Microsoft launches Surface Laptop Go 2 in India

Microsoft India has launched the Surface Laptop Go 2 in India, bringing a second generation of what it deems is a ‘budget’ Surface laptop experience. The entry point to Microsoft’s Surface laptop range was launched in its first-gen avatar in India in early 2021, bringing mid-range specifications and a typically minimal design language to what Microsoft called was the ‘entry level’ laptop segment in India.

In terms of upgrades, the new Surface Laptop Go 2 has offered 11th generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processors inside – at a time when most laptops even in the budget segment are moving to 12th gen processors. Nevertheless, it’s an upgrade from the previous generation. That, however, is pretty much the only notable upgrade in the second generation Laptop Go.

Microsoft has claimed that the webcam is “improved”, but the latter has retained the 720p resolution it had before. Other features remain exactly the same – including no backlight on keyboard, a 3:2 12.4-inch display with 60Hz refresh rate, and “all-day battery life” with “fast charging”.

The Surface Laptop Go 2 still uses a proprietary ‘Surface Connect’ charging port, although you can use a USB-C adapter to charge it as well.

Microsoft’s key target audience are business users, specifically those in the online education industry, or those doing hybrid work. The company offers two variants of the laptop to consumers as well at a reduced price – which starts at Rs 73,999 in the country.

At such pricing, it is debatable if the Surface Laptop Go 2 can be called a ‘budget’ laptop for the value-conscious buyer looking for an online education device. For instance, HP offers budget Windows 11 laptops powered by 11th gen Intel Core i5 processors and a touchscreen at approximately 25% lesser the cost – and the Surface Laptop Go 2’s pricing ventures into what is largely referred to as the premium segment of devices in the country.

While international variants get a new ‘Sage’ colour variant, Indian buyers will have to remain content with the ‘Platinum’ finish only.