Surface Laptop Go - 12.4" Touchscreen - Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - 128GB SSD - Platinum

I am pleasantly surprised as I really like the surface laptop Go. I feel like Microsoft missed a home run here with the base model having 4 gb of ram and no fingerprint sensor and then having to go to the next trim at $699 to get the 8 gb ram and fingerprint sensor. Result: ground rule double.Likes:Design: it is a nice looking device that stands out from the others in its category. The ice blue is attractive while not the most obvious blue still retains a nice look. The plastic underside does not detract from this either.Size: It is compact and fairly light.Screen: Despite the sub 1080p resolution, the screen is still attractive and bright with accurate colors. The 3:2 aspect ratio also makes this a hit because the screen is taller and easier to review documents, because you have to scroll less than a 16:9 aspect ratio.Color options: there are 3 different color options to choose from, options are always good.Ports: having usb-c and a is great as well as having the device charge from USB-c along with the mag connector for charging.Trackpad: this is on the nicest trackpads I have ever used as my fingers glide across it. Mouse movement is great.Price: the base model starts at $550.Fingerprint reader: nice and fast logonPerformance: all models have an i5 processor and I think this is more than fine for everyday users, even the base model will give you good performance.Neutral:Keyboard: it is okay to type on for me and not as good as the pixelbook go keyboard because it has a somewhat mushy feeling when typing.Screen: it is nice but still it is under 1080p for a device that cost $550 and up. When was the last time you found a device that was not full hd for $500 or up?Sound: I think it sounds decent, not amazing, not a pro or con.Base Model: 4 gb really microsoft you could not have just put an extra 4 gigs in and charge $599. Why limit it this way? Also no fingerprint reader in base model as well.Battery life: it is in the 7-8 hours territory. Not amazing but not awful either.Cons:Keyboard: no backlight. This is the biggest con again when is the last time you had a device over $500 with no backlit keyboard. It makes typing in poorly lit rooms more difficult and a no fly zone for those who work in darkness.Price: on the highest tier model Microsoft is really trying to upcharge you just for added storage.$899 just highlights this device's shortcomings even more in that price bracket.Wrap up: I looked over a bunch of devices in this class and some not in its class. This is not the quintessential device for me but it is very good. My biggest gripe is the lack of backlit keyboard on a device in this price range. I find the screen is very nice looking but the sub 1080p comes across as tacky also. I feel they could have popped an i3 in the base model and then added the fingerprint sensor. Avoid the $899 model as that is too much to pay for something so compromised.Also consider: The Surface laptop 3 is something to consider if you are worried about the compromises being made. It has a backlit keyboard, a full HD+ display and is larger at 13.5 screen display. It does cost more, and also the bezel around the display is larger.

I finally decided to shell out money to replace my pos laptop, and I am so glad I did! It is the perfect size for college and doesn’t take up much space in my book bag. This laptop is sleek and feels high-tech. I can have multiple tabs open w/o a problem. I am able to multi-task and access my college work, personal projects, & work projects w/ ease.Additional Pros: Touchscreen; Fingerprint IDCon: The battery life seems shorter than expected but it isn’t a major con.