Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3: A Glimpse into the Future of Budget Laptops

Enthusiasts are abuzz about the Surface Go 4, Surface Laptop Studio 2, and potentially, the Surface Laptop Go 3. This event promises to be a game-changer, especially given that the Surface Go, Laptop Studio, and Laptop Go series have seen limited updates in recent times.

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Of particular interest is the Surface Laptop Go, which, unfortunately, hasn’t received the attention it truly deserves since the introduction of the Surface Laptop Go 2 back in June 2022. This is a missed opportunity, considering that the Surface Laptop Go 2 serves as an exemplary model, demonstrating that a budget laptop can deliver premium features. H

In these times when many are grappling with the financial challenges posed by the cost of living crisis, it’s an opportune moment for Microsoft to resurrect one of the finest budget laptops we’ve encountered. Moreover, it’s an ideal time to reinvent it, preserving the qualities that made it exceptional while incorporating improvements. We hope to see the rumored Surface Laptop Go 3 boasting outstanding build quality, a stylish design, an enhanced webcam, and a higher-resolution display, thus reclaiming its status as the best touchscreen laptop.

So, the question isn’t just whether the Surface Laptop Go 3 will make a comeback in 2023, but also whether Microsoft will revamp it enough to compete with the best laptop offerings available. In this article, we delve into what we anticipate for the Surface Laptop Go 3.

Surface Laptop Go 3: An Overview

What Is It?

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is the next installment in the Surface Laptop Go series.

When Is It Out?

Surface Laptop Go 3 is out now

What Will It Cost?

The Surface Laptop Go 3 will come with a slightly higher price tag compared to its predecessor, the Laptop Go 2.

Surface Laptop Go 3: Price and Release Date

The original Surface Laptop Go, introduced on October 1, 2020, started at an attractive and affordable price of $549, offering an i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. It also offered an upgraded configuration at $899 with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The Laptop Go 2 saw a modest price increase, starting at $600. This price hike was somewhat disappointing as it primarily involved replacing the base eMMC storage with a more efficient SSD, with few other significant improvements.

If the Surface Laptop Go 3 does indeed become a reality, it is expected that the price will see a slight bump. However, to maintain its status as a budget-friendly laptop, Microsoft will need to justify this increase with substantial enhancements in display quality, webcam performance, and overall specifications.

Regarding the release date, rumors are swirling about a launch event on September 21, coinciding with the Microsoft Surface event, and a subsequent release in September or October 2023. Until Microsoft confirms these details, the release date remains speculative.

Surface Laptop Go 3: Design

As of now, there is limited information available regarding the design and improvements that the Surface Laptop Go 3 may bring. Windows Central has suggested the possibility of Microsoft incorporating AI capabilities to enhance microphone quality with features like Voice Clarity and Voice Focus. However, this remains speculative at this stage.

One of the standout features of the Surface Laptop Go series has been its premium build quality and stylish design, all while maintaining an affordable price point. However, there’s a lingering concern that Microsoft may follow its past pattern of leaving lower-end laptops with minimal updates after their initial release, missing opportunities for improvement. The Laptop Go 2, for instance, lacked significant design and feature upgrades, which was somewhat disappointing.

To compete effectively in the market, the Surface Laptop Go 3 must undergo essential changes. It should retain its portability, boasting dimensions of 10.95 x 8.12 x 0.62 inches and a 12.4-inch screen. Furthermore, it is crucial that Microsoft addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor, particularly the 1536 x 1024 touchscreen display and the 720p webcam. Users expect a higher resolution display and a 1080p webcam in the Surface Laptop Go 3. Additionally, incorporating backlighting for the keyboard would be a valuable addition, enhancing usability in low-light environments.

Surface Laptop Go 3: Specs and Performance

According to reports from Windows Central, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is anticipated to feature last year’s Intel chips, specifically, a 12th-Gen Intel Core i5 processor. This choice aligns with the historical tendency of budget laptops, including the Laptop Go series, to utilize previous-generation processors. However, this isn’t necessarily a drawback. Even 11th-Gen chips remain capable of handling daily tasks and typical laptop usage. Moreover, 12th-Gen chips are known for their energy efficiency, which may translate into a significantly improved battery life compared to the Laptop Go 2’s 13.5-hour battery.

In a notable move, Microsoft is rumored to eliminate the 4GB RAM model, a decision that aligns with current expectations. In today’s computing landscape, it’s challenging to justify a laptop with less than 8GB of RAM, except for budget Chromebooks. The Surface Laptop Go 3 is expected to offer configurations with 8GB and 16GB of RAM, along with storage options starting at 256GB SSD. The top-tier configuration is anticipated to feature an i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage.

As further information, leaks, and speculations emerge, we will continue to update this article. For now, this provides a comprehensive overview of what we know about the potential Surface Laptop Go 3.

In conclusion, the Surface Laptop Go 3 holds the promise of being an impressive budget laptop if Microsoft can strike the right balance between affordability and enhanced features. With a potential release date in the near future, the tech community eagerly awaits the official unveiling, hoping for a device that not only resurrects the Surface Laptop Go line but propels it to new heights of excellence.

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Dan Dunn

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Editor and Admin at MarkMeets since Nov 2012. Columnist, reviewer and entertainment writer and oversees all of the section's news, features and interviews. During his career, he has written for numerous magazines.

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