@@lambdalambda8028 Because you’re buying the brand name and not performance. If surface wants to tarnish their name by putting out low specs, then let them
@@lambdalambda8028 profit? emmc and 4gigs of ram in windows 10 or 11 is painful but even the 8gig one wont be a rocket it is a pentium for crying out loud a processor with the processing power of a potatoe i dunno how well the i3 does though
@@sethsdoodles and people aren't willing to educate themselves about hardware - this wont be a thing once Gen X reaches the age current baby boomers are. If we as millenials dont cause low RAM devices to stop, Gen Z will...
I just ended up getting a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, which is a shame because I really wanted to use my Clip Studio license on the go and/ or edit photos, sculpt in Zbrush etc... But some of those are demanding and 4GB of RAM is a slap in the left booty cheek. I like the tablet, but I really hope Windows tablets get better with price and its respective components, because it's a great form factor, but currently the pricing on the components don't give it a good value.
It's good you stated right up front that this is a test of the base model specifically so people can see it in action and decide if it's worth it for the price. Of course double the ram and a beefier processor will make for a better experience- but it's important for many people to know if the base model is feasible or, in this case, if they can just drop it from the list of possible devices. I think the bigger takeaway here is that the Slim Pen upgrade doesn't "fix" the drawing situation. It's not a power issue- it's base compatibility. Further proof will keep people from dropping money on an ultimately useless upgrade.
also i was just thinking why Windows 11.. its not even Final yet. i've noticed a ton of issues. and Feel it shuld at lease be on Windows 10 till 11 is RTM. Running the Latest Dev Mode feels so much better tho. And one issue i had was Windows Hello Decided to break. The Fix was to remove the Windows Hello Driver and reboot and let it re-setup but who is going to know how to even Fix this ? I had to Google.. but most of the People this is for will just use a Pin and think its broken Permently.
Technically the fourth iteration considering that the first Surface GO was the successor of the Surface 3 (non pro). Except the Surface 3 fully made sense back then and it wasn't bad at all for such a small device when it came out.
@Jay D i can confirm this. but u r also wrong. 4gb is even lags chromium edge, and sometimes even small basic powerpoints. zoom with nothing else ON bogs the device down hard. Pro5 4gb owner. And i need to write in onenote, zoom and screen record. such pain. i wud get ipad if it only proper mouse support was therer so that i cud use online version of engg programs.
@@tahsin28 The 4gb model doesn't lag on edge. I have a base model surface go 2, and it works perfectly for youtube, drawing in sketchable, and running office programs, using windows 11.
I have the tab S7 and the surface Go 3 core i3. The tab S7 with the keyboard and dex is a phenomenal productivity machine, it doesn't get hot it runs very smoothly, but it is so limited by the tablet interface. The problem with Samsung and apples IPad is that the Microsoft apps are basically unusable, one note is bare bones and featureless, excel doest have near the features as the desktop, microsoft word doesn't even have a references tab. The apps microsoft are almost unusable on tablets. The surface Go 3 on the other hand, runs full fledged Windows 11. You can download full softwares and desktop applications, you get the full microsoft desktop apps with all of the features, you get xbox game pass, the only downside I've experienced is the device gets HOT because there is no fan. The surface go 3 with the core i3 runs like a beast and in my opinion is far superior to any tablet. My S7 is now primarily used for media consumption and coaching
I actually have the Go3 with the pentium and 8gigs of ram and it performs DRASTICALLY better than the one he picked up. Its still not near the speed pf the pro 8 or x but for basic school, I find it performs quite well for the price. I don't do any drawing but taking notes, doing homework and watching videos is very nice. 4gigs of ram is not near enough for any computer by todays standards.
Yes, it's the ssd, not the processor. So the next model up, which still uses the pentium is really the best value, since the i3 and the pentium this year are almost identical as far as performance goes. The problem is the emmc ssd's that they use in the base model with 64gb of storage. When you step up to 128gb, you get major performance gains, not to mention more than 4gb of ram, which is a big never on windows machines nowadays. 8gb of ram is the new baseline.
It's very telling that in order to properly redraw a fan's work in your own style (i.e deliver a finished, presentable product within your line of work), you had to resort to an entirely different device just to get it done.
The whole point of the Go3 is the light form factor of a tablet. This review only proves the base model is a definite no go! The real review would be the i3 and 8GB.
Thank you for reviewing the base model!! I wish more reviewers did this to point out how terrible most base models, and how a lot of the time they're just marketing to make it seem more inexpensive
Not all base models are bad but they usually are made so they can jack up the price of the other models. I actually have the base model of the go 2 and I use it just as a portable device so I can have windows anywhere. If I need power I have a desktop.
@@bland9876 Yeah you make a really good point. I guess definitely not all base models are bad, but it's frustrating when manufacturers purposely have a nerfed and sub-par base model just to say that their product starts at a lower price point than a configuration that's actually usable. But you're right, not all base models are terrible
It's a good thing I'm not a good artist. I would primarily use the Go for reading, notetaking, and connecting to my main computer for my more intensive tasks. I'm also skeptical about taking it out of S Mode because I would primarily only use Office on the Go. That's just me, though.
I got the i3 8GB 128GB model. Yes, it feels laggy and the touch is hit or miss. I often hit a icon several times. Espeially on the bottom edges of the screen the touch just doesn't register. Microsoft as usual. I would have been shocked if it worked well. My 4th Surface tablet. I have lost hope.
@@cured_bacon647 To me iPad is pretty much useless as an illustration tool. I cannot even export PSB files to animate my characters in Unity - not that it runs Unity in the first place. It runs pretty much nothing I want my tablet to run, Apple really needs to step up their game on software front. 🤷🏻♂️ Buuut... If you are just drawing and doing web browsing/media consumption, iPad is good enough to do the job.
In this day and age, RAM is not expensive enough to need to charge a premium for 8gb. It should be the base amount on any windows device. All of my windows devices use over 4gb at idle…
Your honest reviews are why we love your channel Brad. All the Microsoft lovers can go fly a kite if they don’t approve of your honesty. Thanks for letting us know about this cheap tablet.
I would really like to see a review for the i3 model from you. I know that the surface pro is better, but nothing beats the portability of the surface go. Thanks!
Thank you for giving us the conclusion right out the gate. I appreciate the respect you show for your audience's time and intelligence. A noble sacrifice (since it probably reduces total watch time), thank you.
I have to admit, these reviews are definitely less relevant for me since I'd be buying a Go for the light form factor, not for the budget, so I'd definitely be getting the more powerful configuration - which is the one I need to know whether is painful to use. Oh well, you gotta pick your target audience carefully I suppose.
Sometimes I wonder why does the surface go even exists, given the performance limitations. There are tons of Chinese tablets running full windows that perform similarly and cost so much lesser.
Chinese tablet using n3xx, n4xx, CPU, that why much cheaper. But the performance is horrible slow. It will lag even drawing on the screen. And the Other main problem is, Except the Intel CPU and chipset, the quality of other hardware is bad. I have tried 2 Chinese Windows tablet. The first, one USB port die in the first year. The second, battery die in the first year. Lesson learned.
@@jasper2virtual With the keyboard, the Surface Go 3 setup would cost around 750USD, which is nearly the price of Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop. I understand it is not a direct competitor in terms of form factor and design, but the price to performance ratio is pretty bad. Have a good day.
Anyone else think the markup for 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD is absurd? Comparing this with the base model iPad for a moment, that device comes with all the RAM you need in the base model for $70 cheaper than the Surface Go, with the same amount of storage, but faster. If you need more storage, that model has double the storage of the upgraded Surface Go, also for $70 less. On second thought, Apple’s lack of a 128 GB offering makes the iPad almost as offensive. But you can get a 7th or 8th Gen iPad from some sellers with 128 GB for $429 or less, hopefully $379 or less at this point, given that’s where the 128 GB 9th Gen would slot in. And the major advantage to using a Surface Go is that it’s a full PC, so I disagree with people who say it’s not fair to take it out of S mode, but I think your half-and-half review is a good balance.
Oh hey! If you don’t need a keyboard and you’re okay with pentium-class performance, Newegg has a refurbished iPad 6th Gen with 128 GB storage for $240. That’s incredible!
Microsoft just put a i5 in the Surface Go and I would buy in a heartbeat!! Surface Go 3 should have base level Surface Pro 8 specs at minimum. I'm going to have to get Surface Pro 8 to get some decent performance but I would much rather the Surface Go 3 form factor.
Intel doesn't have anything more powerful that works in the current Go design right now, their latest-gen ultra-low TDP chips jumped up in power vs these 'old' Amber Lake chips in the fanless Go. Plus any major change would require a real re-design (Go 1-3 has just really been drop in chip replacements). That'll probably come in the Go 4.
I think surface go 3 feels like base model for kids or emergency computer you need to do learning in home for zoom (anything you need to learn some Microsoft apps to run basic essential things) it feels like its for trying surface model in affordable price for beginning than save money to upgrade to pro models
Get an iPad or Samsung tablet or a Chrome tablet/laptop. This base spec tablet is poor and I certainly would not buy it for anyone I cared about (kids). MS has done dumpster many times but this is a new low. We should not defend this and maybe MS will up their game next gen, comments like yours will only enable MS to stick it to us again and again; this should not exist in this spec.
If it's the same as the Go 2, the higher spec version runs much better than the Pentium Gold. It's like 2 or 3 times better. It's always difficult to review the Surface Go, as the performance disparity between the base configuration and higher end one is night and day. Not just the processor, but also the RAM (Windows already used a lot of RAM, so 4GB won't last long before it used pagefile) and even differences between slower eMMC and a proper SSD. Still, yeah, the pen isn't that good. There's Surface Pen alternative that works better though, like the Renneiser 520. Also when you get the higher end version, it isn't that far off from Surface Pro line pricing-wise, so you had to like the form factor to choose the Go over the Pro.
@@choco7047 from Brad's review, it appears the new slim pen 2 didn't work that well in older devices like Go series. I found the 1st gen slim pen works pretty well though.
Is this a no buy, or a no buy for a professional? Would it be suitable for a begginger level drawing tablet / computer or can anyone recommend something within the same price range for me? Any advice would help
Basically Microsoft needs to offer the same specs in the Go that they offer in the Pro, just in the smaller screen. I would love to migrate to the Surface Pro when my iPad slows down because it is a tablet that runs a full blown OS, but I love the small size. If the Surface Pro came in a 10-11” I would get it without a second thought because it would be the perfect size for any purse, rather than having to pull out a larger bag because my tablet is the size of a computer.
Awesome review! I enjoy the details of your tests. I know you've done a video on this in the previous years, but please what are the best recommended apps on windows for drawing in 2021? Something that maybe mimic procreate but for windows. Thanks ☺️
Why Microsoft! You never fail to disappoint. Weak processors, quirky pens, ridiculous pricing, etc. Apple’s prices are offensive and obscene at this point, but at least they deliver.
Nuh it's just in peoples heads. Everyone in my office is struggling with Apple Mac book pros overheating and throttling even with a basic operation like opening a small screenshot. They seem to be engineered to fail in about 2 years so they can push the new version, and they did get caught slowing down processors just a few years ago came us with a stupid excuse to hide their planned obsolescence and all the iSheep bought it.
Weak processors? Uhhh WHAT? ... O_o ...Microsoft has put the latest & greatest x86 CPU's available in every single Surface tablet they've released. The OG Surface Pro was GROUNDBREAKING for fitting a full-fat 2-core/4-thread "U" series i7 in it and the Surface Pro 6's jump to quad-cores was even MORE CRAZY for a mm's thin & fanless device. Sure, the base model of this guy is pretty damn slow, but that's a RARE exception because nothing else was even CLOSE to this guy in terms of build quality & HW features at that price point when it launched! What other x86 computer THAT CHEAP is that thin & light, made of freaking magnesium, AND has an integrated pen digitizer??? The answer would be none. And lol ridiculous pricing??? Their prices are competitive with everything else in Windows land and Surface's are extremely often on CRAZY good sales. Base model + Type Cover combo's of current Surface Pro models can be REGULARLY found for just $600-$700ish, & even less if you're willing to look at older generations! Surface tablet's aren't even in the same UNIVERSE of price gouging as Apple's 14" & 16" MacBook Pro's. And starting w/ SP7+ Microsoft even lets you upgrade the M.2 NVMe SSD storage yourself!!! And EASILY too! Meaning you can get a 128GB base model & then upgrade it to 512GB w/ a M.2 2230 SSD for just $55 off eBay! Please do explain how Apple's MacBooks can compete in terms of price with a self upgraded storage Surface Pro of the same SSD size? The answer is they fucking can't. Hell, they can't even compete even if talking STRICTLY about out of the box specs & prices!
Now, my Slim Pen 2 I got for my new SP8 worked on my Surface Go 1... So I would think it should work on the 3 as well... However, the Go 1 isn't even able to like render the Windows 11 UI smoothly, so if it can at least run smoothly, that already is a giant improvement.
I don't think the surface go is meant for professionals. There is a reason the surface pro is named that way. I think surface go is mostly for students that just mostly use office applications (like a chrome os competitor)
That’s a real shame that Microsoft releases such an underbaked product in a world of the entry level iPad. Weird that they headline their new OS with this!
I was gifted a surface go randomly last year and cleaned it up, bought the keyboard and pen and was wondering if it's worth to trade the surface go only in best buy for the surface go 3 so my total will be around 289 and the keyboard and pen I have works on it correct? Wondering if it's worth it or not I'm using it for notes currently and some research
I have a hp 16 inch i7 laptop but I prefer small and portable. My main computer is decent and I have a drawing tablet so I have pretty much all the mixed products to compare each other. The surface go is just so slow for my liking
Surface go 3 base model with 4gb ram 64 storage for 400 or surface go 2 with 8gb ram and 128 storage for 400. I'm assuming I should go for the surface go 2 since it's on sale and has the better configuration. Same price
Not sure if you are planning on it, but will you be doing a review of the new macbook pro 14 with the M1Pro? I recently got a macbook pro Intel right before they announced the M1 and was super bummed out but now I am happy that the new models have the HMDI and SD reader. Just wanted to know how well the apps work for artists. The tech channels all they talk about is bench marks but I want to know how well art programs run on it. Thanks Brad!
9:50 if accuraccy is the problem drawing on this device you should try paint tool sai. Pls include this on your next review too on surface go 4 in the future.😊
Hey nice review. But I have read there is heating issue in some versions of SG2 and SG3. Would you pls specify about it? I am planning to buy either SG2 (Refurbished) or SG3 (New) for basic use like word/excel/you tube viewing as a secondary option but don’t want a roaster. Which version should I opt for basic use? 4GB/64 or 8GB/128? M3 or Pentium? Will appreciate your input. Thanks..
The only reason why I think someone would get this over an ipad or android tablet is if they enrolled into a school that had a "Digital first" campaign more than a decade ago but hasn't bothered to follow up and so you need to install some jank bios based security system that hasn't been updated in a decade to just access some jank LMS system and WiFi and decided not to buy a second hand surface.
Can you do a video to see if the best iPad is better then the best computer/surface meaning is a computer like the surface pro better then the iPad Pro? Because I want to use procreate and I don’t know what to use, either the best iPad (iPad Pro) or computer (surface pro)?
I have been looking for a digital sketchbook for years, starting with a Toshiba M200 in the mid 2000s, even todays tablets and software don't quite cut it for me.....If I am working digitally, I want to output very high res images so they can be printed for Art Exhibitions. I always find myself going back to real graphite and paint and then just scanning the artwork. Maybe when quantum computers are mainstream I might have a digital sketchbook that's worth using. :)
@@cemkalayc5199 I ended up getting the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8. I have been very happy with it since and have not had any issues with drawing or other usage yet.
I'd recommend either an ipad or a used surface go 1 (it's very easy to get a 8 gb ram one with stylus and keyboard for 400 dollars) or surface pro 5 which has a better processor and you could get one with a keyboard and stylus for like 650 dollars
I know the classic artist in you wants to use the glove, but start using pen mode in your apps. No more misinterpreting your hand gestures as line inputs
I just bought one because they only had the 4gb model in the store. It's a shame that something like that exists for most people, but I want to put a different OS on it too
If i only want to... see multimedia, conect to others PC, use office 365, play videogame with xcloud and with my xbox series x and something more... its okay, for me?
Sadly, The whole surface line is just not good for art. I started out on the Surface pro 2017 (5th gen). It "worked" but the line jitter was just too much. Even the best product today is highly hit or miss. Some reviewers show a near jitter free experience while others show what we have been used to with the whole surface line. I'll just stick with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S line. They work and work WELL! Use Clip studio paint and you have what's arguably the best mobile drawing experience.
If you want full drawing Art 🎨 you can get an Ipad Air or Pro.. But if you think you do some work with office and casual drawing get Surface pro 7 plus Intel I3 gen 11 Vers. (It can upgrade SSD) , and more better than Go 3. (Sry Bad english )
The CPU is not a problem. Pentium 6500y more than enough capable of multi-tasking. 4GB RAM is the one that's gimping it. Try the 2nd to base version with 8GB RAM and you'll feel the difference.
Yea I was super disappointed when they revealed the 'new' processors for the Go 3. They need to get an i5 in there somehow. I love the size of this thing but there's no way I'm dropping money on a tablet with that type of performance. Stick with an iPad Air/iPad mini.
Hey Brad, I love your stuff. Will you perhaps review the surface go 4, apparently it got a considerable spec bump (about 80% more according to microsoft). I have an ipad that's great for drawing but if the surface go 4 is decent I might get away with one device for everything!
4G ram configuration should not exist. It is for no one. I’d love to see you review the 8 gigs one!
neither should eMMC
So why manufactures it?
@@lambdalambda8028 Because you’re buying the brand name and not performance. If surface wants to tarnish their name by putting out low specs, then let them
@@lambdalambda8028 profit? emmc and 4gigs of ram in windows 10 or 11 is painful but even the 8gig one wont be a rocket it is a pentium for crying out loud a processor with the processing power of a potatoe i dunno how well the i3 does though
@@sethsdoodles and people aren't willing to educate themselves about hardware - this wont be a thing once Gen X reaches the age current baby boomers are. If we as millenials dont cause low RAM devices to stop, Gen Z will...
I just ended up getting a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, which is a shame because I really wanted to use my Clip Studio license on the go and/ or edit photos, sculpt in Zbrush etc... But some of those are demanding and 4GB of RAM is a slap in the left booty cheek. I like the tablet, but I really hope Windows tablets get better with price and its respective components, because it's a great form factor, but currently the pricing on the components don't give it a good value.
U should've waited for the tab s 8 ultra for a 14.6 screen but meh.
@@sikrisss I could have, I waited until Samsung Unpacked Part 2, but they didn't announce it.
It's good you stated right up front that this is a test of the base model specifically so people can see it in action and decide if it's worth it for the price. Of course double the ram and a beefier processor will make for a better experience- but it's important for many people to know if the base model is feasible or, in this case, if they can just drop it from the list of possible devices.
I think the bigger takeaway here is that the Slim Pen upgrade doesn't "fix" the drawing situation. It's not a power issue- it's base compatibility. Further proof will keep people from dropping money on an ultimately useless upgrade.
also i was just thinking why Windows 11.. its not even Final yet. i've noticed a ton of issues. and Feel it shuld at lease be on Windows 10 till 11 is RTM.
Running the Latest Dev Mode feels so much better tho.
And one issue i had was Windows Hello Decided to break.
The Fix was to remove the Windows Hello Driver and reboot and let it re-setup but who is going to know how to even Fix this ?
I had to Google.. but most of the People this is for will just use a Pin and think its broken Permently.
Bottom line: if you gonna pick a Surface, Go for the Pro :D
*used pro 6
Or save up for the a 8GB model which comes with an SSD.
pro for the go?
Pretty amazing that it's on its third iteration, and is still only useful as a picture frame or mp3 player. Nice kickstand, though.
Technically the fourth iteration considering that the first Surface GO was the successor of the Surface 3 (non pro). Except the Surface 3 fully made sense back then and it wasn't bad at all for such a small device when it came out.
@Jay D i can confirm this. but u r also wrong. 4gb is even lags chromium edge, and sometimes even small basic powerpoints. zoom with nothing else ON bogs the device down hard. Pro5 4gb owner. And i need to write in onenote, zoom and screen record. such pain.
i wud get ipad if it only proper mouse support was therer so that i cud use online version of engg programs.
@@tahsin28 The 4gb model doesn't lag on edge. I have a base model surface go 2, and it works perfectly for youtube, drawing in sketchable, and running office programs, using windows 11.
The 4GB model comes slower storage option while the 8GB model comes with an SSD.
@Jay D Says who? Certainly not MS.
ruclips.net/video/0f8Eo-tIA2o/видео.html
I appreciate A LOT the fact you chose the cheapest models to review 😭. Great video Brad, sending love 🤍
He did all of them :P
True
@@skilarbabcock he did? Sorry i must have missed that out… which minute in the video that he explained that?
@@itssasono3424 it's on his channel as separate videos
@@skilarbabcock where? I can't find them... Did they get removed or something?
I dunno, Brad. If the engineers “never intended it to be run that way”, they wouldn’t have made it possible to do so. Think you did fine.
I have the tab S7 and the surface Go 3 core i3. The tab S7 with the keyboard and dex is a phenomenal productivity machine, it doesn't get hot it runs very smoothly, but it is so limited by the tablet interface. The problem with Samsung and apples IPad is that the Microsoft apps are basically unusable, one note is bare bones and featureless, excel doest have near the features as the desktop, microsoft word doesn't even have a references tab. The apps microsoft are almost unusable on tablets. The surface Go 3 on the other hand, runs full fledged Windows 11. You can download full softwares and desktop applications, you get the full microsoft desktop apps with all of the features, you get xbox game pass, the only downside I've experienced is the device gets HOT because there is no fan. The surface go 3 with the core i3 runs like a beast and in my opinion is far superior to any tablet. My S7 is now primarily used for media consumption and coaching
I actually have the Go3 with the pentium and 8gigs of ram and it performs DRASTICALLY better than the one he picked up. Its still not near the speed pf the pro 8 or x but for basic school, I find it performs quite well for the price. I don't do any drawing but taking notes, doing homework and watching videos is very nice. 4gigs of ram is not near enough for any computer by todays standards.
Yes, it's the ssd, not the processor. So the next model up, which still uses the pentium is really the best value, since the i3 and the pentium this year are almost identical as far as performance goes. The problem is the emmc ssd's that they use in the base model with 64gb of storage. When you step up to 128gb, you get major performance gains, not to mention more than 4gb of ram, which is a big never on windows machines nowadays. 8gb of ram is the new baseline.
You should make a video of note taking. I cant find one for the Surface Go 3.
Tengo esa versión y lo confirmo, es la mejor opción precio rendimiento.
When Apple gets recommended as a *better value* alternative... ouch.
iPads have always been better value tablets . And now i think MacBooks aswell ( except for gaming )
?? I dont think you could sell a reasonable person on any non ipad tablet.
@@rph_redacted just not for desktop or phones.
@@rph_redacted maybe not MacBooks
@@gerardob7289 definitely macbooks
It's very telling that in order to properly redraw a fan's work in your own style (i.e deliver a finished, presentable product within your line of work), you had to resort to an entirely different device just to get it done.
Hey Brad! Loved your version! Thank you for including it in your video.
YeaH! thanks for letting me use the illustration!
@@thebradcolbow con mucho gusto, mi amigo.
The whole point of the Go3 is the light form factor of a tablet. This review only proves the base model is a definite no go! The real review would be the i3 and 8GB.
I really dont get why they dont include the keyboard. They are 100% aware that you cant use a windows machine without one
@@GodisGracious1031Ministries but you can use an ipad without a keyboard 🧍♂️
@@asahioflight you can use a Surface Go without a physical keyboard as well, it has a virtual keyboard for text entry.
@@wildebeetroot yeah but it greatly degrades the experience
@@asahioflight Not really, have had a Surface Go 2 for over a year now and it is 95% of the time not connected to a keyboard.
@@asahioflight Compared to having a keyboard, yes. But Windows is (and has been for several years now) fine using just touch.
Thank you for reviewing the base model!! I wish more reviewers did this to point out how terrible most base models, and how a lot of the time they're just marketing to make it seem more inexpensive
Not all base models are bad but they usually are made so they can jack up the price of the other models.
I actually have the base model of the go 2 and I use it just as a portable device so I can have windows anywhere. If I need power I have a desktop.
@@bland9876 Yeah you make a really good point. I guess definitely not all base models are bad, but it's frustrating when manufacturers purposely have a nerfed and sub-par base model just to say that their product starts at a lower price point than a configuration that's actually usable. But you're right, not all base models are terrible
It's a good thing I'm not a good artist. I would primarily use the Go for reading, notetaking, and connecting to my main computer for my more intensive tasks. I'm also skeptical about taking it out of S Mode because I would primarily only use Office on the Go. That's just me, though.
I got the i3 8GB 128GB model.
Yes, it feels laggy and the touch is hit or miss.
I often hit a icon several times. Espeially on the bottom edges of the screen the touch just doesn't register.
Microsoft as usual.
I would have been shocked if it worked well.
My 4th Surface tablet. I have lost hope.
I was waiting for this kind of review since the product was released, and I think that I'm going to stick with the iPad for illustration.
Nothing beats the iPad Pro for illustration on a screen based tablet
@@cured_bacon647 To me iPad is pretty much useless as an illustration tool. I cannot even export PSB files to animate my characters in Unity - not that it runs Unity in the first place. It runs pretty much nothing I want my tablet to run, Apple really needs to step up their game on software front. 🤷🏻♂️ Buuut... If you are just drawing and doing web browsing/media consumption, iPad is good enough to do the job.
In this day and age, RAM is not expensive enough to need to charge a premium for 8gb. It should be the base amount on any windows device. All of my windows devices use over 4gb at idle…
Your honest reviews are why we love your channel Brad. All the Microsoft lovers can go fly a kite if they don’t approve of your honesty.
Thanks for letting us know about this cheap tablet.
honestly I think considering price with the pen and keyboard you are kinda better off just buying a budget 2 in 1 with pen with more powerful hardware
I would really like to see a review for the i3 model from you. I know that the surface pro is better, but nothing beats the portability of the surface go. Thanks!
Thank you for giving us the conclusion right out the gate. I appreciate the respect you show for your audience's time and intelligence. A noble sacrifice (since it probably reduces total watch time), thank you.
I have to admit, these reviews are definitely less relevant for me since I'd be buying a Go for the light form factor, not for the budget, so I'd definitely be getting the more powerful configuration - which is the one I need to know whether is painful to use. Oh well, you gotta pick your target audience carefully I suppose.
I actually have the Go 3 with the 8 gigs of ram and it works great for school and homework. I love it and it runs very smooth.
@@huntersexton850 hi, and how about drawing in it in Photoshop, the precision and graphic overall performance?
Sometimes I wonder why does the surface go even exists, given the performance limitations. There are tons of Chinese tablets running full windows that perform similarly and cost so much lesser.
Chinese tablet using n3xx, n4xx, CPU, that why much cheaper. But the performance is horrible slow. It will lag even drawing on the screen.
And the Other main problem is, Except the Intel CPU and chipset, the quality of other hardware is bad. I have tried 2 Chinese Windows tablet. The first, one USB port die in the first year. The second, battery die in the first year.
Lesson learned.
@@jasper2virtual With the keyboard, the Surface Go 3 setup would cost around 750USD, which is nearly the price of Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 Laptop. I understand it is not a direct competitor in terms of form factor and design, but the price to performance ratio is pretty bad. Have a good day.
imagine if apple make surface style macbook or make ipad able to run mac os apps.. that'd be perfect device for artist
Will you do one review for the highest version? It'd be great, please!
Concepts is one of my favorite apps! The pen is unreal in that app for note taking and sketching.
Anyone else think the markup for 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD is absurd?
Comparing this with the base model iPad for a moment, that device comes with all the RAM you need in the base model for $70 cheaper than the Surface Go, with the same amount of storage, but faster. If you need more storage, that model has double the storage of the upgraded Surface Go, also for $70 less.
On second thought, Apple’s lack of a 128 GB offering makes the iPad almost as offensive. But you can get a 7th or 8th Gen iPad from some sellers with 128 GB for $429 or less, hopefully $379 or less at this point, given that’s where the 128 GB 9th Gen would slot in.
And the major advantage to using a Surface Go is that it’s a full PC, so I disagree with people who say it’s not fair to take it out of S mode, but I think your half-and-half review is a good balance.
Oh hey!
If you don’t need a keyboard and you’re okay with pentium-class performance, Newegg has a refurbished iPad 6th Gen with 128 GB storage for $240. That’s incredible!
Microsoft just put a i5 in the Surface Go and I would buy in a heartbeat!!
Surface Go 3 should have base level Surface Pro 8 specs at minimum.
I'm going to have to get Surface Pro 8 to get some decent performance but I would much rather the Surface Go 3 form factor.
Intel doesn't have anything more powerful that works in the current Go design right now, their latest-gen ultra-low TDP chips jumped up in power vs these 'old' Amber Lake chips in the fanless Go.
Plus any major change would require a real re-design (Go 1-3 has just really been drop in chip replacements). That'll probably come in the Go 4.
I think surface go 3 feels like base model for kids or emergency computer you need to do learning in home for zoom (anything you need to learn some Microsoft apps to run basic essential things) it feels like its for trying surface model in affordable price for beginning than save money to upgrade to pro models
Get an iPad or Samsung tablet or a Chrome tablet/laptop. This base spec tablet is poor and I certainly would not buy it for anyone I cared about (kids). MS has done dumpster many times but this is a new low. We should not defend this and maybe MS will up their game next gen, comments like yours will only enable MS to stick it to us again and again; this should not exist in this spec.
If it's the same as the Go 2, the higher spec version runs much better than the Pentium Gold. It's like 2 or 3 times better. It's always difficult to review the Surface Go, as the performance disparity between the base configuration and higher end one is night and day. Not just the processor, but also the RAM (Windows already used a lot of RAM, so 4GB won't last long before it used pagefile) and even differences between slower eMMC and a proper SSD.
Still, yeah, the pen isn't that good. There's Surface Pen alternative that works better though, like the Renneiser 520. Also when you get the higher end version, it isn't that far off from Surface Pro line pricing-wise, so you had to like the form factor to choose the Go over the Pro.
@@choco7047 from Brad's review, it appears the new slim pen 2 didn't work that well in older devices like Go series. I found the 1st gen slim pen works pretty well though.
Is this a no buy, or a no buy for a professional? Would it be suitable for a begginger level drawing tablet / computer or can anyone recommend something within the same price range for me? Any advice would help
You know it's bad when Brad goes to flick the tablet off when he thinks the camera is OFF!
Basically Microsoft needs to offer the same specs in the Go that they offer in the Pro, just in the smaller screen. I would love to migrate to the Surface Pro when my iPad slows down because it is a tablet that runs a full blown OS, but I love the small size. If the Surface Pro came in a 10-11” I would get it without a second thought because it would be the perfect size for any purse, rather than having to pull out a larger bag because my tablet is the size of a computer.
More like similar. A dual core tablet is not good idea in 2022/2023. A six core CPU like the i3 1215u is perfect or equivalent.
Awesome review! I enjoy the details of your tests. I know you've done a video on this in the previous years, but please what are the best recommended apps on windows for drawing in 2021? Something that maybe mimic procreate but for windows. Thanks ☺️
Concepts is also available in iPad for any who is interested!
But it has to be taken out of S Mode to install software that is not in the Microsoft store!!!
Why Microsoft! You never fail to disappoint. Weak processors, quirky pens, ridiculous pricing, etc. Apple’s prices are offensive and obscene at this point, but at least they deliver.
Nuh it's just in peoples heads. Everyone in my office is struggling with Apple Mac book pros overheating and throttling even with a basic operation like opening a small screenshot. They seem to be engineered to fail in about 2 years so they can push the new version, and they did get caught slowing down processors just a few years ago came us with a stupid excuse to hide their planned obsolescence and all the iSheep bought it.
Weak processors? Uhhh WHAT? ... O_o ...Microsoft has put the latest & greatest x86 CPU's available in every single Surface tablet they've released. The OG Surface Pro was GROUNDBREAKING for fitting a full-fat 2-core/4-thread "U" series i7 in it and the Surface Pro 6's jump to quad-cores was even MORE CRAZY for a mm's thin & fanless device.
Sure, the base model of this guy is pretty damn slow, but that's a RARE exception because nothing else was even CLOSE to this guy in terms of build quality & HW features at that price point when it launched! What other x86 computer THAT CHEAP is that thin & light, made of freaking magnesium, AND has an integrated pen digitizer??? The answer would be none.
And lol ridiculous pricing??? Their prices are competitive with everything else in Windows land and Surface's are extremely often on CRAZY good sales. Base model + Type Cover combo's of current Surface Pro models can be REGULARLY found for just $600-$700ish, & even less if you're willing to look at older generations! Surface tablet's aren't even in the same UNIVERSE of price gouging as Apple's 14" & 16" MacBook Pro's. And starting w/ SP7+ Microsoft even lets you upgrade the M.2 NVMe SSD storage yourself!!! And EASILY too! Meaning you can get a 128GB base model & then upgrade it to 512GB w/ a M.2 2230 SSD for just $55 off eBay!
Please do explain how Apple's MacBooks can compete in terms of price with a self upgraded storage Surface Pro of the same SSD size? The answer is they fucking can't. Hell, they can't even compete even if talking STRICTLY about out of the box specs & prices!
Hmmm was windows running updates in the background.
I have notice new machines doing intense updates in the background causing serious slow down
Now, my Slim Pen 2 I got for my new SP8 worked on my Surface Go 1... So I would think it should work on the 3 as well...
However, the Go 1 isn't even able to like render the Windows 11 UI smoothly, so if it can at least run smoothly, that already is a giant improvement.
Can you noise cancel the white noize in the audio? When listening on headphones it's a little desrupting
The "peace sign" means something else where I'm from
Really want to know how good or bad the i3 model is
But, the iPad mini has a higher retail starting price than the Surface Go. I'm confused because you said it was much less.
I don't think the surface go is meant for professionals. There is a reason the surface pro is named that way. I think surface go is mostly for students that just mostly use office applications (like a chrome os competitor)
You are very inspiring artist,I like how you find the solution’s for every difficulty on your work process..awesome artwork’s 😍😍👏👏👏👏
Fun fact: Krita is on the Microsoft store Also, WHY DOES IT HAVING A FRICKING PENTIUM
What's the best surface for art and illustration?
That’s a real shame that Microsoft releases such an underbaked product in a world of the entry level iPad. Weird that they headline their new OS with this!
I was gifted a surface go randomly last year and cleaned it up, bought the keyboard and pen and was wondering if it's worth to trade the surface go only in best buy for the surface go 3 so my total will be around 289 and the keyboard and pen I have works on it correct? Wondering if it's worth it or not I'm using it for notes currently and some research
I have a hp 16 inch i7 laptop but I prefer small and portable. My main computer is decent and I have a drawing tablet so I have pretty much all the mixed products to compare each other. The surface go is just so slow for my liking
Surface go 3 base model with 4gb ram 64 storage for 400 or surface go 2 with 8gb ram and 128 storage for 400. I'm assuming I should go for the surface go 2 since it's on sale and has the better configuration. Same price
Not sure if you are planning on it, but will you be doing a review of the new macbook pro 14 with the M1Pro? I recently got a macbook pro Intel right before they announced the M1 and was super bummed out but now I am happy that the new models have the HMDI and SD reader. Just wanted to know how well the apps work for artists. The tech channels all they talk about is bench marks but I want to know how well art programs run on it. Thanks Brad!
Is the charging cord bulky? That's one thing that i don't like about Microsoft products -- they can't seem to make light weight chargers for travel
9:50 if accuraccy is the problem drawing on this device you should try paint tool sai. Pls include this on your next review too on surface go 4 in the future.😊
When are you getting the duo 2?
How mutch nits is the go 2, some say 480, some say 430, others say 400, i want to know how mutch brighter the go 2 is compared to the go 3
I have a Surface Go 3 and i have a problem with Adobe Fresco - when I am drawing with oil, it's EXTREMELY laggy
Unfortunately, my pro Surface had a myriad of issues (pen, display, disk etc), and stopped charging as of last days. Seriously NOT recommended.
Hey nice review. But I have read there is heating issue in some versions of SG2 and SG3. Would you pls specify about it? I am planning to buy either SG2 (Refurbished) or SG3 (New) for basic use like word/excel/you tube viewing as a secondary option but don’t want a roaster. Which version should I opt for basic use?
4GB/64 or 8GB/128?
M3 or Pentium?
Will appreciate your input. Thanks..
The only reason why I think someone would get this over an ipad or android tablet is if they enrolled into a school that had a "Digital first" campaign more than a decade ago but hasn't bothered to follow up and so you need to install some jank bios based security system that hasn't been updated in a decade to just access some jank LMS system and WiFi and decided not to buy a second hand surface.
this is why you get the i3 model, or save money for a pro
Brad had to use an iPad to finish work because the PC couldn’t do it. How the tables have turned.
Woof, that refresh rate flicker is something else
Can you do a video to see if the best iPad is better then the best computer/surface meaning is a computer like the surface pro better then the iPad Pro? Because I want to use procreate and I don’t know what to use, either the best iPad (iPad Pro) or computer (surface pro)?
I would absolutely love a device this size with premium hardware I would gladly pay for it please just guide it to us
I have been looking for a digital sketchbook for years, starting with a Toshiba M200 in the mid 2000s, even todays tablets and software don't quite cut it for me.....If I am working digitally, I want to output very high res images so they can be printed for Art Exhibitions. I always find myself going back to real graphite and paint and then just scanning the artwork. Maybe when quantum computers are mainstream I might have a digital sketchbook that's worth using. :)
Can you recommend a good alternative for a $500 price point?
brad. can i use new suface slim pen on the surface pro 7?
You really saved me a ton! I was almost convinced to buy the Go3 and this video helped me see that it wouldn't be a good fit for me.
What did you buy?
@@cemkalayc5199 I ended up getting the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8. I have been very happy with it since and have not had any issues with drawing or other usage yet.
please review new sketchbook ... should i buy it? and what's new
is WSL2 running in windows s mode?
Amazing video! Love the initial soundtrack
I'd recommend either an ipad or a used surface go 1 (it's very easy to get a 8 gb ram one with stylus and keyboard for 400 dollars) or surface pro 5 which has a better processor and you could get one with a keyboard and stylus for like 650 dollars
Thank you. I was thinking about getting this for my wife for Christmas. Turns out it would have been a disaster. You saved Christmas (no kidding)
Please do performance review on Surface Pro/Go on Windows 10 vs 11 .
Thank you
I know the classic artist in you wants to use the glove, but start using pen mode in your apps. No more misinterpreting your hand gestures as line inputs
I just bought one because they only had the 4gb model in the store. It's a shame that something like that exists for most people, but I want to put a different OS on it too
Still getting the i3 version, the base has 4GB and 64GB of emmc.
for what you spend on a new product, it could be better to try a Samsung Tab or Apple IPad☺️
@@meee9588 I want a Windows based tablet. 😉
will you review the new xp pen 12 ?
Sold my surface pro, bought a tab 6 lite , best trade ever made
If i only want to... see multimedia, conect to others PC, use office 365, play videogame with xcloud and with my xbox series x and something more... its okay, for me?
Sticking with my Tab S6 Lite for the tab.
i love your reviews! and your art is so good :D
Sadly, The whole surface line is just not good for art. I started out on the Surface pro 2017 (5th gen). It "worked" but the line jitter was just too much. Even the best product today is highly hit or miss. Some reviewers show a near jitter free experience while others show what we have been used to with the whole surface line. I'll just stick with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S line. They work and work WELL! Use Clip studio paint and you have what's arguably the best mobile drawing experience.
Trying in 2021 to run creative apps under Win10 is a true achievement. How about you test the i3, 8Gb please?
If you want full drawing Art 🎨 you can get an Ipad Air or Pro.. But if you think you do some work with office and casual drawing get Surface pro 7 plus Intel I3 gen 11 Vers. (It can upgrade SSD) , and more better than Go 3. (Sry Bad english )
Ay mate can you test flipa clip on the me pad 5 just test the line quality plz could be a RUclips short
It's a No Go.
Noche Review Brad. I think you must review the ROG Flow X13.
Please try out there Lenovo Tab 12 Pro Android tablet
Can you please Review i3 version? 🥺
Yes, I agree with your comments, because I use it.
The CPU is not a problem. Pentium 6500y more than enough capable of multi-tasking. 4GB RAM is the one that's gimping it. Try the 2nd to base version with 8GB RAM and you'll feel the difference.
LOL I've called it the Surface No since the first one!
So Xiaomi Pad 5 is a better choice?
So, the 8 gb ram would be a better option? I mean, for a non artistic use
Yea I was super disappointed when they revealed the 'new' processors for the Go 3. They need to get an i5 in there somehow. I love the size of this thing but there's no way I'm dropping money on a tablet with that type of performance. Stick with an iPad Air/iPad mini.
I think Microsoft can probably get rid of the Go line... until their ARM chips come into play and offer better performance in the limited form factor.
Good review 👍
Glad I got my M1 11”
Hey Brad, I love your stuff. Will you perhaps review the surface go 4, apparently it got a considerable spec bump (about 80% more according to microsoft). I have an ipad that's great for drawing but if the surface go 4 is decent I might get away with one device for everything!