Microsoft Surface Laptop Go Review: 9 Months Later 

As a tech channel I'm always doing my best to act like I'm talking to a friend about if the product is worthwhile in real everyday use. Most tech reviewers explain too much that doesn't matter. I appreciate this comment Eric.

How is the battery life? I'm considering getting one but the mixed reviews that I've seen on reddit kinda scare me off

@@fareskherbane3166 7:04

Snap, that's a killer deal. I'm friggin' jealous! Hope the review helped.

WHERE? in canada it's on sale for $809cad which is about $637 usd

@@rubbertoe. eBay!

@@cowboyxboombap Damnn, i just bought this today at bestbuy with the midrange specs (8GB/128 SSD) for 599, not even sure if it’s on sale!

@@rubbertoe. i just bought it for 499

Of course! I mean obviously I slack on it and am late but I usually get to every single one. I wished I was able to do RU-vid full time. The tech channels are suffering in views if you’re up and coming. But eh, it’s all about providing value to anyone that watches, period. Thank you for this!

Glad I could help! This is such a nifty and worthwhile laptop. Thank you!

Thank you as well! It's a great little laptop. No major disappointments and I really tried to find them. It's worthwhile. What will you be using it mostly for?

@@TechOutAdam mostly just for school nothing special and a little for watching youtube and netflix, i love the speakers!

@@florisxhenseval5111 it’s great for that. Did you end up getting one?

It's a great laptop no doubt, especially if you're a student. Thanks for the comment! Glad it helped.

I truly appreciate this comment. How has it been going?!

Exactly, for me I was in the coffee shop ready to edit and was like welp, not going to happen in here today. Had to do other work lol

Where i can get this deal ?

I know most tech channels rush their reviews but I'm just coming from where I'm at. I absolutely don't know everything which is probably a great advantage funny enough. Comments like this push me to do better and keep going. So glad it helped! What color are you getting?

@@TechOutAdam You persuaded me to buy one. :-) So in the meantime I bought the 8g-128g Sandstone colour model on Ebay. Not new, but "certified refurbished by Microsoft". Which is cool: I paid only $420 - which is a fantastic price - and you get a machine refurbished by Microsoft, again with 2 years of warranty, AND what's supercool: They come again in sealed plastic-wrapped packaging, the only diference is that the box now says "Certified refurbished by Microsoft technicians". The laptop came 100% scratch free and clean out of the box, really like new. I am super happy. Thanks again for the advice!

@@carlnauwelaerts4802 For $100 more you can get new 8 gb ram and 128 ssd from Walmart and Microsoft

@@carlnauwelaerts4802 That's also so good for the environment! Koodos to you, brother!

Oh heck yeah if you're mainly using for college, the camera and mic quality alone makes it work it for online classes or group projects and everything you mentioned.

If we’re talking a laptop for MS Word the Surface Laptop Go is great for it. It’s so nifty and reliable. I may do an updated video. Kind of shocked how good it’s going after such a long time. Still like new. Most laptops in this price don’t last this long with no issues.

So does it come with MS Word installed (with no 1 month free crap) or would we still have to get a subscription to it?

But you can get ms word on a Mac?

@@Dinohunter582 Greater expense for a "glorified word processor".

No, it's very quiet. I mean unless I really drove it in the ground trying to play a game with 20 tabs open on RU-vid lol

Not overkill at all. If you're going to be editing 4K video and gaming then that's overkill lol

Actually for: Word, Netflix and RU-vid, i5 10gen and $550 is overkill. I find "HP Stream"($189) way more appropriate.

@@onix227 as for right now I’m still using my Acer from 2016. It was overkill then and still works well. Glad I didn’t waste my money on this laptop I did not need. 👍

Since I'm a heavy MacBook user I'm shocked to hear that anybody thought my Windows PC review was any good LOL I love computers but it's been a while since I used a windows computer and tell using the surface laptop go. Really appreciate the comment! And of course the sub!

Yes! I need to know this too 😬

That's a great point, it's the Rode Wireless Go microphone. I'm not the best at making it sound great but it gets the job done, maybe doing a review will even help me get the best use of it. Thanks for this comment!

Absolutely thanks for watching! Hope it answered all your questions.

That's exactly how it is! Do you use Windows and Macbooks? Or have one right now?

@@TechOutAdam I'm currently using a surface laptop go and I love it. I actually recently purchased a MacBook air not too long ago and I had to return it. I just couldn't stand mac os and I missed the functionality of windows. I'm glad I switched back.

I wouldn't recommend this laptop if your sole purpose is content creation. Apple Macbooks are best for all content creation needs in my experience. It's a far stretch in price but the MacBook M1 hands down is the best and what I use specifically for my RU-vid channel content.

@@TechOutAdam which windows computer would you recommend for video editing?

@@vanessamaria4068 For starters, anything with an i7 and/or at least 16GB of Memory RAM. This one is good enough for video editing but it depends on what you’re doing. Are you doing 4K and really long videos?

@@TechOutAdam and if I go for macbook air with 8GB ram will that be good enough to edit 4k video like 2 to 3 hrs long?

@@jackgu8644 Your comment is 2 months old but wanted to quickly tell you that for any video editing above 1080p, you should get as much RAM as you can afford. I'd say 16 minimum on a laptop, 32 GB on a desktop since its easy to upgrade there.

Let me know to please I’m gonna do digital design aswell

@@bellamiron2273 will do

Hey I ended up getting a HP probook 430 EDU laptop i3. It has 3ghz clock speed and it has 8gb ram and 256gb storage. I quite like it. It's a good powerful little laptop and it's about the same price as the surface laptop go.

If it's only that app open and not a bunch at the same time. Whenever I've edited video on Adobe Premier Rush the only thing that I did was have Canva open in Chrome to edit a thumbnail while uploading. That was definitely pushing it but it still got the job done. I hope that gives a good idea.

Hope my answer helped.

Are we taking watching a lot of Netflix and RU-vid? I mean it's great for that but I wouldn't multitask editing a video while watching Netflix lol

@@TechOutAdam Thanks kindly for your reply. I watch prime and of course youtube just basics mainly. I guess what I meant to ask, how is it with apps?

It's a GREAT laptop for college in my opinion. It's just a nifty device and fun to use. 💪🏼

@@TechOutAdam thank you so much 😊

It's also possible to watch Netflix on it?

Well so far I had it for almost two years and it's still going strong. However, I will be selling it so idk how long it'll truly last. I'd say if you're for sure looking for a computer that'll last over 3+ years easily, go with the XPS 13 just to be sure. But what model/year? The Surface Laptop Go is perfect for students though.

I was looking at the 11th gen model I think? I ended up getting the surface laptop go tho! I really liked the size ☺️ Hope it'll last

Just watched this review and reading comments, fyi, For Costco Members this model with 8 GB ram and 256 GB SSD is $300 OFF, now priced at $549.99, while supplies last through 5/29/22, Platinum color only.

Thanks for the comment! This laptop doesn't disappoint. I still love it till this day. It def has it's limits but for the price it's hard to beat.

Windows S is a controlled Windows environment; Using Windows S, you are only allowed to install verified apps from the Microsoft Store itself and can not install Applications or Executables from any other sources with it enabled. It is great from a security standpoint as it keeps everything locked down so malicious software can't wreak havoc on your system. If you are looking and/or needing to be able to use apps and .exe's from sources outside of the Microsoft Store then do NOT use Windows S as it will render them unusable.

@@DespiseGaming Thanks for the great response.

It is just a way to scare people from installing different web browsers (at least at the time point of my installation there were no other web browsers available in the store) and installing programs directly. If you are not blindly installing every .exe file you see, you are fine and can disable S mode.

Of course. As long as their bluetooth built into the laptop, which this has, you definitely can!

No scratches so far. I pretty much just make sure my hand are clean and clean the laptop every few days. Debris and grime can scratch a screen alone when it builds up. Still looks new!

Bubblewrap

@@TechOutAdam does it have a internal cooling fan?

I need this information too!

of course you can use other capacitive type of pen, just make sure that is universal pen, not something like ntrig or wacom pen

@@bosenngantor9160 Thanks for your help. I went ahead and got the Surface Laptop Go, and using a capacitative pen now. Works for my purposes - note that it's for the occasional scribbling on PPT. Not recommended if you're an artist! But in my use case, this works :)

Snap, as far as I know a stylus is the best you're going to do. I don't have any pens like that to test it out with and don't want to lie to you on that. Wish I knew the answer it's a great question!

It gets warm but nothing too crazy. What were you using it for? I'm actually typing this comment with this laptop (usually my night time computer) and it's not warm at all.

There’s was an update I did on how many tabs you have open with RU-vid and it took like 10 videos playing at once and the fans barely started going. So if it’s for watching Netflix on it’s own and doing what you mentioned than absolutely I recommend it.

@@TechOutAdam What about Microsoft office? How is Excel and Word on it?

Unfortunately, in the USA Huawei is banned so I haven’t used any of their products yet. As far as what you would use the surface laptop go for it would be good for everything mentioned.

@@TechOutAdam thanks so much I hope you have a great day

I have owned four surface products - I think for college I would get the 15-inch surface laptop 4. The big screen is beautiful and the keyboard is flawless. However, I also own a 13 inch surface laptop that I also love. Both would be great for school, but if I had to pick which one I’d rather write a paper on, I’d use a 15-inch screen. Of course, you can get the surface dock and hook up external monitors and give yourself bigger screens. Either one would be great.

If we're talking just for school work and college, the Laptop Go is beyond good enough.

Thanks for your feedback. Good input!

Most noticeable? I think another question to ask is what are you using it for? Thanks for the comment! Sorry to hear the other laptop didn’t workout.

I'd highly recommend getting it for that price. That's a steal!

I love it! Thanks for watching and I hope the review was helpful.

@@TechOutAdam just got it, love! its been restarting for 10 mins though…

@@Alex-jn1ez did it stop?

@@uyfu8590 oh yes it works fine actually replying on it right now just had to force shut it down and do it again and it was ok!

2.69 years max

So it's been well over a year with having owned this since before my review. Obviously it took a while for me to do my video. The only issue since upgrading to Windows 11 is the mouse track pad. Sometimes it seems a little glitchy. Idk if it's because I just need to clean my computer or what. The speed and processing power have remained the same though. Battery life is still good etc.

Great questions. -No, the software doesn't come free. Maybe Best Buy will have a promotion and there's a free trial at best. OpenOffice may be a good alternative for a complete free office set up like that. -This is perfect for students for data entry, notes and binge watching content. -Yes, I do suggest this for everything you mentioned. Using the laptop right now. This computer is my email, respond to comments, do things like that laptop when my Macbook Air needs to charge lol

Which MacBook Air? Especially as a student, the MacBooks will be more reliable in the long wrong. Way less updates, way less lag. Plus MacBooks come with iMovie, GarageBand.

Hi, i just watched this review and wanted to shared this info... For Costco Members this model with 8 GB ram and 256 GB SSD is $300 OFF, now priced at $549.99, while supplies last through 5/29/22, Platinum color only.

I'd make a decision on a brand new Surface Laptop Go, I usually have been getting 9-10 hours of battery life. Most of the time my screen it about half way lit.

Maybe go for a different option. However, what issues are you having with the battery life? How long has it been lasting for you?

@@TechOutAdam Me too. My battery lasts 4 hours max, using only Google Meet (with Chrome) and MS Excel. Bluetooth off, webcam off, screen brightness 80%. How's your experience with battery, Adam?

It's a great laptop I use till this day for business tasks. My favorite thing I probably should have mentioned more is how good the trackpad is. Probably one of the best period.

@@TechOutAdam I thought you said the trackpad wasn’t that good?

That's a GREAT deal! Did you pick one up?

@@TechOutAdam Not yet, still thinking about it, as I also have a desktop that is 8 years old running windows 7. 🤔

@@TechOutAdam Ordered it, should arrive this Friday😊

How is it working?? After more than a year?

Greatly appreciated! Glad it helped! What content do you like to see or would like to see more of?

lol for real! That's the ultimate test for me is how many tabs can I have open with RU-vid above all else. I'm really impressed you have it connected to a monitor and still aren't facing issues.

Whew, I have not tested the Surface Laptop Ryzen series. I'd say the Surface Laptop Go is not great for any gaming. When I tested it for Call of Duty. Forget it, had a meltdown.

@@TechOutAdam what about rocket league or age of empires 2. P.S. planning to play it on 8gb/256gb version

Oh man especially since I haven't used it for a few months now I'd say it'll weaken over time with the Windows 11 upgrade. But when I did use it last for fun 3 months ago it seemed the same as when I bought it. I didn't notice a dramatic weakening of the battery at all.

Great question. An M1 will outperform an i7 and will be consistent every time you use it. I love my M1 MacBook Air and it’s a BEAST of a machine. No lag for video editing especially. If you have the money just go straight for the M1.

@@TechOutAdam ok so would I still be able to get Microsoft for those softwares or things that I’ll probably be using in college for? Since I’m not really familiar with how apple laptops work it’d be my first.

If you want a really computer for everything without any stress, just go for the Macbook Air M1. It's truly a best and hasn't given me any problems with content creation, especially since I use iMovie for my videos I upload here. With the Surface Laptop Go I resorted to Adobe Premier Rush. The speed in upload times, processing and lag are not even close. The M1 zooms through edits.

But you have to remember that the Surface Laptop Go is still a great laptop for the price, just not compared to the Macbook Air M1, it's an unfair comparison lol The M1 is almost double the price after all.

It's almost going on two years. I don't think it'll last past 3 years unless you want to do frequently software updates that will take up storage. That always happens with Microsoft products. Hard to say. Mine is still running great but I don't have the confidence in longevity like I would a Macbook.

@@TechOutAdam Okay, thank you. And I got the 128 gib but I noticed it’s already down to like 75 gib and I don’t have one drive on and I didn’t download anything. Is that how much storage you think the software takes up?

Absolutely, editing video and having multiple tabs open was a breeze so I can't see any issues with using it for studying, drawing up plans or anything like that. Do you use any software applications you need to download or is it all online work?

Not sure what app or software is used for that but as long as this is used as a one app/software project at a time it runs very smooth with no lag. I wouldn't have too much open given it's only 8GB of Memory RAM for being able to keep things open.

I’d say the new model that just came out would be even better at this point. Have you seen the 2nd version just released?

Of course! I’d say shoot for the 8GB of RAM just to make sure you can handle enough tabs open for example.

Thank you thank you!

That may be pushing it. I experience quite a bit of lag when editing long videos. Videos in the 10+ minute range. If this had more RAM, at least 16GB I'd say yes but I don't think this will be best for that.

if it does, should i opt out for the 8/128 gb (which I'll go for anyways, but it'll save me a lot if the 4/8 gb can handle that too)

Shoot I haven’t played that game lol not sure how “intense” it is.

It’s slower than other computers but just use one app at a time. So if you use Adobe Rush or Kapwing. Just use that for the video with nothing else going on and it’s fast enough to get work done. I wouldn’t push it for 4K video unless you want to be editing all night lol

@@TechOutAdam thank you

Yes, as long as we're talking some Zoom calls, data work, emails etc of course. I just wouldn't rely on this for heavy duty content creation like editing 4K 20 minute videos lol

I'm sure it will but can't give you an answer as I don't code. If it worked for editing video than I'm assuming so.

This was a good time to do an update video. Hope this helps: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RdyANUtBulk.html

As far as I know with friends who code and are software engineers, no. It needs more kick and you'll need more RAM because if you have multiplt apps open you'll keep that fan going all day.

Absolutely. The comparison was to let people know what you get for the money. I get a ton of questions of people asking if it’s good for heavy gaming or video editing. I was clarifying that if you get this laptop, it definitely has limits.

Hmm, I mean for me personally I use my Macbook for all my heavy duty creative needs. Namely, photo editing and video editing. I don't use Windows PC's for that. All business with Windows. I hope you get a good answer. I've heard Microsoft Surface products are great but it'll have to be a higher tier laptop with more RAM, Graphics, etc.

I would absolutely get 8GB RAM no matter what at the least. With how much programs, apps and work takes these days 4GB is like if you're only doing web browsing. In that case, you may as well get a Chromebook which I'm not a fan of at all. Definitely upgrade the RAM!

If OS doesn't matter, I'd get this for sure. The touch screen is the biggest reason why. It's such a nifty device and is a small form factor. What will you mainly use it for?

@@TechOutAdam Mainly school and media consumption

I’ve used it for Zoom meetings, absolutely. It won’t be hard for this to handle video calls as I’ve used it for that a few different times a week.

You can disable S Mode especially with Windows 11.

Why would you use that anyway. S mode should be disabled right away lol

I wasn't able to due to memory limitations. At least that's what it told me last time I checked so I just didn't bother lol

No, I would not recommend this for engineering and heavy use software you'll need for that.

How is it so far?

​@@blazingstriker7445 It's pretty good so far. Things that I really like from this laptop are the display, keyboard, touchpad and touchscreen. The font is a little bit too small for me, so I set the font size to 125% for readability. The battery life isn't really decent and you should not expect more than 5 ~ 6 hours battery life with the default "Recommended" power mode. Nevertheless, I am a battery-obsessive guy so I would actually charge my device quite often when its battery has been discharged by rate of 40% ~ 50%. You should follow the 40-80 battery rule if you want your device's battery to live for a long life because partial charge and discharge for Li-Ion battery could increase your battery charging cycle counts tremendously. For my first use of Windows 10 device, I would actually block all Windows Update services to get away from any troubles that might happen in the future. As for the device's performance, it should be fine for light-gaming and some intensive photo editing. Also, you might want to purchase some protective case and microfiber cloths just to protect / clean your device from any scratches / smudges / dusts, but stay away from any keyboard case to prevent overheating.

@@yongsua1989 Thank you! that is very helpful. I will keep the battery rule in mind

@@yongsua1989 Not sure I understand your battery rule 40%-80%. I am interested in extending battery life could you go into a little more detail about how you do that? Is keeping it in sleep mode and plugged in all the time a bad idea?

@@carolestevenson1051 Hi, The 40-80 rule is kinda simple. You just have to remember to discharge your battery and allow the battery level to drop to 40% and charge it back to 80%. It is also known as partial charge and discharge which could extend the battery's life by increasing the number of charging cycles. You only need to perform battery calibration 3 months once by charging the battery to 100% and let the battery level drop to not lower than 5% and recharge it back to 100%. This is know as full charge cycle and you only do it once in a while for calibration purposes. It's not recommended to overcharge the battery by plugging in the charger all time as it deteriorates and shortens the battery life significantly.

Snap I'm so late with this response lol I'd recommend it for either of those as long as we're talking online browser use. I don't do Forex trading but what I've seen is no need for big software downloads.

Of course! Hope it truly helped in making that buying decision.

Thank you very much! I hope it answered all your questions. Actually typing on this same laptop right now lol

I like this input. A lot of people ask about that so I know this comment will help others. It's a great laptop but it's not for anything super heavy duty. It's actually perfect for students and casual work.

When it comes to Netflix, HBO Max, Discovery Plus (I'm addicted to all those), it handles it with a breeze. Even 4K video. However, I wouldn't push having 5-8 tabs of videos open playing lol

I've been able to watch 4K video on it. Sure it's not the best resolution screen but 1080p is not problem on this screen.

Of course, I'm glad it helped. Thank you too.

Great question but no, sure you can pull it off but the fans would constantly be running and speed of production will be on the slower end. It needs 16GB of RAM before you can really push it with programs like that.

No this is not a gaming laptop at all. I can just hear the fan going crazy lol

Not really. I mean there's times you hear it but it's one of the quietest laptops I've used.

I wouldn't use this for gaming. Just not enough horsepower to be reliable for that. I'm sure you'll have quite a bit of lag.

At this point at least get the Surface Laptop Go 2.

@@TechOutAdam tysm for replying!