Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 12.4" Review

So you're looking at a refurbished Surface Laptop Go. It's a small, light laptop that's easy to carry around, and at around $280, it's priced to get you into the Surface ecosystem without breaking the bank. This isn't a powerhouse, though. With an Intel Core i5-1035G1 and integrated graphics, it's built for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video calls. Think of it as a super portable companion for students or anyone who needs a second computer for on-the-go work. The 12.4-inch touchscreen and Windows Hello fingerprint login are nice touches that make it feel more premium than the price suggests. It's certified refurbished, which means it's been tested and cleaned up to work like new, which is a solid way to save some cash.

Let's talk numbers. The Intel i5-1035G1 is a 10th-gen chip, and its performance lands in the 15th percentile. That means it's slower than most modern laptops. For everyday stuff like having a dozen Chrome tabs open and streaming music, it's perfectly fine. You won't notice any lag. But try to run multiple heavy apps at once, or do any video editing, and you'll feel it start to struggle. The integrated Intel graphics are in the 18th percentile, which confirms this is not a machine for gaming or creative work. It can handle basic photo editing and 1080p video playback, but that's about it. The 16GB of RAM is a bright spot, sitting in the 32nd percentile. That's more than enough memory to keep things running smoothly for typical office and student tasks, which helps compensate for the slower processor.

For $280, you're getting a lot of the Surface polish in a very portable package. The value here is all about the form factor and brand experience at a budget price. Compared to buying new, you're saving a significant amount. However, you have to accept the trade-offs: older specs, a lower-resolution screen, and the fact it's refurbished. If your budget is strict and portability is your top priority, this represents decent value. If you can stretch your budget another $100-$200, you'll find new laptops with much better screens and faster, more modern processors.

This sits in a weird spot. Its direct competitors aren't the gaming powerhouses listed, like the Lenovo Legion or MSI Vector. A better comparison is something like a new budget Chromebook or a base-model iPad. Compared to a $300 Chromebook, the Surface Laptop Go runs full Windows 10 Pro, which is a huge plus for software compatibility. But the Chromebook might have a better screen. Compared to an iPad with a keyboard, the Surface is a better laptop replacement for actual work, but the iPad's app ecosystem and battery life are stronger. You should also look at refurbished business laptops from Dell or Lenovo. You might find a ThinkPad with a better processor and more ports for a similar price, though it probably won't be as sleek or light.

If you need the absolute cheapest, most portable Windows machine that doesn't feel like cheap plastic, this refurbished Surface Laptop Go is a compelling pick. It's perfect for a student taking notes, a traveler who needs a device for email and web browsing, or as a dedicated kitchen computer for recipes. Just don't expect it to be fast or to have a great screen. If your work involves anything more intensive than basic office apps, or if you plan on keeping this laptop for more than a couple of years, I'd recommend spending a bit more. The older processor and limited storage will feel restrictive sooner rather than later. For light, casual use, though, it gets the job done with a bit of style.