You can now buy Microsoft’s newest competitor to iPad

By

Microsoft Surface Go
Surface Go puts the power of Windows 10 in your palms.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft’s latest competitor to the iPad, the more affordable Surface Go, is now available to order.

Prices start at just $399 in the U.S., and for that you get an Intel Pentium Gold processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a 10-inch PixelSense display. You can also enjoy Windows 10 in the lightweight S mode.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Surface Go is Microsoft’s answer to the iPad. Not the iPad Pro, but the more affordable 9.7-inch iPad. It might be slightly more expensive, but Microsoft will argue you get a lot more for your money.

Surface Go is an ultra-portable PC

Surface Go puts the power of Windows 10 in your palms. It essentially offers the same experience as the significantly pricier Surface Pro, with a few cuts to keep its price tag low. But for a lot of tablet buyers, those cuts won’t matter.

The most affordable Surface Go, priced at $399, offers 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM — but there is a $549 model that gives you 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. Both are powered by Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processors with HD Graphics 615.

Both also offer nine hours of battery life, 10-inch PixelSense displays with 1800×1200 resolutions at 217 pixels-per-inch, and all the features you would expect from a Surface device, including Pen and Type Cover support. They also have USB-C ports, headphone jacks, microSD card readers, the propriety Surface Connect port, and even Windows Hello facial recognition.

A real desktop operating system

What makes the Surface Go better than the iPad — for many tablet users — is that it’s powered by Windows 10. You get a full, desktop operating system that runs all your favorite apps and games. You can also connect mice and other PC accessories.

The device ships in S mode, which is the lightweight Windows 10 option that only lets you download apps from the Microsoft Store. But there is a one-way upgrade to full Windows 10 available for those who need it.

Other features include an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium, and a built-in microphone.

Buy your Surface Go today

You can order the Surface Go today from the Microsoft Store, or from Amazon.com.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.