When the Surface Go with LTE was first announced in July 2018 a version with 4G LTE Advanced was promised by "the end of the year." It looks like Microsoft kept to its word, and four months later the Surface Go with LTE Advanced is finally ready to launch, according to Microsoft.
Perhaps the bigger news though is that by November 22 the Surface Go with LTE Advanced should be available in 23 markets globally with more to follow.
Surface Go with LTE Advanced price and specs
Like the already released Surface Go we reviewed in July, the Surface Go with LTE Advanced will have multiple versions, including models for business (Windows 10 Pro configurable to S Mode) and for consumers (Windows 10 Home in S mode).
Only the versions with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) for storage will have an option for LTE, leaving off the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
That larger 256GB version is only the business model but consumers can order direct from Microsoft if they want it for $829.
| Category | Surface Go with LTE (consumer) |
|---|---|
| OS | Window 10 Home in S mode |
| Display | 10-inch 3: 2 aspect1800 x 1200 with touch216 ppi |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y (1.6GHz)Fanless |
| Graphics | Intel HD 615 |
| RAM | 8GB1866MHz LPDDR3 |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB SSD |
| Security | TPM 2.0 |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.1 (aux. charge, video out, data), microSD (up to 1TB), Surface Connect, headphone jack |
| Surface Pen | 4,096 levels of pressure, tilt support |
| Camera | 5MP front-facing with Windows Hello8MP rear auto-focus |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acBluetooth 4.1 |
| LTE Advanced | Nano SIM Tray4G LTE Advanced (22 Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66)GPS/GLONASS: Standalone and AssistedGNSS, accuracy up to 3 meters |
| Audio | Dual front-facing speakersDolby Audio Premium |
| Dimensions | 9.6 in x 6.9 in x 0.33 in (245 mm x 175 mm x 8.3 mm) |
| Weight | 1.17 lbs (532g) without keyboard1.7lbs (770 kg) w/keyboard |
| Colors | Magnesium |
| Power | 24 W power supply |
| Battery life | 8.5 hours (video loop) |
| Price | Starts at $679Keyboard $99 or $129 (Alcantara) |
The Surface Go with LTE Advanced will also feature GPS for those who want to use geolocation with Windows 10. There is no mention of support for eSIM, but instead, it appears to rely only on a nano-SIM slot, and it is carrier unlocked.
For pricing, the Surface Go with LTE Advanced won't be cheap. Pricing starts at $679, a $180 increase over the same model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage but without a 4G LTE modem. Also, the Surface Type Cover and optional Surface Pen ($99) are still sold separately.
Altogether that bumps the 128GB Surface Go with LTE Advanced to an eye-watering $907 price tag with an Alcantara keyboard or $877 with non-Alcantara.
Surface Go with LTE Advanced for Business is a bit more, as that ships with Windows 10 Pro in S mode and Advanced Exchange Service (AES) for the additional cost. The 256GB model is $829 plus Alcantara keyboard and Surface Pen comes in at $1,057 although corporate and education discounts certainly kick in for instituations buying that device.
Where you can buy Surface Go with LTE?
People in the U.S. and Canada get the first preorders with many more countries following later in November. These are the markets in which Microsoft announced availability:
- US
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Hong Kong
- UK
- Ireland
- France
- Germany
- Austria
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Denmark
- Finland
- Norway
- Sweden
- Poland
- Taiwan
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
- Malaysia
- Thailand
Areas in the Middle East and India are liking coming in later months.
Who should buy Surface Go with LTE Advanced?
Microsoft is making a big push for the Surface Go with LTE Advanced for businesses. In its press release, Microsoft talks about firstline workers (FLWs) who could benefit from having a Surface Go with LTE Advanced and various benefits including:
- No more dependence on Wi-Fi at a job site —c onstruction project managers can input real-time assessments and photos of contractor progress into their cloud system;
- No more reliance on a client's home Wi-Fi network — insurance claims adjusters can submit damage reports and receive quotes while assessing a vehicle;
- No more tethering with reduced speeds and depleted phone batteries — census takers can upload household demographic information in real time.
It is business that is driving demand for so-called "Always Connected PCs" (ACPCs) as the need for secure, non-public networks for workers who increasingly work outside a formal office rises.
For consumers, the Surface Go with LTE Advanced is an intriguing option, but due to the higher price, it is unclear if many will see the value in return, especially with the 8.5 hours of estimated battery life (certainly shorter in real-world usage).
Still, there are very few consumer-grade Windows laptops and tablets on the market that hit below the $1,000 mark – Surface Pro with LTE is $1,700 as an entire package – making this a first for Microsoft.
