Can you use a pen on Surface Laptop Go?

Surface Laptop Go Hero
Surface Laptop Go Hero (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

Can you use a pen on Surface Laptop Go?

Best answer: Unfortunately, the Surface Laptop Go does not support inking. However, it's still a great device, and you can always go with the Surface Go 2 if you need pen support.Fun-sized Surface: Surface Laptop Go (From $550 at Microsoft)Pen-friendly alternative: Surface Go 2 (From $400 at Microsoft)

Why the Surface Laptop Go is still a good option

While the lack of pen support on the Surface Laptop Go is disappointing, the issue pales in comparison to the things that make the device such a great laptop. With its 10th Gen Intel i5-1035G1 CPU, Intel UHD Graphics, and up to 8GB of RAM, the Surface Laptop Go packs quite a punch despite its small size and price tag. The 12.4-inch 1536 x 1024 display looks awesome too, which is a great achievement for Microsoft considering the modest resolution. You can get up to 256GB of storage as well, and the top-notch Omnisonic speakers and studio mics provide a superb audio experience. Finally, the device supports Wi-Fi 6, which is important since Wi-Fi 6 is becoming the new standard.

In terms of physical design, the Surface Laptop Go is excellent as well. At 10.95 x 8.10 x 0.62 inches and 2.45 lbs, it's Microsoft's lightest and most compact laptop Surface device. Additionally, it also comes with a USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm, and Surface Connect port for strong peripheral connectivity. The low-profile keyboard is very comfortable to type on, too, and the large trackpad makes accurate navigation a breeze. Finally, the nifty fingerprint reader on the keyboard enables partial Windows Hello support. Overall, between the device's solid specs and amazing design, the Surface Laptop Go cements itself as one of the best Surface PCs.

Pen-friendly alternative

Surface Go 2 Hero

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

If your heart is set on having a device that supports inking, we recommend the Surface Go 2 as a 2-in-1 alternative. With its weaker Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y / Intel Core m3-8100Y CPU options, smaller 10.5-inch display, overall smaller footprint, and a lower starting price of $400, the Surface Go 2 is essentially the Surface Laptop Go's less capable, but more affordable cousin. The display's full support for inking also means that people who like to draw, jot down notes, or mark up documents by hand will find the Surface Go 2 to be the better option.

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Brendan Lowry

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you'll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he's not writing or gaming, there's a good chance he's either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once. Follow him on X (Twitter).