Microsoft continues to evolve the Surface line with newer devices.  In the summer of 2018, they introduced the Surface GO – a smaller form factor, 10”, from its larger brothers the Surface 3 and Surface 4.  Intriguing is the lower selling price on the GO line which has two generally-available models and one Costco hybrid.   I just had to try one, and this blog entry is being written mostly on the Surface GO.

In some respects, the Surface GO is approximately 2/3rds of its bigger brethren in physical size; and slightly smaller in terms of storage and performance.  Screen area is smaller, the optional keyboard is smaller, the CPU is slightly slower (but of a later generation), and storage is basic and somewhat limited.  The base model has only 64GB of “disk” storage while the high end has 128GB, and the base model has 4GB of memory and the high end has 8GB.  There is a hybrid available from Costco which has 4GB of memory and 128GB of “disk” storage; Microsoft should probably make this version available to the general public too. (Update: They did a few months later – at the Microsoft Store) (the Costco version comes as a complete kit including the basic black type keyboard).  I elected to go with the 4GB/64GB base model given my tendency to leverage browsers and office suites on my Windows platforms and usually only have a limited number of windows/tabs open at any one time – so performance is not usually an issue for me.  Many reviewers tend to recommend the 8GB/128GB versions.  [The Costco version is a nice trade-off, but you cannot select the color of the keyboard…as long as you like black].

Basically the GO is a nice tablet and compact package.  While the Surface Pro 4 and similar Surface family devices requires a fairly large carry case to accommodate the larger size, power brick, ancillary devices, the GO can be similarly packed into a small (and light weight) messenger bag.  The screen functionality is good and although smaller I’m not detecting any challenges – especially with the application in full screen mode.  The keyboard is smaller and takes a little getting used to, but touch typing on this smaller version doesn’t seem to be a problem nor a challenge (I make the same mistakes on either size).

Microsoft uses Windows 10 S as the initial load of the operating system on the GO.  The S variant of Windows does not permit loading applications except via the Microsoft Store.  This means that Firefox and Chrome are not available.  After going through several update cycles from Windows Update, you can go to the Store and change 10 S to Windows 10 Home at no cost…or for extra cost to Windows 10 Pro.  The switch took all of a very few minutes…now I can use Firefox and Chrome.  I can also use copies of Microsoft Office that I happen to have not necessarily the latest version but more than sufficient for my needs.  Other office suites are also possible.  (From my perspective, Microsoft also loads a bunch of game applications which I have to uninstall in order to preserve space, has to be done every time I add a new USER account).

Like other models, it has a microSD slot and like my standard setup, I move the key USER folders to the microSD to conserve “disk” space to allow for system updates that occur frequently.

Like the other Surface devices, it uses a Surface power brick and connector.  However unlike other Surface tablets, the GO uses a single USB-C port (and doesn’t have a mini display port).  You can get a USB-C to USB 3 adapter from multiple sources, and also a USB-C hub that has USB 3, HDMI, USB C, and other extensions.  The USB-C port can also be used to power the GO.

Also in my Surface collection, I’m trying the Surface Mobile Mouse that leverages a Bluetooth connection.  Works OK but its low profile takes some getting used too.  (The keyboards have a very nice track pad, very smooth, very responsive…however I still prefer the mouse as a pointing device.  Haven’t leveraged the pen yet…I cannot draw a straight line even with a ruler.  My sketching is less than good.)

In trying to move files from the GO to my network I did notice that the WiFi requires a stronger signal to get reasonable performance, but I need to test this further.  I haven’t seen any problems with my current location, but signal strength is really good.

The GO is a 10” device…and has a wide border sufficient for holding.  Yet compared to my 8” Tab4, it seems awkward for a device for consumption…basically even 10” is too big.  While it has all the tools I’ll need even for a consumption device (but lacks many of the applications that the Android/IOS platforms seem to have…although browsers can make up for some of that deficiency), the 10” GO is still basically a laptop that is VERY easy to carry and transport.  The Tab4 will still be my nighttime reading device allowing me to easily order from Amazon, respond to e-mails, even compose a short e-mail, and read my news feeds.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I used a Motion Computing tablet and pen which leveraged Windows Journal as a note taking mechanism.  We’ve come a long way with the GO and I was able to install Windows Journal on the GO and can leverage the 10” display with the pen to take notes.  Other pen based applications are available to leverage the 10” and pen capabilities of the Surface GO.

My Surface GO kit includes:

• Surface GO – 4GB memory, 64GB SSD, 128GB microSD
• Surface GO Alcantara Keyboard
• Surface Mobile Mouse
• G-Ting port expander with two USB 3 ports, one USB-C port, one HDMI port
• USB-C to USB 3 gender changer
• USB-C to micro USB gender changer
• USB-C to Ethernet (I got caught short in trying to update firmware in a router and it required a wired connection)
• USB-C to VGA (I may use the GO to give presentations…not all projectors provide for HDMI so VGA is needed)
• Transcend SD/microSD reader to USB 3
• CoolBELL Messenger Bag /Carrying Case Cloth Shoulder Bag Fits 10.6 inches Tablet/iPad

Overall I like the Microsoft Surface GO.  While still being tested, my rating today is 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros:

• It runs the current version of Windows 10, S, Home or Pro, and follows the Windows Update.
• It can run my favorite Firefox! Also Chrome when not in S mode.
• Expandable micro SD storage to make up for the small “disk” space typical in these devices.
• There is a single USB-C port which can connect to devices such as a flash drives using appropriate adapters/port replicators.
• No detectable speed/performance problems for my use.
• WiFi seems to be adequate and readily connects to the networks I use; may require higher signal strength.
• Price, OK, but some laptops may be of better value – even in the 12” display class.
• Very easy to transport…even with all the items in my messenger bag kit.
• (Costco model seems to be a very good combination of device and keyboard…but alas only in the basic black keyboard).

Cons:

• There is single USB-C port – perhaps two would be better. A USB-C to USB 3 converter is not supplied but readily available.
• It would be nice to have more internal storage, but external microSD storage is a good alternative. The Costco model seems to be a good tradeoff.
• Wireless appears to require a stronger signal in order to leverage throughput speed…a weak signal may greatly impede data transfer.

Note: Opinions expressed herein are those of the author. Any names/trademarks used are NOT an endorsement of those items…but are provided for reference only and are owned by their owner(s).