Microsoft’s “special event” scheduled for September 21 in New York City is generating a buzz of excitement, with strong indications pointing to a hardware-centric showcase. The event is fueling speculation about the debut of new devices, including the highly anticipated Surface Go 4, Surface Laptop Studio 2, and even the possibility of a Surface Laptop Go 3.
If these rumors hold true, the event promises to be a thrilling affair, especially since the Surface Go, Laptop Studio, and Laptop Go lines have seen relatively little activity in recent years.
Among these, the Surface Laptop Go, in particular, has quietly garnered acclaim since the release of the Surface Laptop Go 2 in June 2022. Regrettably, Microsoft has been silent about the line’s future since then, leaving enthusiasts to wonder whether it has been discontinued.
Amidst ongoing concerns over rising living costs, the timing couldn’t be better for Microsoft to revive one of the standout budget laptops in recent memory – and elevate it to reclaim its status as the best touchscreen laptop. This would entail retaining the laptop’s excellent build quality and stylish design while making crucial improvements in areas like the webcam and display resolution.
The original Surface Laptop Go, introduced on October 1, 2020, started at an attractive price point of $549 / £549 / AU$999, offering an i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage – a configuration well-suited for users seeking a budget-friendly laptop. It maxed out at $899 / £899 / AU$1,549 for an 8GB RAM and 256GB storage upgrade.
The successor, the Laptop Go 2, witnessed a modest price increase, commencing at $600 / £600 / AU$1,199. However, this increment was disappointing, as the base eMMC storage was upgraded to a proper SSD, without significant improvements to warrant the price hike.
Should the Surface Laptop Go 3 emerge, it is expected to come with a slightly higher entry price, provided Microsoft delivers the anticipated enhancements in display, webcam quality, and overall specifications. However, it remains crucial for the line to maintain its budget-friendly status and affordability.
As for the release date, swirling rumors suggest a launch on September 21 at the Microsoft Surface event, with availability slated for September or October 2023. Until Microsoft officially confirms these details, the release date remains speculative.
As of now, there have been limited leaks regarding the appearance and upgrades of the Surface Laptop Go 3. Windows Central has reported that Microsoft may incorporate “some AI capabilities, such as enhancing microphone quality with Voice Clarity and Voice Focus.” However, precise details remain elusive, leaving room for speculation.
The Surface Laptop Go series has earned accolades for its premium build quality and stylish design, even within its budget-friendly segment. However, there is always a concern that Microsoft may follow its customary practice of neglecting lower-end laptops once they are in the market, potentially missing opportunities for improvement.
For example, the Laptop Go 2 received no design or feature updates, making it somewhat of a disappointment. The Surface Laptop Go 3 may face similar challenges if it fails to address the necessary improvements required to compete effectively.
While preserving its portability, with dimensions of just 10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches and a 12.4-inch screen, is essential, upgrading the 1536 x 1024 touchscreen display and the 720p webcam is imperative. A higher-resolution display and a 1080p webcam would greatly enhance the user experience. Additionally, introducing backlighting to the keyboard would be a welcome addition.
According to Windows Central, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is expected to feature last year’s Intel chips, which is in line with budget laptops typically featuring previous-generation processors. This rumored iteration is likely to be powered by a 12th-Gen Intel Core i5, which is not necessarily a drawback. Even 11th-Gen chips are capable of handling daily tasks and casual laptop use effectively. Furthermore, 12th-Gen chips are known for their energy efficiency, potentially leading to significantly improved battery life compared to the Laptop Go 2’s 13.5-hour endurance.
The same source asserts that Microsoft may discontinue the 4GB RAM model, which is a sensible move in today’s computing landscape. The Surface Laptop Go 3 is rumored to offer 8GB and 16GB RAM options, with storage starting at 256GB SSD and the highest configuration sporting an i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage.
