Microsoft's first stab at a Windows-based tablet, the Surface Go revealed some shortcomings. While we like that initial effort, the battery life was mediocre, performance lagged, and
software limitations had us searching for workaround.

The new Surface Go2 addresses most, though not all, of these issues and comes away with a device that is more expensive, but in many ways more capable that any other tablet I've used.There are still things I dislike -- most of them related to Windows 10 rather than the device -- but so long as you don't need massive processing power for editing photos or video, the Surface Go 2 is a compelling alternative to the traditional laptop.

It's the first device I've used that I would consider laptop-replacement worthy.

### Take Two

The second iteration of The Surface Go looks, to be frank, like the entry level iPad. It's roughly the same size, slightly heavier at 1.2 pounds, and sports a very similar 10.5-inch touch screen. Microsoft has managed to pack a slightly larger display into that 10.5-inch frame, which means the bezels are a bit smaller, which also contributes to the iPad-ness of the Surface Go 2's outward appearance.

The thinner bezels make the Surface Go look a bit sleeker, but the real improvements are tucked away under the glass, namely the much improved battery life. 



Microsoft has been making Windows tablets for many years under the Surface brand. The Surface Go 2 follows the same basic design principles of many of the preceding Surface models, including the latest, the Surface Pro 7. It’s a rectangular tablet that measures 0.33 by 9.7 by 6.9 inches (HWD) and weighs 1.2 pounds. The entire front of the device is a 10.5-inch touch screen, and the ports, the power button, and a volume rocker are scattered around the edges. While you can hold the Surface Go 2 in two hands with ease, a nifty integrated kickstand at the back pops out for propping up the tablet on a flat surface. 




The most disappointing thing about the Surface Go 2 is Windows 10. Recent changes mean you can no longer use Windows without an account, which opens yet another attack vector in your life and isn't something anyone needs. But it's there and you may as well accept it because the curse of S-mode is still part of life with Surface Go. Windows in S-mode will only install software from the Microsoft Store, which might cut it if you only use Microsoft apps and handful of other, popular apps. 

For most of us though, the first thing you'll want to do is head to the Microsoft Store, turn off S-mode and install Firefox, Chrome, or Vivaldi. Sorry Edge team, I can tell you've worked really hard to build a good browser, but for most of us, it's too little, too late. I have years worth of browsing history, bookmarks, tabs, addresses and all the rest my data already stored in other browsers and synced between my devices. Edge doesn't run anywhere but Windows (actually technically, it also runs on Linux. Didn't see that coming did you?).




There's a class of devices out there that exist on a spectrum that runs from tablet to laptop. The iPad falls squarely at the tablet end of the spectrum. The Surface Go 2 falls just off the center, leaning slightly toward the laptop end of the spectrum. One is not necessarily better than the other, they are different tools for different jobs. The iPad is a better tablet thanks to its touch-optimized UI and app ecosystem, it is however a much worse laptop. The Surface Go on the other hand is much more useful as a laptop, capable of everyday tasks. It's also a decent tablet for watching Netflix or reading books. I would not say it's the best of both because I don't think that's possible, but it's