Microsoft Surface Go User Reviews and Ratings

EDIT, 8/18/18 - So it's been almost a week since I've had my Surface Go. I still love it, but I'm beginning to see the limitations of this device. The limitations are due to Windows 10, not the hardware itself. And I feel that these limitations are very slight--slight enough for me to keep the rating at 5 stars. I feel that these tiny issues are ones that can be adjusted or fixed with software updates, and that's fine with me. The device is still great as-is, but Windows 10 needs little tweaks to make the device better--that's all I'm saying.Personally, I think the issue here is that Windows 10 isn't built for mobile devices. It's still for devices that are meant to sit on a desk or table and aren't nearly as portable--like PCs. The Surface Go is great because it's so portable, but it can be better. For that to happen, Microsoft needs to tailor Windows 10 to make mobile devices like the Surface Go function like a mobile device should. For instance, as it stands right now, I can't listen to music or podcasts with the screen off. I can do that with my iPhone or iPad. But I have to babysit the Surface Go, just like I have to babysit my PC at home. I have to be sitting around, making sure the Surface Go remains awake. Sure, I could mess with power management settings, but why should I have to do that? The competition doesn't require me to do that. Microsoft needs to match that.Many mobile devices have widgets or other controls that can be accessed without unlocking the device. I feel that Microsoft has to match this, too, with Windows 10. It also needs widgets that can be accessed without having to unlock the device. Just very basic controls--turn wifi on or off (for real, not this garbage with Apple disconnecting from wifi for a day), and basic audio controls.Finally: Windows apps should be optimized so that a user can get away with using programs without a stylus or keyboard of some kind. Along with the Surface Go, I have an Ockel Sirius A that I got through an Indiegogo campaign earlier this year--that device has a screen that's about the same size as your average phablet, and it runs on Windows 10. A stylus, mouse or trackpad is definitely needed if you want to get work done on it, even if you plug a lager monitor into the Sirius A. I understand that--Windows 10 just isn't built for a screen that small. But I don't think there's any excuse for a device like the Surface Go that has a screen that's, what...about 10.5"? Like an iPad? And on an iPad, users are expected to be able to use apps on that tablet without needing a stylus or trackpad of some kind. But I can't say the same for the Surface Go. Some of those icons--like taskbar icons, or some of the buttons or drop-down menus I've seen in iTunes, as two examples--are still too small to select them with just a finger. You'd still need a stylus/mouse/trackpad to use the Surface Go as-is. And, sure...of course you can mess around with the display settings on the Surface Go to fix this. But again--why should I have to do that when the competition doesn't require me to do that, and the apps on the competition's devices work just fine without extra hardware of some kind?Overall: Microsoft is getting there when it comes to mobile devices, but it also still has a ways to go to keep up with the competition.ORIGINAL REVIEW:I just got my Surface Go yesterday, and I have to say?it?s a genuinely nice device to have. I like it a lot.I plan on using the Surface Go as a ?workhorse? device. I do a lot of writing and I work with spreadsheets, so that?s mostly what I?ll be doing on the Surface Go. I also have iTunes on it?I?m in the middle of downloading some albums to it right now?and I?m downloading some Netflix shows to watch later. The Surface Go can handle all of this very well?and I plan on keeping it in S mode, just to see how far I can go with this device being this way.Word and Excel docs, along with iTunes and Netflix, is pretty much all that I need a device like the Surface Go to handle. I?ve seen at least one tech reviewer (iJustine?) play Fortnite on her Surface Go review unit, so it?s not impossible to do it. It?s just?playing games is not a priority of mine for a device like this one. I want this device to be the one that I?ll do some actual work on. If I want to do fun stuff, I?ll use my smartphone.Overall: I think the Surface Go is a nice device to have if you want a backup computer?something to do the bare minimum of what you expect your average computer to do. Also, just remember who this device is supposed to be for: students and enterprise. If you?re in a school or business environment, then this?ll be a great device to have.

Amazing product. In love with it.

I received my product yesterday and was able to review the contents upon opening. I have owned the larger Surface Tablets before, and this one is just as fast as the ones I have owned, yet more sleek and portable. Don't let the size fool you, nor reviews, the performance is outstanding for the size and what it has to offer.The Surface Go has a very nice box display, and even better opening the package. The package has an iPad feel to it when opening, making you oddly feel better about the product and its representation. I added the type cover to the surface with an easy click and bend up. It worked seamlessly right away.To start, the Surface Go was booted up, went through all the set up very easily, and now is incorporated at my desk attached to a USB C 5 in 1, and hooked up to my HDMI 32" Screen.Positives:Fast for the most partSizePortabilityQuick InterfaceWindows transition to Windows 10 HomeWindows 10 S for securityTouch screenWindows at the size of an iPadNegatives:Can be somewhat slow when opening multiple programsNot a slew of apps like the Apple Store hasNot to be used as a workhorseOverall this product will be very useful to me now, and in the future.I highly recommend this product based on what it has to offer, especially if you love the feel of an iPad. This will get more done than an iPad. Very useful for school, for mobile work, for at home computers, and portability uses.I will check back in a few months for an update after consistent use.

Very pleased. Works great for my uses. Light weight, bright vivid screen and peppy enough for me.

Great portable computer. I have the Surface Pro 3 so I am familiar with the Surface family. I decided to see how long I can use the Surface Go with windows 10 S OS, which means that you can only install apps from the MS Windows Store...so far, so good. If I have a need to upgrade to Windows 10 Home, the switch is very easy via the Windows Store...just remember, you may have to update the Windows Store app then the upgrade to Windows 10 Home, for free, is available.I use this as a secondary computer to surf web, watch Netflix, work on MS Office documents...works exactly as advertised.

The Surface Go is the best of many different electronic products. It is a tablet that is light, watchable, with great graphics. It is a small and light computer that is easy to fit in your knapsack or briefcase. If you are in a meeting of any kind and you take the GO from your bag, people will be all over you to see what it is and how simple to do anything you need it to. I would buy it again because although I have not used it for a long time, I have been thrilled by what it is capable of.

I love the new Surface Go! It is small enoughto tuck into a medium sized handbag. It is superfast, and I keptthe operating system on it so I can use apps instead of the standard MS interface. It is so lightweight and yet the metal case is classy and durable. It quickly pairs with the keyboard and stylus which I bought extra. You can also just use it as a touch screen tablet. It is the best tablet I have owned.The face recognition didn?t give me any problems and I like the convenience and security it brings.This would be perfect for the student on the go.

Better than any other android tablets on the market for the price. Shipping was fast. I highly recommend the Surface so far. Way more convenient in airport and through security. Win10 access in a convenient package.

Great product. Not as long of a battery life as an IPad but way a way more productive product If tou need the versatility of a laptop. You absolutely need the type cover to make full use out of the device.

I was looking for a hybrid computer to use for my personal life. I have a designated work computer for my business. I wanted something I could take with me everywhere and use for reading, movies, shopping, videos, etc... I have used it to stream music, Netflix, shop and write reviews on Amazon. :-) This computer has fit all my criteria and beyond.

I love this Surface Go. I love that it is so portable and lightweight. It fits in my purse! I love that it has all of the Windows programs I need for work: Outlook, Excel, and Word. I synced it up with one drive and accessed everything I need from the office to my Surface Go. All I need is wifi. I think it?s perfect for trips and on the go. The only thing it would not be ideal for is 8 hour day every day grind kind of work. It is too small of a keyboard and screen for that. However, I will definitely be taking the Go with me on my next plane ride, with a movie or two in tow. I?m including photos of my Surface Pro and the Surface Go side by side for a size comparison.

Parfait

I use this for school

If you need a PC to do light work and can live with a 10 inch display, you'll love it. Or maybe you want a tablet that can be more than just that. I like the whole philosophy behind it, a device that you can take anywhere and use it in all your activities. After using it at work I can take the keyboard off and watch a movie or browse the web while listening some music or use a pen to do some digital painting as a hobby, It's just so versatile. I think this is the closest thing to what Microsoft wanted to achieve with the Surface line. Even closer than the already great Surface Pro.And there's this premium feel to it. The magnesium body feels very solid, the kickstand doesn't move if you don't want to and if you pair it with the Alcantara keyboard it's just a very different experience that you can feel. And yet it's so light. You'll have a disappointing experience touching a plastic laptop after using one of these.The downside is that it isn't precisely cheap. If you want it to be more than a tablet, you'll have to add the type cover keyboard, around $100 or more if you buy a Microsoft one (it's also great but I'm not reviewing it here). This just happens to be an affordable Surface product, and they're always expensive. But also so versatile and innovative that you'll find they worth it.It's also very sturdy. I found that out yesterday (there was a dog involved), it fell from a feet high right on the edge of the screen. I thought I would find a shattered or cracked display, but there was nothing on it. Not even on the edge, not a single dent or scratch on the whole thing, and it's working like if nothing happened (I'm using it to write this review).Most people complain about relatively short battery life but you can work for hours on it. I get it to work the whole day with the screen at its darkest and the battery saving mode on. Unless you use it outside that's enough brightness and performance for what you'll be using it. Another common complain are the thick bezels, but they're there for a reason, which becomes very obvious when you use it like a tablet.This might not be the device for you if what you want is high performance for CPU or graphic demanding tasks (and of course it's far from being a gamer PC) or if you really hate Windows. But if you're looking for a portable PC/tablet you can't go wrong with this. It's light, sturdy, completelly silent, has a sleek desing and offers a full desktop experience. And if you already own a Surface Pro you'll find this fascinating and even charming. It's a scaled down version of it.

I ordered a Go right away after it was released with the anticipation that I could replace older desktops with a tablet solution. I was right. Pair the 8GB Go with Windows 10 Pro then connect it to a Plugable USBC-3 Thunderbolt enabled hub and you have the perfect desktop replacement. Way to go Microsoft.

I really like how compact it is. I brought it on a trip recently and it worked great!

Great

Just what I needed, only downside is the battery life isn't all that great, great purchase all the same.

so happy with my surface go!

Excellent to use on the go. Took it with me on vacation. Very lightweight and good battery life. Can even play Civ 6 without issues. Happy with purchase.

I love my surface go. Don't give me wrong, there are some cons like battery life, about 5 to 6 hours, and the processor performance is not that good, but as a secondary hybrid computer, is perfect, I love it and I enjoy using it.

So excellent

as described. fast shipping.

More handy and powerful then old models.

Best tablet I've owned . Hope it's my last!

I love the size and the flexibility of having a tablet and PC combo. Although I tend to use this as a tablet, I find the PC experience to be pleasurable. I have purchased both the unit and the keyboard. Several reviewers have noted the slowness of the device, however, I have not found speed to be an issue. At the same time, I view this as more of a tablet than a laptop. Thus, my expectations in several categories are within the range of such a device.

This is my best surface device. Portable, versatile and fulfills the purpose for which I got it. I've used the surface pro 3 and currently have the surface book. This might not beat those in terms of speed, but it does beat them in terms of portability. I couldn't wish for a better tablet and pc hybrid. Looking forward to see what the next generation of the surface Go would look like.

Perfect travel "laptop", has a nice quality feel and look, love it!

I have been looking for the perfect combination computer and tablet for ten years. They finally DID it. The new Surface Go is really light and thin, so it's easy to handle and take with you, and the size is perfect. It seems sturdy, and I don't worry about it being fragile. The screen resolution is fabulous. I also got a large screen monitor, and when I'm using my Surface Go as a desktop, I connect it to that. We just got new speakers with a huge subwoofer, and the sound from this is awesome. The Surface Go has 3 ports: a headphone jack (that's where I plug in my speakers), a tiny USB-c port, and the special port for the charging cord. You HAVE to get an adapter to use usb-a things (regular size) with this. I bought four different adapters until I found my favorite: the Lention USB-c Multi-Port Hub with 4K HDMI Output. Then I can plug in 4 things plus my hdmi cord from the big monitor. I didn't buy the Surface keyboard, but use a wireless full size keyboard with it. When I use it as a tablet, the on-screen keyboard pops up, and I use that. The 8 gbs of RAM are perfect for my use, and the storage memory is quite adequate. I can fit all my documents and music, but only some of my photos. I use an external hard drive for backup and for my photos. If you stream all your music, then you could fit all your photos. I always copy my music, though, so my music takes up a lot of space. I also bought the wireless pen. It will write on a blank page from Microsoft Word. If you choose to buy the latest Word, it will do handwriting recognition, too. There are also sticky notes and notes apps that work with this computer and the pen. So, this is IT, the perfect tablet/desktop. Highly recommended. Oh, and Windows 10 works with all my old software. Cool.

I've been switching between my Nexus 7, MacBook Air 11 and iPad Air for different tasks. What I wanted was something in between these gadgets. The MacBook is my go to for productivity and editing but it does get a bit tiring to lug around especially when traveling. Plus it is not very ideal if you want to binge watch (especially when lying down). The Nexus and iPad Air was great in terms of portability and perfect for binge watching but a bit hard to use with some office work and productivity (still lacking a full laptop experience).The Surface Go provides the middle ground of both. Slap on the key cover and you are good to get some work (or play) done. MS Office, Email management or some very light photo editing the 8GB/128GB variant should be able to handle it. If you want to watch Netflix, YT or simply surf the net. You can remove the key cover and you have an instant tablet.It is the best of both worlds for me and really happy with the Surface Go.