REVIEW: Microsoft Surface Go

Microsoft issues a new challenge in the tablet arena with the Surface Go

Microsoft did a very good job in challenging the laptop market when it first released its very own device back in 2012 (quite a long time coming). And its newest portable computing gizmo is making sure it can continue going toe-to-toe in this space. Say hello to the Surface Go.
This portable and very handy machine - an apparent direct aim at both Apple's new iPad Pros and Samsung's Galaxy Tab S4 - boasts a 10-inch display that looks a bit smaller than it actually is, thanks to the rather large bezels all around it (for some reason, it's reminding me of the BlackBerry PlayBook; hope you still remember that). Removing half of these bezels or more would be a great idea to amp up its sleekness. Also, it seems to me that the brightness of the display might be a step or two lower than the competition.
Unlocking it is easier than the rest of the field: with Windows Hello - Microsoft's own version of facial recognition - the Surface Go unlocks and goes directly to your desktop, without having to do anything else (eg, swiping). It also works well in darkness, though there were moments when Hello's 'eye' was 'looking' for me for an extended time.
On top are the power and volume buttons, while to the left are ports for 3.5mm audio, USB-C and Surface Connect, aka the charging port. Right behind is the Surface's signature kickstand, which allows it to stand on its own even without a keyboard cover. This has proven very advantageous, as it makes the Surface Go more usable in different situations - plus, it removes the need for separate purchases.
Now, if you really want an actual keyboard and are more than happy to spend some extra dough, then the Alcantara Type Cover is all yours. I've always loved this fabric on a Surface device, as it soothes your hands whenever you type. The keys are a pleasure to type with - and it once again comes with a trackpad, something that gives it an edge over its aforementioned competitors as it gives the real feel of a laptop. You don't have to worry about the Alcantara collecting dust either.
What's a Surface without the Surface Pen? It's at par with the competition, with excellent sensitivity - 4,096 pressure points, once again - and useful tricks, including the right-click button that works as you would expect it to, with that really neat eraser on top. You can also get additional tips: a medium tip gives you the feel of a pencil, while a 'low-friction' one makes it similar to a fine-point pen. It also clings magnetically to the left side of the device.
Want more accessories? The Surface Go also works with the Surface Dial, that hockey puck-looking object that you can magnetically connect on the screen and act as a controller of menus and scroller of screens. Making it work hand-in-hand with the Surface Pen will make the most of the Surface Go, and is great for apps like Photoshop CC.
Downer: all those accessories we've mentioned - in particular the type cover and pen - are sold separately; it would've been great if at least the latter was bundled with the Surface Go.
When it comes to our standard one-hour YouTube-at-full-brightness test, we divided it up a bit this time. Using the battery's 'best performance' setting sapped a whopping 25 per cent of juice, while repeating this in the default setting improved it at 18 per cent. Even so, those are big numbers and I'm a bit surprised. For mixed use (on default battery), I was able to squeeze out over six hours of life, so its charger must be somewhere near if you get too tied up with work and lose track of power. In any case, I didn't feel any alarming levels of the device heating up.
Whatever the performance setting, the Surface Go delivers excellently. Switching between apps and windows were A-OK; the only time I experienced any lags was the first time I opened it (probably just warming up after finally being awoken).
AND SO.
Microsoft's done it again with the Surface Go, especially at a time when a good number of users are looking for more compact devices that are powerful and can handle the daily hassles of digital life. I am a bit concerned about the battery. I hope this can be addressed, bringing it to a level seen in previous Surface devices.
alvin@khaleejtimes.com

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