Microsoft Surface Go or ... ?

[SigEp265]

Hey Team

I am looking to purchase a Microsoft Surface Go in the near future.

BUT I was wondering if one of the previous generation Microsoft Surface Pro models would be a better laptop/tablet for around the same price?

Thank you in advance.

 

[SteveJUAE]

The GO is a cute full OS companion device you will always have a richer experience with a higher spec device even if one or 2 years old refurb eg SP/SP6

 

[dwig]

The Go is clearly the best performing "plain" Surface to date, but the "Pro" versions, 4 thru 6, will out perform the Go. That said, I love my little Go (8Gb RAM, 128 Gb SSD) and find it quite competent. I use it primarily as a "consumption" device for videos and web. I only do light duty word processing and spreadsheet work and occasionally some light to moderate Photoshop work. I mainly use it as a tablet, but also frequently use it as a pseudo-desktop with a 24" second monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

 

[Queen6]

Personally I'd go for a discounted SP5 over a Surface Go, unless the usage was very light. I looked at both SP6 and Surface Go; one too much, one too little performance. By chance I came across an Acer Switch 5 (i3, 4Gb, 128SSD, with backlit KB & Pen) more powerful than the Go and far cheaper.

I just need something reasonably small & light with Touch & Pen to toss in the bag while I'm on the rounds with the contractors, nor something I want to be overly concerned about. So far the Switch 5 has met my expectations for a lightweight system which is all it really needs to do I added a 256 MicroSD which takes care of any media storage.

Although the Go has more RAM and faster SSD the CPU can really bottleneck the system. As ever much is dependant on the usage. I like the Switch 5's port solution as although a W10 tablet (2in1) it has USB A, USB, C, power & MicroSD. The 2.7GHz i3-7130U holds up well thx to a good passive cooling solution, hyperthreading (4 threads) and HD 620 Graphics. So far the 4Gb has not been an issue, equally 8Gb would be preferable, however at just $650 US there is absolutely zero to complain about with the Switch 5.

If I was looking at a solitary 2in1 I'd opt for the SP6, as it pretty much ticks all the boxes for a 2in1 detachable device. I did consider, but it seemed overkill for the planned usage and my primary field notebook a very performant 8th Gen hex core coupled GTX 1070 and 32Gb RAM, and the Switch 5 can double as an extended display for it's more powerful sibling

Switch 5 has i5, i7 options with greater storage, however the benefit of the more performant CPU's is marred by throttling unless one's workflow is "burst" focused. Pricing reflects the hardware bring the Switch 5 closer to the SP6 although KB & Pen is included. Display is best if calibrated and certainly benefits. Without a doubt the Surface displays are superior, equally once calibrated the Switch 5's display is a very decent 1440p experience with HDR. Those needing more storage the Switch 5 is upgradable with a little care and patience thx to utilising a standard M.2 SSD & removeable rear panel

I did briefly consider the new Air, however Apple's poor spec, underwhelming usability, unreliable keyboard and rather humorous pricing made it very brief interlude indeed

Q-6

 

[SigEp265]

Thank you everyone for the reply!! Really good info here!
[doublepost=1548954913][/doublepost]

Personally I'd go for a discounted SP5 over a Surface Go, unless the usage was very light. I looked at both SP6 and Surface Go; one too much, one too little performance. By chance I came across an Acer Switch 5 (i3, 4Gb, 128SSD, with backlit KB & Pen) more powerful than the Go and far cheaper.

I just need something reasonably small & light with Touch & Pen to toss in the bag while I'm on the rounds with the contractors, nor something I want to be overly concerned about. So far the Switch 5 has met my expectations for a lightweight system which is all it really needs to do I added a 256 MicroSD which takes care of any media storage.

Although the Go has more RAM and faster SSD the CPU can really bottleneck the system. As ever much is dependant on the usage. I like the Switch 5's port solution as although a W10 tablet (2in1) it has USB A, USB, C, power & MicroSD. The 2.7GHz i3-7130U holds up well thx to a good passive cooling solution, hyperthreading (4 threads) and HD 620 Graphics. So far the 4Gb has not been an issue, equally 8Gb would be preferable, however at just $650 US there is absolutely zero to complain about with the Switch 5.

If I was looking at a solitary 2in1 I'd opt for the SP6, as it pretty much ticks all the boxes for a 2in1 detachable device. I did consider, but it seemed overkill for the planned usage and my primary field notebook a very performant 8th Gen hex core coupled GTX 1070 and 32Gb RAM, and the Switch 5 can double as an extended display for it's more powerful sibling

Switch 5 has i5, i7 options with greater storage, however the benefit of the more performant CPU's is marred by throttling unless one's workflow is "burst" focused. Pricing reflects the hardware bring the Switch 5 closer to the SP6 although KB & Pen is included. Display is best if calibrated and certainly benefits. Without a doubt the Surface displays are superior, equally once calibrated the Switch 5's display is a very decent 1440p experience with HDR. Those needing more storage the Switch 5 is upgradable with a little care and patience thx to utilising a standard M.2 SSD & removeable rear panel

I did briefly consider the new Air, however Apple's poor spec, underwhelming usability, unreliable keyboard and rather humorous pricing made it very brief interlude indeed

Q-6

I really appreciate your comparison. Is the Surface Pro 5 considered the 2017 edition? I am looking on swappa.com

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Thank you everyone for the reply!! Really good info here!
[doublepost=1548954913][/doublepost]

I really appreciate your comparison. Is the Surface Pro 5 considered the 2017 edition? I am looking on swappa.com

Yes. The Surface Pro 5 is not officially called '5' but plain 'Surface pro'. So everybody started calling it 'Surface pro 2017' or 'Surface Pro 5' to distinguish it. MS started to number the Surface Pro's after that again (because of the confusion?). So the successor was called Surface Pro 6.

To add to the confusion: The Surface Go has no number either but actually is a kind of successor to the Surface 3

 

[SDColorado]

Yes. The Surface Pro 5 is not officially called '5' but plain 'Surface pro'. So everybody started calling it 'Surface pro 2017' or 'Surface Pro 5' to distinguish it. MS started to number the Surface Pro's after that again (because of the confusion?). So the successor was called Surface Pro 6.

Exactly. For whatever reason MS decided that the SP 2017 (5) was only an incremental update, not a full version one. Which I thought was kind of crazy, because it was pretty significant over 4. But after they decided to go ahead and name the current model 6 and just skipped 5, everyone began calling the SP 2017 SP5 anyway. Seemed kind of silly to go 1-4 and then 6