Microsoft Unveils $529 ‘Surface Go’ Tablet

Microsoft just announced the Surface Go, an entry-level model in its tablet/laptop combo line.

At $529 CAD, it is the company’s cheapest model yet, and one that Microsoft hopes will take it further into the important education market. While it also helps expand the Surface lineup, Microsoft’s new Surface Go is a model that finally allows the Redmond-based software giant to have a direct competitor to Apple’s 9.7-inch iPad, the device that has until now dominated the tablet market.

Thanks to the Go’s downsized 10-inch 1800 x 1200 screen, which Microsoft claims has been designed to “render the page to the scale of most school textbooks”, the Surface Go tips the scales at just 1.15 pounds and measure in at a positively-skinny 8.3mm.

The Surface Go’s PixelSense screen supports Microsoft’s Surface Pen with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, but the stylus will set you back an extra $129 CAD, as will Microsoft’s new Surface Go Signature Type Cover that comes with a Windows Precision Trackpad built-in.

The device includes the frequently requested USB-C port in addition to the Surface Connect port, a headphone jack, SD card reader and a built-in stand. With a 10-inch display, Go is Microsoft’s smallest and lightest Surface so far.

The Surface Go will come in a variety of configurations with either 4GB or 8GB of ram, an Intel HD 615 GPU, and 64/128/256 GB storage options, and with a dual-core 1.60 GHz 7th Generation Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, the Surface Go can easily run Office, browse the web, stream videos, and use many apps.

Surface Go is running Windows 10 Home in S mode (which you can turn off for free), though schools will be able to purchase the Surface Go with Windows 10 Pro via commercial channels for an extra $50 USD. That means Surface Go has everything you would expect from a Windows 10 machine, from features like Windows Hello (signing in with facial recognition) all the way to supporting decades of third-party apps.

Surface Go will be available in store on August 2 and can be pre-ordered beginning today, July 10, online.