Just like the Surface Pro (seen here), the Surface Go is designed to replace your laptop. — dpa
Microsoft is expanding its Surface family with a new Surface Go model, which Microsoft is calling its "smallest, lightest, and most affordable Surface yet".
The Surface Go weighs around 520 grams and has a 10-inch screen, making it an important rival to Apple's iPad devices.
Like its forerunner, the Surface Pro, the Surface Go has a custom-made cover with an integrated keyboard, which means it can also be used as a laptop. The Surface Pen, which can be purchased separately, is also compatible with the new device.
Microsoft is selling the Surface Go as an all-round device that can be used by the whole family: For school textbooks, for watching movies at home and for professional use at the office.
According to the International Data Corporation, the tablet market was dominated by Apple's iPad devices in 2017, with a solid lead of 26.8% of the market share, followed by Samsung with 15.2% and Amazon in third place with 10.2%.
The market research also shows that so-called "convertibles", tablets that have integrated keyboards to convert them into laptops, were less successful last year, which is probably due to Microsoft's off-schedule launch of the Surface Pro.
Surface Go is powered by a fanless design Intel Premium Gold Processor and has a battery life of around nine hours. Priced at US$399 (RM1,614), it is also one of the most affordable devices on the market.
However, in Europe, the device with 64GB of storage capacity will be more expensive at around €449 (RM2,115) and for the 128GB version you'll be expected to fork out €599 (RM2,820). This is without the keyboard cover, which costs extra.
Microsoft's Surface Go with WiFi is now available for pre-order and is expected to hit the shelves in August. An LTE model will be launched later in the year. — dpa
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