Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 arrives as minor refresh with performance and battery life improvements
Microsoft presented a follow-up to the Surface Laptop Go 2. As expected, the Surface Laptop Go 3 relies upon the Intel Core i5-1235U, an Alder Lake-U processor with 10 processor cores and 12 threads. According to our database, the Core i5-1235U averages approximately 27% more performance than the Core i5-1135G7 that powered the Surface Laptop Go 2.
Additionally, Microsoft has finally decided to offer the Surface Laptop Go with at least 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. As usual, Microsoft reserves some memory configurations for its 'for Business' model, which consumers are also free to purchase. For reference, Microsoft offers the Surface Laptop Go 3 in the following memory configurations, including its for Business SKUs:
- 8 GB RAM/256 GB storage
- 16 GB RAM/256 GB storage
- 16 GB RAM/512 GB storage
Moreover, the Surface Laptop Go 3 has a 12.4-inch IPS display, which outputs at 1,536 x 1,204 pixels with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 320 nits peak brightness. Purportedly, the more efficient processor helps the unchanged 41 Wh battery last slightly longer between charges, up from 13:30 hours to 15 hours. All other areas remain unchanged though, such as single Surface Connect, USB Type-A and USB Type-C ports, as well as a 3.5 mm jack.
Unfortunately, this applies to a backlit keyboard, which remains a surprising omission. The Surface Laptop Go 3 starts at US$799.99 in the US with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Alternatively, the laptop is available with 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage for US$999.99, both in Ice Blue, Platinum, Sage and Sandstone colour options. Please see Microsoft's website for more details.
