CostCo advertises a previously-unannounced Surface Go configuration that includes a type cover in the box

CostCo is now advertising a new variant of the Microsoft Surface Go that wasn’t included in the original announcement. It includes 4 GB RAM, a 128 GB SSD, and the alcantara Type Cover for US$549.

Its size and portability put it in direct competition with Windows 10 ARM devices, trading in the always-connected functionality and standby battery life in favor of improved performance. This led us to wonder whether this endangered Windows 10 ARM’s future, or whether this was just Microsoft providing another surface sub-category. The expected appearance of devices using the customized Snapdragon 850 later in the year will help answer this question.

All models use the Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y 1.6 GHz 2C/4T processor, but Microsoft’s announcement included a US$399 version with 4 GB RAM / 64 GB eMMC drive and a US$549 version with 8 GB RAM / 128 GB SSD. Neither of these versions come with the type cover accessory, which is an additional US$99.

The 4 GB variant is acceptable for those who plan to leave the tablet in Windows 10 ‘S mode,’ but eMMC storage is a bit of a drag in a computer and 64 GB doesn’t leave much space once Windows 10 with its wide-ranging hardware support is installed. The CostCo SKU provides larger and faster storage while trading 4 GB of RAM for a US$99 accessory. While the 8 GB RAM / 128 GB storage model converted to full Windows 10 and with type cover (total: US$648) will have the best performance and longevity, those planning to stay in Windows 10 S mode will probably find that the CostCo version offers better value.