Surface Laptop Go 2: Microsoft laptops from 669 euros can be better repaired

The Surface Laptop Go, which was first presented in the fall of 2020, already has a successor, the Surface Laptop Go 2, at prices starting at 669 euros, which will be available directly from Microsoft and in stores from June 7 . A new CPU, only replaceable SSDs, and better repairability characterize the notebook.

The Surface Laptop Go 2 is once again a cheaper alternative to the Surface Laptop. While the current Surface Laptop 4 starts at the usual 949 euros with AMD Ryzen 5 4680U, 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB SSD, the Surface Laptop Go 2 starts Intel Core i5-1135G7, 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD at 669 euros. The smallest configuration of the Surface Laptop Go 2 is reserved exclusively for the Microsoft Store, third-party providers will include the laptop in their range from 769 euros with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB SSD. Microsoft sells its own Surface Laptop 4 currently from 770 euros.

Core i5-1135G7 moves in, eMMC flies

In terms of hardware, the Core i5-1135G7 is one of the biggest changes and also the only CPU to choose from that comes with the Surface Laptop Go 2. The Tiger Lake chip replaces the previously used Ice Lake-based Core i5-1035G1 and offers four cores with eight threads. Microsoft bundles the processor with 4 GB or 8 GB LPDDR4X for private and business customers, the latter can also choose a 16 GB variant, which is always equipped with the larger of the two SSDs. Aside from 128GB and 256GB SSDs, there is no slower eMMC model at just 64GB this time around.

More interchangeable components

The SSD is one of several replaceable components in the Surface Laptop Go 2, which Microsoft says has improved repairability. In addition to the storage media, Cover C (keyboard and trackpad), Cover AB (display), battery, and the Surflink cable to connect to Surface Connect can be swapped out. However, according to the manufacturer, the battery is a “field replaceable unit” and can only be replaced by Microsoft or a Microsoft authorized service provider.

Beware of the fingerprint sensor

Microsoft also certifies that the Surface Laptop Go 2 has an improved webcam, although the HD resolution has remained unchanged, and it has reinstalled two far-field microphones. Also new is sage, which complements platinum, ice blue and sandstone. However, Microsoft sells the cheapest variant and all models for business customers exclusively in platinum. Also, it should be noted that the base model is not equipped with the fingerprint sensor on the power button, which is certified for Windows Hello.

Windows 11 Home, 11 Pro and 10 Home available

Sales of the Surface Laptop Go 2 will begin in Germany on June 7 at prices starting at €669 with Windows 11 Home in the Microsoft Store and starting at €769 in retail stores. Business customers can also get each model with Windows 11 Pro for an additional charge of €100 or with Windows 10 Pro for an additional charge of €130. The 16 GB is only available for business customers at prices starting at 1,169 euros. Furthermore, a distinction is made between firmware TPM (fTPM) and hardware TPM for private and commercial customers.