In our performance tests, the 2022 version, with its 11th-gen Core i5 was indeed faster than the 2020 version's 10th-gen Core i5. Running basic applications and web browsers were fine for everyday use, but I found myself defaulting to Microsoft's own Edge browser over Chrome, because it's better optimized for less powerful Windows 11 systems. There's a separate 'business' version that has a 16GB RAM option, but you'll have to find that from a specialty business computer reseller.

For $800, it's 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. For $700, you can get the same Core i5, but with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. Yes, Microsoft says 4GB is officially supported for Windows 11, but I think the RAM upgrade is going to give you a much more satisfying experience. For both generations of this product, Microsoft sent me an upgraded model with 8GB of RAM to test. The lowest-end Surface Laptop Go 2 (like the original) has 4GB of RAM, which I'd consider a red flag. You can probably see where this is headed. That's because, even for a low-cost laptop, you should be looking for an Intel Core i5 or equivalent processor, 8GB or 16GB or RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. As outlined in my recent guide to buying a budget laptop, the old $500 limit to what we'd consider 'budget,' has been pushed up closer to $700.

Microsoft says the Surface Go 2 will handle some gaming, but still consider a gaming laptop for the most intense PC games and tasks, like video editing.My thinking on budget laptops has changed, pushed by inflation, supply shortages and the increase in work-from-home and remote school scenarios. This processor is designed for typical productivity, namely Microsoft Office and internet browsers. That doesn't mean the new Laptop Go 2, which runs Windows 11, is a slouch. However, the Surface Laptop Go 2 has less maximum RAM available. That gives a $599.99 laptop the same processor as the Surface Laptop Studio base model. The biggest change in the Surface Laptop Go 2 is the updated Intel processor. 12.4-inch (1,536 x 1,024) PixelSense display with 10-point multi-touchĤGB or 8GB RAM 128GB or 256GB SSD (removable)ġ USB-C, 1 USB-A, 3.5mm headphone, Surface Connect Port

Microsoft surface go laptops