The unique Floor Laptop computer Go launched in 2020 as a form of Chromebook competitor. And whereas it regarded actually fairly for a $550 gadget, the pricing was really a bit awkward. Now, Microsoft is again with the $600 Surface Laptop Go 2, a repairable laptop computer with specs that extra appropriately match the MSRP.
I’m not saying that the primary Floor Laptop computer Go was a nasty laptop computer, however on a good finances, it wouldn’t be my first selection. My major downside was the gradual eMMC storage—you would get a relatively quick Chromebook with correct SSD storage for a similar value.
Microsoft corrects this insane mistake with the Floor Laptop computer Go 2, which comes with a 128GB SSD in its least expensive configuration (up from a measly 64GB of eMMC). The laptop computer additionally options different compelling enhancements, like an eleventh Gen Intel Core i5 processor (up from tenth Gen), an improved webcam (nonetheless 720p), and an upgraded cooling system that’s quieter and extra environment friendly.
And in accordance with Microsoft, a number of of the Floor Laptop computer Go 2’s elements are user-replaceable. You’ll be able to swap out the battery (which lasts 13.5 hours on a cost), substitute the keyboard or show, and even set up a brand new SSD.
Microsoft has made a powerful pivot towards repairability all through 2022, publishing teardown movies of its merchandise and partnering with iFixit to promote official restore instruments. I wouldn’t be stunned if the Laptop computer Go 2’s internals look much like the Floor Laptop computer SE, the same laptop computer that Microsoft sells to colleges.
However some areas of the Floor Laptop computer Go 2 stay unchanged, which is disappointing. It nonetheless makes use of a 12.4-inch touchscreen show with a 1536 x 1024 decision—that’s lower than 1080p. The port choice continues to be restricted (only one USB-C, USB-A, and headphone jack), the keyboard doesn’t appear to have a backlight, and man, the bottom mannequin has simply 4GB of RAM.
In case you’re out there for a $600 Home windows laptop computer, the Floor Laptop computer Go 2 could be a strong possibility. But when you end up eyeballing one of many higher-end configurations, which value as much as $800, I counsel doing a little bit of window buying. Possibly a Dell XPS laptop computer is a greater possibility should you’re prepared to dip into that value vary.