The eagerly awaited Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is on the horizon, and all signs point to its debut at the upcoming Microsoft showcase scheduled for the 21st. Alongside other rumored releases like the Surface Laptop Studio 2, Surface Pro 10, and a fresh Surface Go tablet, the Surface Laptop Go 3 promises to complement the next generation of Surface devices with its capable and budget-friendly clamshell laptop design. Let’s dive into everything we currently know about the Surface Laptop Go 3.
Availability and Pricing
The Surface Laptop Go 3 is anticipated to make its debut for the first time at Microsoft’s showcase event on September 21, with early availability slated for early October. While we don’t have the official pricing details just yet (we’ll have to wait for the official announcement), the base model with 256GB of SSD storage is expected to start at approximately $900.
Comparing this starting price to the previous-generation Surface Laptop Go 2, which had a base model with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD starting at just $600 (or $700 for the Business version), it does appear to be a notable increase. However, it’s essential to note that the 256GB SSD model in the previous generation started at $900, aligning more closely with the expected starting price of the Surface Laptop Go 3. This price adjustment may be influenced by inflation trends observed over the past year, as well as the upgraded specifications offered by this new generation of Surface Laptop Go.
Specifications
While Microsoft has yet to make an official announcement regarding the specifications of the Surface Laptop Go 3, various leaks and rumors have surfaced to give us a glimpse of what to expect.
Physically, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is said to closely resemble its predecessor, with no significant style or aesthetic changes to its chassis. However, it has undergone an internal upgrade, boasting more modern hardware, including an Intel Core i5-1235U processor. This CPU, based on the Alder Lake architecture, is a significant improvement over the 11th-generation CPU found in the previous model. The new processor offers 10 cores, consisting of two performance cores and eight efficiency cores, promising exceptional multitasking capabilities and significantly faster task execution due to its higher clock speeds and advanced architecture.
According to leaked information from WinFuture, the base model is expected to feature 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, a reasonable configuration given that Windows 11 performs optimally with at least 8GB of RAM. This suggests that higher-end configurations with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage may also be available, albeit at a higher price point. Business users might even have the option of a 32GB RAM configuration.
XDA Developers have suggested that while the internal hardware may not have undergone substantial changes, the interior design has been revamped to improve repairability. This is a growing trend among manufacturers and is particularly relevant for affordable laptops like the Surface Laptop Go 3, where buyers often prioritize the ability to repair and maintain their devices.
Regarding battery capacity, it is expected to remain the same. However, thanks to the increased efficiency of the new-generation CPU, we may see an improvement in battery life. The Surface Laptop Go 2 boasted a 13.5-hour battery life on a single charge, and with further efficiency enhancements, we could potentially see up to 15 hours of usage.
The display is anticipated to retain its previous specifications, featuring a 12.45-inch screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1536 x 1024. In terms of ports, the selection remains relatively limited, with one each of USB-C and USB-A, a Surface Connect port, and a single headphone jack.
Desired Features for the Surface Laptop Go 3
While we eagerly await the official announcement of the Surface Laptop Go 3, there are several features we hope to see in this affordable laptop:
- Improved Webcam: Building on the improvements made in the Surface Laptop Go 2, an upgrade to a 1080p webcam would be a welcome addition in the Surface Laptop Go 3.
- Enhanced Security: The Surface Laptop Go 2 lacked native support for Windows Hello. It would be a significant enhancement if every model of the Surface Laptop Go 3 featured a fingerprint reader and Windows Hello support.
- Backlit Keyboard: While backlighting may impact battery life slightly, it’s an essential feature for working or relaxing in low-light conditions. A backlit keyboard should be a standard inclusion in any laptop priced around $1,000.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Surface Laptop Go 3 promises to be an exciting addition to the Microsoft Surface lineup, offering an affordable yet capable clamshell laptop design. With potential improvements in performance, repairability, and battery life, along with desired features like an enhanced webcam, improved security, and a backlit keyboard, the Surface Laptop Go 3 could provide an appealing option for users seeking a balance of affordability and functionality. Stay tuned for the official announcement and further details as Microsoft showcases this latest addition to its Surface family.