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Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 Review: A Compact Powerhouse
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s popular lightweight laptop series. It boasts a 12.4-inch touchscreen, a powerful Intel Core i5-1235U processor, and a sleek design that makes it an attractive option for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a portable device for everyday tasks.
I’ve been using the Surface Laptop Go 3 for a few weeks now, and I’m ready to share my thoughts on its performance, features, and overall value. In this review, we’ll dive into the key aspects of the device to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
Key Features
The Surface Laptop Go 3 comes packed with features that make it a versatile and user-friendly device. Here’s a breakdown of some notable features:
- Sleek Design: The laptop’s aluminum chassis and minimalist design give it a premium look and feel.
- 12.4-inch Touchscreen: The PixelSense touchscreen offers vibrant colors and responsive touch input for a smooth user experience. The 3:2 aspect ratio is ideal for browsing the web and working with documents.
- Intel Core i5-1235U Processor: The 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and light video editing.
- 8GB RAM: With 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, multitasking is smooth and efficient, allowing you to switch between applications without experiencing lag.
- 256GB SSD: The 256GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick loading of applications. While it’s not expandable, it should be sufficient for most users.
- Windows 11 Home: The Surface Laptop Go 3 runs on Windows 11 Home, offering a modern and intuitive user interface with enhanced features and security.
- Built-in Fingerprint Reader: The fingerprint reader provides quick and secure login, eliminating the need to remember passwords.
Performance & Usage
The Surface Laptop Go 3’s performance is impressive, especially for its size and weight. It handles everyday tasks with ease, whether you’re browsing the web, working on documents, or streaming videos. The Intel Core i5-1235U processor and 8GB RAM make multitasking a breeze, allowing you to switch between applications without noticeable lag.
The 12.4-inch touchscreen is responsive and accurate, providing a pleasant experience for navigating the operating system and interacting with applications. The 3:2 aspect ratio is also beneficial for web browsing and productivity tasks, offering a larger vertical screen area compared to standard 16:9 displays.
The Surface Laptop Go 3’s built-in speakers are surprisingly good, providing clear audio for music playback and video calls. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the touchpad is responsive and accurate.
However, it’s important to note that the Surface Laptop Go 3 is not a gaming machine. While the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle some light games, it’s not suitable for demanding titles.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3:
Pros:
- Sleek and portable design
- Responsive 12.4-inch touchscreen
- Powerful Intel Core i5-1235U processor
- Fast boot times and application loading with SSD storage
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad
- Good battery life
- Built-in fingerprint reader for secure login
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity (256GB) with no expansion options
- Not designed for demanding gaming
- RAM is not upgradeable
- Relatively expensive compared to other laptops in its class
Final Verdict
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a fantastic option for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a compact and portable laptop that delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. Its sleek design, impressive features, and powerful processor make it a compelling choice. However, its limited storage capacity and lack of RAM upgradeability might be drawbacks for some users.
If you’re looking for a lightweight and stylish laptop that offers good performance and a comfortable user experience, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is definitely worth considering. However, if you need more storage space or require the ability to upgrade RAM, you might want to explore other options.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home (64-Bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U (12th Gen) |
| CPU | 10-Core: 1.3 to 4.4 GHz (2 Cores), 0.9 to 3.3 GHz (8 Cores), L3 Cache: 12 MB |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe (Integrated) |
| Installed RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5, Onboard/Not Upgradeable) |
| vPro Support | No |
| Display Size | 12.4″ |
| Panel Type | LCD |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Native Resolution | 1536 x 1024 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Display Finish | Glossy |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Variable Refresh Tech | No |
| Total Installed Storage | 256 GB SSD (Unspecified Format) |
| Storage Expansion | No |
| Inputs/Outputs | 1x USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 (Supports Video Alt Mode & Power Delivery), 1x USB-A 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1, 1x Surface Connector |
| Audio I/O | 1x 3.5 mm Headphone/Microphone Input/Output |
| Network I/O | No |
| Built-In Speakers | Yes |
| Built-In Microphones | Yes |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | No |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Dual-Band (2.4 & 5 GHz) with MU-MIMO Support |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 |
| Cellular Support | No |
| GPS | No |
| Webcam | User-Facing: 720p |
| Battery Capacity | 41 Wh |
| Keyboard | Built-In Chiclet-Style Keyboard |
| Pointing Device | TouchPad |
| Security | Fingerprint Reader, Firmware TPM (Software-Based) |
| Power Supply | 36 W with USB-C |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 278.13 x 206.25 x 15.75 mm (10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches) |
| Weight | 1.13 kg (2.49 lb) |