Microsoft unveils Surface Go, a more compact and less expensive tablet

Microsoft introduces the latest in its Surface range. The software giant on Tuesday unveiled the Surface Go, a tablet smaller than its big sisters, only 10 inches, and cheaper. It will be on sale in August for a starting price of 449 euros. Pre-orders are open today on the Microsoft Store.

Taking the design of the Surface range, particularly that of Surface 3, this small tablet is equipped with a 10-inch screen (for a ratio of 3: 2) with a resolution of 1,800 by 1,200 pixels. At the back of it, there is a retractable foot up to 165 degrees. In portrait mode, the screen was designed to "mimic and fit the size of a textbook page," says Microsoft in a blog. And in landscape mode, he can "display the pages side by side as if you were holding a paperback book in hand," said the company. Note that it includes a small camera "Windows Hello", which should include "a familiar connection, fast and secure with facial recognition," says Microsoft.

In contrast, the Surface Go will not feature a USB-A port, traditional USB inputs, but a smaller Type C USB connector. In addition, it will be equipped with a battery with a capacity of nine hours of autonomy. The models that will be available in August will only be compatible with Wi-Fi networks, and a 4G model should be released in the year.

This new tablet will be available in two configurations. In its basic version, it will be equipped with a processor Intel Pentium Gold 7th generation 4415Y, with 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and 64 GB of storage, all for 449 euros. Another model will be offered in 8 GB and 128 GB of memory for 599 euros. Like the other models in the range, it can be equipped with a battery of accessories, but for that, it will be necessary to put the price. Count at least 99 euros for a keyboard "Type Cover" adaptable to the Surface Go It is not known yet how much will cost the pen and mouse adaptable to the tablet.

Competing the latest iPad

By launching this new high-end tablet model at a more affordable price, Microsoft is looking to compete with the new iPad. Available from 359 euros in its 32 GB version, the latter was specially designed for school use but also suitable for the general public. The Surface Go however remains relatively more expensive, including in its simplest version. However, to make a difference, Microsoft can bet on Windows 10S, which will be automatically configured on the tablet. Last year, the company announced that it had developed this variant of Windows 10 to meet the needs of schools and compete with iPads and Chromebooks. It allows you to run any Windows software, past or present, that is widely used in schools and businesses. Moreover, nothing prevents users from returning to the normal operating system if they wish.