The Surface Laptop Go 2 is Microsoft’s latest attempt at creating a budget-friendly laptop that still packs a punch. While it has its advantages, such as a sleek design and impressive performance, there are also some significant disadvantages to consider. In this article, we’ll delve into the drawbacks of the Surface Laptop Go 2, exploring the limitations that might make you think twice before making a purchase.
Design and Display Limitations
While the Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts a sleek and compact design, there are some limitations to its display. The laptop features a 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels. While this is sufficient for general use, it may not be enough for those who require a higher resolution for tasks such as video editing or gaming.
Lower Resolution Compared to Competitors
Compared to other laptops in its class, the Surface Laptop Go 2’s display resolution is somewhat lower. For example, the Acer Aspire 3 features a 14-inch Full HD display, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has a 14-inch HD display with a higher resolution. This may be a drawback for those who want a sharper and more vibrant display.
No 4K or OLED Options
Another limitation of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s display is the lack of 4K or OLED options. While the PixelSense display is good, it can’t compete with the vibrant colors and deep blacks of an OLED display. This may be a disappointment for those who want the best possible display quality.
Performance and Hardware Limitations
While the Surface Laptop Go 2’s performance is generally good, there are some limitations to its hardware. The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which is a decent mid-range processor. However, it may not be enough for demanding tasks such as video editing or software development.
Integrated Graphics
One of the main limitations of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s hardware is the integrated graphics. The laptop features Intel Iris Xe graphics, which are not as powerful as dedicated graphics cards. This may be a drawback for those who want to play games or use graphics-intensive software.
No Upgrade Options
Another limitation of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s hardware is the lack of upgrade options. The laptop’s RAM and storage are soldered to the motherboard, making it impossible to upgrade them in the future. This may be a drawback for those who want to extend the life of their laptop.
Battery Life Limitations
While the Surface Laptop Go 2’s battery life is generally good, there are some limitations to consider. The laptop’s battery life is around 8-10 hours, which is decent but not exceptional. However, the battery life may vary depending on the usage and settings.
No Fast Charging
One of the main limitations of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s battery life is the lack of fast charging. The laptop’s charger is a standard 39W charger, which may not be enough to quickly top up the battery. This may be a drawback for those who are always on the go and need to quickly charge their laptop.
Ports and Connectivity Limitations
While the Surface Laptop Go 2 has a decent selection of ports, there are some limitations to consider. The laptop features one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and a headphone jack. However, it lacks an HDMI port and an SD card slot.
No HDMI Port
One of the main limitations of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s ports is the lack of an HDMI port. This may be a drawback for those who want to connect their laptop to a external monitor or projector.
No SD Card Slot
Another limitation of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s ports is the lack of an SD card slot. This may be a drawback for those who want to expand their storage or transfer files from a camera.
Software Limitations
While the Surface Laptop Go 2 comes with Windows 11, there are some limitations to consider. The laptop’s software is generally good, but there are some limitations to the operating system.
No Linux Support
One of the main limitations of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s software is the lack of Linux support. The laptop’s hardware is not compatible with Linux, which may be a drawback for those who want to use a different operating system.
No Bloatware-Free Option
Another limitation of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s software is the lack of a bloatware-free option. The laptop comes with some pre-installed apps, which may be a drawback for those who want a clean and minimalistic operating system.
Price and Value Limitations
While the Surface Laptop Go 2 is generally a good value, there are some limitations to consider. The laptop’s price starts at around $600, which is decent but not exceptional. However, the price may vary depending on the configuration and retailer.
No Budget-Friendly Option
One of the main limitations of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s price is the lack of a budget-friendly option. The laptop’s base model is around $600, which may be out of reach for those on a tight budget.
No Discounts or Promotions
Another limitation of the Surface Laptop Go 2’s price is the lack of discounts or promotions. The laptop’s price is generally fixed, which may be a drawback for those who want to get a good deal.
In conclusion, while the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a good laptop, there are some significant disadvantages to consider. From its display and performance limitations to its battery life and ports limitations, there are some drawbacks that might make you think twice before making a purchase. However, it’s worth noting that the Surface Laptop Go 2 is still a good value, and its advantages may outweigh its disadvantages for some users.
| Specification | Surface Laptop Go 2 |
|---|---|
| Display | 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, 1536 x 1024 pixels |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe graphics |
| RAM | 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4x RAM |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB eMMC storage |
| Battery Life | Up to 8-10 hours |
| Ports | One USB-A port, one USB-C port, headphone jack |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Price | Starting at around $600 |
By considering these disadvantages, you can make a more informed decision about whether the Surface Laptop Go 2 is right for you.
What are the key drawbacks of the Surface Laptop Go 2?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 has several drawbacks that may deter potential buyers. One of the main concerns is its limited port selection, which may not be ideal for users who need to connect multiple devices at once. Additionally, the laptop’s processor and RAM may not be sufficient for demanding tasks, which could lead to performance issues.
Another drawback is the laptop’s display, which has a relatively low resolution and may not be as vibrant as other laptops in its class. Furthermore, the Surface Laptop Go 2’s battery life could be better, especially for users who plan to use the laptop on the go. These limitations may make the laptop less appealing to users who need a more powerful and feature-rich device.
How does the Surface Laptop Go 2 compare to other budget-friendly laptops?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a solid option in the budget-friendly laptop market, but it faces stiff competition from other manufacturers. For example, the Acer Aspire 3 and Lenovo IdeaPad 330S offer similar specs and features at a lower price point. Additionally, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 and HP Envy x360 offer more powerful processors and better displays, making them more appealing to users who need a laptop for demanding tasks.
However, the Surface Laptop Go 2 has a few advantages that set it apart from the competition. Its sleek and compact design makes it ideal for users who need a laptop that is easy to carry around. Additionally, the laptop’s Windows 11 operating system and Microsoft Office integration make it a great option for users who are already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Is the Surface Laptop Go 2 suitable for gaming?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is not the best option for gaming due to its limited processor and graphics capabilities. While it can handle casual games and older titles, it may struggle with more demanding games that require a lot of processing power. Additionally, the laptop’s display may not be able to keep up with fast-paced games, which could lead to a less-than-ideal gaming experience.
However, users who are looking for a laptop for casual gaming may still find the Surface Laptop Go 2 to be a solid option. The laptop’s Intel Core i5 processor and Iris Xe graphics can handle less demanding games, and the laptop’s compact design makes it easy to take to gaming sessions on the go.
Can the Surface Laptop Go 2 be used for video editing and other creative tasks?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 can be used for video editing and other creative tasks, but it may not be the best option due to its limited processor and graphics capabilities. While it can handle basic video editing tasks, it may struggle with more complex projects that require a lot of processing power. Additionally, the laptop’s display may not be able to accurately display the colors and details of the video, which could lead to a less-than-ideal editing experience.
However, users who are looking for a laptop for basic creative tasks may still find the Surface Laptop Go 2 to be a solid option. The laptop’s Intel Core i5 processor and Iris Xe graphics can handle basic video editing and photo editing tasks, and the laptop’s compact design makes it easy to take to creative sessions on the go.
How long does the Surface Laptop Go 2’s battery last?
The Surface Laptop Go 2’s battery life is around 8-10 hours, depending on the usage. While this is not the longest battery life in its class, it is still sufficient for users who need a laptop for basic tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and working on documents. However, users who plan to use the laptop for more demanding tasks may find that the battery life is not sufficient.
It’s worth noting that the battery life can be extended by adjusting the power settings and turning off unnecessary features. Additionally, the laptop’s compact design makes it easy to take to charging sessions on the go, which can help to minimize downtime.
Is the Surface Laptop Go 2 worth the price?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a solid option in the budget-friendly laptop market, but whether it is worth the price depends on the user’s needs and expectations. While it offers a sleek and compact design, a solid processor, and a good display, it also has some limitations that may make it less appealing to users who need a more powerful and feature-rich device.
However, users who are looking for a laptop for basic tasks such as browsing the web, checking email, and working on documents may find the Surface Laptop Go 2 to be a great value. The laptop’s price is competitive with other budget-friendly laptops, and its Microsoft ecosystem integration makes it a great option for users who are already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
What are the upgrade options for the Surface Laptop Go 2?
The Surface Laptop Go 2 has limited upgrade options due to its compact design. While users can upgrade the RAM and storage, the processor and graphics are soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. Additionally, the laptop’s battery is not user-replaceable, which may be a concern for users who plan to use the laptop for an extended period.
However, users who need to upgrade their laptop can consider purchasing a new one or exploring other options such as cloud computing or external hardware upgrades. Additionally, Microsoft offers a trade-in program that allows users to trade in their old laptop for a new one, which can be a great option for users who want to upgrade to a more powerful device.