Surface Go review: my first impression

A month and a half ago Microsoft introduced the Surface Go: A device that can be used to do office tasks anywhere. I finally have for TechnikNews get a test device. My first impression.

Unboxing

This morning I received three packages. The largest contained the Surface Go with a quick start guide, some warnings and a charger. The latter is weaker than the Surface Pro and does not have an additional USB-A port for charging your smartphone, for example. The second package only contained the Type Cover for the Surface Go, which in my case is the Platinum version made of Alcantara. This is magnetically attached to the device via the connectors on the bottom. The keyboard cover also gets its power from this connection. The third package, which was also the smallest box, contained the Surface Pen. This does not need a charger as it is battery-operated. The battery life is around a year.

The amount of scope of delivery for the Surface Go is limited

Equipment

My test device was already set up for me. However, I can still remember the setupprocess mine Zenbook UX530UX from Asus Remember: Basically, all you have to do is create a user account, add a Microsoft account and agree to the terms of use - it's really very self-explanatory. Windows 10 S is installed on the Surface Go by default. With this version of the operating system, only apps from the Windows Store can be installed. However, you can upgrade to Windows 10 Home for free, which allows you to download and install third-party apps.

My first impression

The Surface Go and the Type Cover are very compact. This is noticeable both positively and negatively. On the one hand, this makes the hybrid extremely light, and on the other hand, typing on the keyboard cover takes a lot of getting used to at the beginning, because the key travel and the space between the keys is very small, among other things. On the other hand, I like the trackpad very much. Movements have been recognized correctly at every point in time up to now. I'm also quite happy with the Surface Pen so far.

The kick stand was also processed very well (picture: TechnikNews, 2018)

As I expected in advance, the Surface Go is very well made - including the kick stand. Nothing wobbles here. Unfortunately, the display edges take up more space on the front than is actually necessary.

The processor used is the Intel Pentium 4415Y. When you consider this, the performance is really good. However, I wouldn't want to do more complex tasks on the Surface Go - this isn't what the device is designed for.