processor runs cool and doesn’t require a cooling fan, so the tablet is completely silent. The CPU is very power efficient, too. According to Microsoft, the Surface Go can provide up to 9 hours of video playback on a single battery charge. There are two configurations of the Surface Go. The basic 400-dollar one features 4GB of system memory and 64GB of internal eMMC-based storage. These capacities are quite limited by today’s PC standards. The advanced 550-dollar version sports 8GB of RAM for more comfortable multitasking and faster and larger 128GB solid state drive.

Other important features of the Microsoft Surface Go are its stereo speakers, dual cameras (5MP front + 8MP back), a face recognition cam for easy Windows Hello log-ins, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless interfaces, a single USB-C port (with video output functionality included), a microSD card slot, and a combo mic / headphones jack.

As for software, it’s worth mentioning that the Surface Go comes with Windows S mode activated by default. Windows S provides a more secure computing environment, but also limits software use because you are limited only to built-in Windows apps and those available on Microsoft Store. Thankfully, you can switch out of S mode easily and free of charge, if you want to use full Windows 10 Home operating system with support for traditional Windows programs.

For the latest Black Friday & Cyber Monday Surface Go deals, check out this page.

Specifications of the Microsoft Surface Go

Here are the specs of the Microsoft Surface Go with descriptions of its features. For comparison against other laptops, you can use the "Compare Specs" button.

Brand	Microsoft
Laptop Type	Convertible 2-in-1 laptop This laptop can convert itself into a tablet PC or be used in stand and tent modes. Tablet PC The device can be used as a tablet, without a keyboard connected to it. Ultraportable (small laptop) The light weight and small dimensions make this ultraportable laptop easy to carry around or travel with.
Screen Size	10-inch
Screen Resolution	1800x1200 pixels This is a sharp screen resolution, which additionally provides a lot of space on the display for the user interface and programs. It's similar to the popular 1920x1080 Full HD.
Touchscreen	Finger multi-touch input The screen supports finger touch input, including multi-touch gestures. Active digitizer pen input The screen supports active digitizer pen input, besides the common finger multi-touch input. In comparison to simple capacitive pens you can use on any touchscreen, active digitizer pen input provides advanced features like pressure sensitivity. Check with the laptop seller whether the active pen is included in the package.
Other Display Specs	IPS type Displays based on IPS technology provide much wider viewing angles than the budget-class TN screens.
Processor (CPU)	Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y (decent for daily computing, but not fully smooth)
Graphics (GPU)	Intel HD 615 integrated graphics This is an entry-level graphics processor. It’s capable of running only the lightest PC games.
System Memory (RAM) Size	4GB RAM 4GB is a small RAM size for computing in 2023. For smooth operation of a laptop during everyday tasks, at least 8GB is recommended. 8GB RAM The 8GB RAM size is the standard one in 2023. It provides comfortable multi-tasking for the most home and office users.
Data Storage	64GB eMMC A very small but usable capacity. 128GB SSD 128GB is a relatively small storage space. However, it is usable if you don't store a lot of large files like movies and don't install a lot of programs.
DVD Optical Drive	None
Keyboard & Input	Backlit keyboard without number pad (optional) This computer optionally comes with a keyboard deck. The optional keyboard has backlit keys for easier typing in the dark. There's no separate numeric pad you can typically find on the right side of the keyboard on many laptop models. Touchpad with click buttons built into the surface (optional) The keyboard deck with touchpad featuring left and right click buttons built into the surface is optional on this model. Touchscreen Active digitizer pen (optional)
Speakers & Audio	Stereo speakers As usual, the device features a pair of built-in stereo speakers. Combo microphone and headphones audio jack This laptop has the ordinary 3.5mm combo audio jack that supports both headphone output and microphone input simultaneously.
Camera	Front + rear Laptops usually feature a frontal webcam located on the display bezel. This device additionally has a rear camera. 5MP front + 8MP rear Besides the usual frontal camera, this device features a rear cam as well. The cameras feature 5 and 8 Megapixel sensors, respectively. Face-recognition camera The dedicated infra-red face recognition cameras in laptops are used for Windows Hello log-ins, without password typing.
Wi-Fi Wireless	802.11AC The 802.11AC is the previous-generation wireless networking standard. It's also known as Wi-Fi 5. 802.11AC is succeeded by 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6 with data transfer speed and multi-device connectivity improvements.
Ethernet Network Port	No This laptop has no Ethernet LAN port for wired internet and networking connectivity.
Mobile broadband (4G LTE)	No
Bluetooth	Yes This laptop has a built-in Bluetooth module. It enables you to connect the computer to Bluetooth mice and other Bluetooth peripherals, smartphones, and other Bluetooth-equipped devices.
USB Ports	1 x USB-C A compact type of USB port, commonly found in modern laptops and phones.
Video Output Ports	Video out via USB-C The laptop can deliver digital video output via USB-C.
Media Card Reader	MicroSD card reader The laptop has a slot for MicroSD memory cards. These are small SD cards commonly used in smartphones.
Other Features	TPM (Trusted Platform Module, a security feature)
Battery	"Up to 9 hours of video playback"
Weight	1.2 pounds
Height	0.3"
Width	9.7"
Depth	6.9"
Windows Version	Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Home is aimed at the regular home and office computer users. Only select business users need the Professional edition. Windows 10 Home users are eligible for a free upgrade to the latest Windows 11 Home.
Warranty	1-year A typical laptop warranty.