When you add in the likes of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Edge for even the basic work, you’re going to find a tablet that runs slow and hot. The Pentium Gold version I’m reviewing may run Microsoft Solitaire smoothly, but the amount of heat around the back of the tablet is uncomfortable to the touch. Yet the Surface Go 3 is also promoted as a consumer device, and here I think it struggles. In that sense, it's a well thought out machine, and previous editions of the Go have proven themselves in environments like this. I will note that being a Microsoft device, this is as pure an installation of Windows 11 you’re likely to see no additional third-party software, no custom printer driver software, no extra gaming marco functions.įor the enterprise market, where the Surface Go 3 is likely to be locked down to a few bespoke apps at most, the OS is little more than the scaffolding an app needs to work. so I’m not going to dwell on this too much. Much has been written about Windows 11, and much will be written. Once you move the device over to Windows 11 (be it home or pro) there’s no way back. You can switch out of S mode, but as always this is a one way action.

The Surface Go 3 ships with the new version of Microsoft’s operating system - the consumer version ships with Windows 11 S which limits the applications that can be installed to those from the Microsoft, and browsing to Microsoft Edge. But if you want to do a video call and have a PowerPoint open at the same time… congratulations, you found the Go 3’s limit.Īlso of note is Windows 11. It hits the quality threshold out of the parts for this price range. Curiously, running video calling (using the prominently on show Microsoft Teams) and the Go 3 feels more at home. Start asking for a little bit more - streaming music from your favoured music service in the background - and the Go 3 starts to strain. You’re looking at some web browsing, social media, and text chatting and everything is fine. The second processor, Intel’s i3 10100Y, is better suited for consumers looking for a smaller Windows 2 in 1, offering a bit more practicality in use. This is well suited for those looking to run limited but specific software on Surface Go 3. The first of two processor options (and the one my review Go 3 from Microsoft is equipped with) is Intel’s Pentium Gold 6500Y. Specs wise the Surface Go 3 is not aiming for flagship level numbers, it's looking to offer cost-effective options at the lower end of the market.

Windows 11 for surface go