Customer Ratings & Reviews

Item 100% as described and the sleek design is a dream.

can’t wait to use for college, pretty rose gold color & light up keyboard

unfortunately i really did like this computer! but i only had it since Jan, and it is now April and my computer won’t charge! not even with new cords.

Works great no issues when updated. Has now for 2 months.

Great lil device. Perfect for any normal day work.

The laptop is really good but, the only thing is that the sound it makes it really loud.

I’m on campus for 9 hours and this laptop died mid day. It’s also not that lightweight. I had to return it since it didn’t work for me.

Came earlier than expected. I live the quality of this product.

The battery is a little weak, otherwise very nice.

Very light weight and great for on the good definitely recommend!!!

the best comp for the price! I have 4 in different colors.

It's very handy and the features are best more than it's price.Keyboards are very easy as if one will not apply force to press each of the keys.tje OLED is really best for the eyes even night time of works, there is no glare for the monitor itself adjust automatically. I really love it... This far more better than the MacBook I've been an avid Mac book user since 2000.

The new Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (Model XK1-00006) is an evolution of its predecessor representing a slightly improved and more capable ultraportable laptop. The change consists of Microsoft replacing the former models Tiger Lake CPU with a newer Alder Lake CPU. The Surface Laptop Go 3 clearly is not a mobile workstation class laptop, nor is it a gamer’s choice. It is, however, a well-built, lightweight and compact laptop with enough CPU and sufficient features to be an asset in many use cases. The Surface Laptop Go 3 is nicely constructed with an anodized aluminum top and aluminum (top half of shell), and polycarbonate plastic (bottom half of shell) lower case. It has very compact dimensions of less than 11” long x approximately 8-1/8” wide x slightly more than ½” tall. It weighs 2 lbs-7.2 oz (1111) grams. These small dimensions and extremely light weight are very attractive attributes and truly embody an ultraportable designation. This ultraportable capability is my primary basis for selecting the Surface Laptop Go 3. The 12.4” PixelSense Display is a 10-point touchscreen with multi-touch capability and excellent sensitivity, covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The screen resolution of only 1536 x 1024 (148 PPI), with a 3:2 aspect ratio and contrast ratio of only 1000:1 and maximum brightness of only 320 nits is something of a disappointment and a compromise. In a world of 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) display panels, anything less than Full-HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) is sub-optimal and disappointing. However, to its credit, the 12.4” PixelSense Display still looks good and displays vibrant, saturated and accurate colors. Productivity applications look fine and video quality is very good. With the small screen size and low resolution, some small text and graphics appear pixelated and jagged. The laptop cover has a full-width hinge which opens a maximum of 135°, so the laptop cannot be used as a tablet or in tent mode. The IPS panel is also surrounded by wide, 5/16” black bezels. The performance capabilities of the Surface Laptop Go 3 are virtuous. The CPU is a 12th Generation Intel Core i5 – 1235U, 10 core (2 performance cores with maximum turbo frequency of 4.40 GHz and 8 efficient cores with maximum turbo frequency of 3.30 GHz), and 12 MB Intel Smart Cache. The integrated Intel Iris Xe G7 Graphics renders very good performance, as well. This Sage Green encased laptop is equipped with only 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and does reach its limits when memory demands are extremely high. However, while the 12th Generation Intel Core i5 CPU is an improvement over the CPU in the prior model Surface Laptop, this CPU is almost two years old having been launched in the 1st Quarter of 2022. In fact, the newer 13th Generation i5 CPUs can be found in laptops of similar price and lower price. Nevertheless, I am finding the laptop performance to be very good even when multiple applications and many browser windows and tabs are simultaneously open. The Surface Laptop Go 3 is available in four colors. The Ice Blue, Sage Green, Sandstone and Platinum case versions are all offered with 8 GB of RAM. The Platinum and Sage Green models are also available with 16 GB of RAM. My 8 GB, Sage Green laptop is equipped with a Samsung MZ9L4256HCJQ-00BMV, 256 GB solid state drive (SSD), which Microsoft states is removable. However, Microsoft adds the qualification, “This device does not contain user serviceable parts. Hard drive is only removable by an authorized technician following Microsoft provided instructions”. RAM cannot be user expanded. In fact, there is no user access to the internals in the case which has no screws to facilitate user entry. The laptop is equipped with a front facing camera of only 720p (0.9 megapixel) resolution which is adequate for use with Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other video-conferencing purposes. There is no privacy shutter for the camera. The audio is described as “Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio Premium”, however there is no further information regarding that in the system. I found that the audio sounds good, with the sound emitted from the hinge slot at the top of the keyboard. There are “Dual far-field Studio Mics with Voice Clarity” on either side of the camera. Voice Clarity is a Windows 11 feature which purports to provide high-bandwidth audio processing. I find the audio quality to be satisfactory when evaluating the Surface Laptop Go 3 microphones when conferencing with it from another laptop or producing an audio recording. The connectivity provisions are minimal and sparse. There is just one USB-C 3.2 port (data, display port or charging) but no USB 4.0 / Thunderbolt 4, which is extremely disappointing. There is also one USB-A 3.1 port but no USB 3.2 or 3.2 Gen 2. A 3.5 mm (mini) headphone / audio output jack fills out the left side of the laptop case, although given the popularity and proliferation of Bluetooth headsets, I wonder why there is a mini-jack, at all. The right side has the proprietary Surface Connect port, for powering / charging the laptop with the 39 watt power supply. I genuinely wish that the faster USB standards were supported, particularly for achieving the high-speed transfer rates that my external USB drives are capable of. Another notable absence is that of an SD or Micro SD card reader. The Surface Laptop Go 3 has a full-size keyboard, but as is typical of laptops, it does not have a numeric keypad. The keyboard feel is excellent. Key travel and rebound, as well as key spacing are all good. However, another very disappointing compromise is that the otherwise excellent keyboard is not backlit. I frequently use my laptops in low light and even darkened rooms. I find that the lack of keyboard backlighting is a significant deficiency, which although almost certainly is a production cost based decision, seems extremely inappropriate for a laptop in this price range. Much less expensive and lower capability laptops have backlit keyboards. I am finding the lack of an illuminated keyboard to be annoying and problematic. Students or business professionals who need to use the laptop in a dim or darkened room might find this deficiency to be unacceptable. The Power Key serves as a biometric fingerprint reader for Windows Hello security. Sometimes it works great, and other times it fails to accept any of the multiple fingerprints that I enrolled, and use of my PIN code is required. The Surface Laptop Go 3 does not support facial recognition and does not have an IR camera. The 2-5.8” x 3-7/8” touchpad, although not glass, functions smoothly and precisely. Wireless connectivity conforms to current standards. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is supported as is Bluetooth 5.1. The Intel AX201 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have demonstrated themselves to be stable and reliable, with a single exception. This laptop will not connect to the Wi-Fi 6 channels on my mesh network (single SSID for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz networks). My Surface Laptop Go 3 (2021) tablet, which uses the same Intel AX201 will not connect to 6 GHz channels either. My Dell laptop with Intel AX210 is fine with 6 GHz. The Surface Laptop Go 3, based on Microsoft’s testing protocols, has a claimed battery life of up to 15 hours of mixed active use and modern standby from the 41 Wh Lithium-Polymer battery. I have been using my Surface Laptop Go 3 extensively in order to install application software, configure the system and applications to my preferences and make productive use of the laptop with a variety of application software, web browsing, occasional video streaming and other typical laptop utilization. Post-configuration I began using (and continue to use) the Surface Laptop Go 3 as I typically use my primary laptop. Thus far, I have been getting between 4.5 and 6 hours before the battery falls below 10% which then requires approximately 3 hours to recharge to 100%. The battery evidently fast-charges initially to recover about 50% charge in less than an hour, but fast-charging stresses the battery and shortens its lifespan. The Surface Laptop Go 3 with its Intel 12th Generation, 10 core, i5 CPU and Intel Iris XE graphics provides a good level of performance in a small package. I use several laptops of various sizes, configuration and capabilities. When selecting the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, I was endeavoring to meet my need for an ultraportable, compact, lightweight laptop that was capable of providing adequate levels of performance. Overall, the Surface Laptop Go 3 generally meets those needs well, but with several compromises. I would certainly appreciate more and higher bandwidth USB ports including USB 3.2.2 and USB 4 / Thunderbolt 4. I also miss having an SD or Micro SD card slot. I greatly miss having a backlit keyboard as I frequently use laptops in darkened locations. The otherwise nice display panel being sub-1080/1280p is also a compromise. The Surface Laptop Go 3 has a nice, premium appearance and solid physical construction. The CPU and related hardware run productivity applications capably. Although selecting the Surface Laptop Go 3 involves several compromises, in balance, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is still a decent laptop overall. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a combination of good performance capabilities in an ultraportable package. I find it to be fast and stable. Like all current generation Intel based computers, it comes with Windows 11 (Home Edition) installed. I am enjoying my Surface Laptop Go 3 which is sufficiently powerful yet compact enough and lightweight enough to conveniently use anywhere. This is just the type of laptop which is well suited for use by college students for notetaking, and equally useful for business meetings. Yet, this small and lightweight machine has sufficient power for use as a primary laptop. I like the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, and I enjoy using it, except when in dark rooms!

Decades-long Mac user here, well versed with the so-called “Apple Tax,” -- the price difference between a Mac and a similarly equipped Windows PC. I use PCs too, as some of my professional software and collaboration tools require. So I recently picked up Microsoft’s 12.4” Surface Go 3 Laptop (“Go 3”, going forward). It’s a super light, impressively constructed, good-in-hand feeling, dare I say “MacBook Air-like” looking, laptop. It also seems to mimic Macs, paradoxically, with a “Microsoft Tax.” That is to say, it seems more expensive compared to similarly spec’d PC laptops. It’s a good product but there are considerations to make. I’ll outline the major ones, but if you only want a “bottom line,” feel free to scroll to my conclusion. There’s lots of criticism of the Go 3, some understandable. Still, these reviewers fail to appreciate who it’s for -- people who neither enjoy working on tablets nor hunky plastic laptops and are willing to pay a bit more for better experience. Naturally, the Go 3 isn’t the laptop for anyone who demands value for money as viewed from the laptop’s spec sheet. But for some reviewers, it seems, the spec sheet is the only way to weigh a laptop’s intrinsic worth. I disagree. Thoughtful design and upscale materials have value too. Many who don’t need top specs would gladly trade those for top build materials. This is where the Go 3 fits into the equation. It’s perfect for Office type tasks, light photo and video editing, a casual game. The mid-priced laptop options that include aluminum cases, glass touch screens, and most importantly decent keyboard – though the Go 3’s isn’t backlit, are few. I find the “Surface” designation here confusing. There is another Surface Go 3 product that is a tablet. This is not that. This is the Surface Go 3 Laptop, which obviously is a laptop, but doesn’t have a folding screen to become a Surface tablet. And while the Go 3’s screen is touch sensitive it’s not compatible with the Surface Pen. I’m just not sure what makes it a “Surface” product. EXTERIOR BUILD QUALITY But, perhaps, “Surface,” in the name is appropriate because on the surface this laptop is a beauty. Unboxing it has an unmistakable Apple feel to it. I know because I’ve opened my fair share of Apple laptops. It’s calculated to reinforce it’s a premium device. And, indeed, my first touch of Surface Go 3 Laptop put a smile on face because I loathe plasticky laptops. Yes, build materials matter. The Go 3’s lid is aluminum. Oh how I love the feel of aluminum in the morning. Mine is a bold shade of light green that is some light looks silver, but several other colors and traditional platinum are available too. It’s also featherweight at 2.5lbs. Easy for road trips and walking around with it, in hand, or on back. The left side has a USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5mm headphone port. Microsoft’s Surface Connect Port, which resembles a SD slot, is on the right. The charger goes here and also supports the optional dock which provides extra inputs. Go 3 fast charges to 80% in an hour. The battery lasts 9-ish hours in my use. I keep brightness ¾ up. The USB-C port supports charging with a proper USB-C PD cable, as well as video out to a 2nd monitor (Displayport). Microsoft says Go 3’s bottom is an aluminum and polycarbonate composite. It feels more polycarbonate to me, but it’s a silky luxury feel that elicits happy thoughts. The bottom is also user-removable, allowing you (or a qualified tech if you prefer) to upgrade storage. In today’s “sealed and soldered” society that is a notable feature, and one that could extend the useful life of this laptop. INTERIOR BUILD QUALITY & IN USE EXPERIENCE The only accessory included with the Go 3 is the charger. Microsoft’s attempt to Apple-fy the Go 3’s appearance does not extend here. Unlike Apple’s brilliant super compact travel chargers, Microsoft stayed old school here. The Go 3’s charger is a compact, but still a clunky two-piece brick with cable plus another detachable long snaking cord. These are like a ball and chain when traveling, ironic for a laptop named “Go.” Fortunately, as mentioned, USB-C charging is available too. Opening the lid for the first time the Go 3’s mechanics and aesthetics do not disappoint. It’s smooth one-finger open is a joy and its interior design is eye candy. It possesses the same clean modern look as the exterior, aluminum bits too. Display bezels are in scale, the keyboard is inviting and no cheap reflective decals on the keys. Its divine to feel my palms brushing on cool aluminum rather than tepid plastic. The embedded fingerprint reader is a nice touch too – literally -- for instant log in. PIN, be banished to the wilderness! The Go 3’s keyboard is the perfect mix of travel, resistance, and bounce. It feels smaller than a full-sized keyboard so if you have large hands this might be something you want to test drive before buying. Its “criminal” it's not backlit. This blows my mind considering the Go 3 is not “value priced,” and that backlit keyboards are a 20th Century technology! If you always work under good light this may not factor otherwise this is a significant compromise. Keyboard visibility is poor using only the Go’s display for illumination. The trackpad is shrunk too, but quite usable. It has a smooth glassy feel with excellent responsive clicks. The Go 3’s specs plus form factor, to me, is a clear indication its geared for people searching for a comfortable and upscale daily driver, in a way like a modestly equipped 4-cylinder BMW/MB/Audi/Lexus, etc. that is not intended for going off road or on a track. So, yes, while it has an indulgent feel, the Go 3’s specs are ordinary. This starts with the Go 3’s run-of-the-mill screen: 1536x1024 resolution, square-ish 3:2 display ratio. If you watch a lot of movies on your laptop the Go 3 probably isn’t for you. You’ll be happier with a widescreen 16:9 or 16:10 display ratio model. The Go is productivity machine through and through. For that, 3:2 is ideal since it better mimics dimensions of a sheet of paper for less scrolling. Speaking of which, the screen’s glass cover allows for effortless fingers scrolling of pages. It even might be more efficient than the trackpad for this job with its bigger finger roaming area. The unfortunate aspect of the screen is at standard magnification I notice pixels of text. If I pinch to zoom text smooths out, but given it’s 12.4” screen, you can only zoom in so much before its counterproductive. The only other 12” device I own is a 2018 iPad Pro. Text pixelation isn’t an issue on that device. As I mentioned at the top of the review, for me the Go 3 is only an ancillary laptop. If it will be your main laptop you might want to test the screen in person before buying. I have not used the 720p front camera extensively yet, but feedback from people receiving my video have said the picture quality was OK. I can’t quantify “OK,” except that I got a lot of “picture is great.” To be sure, I do video calls in a very well-lit room. I’m not concerned the camera is only 720p. Maybe it won’t show my sleep lines. THOUGHTS ON PROCESSOR, RAM, STORAGE Then we get to the guts of the Go 3: processor, RAM, storage. The Go 3’s detractors all complain that the 12th Gen i5 is two years old, soon to be three. That’s true. Then again, how much processing power does typical business software require? Some of the professional software I use isn’t significantly changed from a decade ago. But yes, if you are running software that requires the latest and greatest the Go 3 isn’t for you. RAM. I agree with the “naysayers” that 8GB RAM is ridiculously small for a non-budget priced computer in 2024 especially since RAM is not upgradable. From an environmental perspective alone, future proofing in this manner just seems like common sense. That said, in my use, with many Firefox tabs open along with a couple other apps, I have yet to feel any kind of lag due to lack of RAM. 8GB is fine today. But, again, it wasn’t too long ago when some other reviewer wrote “4GB on Windows is fine today.” Also check your software for its minimum requirements. Storage. Go 3 starts at 256GB storage. That’s 200GB of usable storage since Windows 11 and pre-installed apps take up space. “What’s enough?” is user dependent. On my main laptop I have 512GB and wouldn’t accept less because I don’t rely on cloud storage. But for someone who does and also only streams movies and music, 200GB might be overkill. My point here is some reviewers say 256 GB is inadequate. It may be for them. It’s fine for me on the Go 3 because most files I store are documents no bigger than 15 GB, most well under 1 GB. Again, the Go 3 is for business worker bees, not creatives turning out weekly YouTube videos. CONCLUSION I’m not a fan of PC laptops for many reasons, but build quality is certainly one factor of many. For me the Go 3 eliminated that one, as Microsoft clearly designed something gorgeous here; one that I enjoy picking up and want to use. When it comes to productivity I think build quality does matter and is worth paying a premium for because when you are comfortable you’re able to focus on work rather than how wimpy the key return is or icky the palm rests. Then again, as many have noted, you can get better value for money elsewhere as far as internal components are concerned. The Go 3’s specs don’t bother me since my work software doesn’t demand a high-powered computer. Critics have a point though; the Go 3 is a bit luxury priced considering its aged components – in essence a “Microsoft Tax.” So, is the Go 3 right for you? Pick one: 1) Ultra-portable, luxury build, great touch-typing keyboard, everything else “average” 2) You need/want a powerhouse, only care about specs or want the knowledge you got the ultimate bargain. If you answered #1 then Go 3.

Great size and weight for a laptop. I was a little concerned about the RAM size but have not had any issues with Windows 11 and copilot. I also thought that the screen resolution may be an issue but the brightness and contrast ratio really have made an impact to the experience. And when you are playing games like Minecraft, Roblox, and other web-based games, it's not an issue. The more I use it, the more I notice how light the device is and easy to move around with. And getting it on-sale at BestBuy is awesome!

## Design While you can think of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 as Microsoft’s version of the MacBook Air (M2), there are some key differences you should know about. First, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3’s dimensions are 10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches, with a 12.4-inch screen with a resolution of 1536x1024, and a weight of 2.49 pounds. The MacBook Air (M2) is a little bit heavier (2.7 pounds) and has a larger 13.6-inch screen, which features a higher resolution of 2,560 x 1,664. While both the Surface and the MacBook feature a USB-C port (for display, data and charging) and a headphone jack, only the Surface offers a “traditional” USB-A port, while the MacBook instead has a second USB-C port. Disappointingly, there is no keyboard backlight on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (which is odd for a laptop at this price point), whereas the keyboard is backlit on the MacBook Air. I’m reviewing the “Sandstone” color which I believe resembles more of “Rose Gold” color of the iPhone than it does a brown sandstone. While the top of the laptop has a nice aluminum finish, the bottom feels like it is mostly plastic (although Microsoft states there is some aluminum mixed in with it as well). ## Performance Microsoft included last year’s i5 12th Gen Intel 1235U processor in the Surface Laptop Go 3 which is an odd choice for a laptop at this price point. For a couple hundred more (or less, depending if it’s on sale), you can get a MacBook Air with a current generation M2 processor). The Surface model I’m reviewing only has 8GB of RAM which is becoming the minimum amount you need for acceptable Windows 11 performance. If you can, I would spring for the 16GB model. The Cinebench R23 score came in with a Multi-core score of 5284 (for reference, a MacBook Air 2 M2 typically comes in around 8400). Even though the specs are not the best, I did test it out with some web development with Node.JS and Puppeteer and found it to still be very responsive, but I was easily maxing out the 8GB of RAM. You could enjoy some casual games on this laptop (think Candy Crush), but it likely won’t meet the needs of more graphics-intense games. ## Features - 12.4” Display: While a nice balance between size and portability, the screen is smaller than the MacBook Air and has a lower resolution of 1536x1024 (if you look closely at the screen, you can see the pixels). The screen is a touchscreen (something the MacBook Air does not have), but as such, the screen has a shiny finish meaning that it can be too reflective to use outdoors or near a window. - Fingerprint reader: The power button also serves as a fingerprint reader for Windows, allowing you to login to Windows quickly. Although the keyboard is not backlit, the fingerprint reader key does light up so you can easily find it when you are prompted for your fingerprint. - Dock and charge via USB-C: The 4 USB-C port on this laptop allowed me to “dock” it with both my Dell and Belkin USB-C docks without issue. ## Battery Life Microsoft states that the battery can last up to 15 hours with “normal” usage (I’m thinking editing a Word document on web browsing). I’ve easily gotten through a day of on and off usage with this laptop. The included charger uses the proprietary Surface connector located on the right side of the laptop, but you can also charge it with many USB-C chargers and docks. ## Summary Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is a nicely designed and portable laptop, but at its MSRP price point, the processor speed and RAM are unimpressive. However, if you can get this laptop on sale, I think it would be fine for most college students for word processing and web browsing and even some developers who want a second machine that is easy to grab on the go.

Microsoft - Surface Laptop Go 3 12.4" Touch-Screen - Intel Core i5 with 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD (Latest Model) Sage Summary: Svelte and light yet power packed. Pros: * Lightweight! 2.5 lbs. That's it. This unit is remarkably light. * Build. Typical Microsoft Surface quality. This unit is built solid. The lid glides open and closed. It can be a bit jarring if you're used to worrying about the flex from lifting any laptop's monitor lid. * Svelte Sage. Also in typical Surface fashion, this unit is sexy. I opted for the Sage because I thought I'd change things up a bit. My heavy gaming laptops are black. My previous Surface models were all gray. The sage is subtle, but there and I'm happy with my choice. * Touchscreen. You might think that for the price point you wouldn't get a touch screen. Well, Surface has always been about the experience. If you like touchscreens, you'll be pleased to know that this unit's is responsive. * Biometric Power Button. This unit's Windows Hello is enabled by the super-fast biometric power button that reads your fingerprint(s) in an instant. Love it. * Camera. The camera works well and adjusts well to different lighting conditions. Perfect for when you're on the go and need to attend a video conference call or just want to check in on a loved one. * Microsoft. The Microsoft software (and hardware) ecosystem is rich. With cross platform portability, I can do all of my work on this unit when on the go. Office, Edge, even Remote Desktop. Passwords. Mail. It is all there wherever and whichever device you choose to use. The Surface is built to optimize those experiences. * Accessories. Speaking of hardware ecosystem. Pair this unit with a Surface Mouse and your experience will be golden. There are keyboards, docks, mice, speakers, headphones, pens, etc. that you can use with your unit to boost your productivity in whatever fashion you need. * Specifications. For the price point, I feel like the specifications are reasonable. Excluding OS consumption, 256 GB goes fast, but if you're using OneDrive - and I do extensively for personal and professional use - then it really isn't a concern. 8 GB of RAM I feel is fair, too. The unit has been remarkably performant and consistent. * Dolby Audio. The Dolby bit is a bit overrated because let's face it, laptop speakers are never going to compete with a nice pair of desktop speakers or headphones (such as the Bose Quiet Comfort or even the Meta Wayfarer glasses). They do perform well and while you can't host a party with the unit's audio, you can groove while working on the GO. The fun thing about this unit is that you can't see the speakers and that is because they are below the keyboard. If there is a feature I think Microsoft could iterate on, I suppose this would be to improve the sound (notably the bass). Given the universal challenge across the form factor, it's hardly a detractor or a con. Cons: * Ports. I wish Microsoft would retire the proprietary power port. With the prevalence of USB-C and higher wattage units, a second USB-C port would make more sense. Frankly, I am not sure what the proprietary port brings to the table anymore. Even Microsoft new "docks" or port replicators, are USB-C. The shipped power brick supplies 39 W max. I kept the power brick in the original box and just use my own 100W USB-C PD charger. It charges everything USB-C and powers/charges this unit just fine - one less thing to carry! * Lid. This is a minor suggestion. I feel the lid could have benefited from a small indention or something to allow easier opening of the lid. It isn't hard to open! But it being so light, I haven't figured out the best way to open the lid without lifting the entire unit to find the spot my fingers can grasp to open the lid. Teehee. To be fair, this is a recuring problem with laptops for me. I feel this is definitely deliberate as the design aesthetic could be impacted by this. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it, but that is really the worst thing I have to complain about. :D Use: I have a desktop computer with two displays which I use for every day WFH. I have a substantial gaming laptop that I use for... gaming. I also own an fruitPad which I use for mobile games and light browsing. I have owned various Surface tablets since the original release years ago (ARM) and I have loved them all. This Surface Laptop Go 3 is the first of Microsoft's laptops I've had the pleasure of working with (not including the brief time using my spouses Surface Book). I have to say that I am extremely pleased with this unit. I appreciated the flexibility of the 2-in-1 Surface tablets, but for working regularly, the Surface Laptop's really do make more sense for me. Now I keep this unit near me when I need to hop on quickly to knock out a bit of work (I am a DBA and working in SaaS operations). I can do all of my work and don't have to fumble around with detachable keyboards, or kickstand angles, or kickstand surfaces. I just open the laptop, and, in a few seconds, I am logged into work and getting work done. I also use this when I have my own personal computing to do but don't want to be in my office doing it or have a heavy gaming laptop on my lap. I love this thing! Note: If you're looking for a game capable unit, I would advise considering another model. The only model in the present Surface line up that have GPUs designed for gaming is the Surface Laptop Studio 2. If I already didn't have a gaming laptop AND also need super portability (think travel/airport), I would have seriously considered the SLS2, but I do and I don't and so the Surface Laptop Go 3 is a perfect fit for my needs. I didn't comment on battery life because my use is always on the "performance" end. That is, I don't like to operate on recommended or power-savings mode unless I'm desperate for battery conservation and don't have a charger with me. For testing I have used this unit to browse sites including those that render 3D objects, and edit documents, such as this review, for several hours. I even worked through IT Chapter 2 without a charger connected just fine and with plenty of juice left. While its power usage on "recommended" definitely looks like it could go beyond a few hours, I'm not sure it would reach the 15 hours listed unless it is in power-savings mode.

I scored the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 (12.4" Touch, Intel Core i5 / 8GB / 256GB, Sage) as an open‑box deal, and it’s one of the best tech purchases I’ve made this year. My unit arrived in near‑mint condition with the original charger and documentation, and the cost savings made a premium laptop feel like a no‑brainer. From the first boot, it’s clear this machine is built for fast, everyday productivity—boot times are quick, apps launch snappily, and multitasking across Edge, Office, and Teams feels smooth on the Core i5 with 8GB RAM. The 12.4" PixelSense touch display is crisp and bright, and the 3:2 aspect ratio makes documents, spreadsheets, and web pages more comfortable to read than on typical widescreen laptops. The Sage color looks refined in person—subtle, modern, and a welcome break from standard silvers. Portability is a standout: it’s lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for coffee‑shop sessions or commuting. The keyboard is comfortable for long typing runs, the trackpad is precise, and instant‑on makes it feel ready whenever I am. Battery life has been reliably “all‑day” for typical office use, and the touchscreen is great for quick scrolling or note‑taking. On my unit, the fingerprint power button unlocks instantly, which is a small feature that makes a big difference in daily use. If you’re considering open‑box, this experience shows how good the value can be: premium build quality, clean condition, and full functionality—for a lot less. For students, professionals, or anyone who wants a fast, compact Windows 11 laptop without overspending, this configuration hits the sweet spot. Pros Excellent value as an open‑box purchase Premium design and Sage finish; lightweight and portable Snappy everyday performance (i5 / 8GB / 256GB) Sharp 12.4" touch display with productivity‑friendly 3:2 aspect ratio Instant‑on and fast fingerprint sign‑in (on my unit) Considerations 8GB RAM is great for everyday tasks; heavy multitaskers may prefer 16GB 12.4" screen favors portability over a larger workspace Port selection is basic (USB‑C, USB‑A, Surface Connect, headphone jack)

I've been watching this laptop for months now and I am so glad I finally made the purchase. It was easy to set-up, love the color, look, and feel of the laptop, and the battery life has been great for what I use it for. The only downside is that I wish it had more USB ports and a HDMI port but that probably just shows my age and how I'm use to hooking up external devices.

I absolutely love my Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3! The 12.4" touch-screen is a game-changer, offering vibrant visuals and a responsive interface. Its compact design makes it perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle, and the powerful performance meets all my productivity needs. The battery life is impressive, lasting throughout my busy day. Overall, it's a stylish, reliable, and versatile laptop that I highly recommend to fellow users.