Microsoft updates the Surface Laptop Go 2
Microsoft has announced an update to its smallest and most affordable device in its Surface laptop lineup, the Surface Laptop Go 2, with the addition of a newer chip along with an improved webcam.
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is powered by an 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor (up from the 10th generation in the previous model). It starts at $600 for the model that has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
The original Surface Laptop Go was released in 2020 as Microsoft's attempt to compete with Chromebooks. It was priced lower than the rest of the Surface Laptop lineup with a smaller 12.4-inch touchscreen that maintains a 3:2 aspect ratio (1536 x 1024 pixels).
Not much has changed for its successor, which measures 10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches. However, there have been some tweaks with the Surface Laptop Go 2.
Its initial price has gone up by $50, likely because the company has discontinued the basic version that ships with 64GB of storage.
It's also available in a new Gray Green, which joins pre-existing Blue and Platinum options. Estimated battery life increased from 13 hours to 13.5 hours. The laptop is also shipped with Windows 11 operating system this time.
The company says the Surface Laptop Go 2 has more replaceable components, including the keyboard, trackpad, display, and battery. Although they are designed to be replaced at a Microsoft authorized repair provider.
There are fewer concrete details about the other promotions. The company's press release explains that the Surface Laptop Go 2 offers improved, quieter temperatures that facilitate focus and an improved HD camera.
But the webcam's resolution is still 720p, like the previous model, indicating that its upgrades are more about image processing than resolution.
Microsoft Adds 11th Generation Intel Processor
Other than that, this laptop is very similar to its predecessor. There is still a fingerprint sensor built into the power button on select models. The ports are also the same, and it still offers dual microphones and Wi-Fi 6. And there's no mention of the backlit keyboard, which was a primary complaint with the first Surface Laptop Go.
All laptop models come with the same Intel Core i5 processor. But a bunch of different RAM and storage settings are available.
Prices start at $600 for the 4/128 GB consumer model. It goes up to $700 for 8/128GB, or $800 for 8/256GB. A 16/256 GB model is available for $1,100. Pre-orders are open today. Shipping is scheduled to begin on June 7.
