Obviously not a powerhouse machine, but if these are your requirements, its a fantastic price,
normally $599, and normally down to $450ish on sale
10"/64GB eMMC/4GB
comes in a carboard box!
Microsoft Surface Go - Intel 4415Y / 4GB / 64GB eMMC $399 @ JB Hi-Fi
1360
Samsungnote10 on 11/11/2019 - 20:19 jbhifi.com.au (5068 clicks)
Last edited 14/11/2019 - 18:10 by 1 other user
Last edited 14/11/2019 - 18:10 by 1 other user
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I like the way you think!
Thank you for the comedic relief I very much needed today đ
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are MagPye's the magnets from Pye speakers?
Don't buy this. The eMMC storage is awful.
The 8GB version at least has SSD storage, and is somewhat usable. This version is hideous.
I bought one and regret it immensely, I should have bought the iPad with pencil. As a tablet it falls flat with the Windows operating system and everything taking longer than it should and as a computer it's too slow (Firefox is nearly unusable with more than a few tabs open and I can't use Photoshop at all). YMMV and it really depends on what you're using it for.
In saying that I now use it for my work as a sysadmin and that's probably the one area where it excels because of it's portability and RDPing into my desktop but even then it's got one USB-C port and no traditional ports so when using for example a serial connection you're going to be carrying dongles etc.
I bought the keyboard and pen as well.
I got the 8GB version last year, although still slow, it serves my needs well. I use it as a secondary device and only use it at uni, mainly just for viewing ppt slides, web surfing(bit laggy) and programming. Since its running windows, I prefer this rather than an iPad, which I cannot run programming softwares on.
I too got the 8gb and was surprised at the lag. But at the end of the day, build wise, I think a go with the keyboard leaves the ipad with a keyboard for dead. Haven't seen an ipad keyboard I like.
For me, this is for emails, note recording in meetings/on the fly, and reviewing documents (word PDF), that's 95% of my use, and for that it's fantastic. But $1000 fantastic… Probably not. But then a $600 ipad with a $100 piece of bluetoothed plastic crap keyboard hanging off it, no thanks.
I'm not sure about newer iPads but I found the smart connector keyboards on iPads to offer a pretty good lag-free experience. I used to use bluetooth keyboards but found there was a bit of delay/lag when I typed (I average 160wpm @ 99%-100% accuracy) so I was quite pleased with this. It offered a similar typing speed to what I was used to on my Surface devices.
That being said, the Apple Smart Keyboard whilst offering the spill resistant material (which is actually good for productivity @ cafe use!), it lacks the keyboard shortcuts most third parties have like Logitech so… I guess you can't win them all.
Back on topic though, my wife really wanted one of these Surface Go devices but reading the reviews about the performance, it just felt like I was paying a premium for a device which I knew would be a compromise (even coming from her 12" Macbook with an m3 processor). Since her company doesn't support BYOD for Windows (only iOS) and the only thing she would be able to use is remote desktop, I thought keeping the Macbook made more sense for her anyway and then buying a new iPad for native apps.
I use a ruggedised 11.6â Chromebook as my âportable secondary, throw-it-around deviceâ.
Itâs snappy with ChromeOS (much snappier than comparably specced Linux or Windows machines), but also runs Android apps and can run Linux if needs be. Itâs no Linux powerhouse, but it handles programming jobs just fine in a pinch, and doesnât even need to reboot to start Linux… you can just run it side-by-side with ChromeOS via Crouton or Crostini.
Also bought the 8gb and even that was way too laggy. Pretty much return it straight away. Can't imagine what the 4gb must be like with the emc storage. Ugh..
emc storage
There's ya problem.
The 8GB has regular ssd
Maaaan, I havenât seen a serial port in over a decade.
I will accept that it is slow but
1) did you really expect to run Photoshop on a Pentium processor and 4GB RAM and
2) not many if any modern ultraportable laptops comes with a serial port these days
It is what is, and has very few use cases at this spec level. I can't understand how a sysadmin would expect so much from it, and why you recommend an iPad in its place. Does the iPad cost this much, and does it have a serial port??
At this price point, if you like the tablet form factor and want to get the most out of your device, I'd recommend a used Surface Pro. My Pro 3 i5 is still running well for now, but I would try for newer than that.
I wouldn't recommend an iPad over it for sysadmin work, more for an every day computing device and drawing. I think a Surface Pro 3 would be the best bet as well.
I originally bought it for drawing and while the apps from the Microsoft Store are OK they're not as good as Procreate on the iPad. A popular drawing program Krita is quite slow on the device and lags quite a bit to make it distracting (though it's originally designed for a Wacom on a desktop which would have more performance). I loaded up Photoshop on it because I'm paying for it might as well try it, didn't work well with layers but I agree the memory and lack of dedicated graphics is the burdon.
I don't think any modern ultrabook would because the port is bigger than the computer! I plug the USB-C to USB-A adapter, then plug the USB to serial adapter, then plug the serial to Cisco adapter. There might exist a USB-C to Cisco adapter but I haven't invested much into it yet, I'm just using it for this purpose now to replace a small Lenovo 110s running Kubuntu.
I was tempted to get a "GO" for traveling but I ended up cheaping out on a Surface 3 for $177
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/202762039745
(for my use I need 5v USB rechargeable and cheap due to the risk of damage… I've used a Lenovo Miix 320 for the last year so the Surface 3 is an upgrade, lol, I'm more than happy with the functionality of these small Win10 devices)
Thanks for link. Not a bad choice for a much lower price and keyboard included. What was the condition like, any scratches on screen or unit itself? Also how is the battery performing and how long does it take to charge?
I only bought it today sorry so I have no idea… Their gear is usually fairly reasonable though, I've bought a couple of 9020's from them in the past.. .
The Surface 3 has a reputation of being slow to charge but that's the downside of a micro-USB charging port… None of the other Surface devices can charge from 5v USB, they all need USB-PD
Sure. Did you grab the extra 12% cash back too? Can you rapport back when you get it as I'm interested if in top condition, much appreciated?
Also interested in the 5V micro usb charging, makes it really flexible.
You can buy a dock pretty cheap from Amazon us that charges way faster.
Check the link. Doubt if it comes with the keyboard as it's not mentioned in the what's included.
Condition: Seller refurbished :
Seller Notes: âIncludes keyboardâDescription: "includes keyboard"
Can't even neg myself… Thanks everyone for pointing it out that it does indeed even in italics on the first description screen state that it comes with keyboard.
Which code did you use to get it for $177? I can only see $10 off
Looks like the code changed today to only $10 off.
I just realized if you add something to the cart to bump the price up over $200, you get $20 off with code PLENTY100, rather than just $10..
The only cheap things that seller sells is a $5 USB-c cable or a $5 card reader.. still works out $5 cheaper + a bonus cable or card reader, lol..
@FLICKIT: Good tip. Wanted to know if you had received it from eBay and what condition it arrived in?
We still have a Surface 3 (128GB/4GB/LTE model) floating around, never needed it but bought it from the MS price error. With EDU discount and TRS, cost <$500. Found the keyboards clearing at a HN for $10 a month later so bought multiple and ended up ahead, and got the dock from Amazon US for $30-40 at some point.
Yes the CPU is trash, but it's the best Atom from that generation so did ok with the extra memory with the right expectations. These Surfaces in general aren't great windows machines or tablets compared with any iPad, but you do get an average experience of both in one unit.
Hardware wise, I had to get it replaced 6 times (!) with various problems. These non-pro models came with 1 year of Office 365 upon activation, so on the plus side we got seven years of free office for the trouble.
FYI these do have fast charging, but through the USB-A port ÂŻ\_(ă)_/ÂŻ This works through the weirdly designed dock, which also provides a some decent expansion.
Got any keyboards left?
Thanks for the link. I was looking for something portable to learn programming. Apart from the web browsing n MS office, is it going to be good for programming learning? I meant I need to install software to practice on.
Please keep us posted on the questions posted from ozhunter68. Thanks.
I have a 5th gen ipad, however i get frustrated with ios. I was thinking about a surface go lte for use in my casual job, but at 979, i can't really afford it.
It's a lot more workable if you've updated to ipados. The mouse functions alone makes it a lot more functional. Hell, sometimes I wish my PC/android devices had those mouse button options.
Extra 5% off with jbhifi gift cards with suncorp benefits!
I'm after a tablet. How do these compare to an iPad?
Depends what you want from it. Ipad is a better balance if you dont need full version software's and have basic needs.
Thanks for your reply. I just want a 10" tablet for reading news and docs. This has a built-in stand which is nice. A lot of negative comments above give me doubts.
If you just want a media tablet get an iPad. The surface Go is if you need a windows device at the lightest possible weight.
Definitely get an ipad, even an older gen base model ipad will be way better than this Surface Go
It fits easily in your bag
What bag? I don't have a bag.
Is it good for opening spreadsheets/MS Word, and PowerPoint slides?
Also, can you install Windows applications, e.g. a MATLAB program or a light version of AutoCAD on this tablet?
I had a Samsung Tablet 3.10 (or 10.3?) amex it was difficult to get anything done. I think it run on Android.
Found Answers in the interwebs
Oh wait, major problem: The Surface Go runs Windows 10 S, and "Rather than allowing you to download and install whatever you feel like, Windows 10 S Mode will only permit apps from the Windows 10 Store to be installed. " MATLAB is not in the Windows 10 Store, so you would not be able to install it — not unless you switched out of Windows 10 S mode, which is not currently permitted (but is in the works.)
Yes for office work its great. Will run Matlab fine also. I highly recommend you get the 8Gb version though.
As far as Windows S, you can simply tick a box and reboot and will have full version of Windows and install whatever you like outside of the Windows store
Its fairly easy to turn off S mode. U can do it in settings Activation. And there is an app in the store to do that too. But Considering the processor of this device, I don't think its meant for MATLAB (unless u do simpler calculations) or autocad. I have never used AutoCAD light so don't know about that but I think this would be not enough for anything like that.
Office products and web browsing should be fine. ON this version you will struggle with more than that.
I have the 8GB version, much better however I restrict it to web browsing, text editing, note taking, Office products and Linux ISO downloading.
S Mode is turned off with one button. Easy.
I have one and have also used Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 4. Make sure to get the 8GB version instead of 4GB, it is much more useable.
Although not very fast this can easily handle web browsing, office, videos, reading ect. Where it excels compared to Ipad is the full OS, proper keyboard and trackpad, you can easily sync your files with your main PC and use them on the same software e.g. travelling to a conference and want to be able to tweak your presentation in Powerpoint? no problem. The device only weighs about 800g with the keyboard.
I wish they made a "pro" version of this with 16GB RAM, better screen and faster Core grade CPU.
Why are they discontinued?
They have not been discontinued. If they plan to do something like that in the future, nothing has been announced yet, and none of the Microsoft tech sites have reported any rumors about it being discontinued.
Where did you get the idea that they have been discontinued from? Certainly there has been no official statements to that effect, nor has there been any leaks rumouring that the product line is being axed. They're still for sale directly from Microsoft and there was a Geekbench listing discovered in September that used a similar code name to the 1st generation Surface Go, but this one made use of a core m3 processor.
Nonsense. This is not discontinued. In practice it is really not that slow (8GB version).
If you don't use the keyboard often then go for an Ipad, if you actually want something halfway between a laptop and tablet this is more useful for work than an Ipad.You are maybe confusing these with Surface RT maybe. And its got its uses over ipad but for certain people only.
For goodness sakes get the ipad
Agreed, youâd need a pretty good reason to pick this over the much faster iPad. The iPad even works better with Office than MS own hardware. Sure you can switch from Windows S however I can see it being even slower on 4gb
selerons and pencium please, just use those as museum artifacts.
Have JB gone mad? don't they usually charge you arm and a leg ?
oh and the most lenient return policy ever ( says no one) break the shrink wrap you may as well write it off you were meant to only look at the box for JB return policy no one say you can open the box let alone break the shrink wrap.
Did anyone know now when you buy an outright phone they (JB) make you sign a paper that says you are fully aware what colour you picked and fully of sound mind when you bough what you bought and you agree not to change after. No other retail stores do that wonder what is the legality, it's a roundabout way to beat the Australian Consumer Protection Law.If you suffer from eye strain and headaches easily this may not be a good choice for you. This model uses PWM At brightness levels of 99% and below meaning you have to have it at 100% Brightness to avoid it. Review here
The older Surface 3 which is also 10.8â vs 10â does not have this problem and may be a better buy if the specs are okay for you and you can get a cheap second hand or refurbished one. You can get 4G LTE 128gb Refurbished Surface 3âs including Keyboard for $299 US plus postage on Ebay I purchased one and it only had a battery cycle count of 20 and it looks and acts brand new.Showed the link to my friend, for local store
10 mins later
All sold out
Thankfully Harvey Norman also has them on sale too since my flexicards can't get jbhifi gift cards phew!
Nice. Harvey Norman have just dropped most of their surface products by 15%, so for anyone interested they have the entry level surface laptop 3 for $1398 - that's the cheapest I've seen anywhere for a new SL3, and crazily enough is only an extra $100 on their SL2 price, madness that they didn't decrease that one too (it's the one I'm after)
(I'm overseas so Ozb doesn't let me post a deal!)
Highly suggest people not go get this. Itâs not good enough to be a pc and itâs not good enough to be a tablet. Battery and general speed issue around the tablet. My best reference will be trying playing with the original iPad. Itâs speed is that slow. I returned mine and got the pro version which is better but I still think iPad Pro 12 inch would have been better. Avoid this junk at all costs. If you end up buying let me know how you feel about it in a few months in this post.
Surface Go or Surface Pro for non-work casual use?
Extra chunky bezels on this
Finally pulled the trigger on this one! Thanks OP!
Going to install Linux on it, will give an update on how it goes :)
Please do reply, looking for an ultra-portable Linux machine too.
I currently have the Dell Inspiron 11" with 128gb SSD. Had it for nearly 4 years. I was tempted by the surface as I can have 1 universal charger for phone and tablet and the IPS display.
I will create a guide on GitHub once I get it all going :)
p.s - here is the guide for the Dell Inspiron:
https://github.com/matthewhartman/debian-setup/blob/master/RâŚSorry mate, I pulled the plug on this and returned it to JB HIFI.
I thought about it once I had purchased it and figured laptops will always have longer run time than tablets.
Many have warned about it's slowness, but will it be good enough for a year 7 kid to use it almost exclusively for Google Classroom (and associate G-Suite apps) on the Edge browser?
yes
Is that from experience?
Not specifically with this but from two of my poor high school kids are using laptops with similar (slower processor) specs
@choofa: I just read what I wrote, and it sounds like I'm a teacher at a snobby school with a couple of poor kids.
I'm not, I'm the dad of those 'poor' kids in years 7 and 8 at an inner-city public school and they use dell laptops with similar specs and they work fine.
They can run Chrome with a half dozen tabs open, play HD videos and do everything they need to, even play minecraft acceptably. Just no Fortnite
This would be a very good year 7 device, my kids would be jealous if you bought this for yours@choofa: Thanks for that. You reminded me that my son had a similar spec laptop when he started yr 7 and it ran fine. This Surface Go is actually a bit quicker so should be fine.
@choofa: Thanks for that. You reminded me that my son had a similar spec laptop when he started yr 7 and it ran fine. This Surface Go is actually a bit quicker so should be fine.
Now I just need to find a keyboard and pen at a bargain price
pls update if you find anything good? I did a quick scan and can only find it for about the RRP
Price matched on Microsoft online to get the $100 amex cashback.
Thanks for the heads up. Don't forget to tell your operator to get your free accessory too. They had to re-do my transaction cos he didn't know it was an option.
Do they offer free accessories for the price matched tablet? I didn't know that. Will try tomorrow, thanks for tge information.
yep! they had to cancel my first order, and re-do the whole thing so i could get the item. so perhaps talk to them asap, before your item ships - as i note that the website mentions something about next day delivery.
@DaiShan: I searched but couldn't find any free accessory reference on their website. Would you have a link you can share please?
@skimp: It's on the very first splash page. just google 'surface go', hit the first link for the microsoft site, and you should see the massive banner.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/p/surface-go/8v9dp4lnknsz?acâŚ
"Free Accessory
Get a free accessory, valued up to $89.95 with purchase of Surface Go. Select your accessory during checkout."
what else did you buy to reach $500 amex spending requirement?
Type cover and pen, both price matched to The Good Guys. MS online will charge you $599 first and then refund the difference after they ship the item. So if you are lucky, amex may not revert the cashback after MS refund the difference.
I wouldn't buy a computer in this day and age with anything less than 128gb (but ideally 256) and 8gb ram, even on a budget.
I bought one, waiting for it to be shipped. I want to predominately use MS word and one note on this. Does it come with this or do I need to buy MS Office separately to get this?
How long did it take for Microsoft to issue the part-refund for the price match?
I reckon this is good to be used with Samsung dex
I just bought one of the keyboard covers to go with my Surface Go, and there is a slight curve to the keyboard. The whole thing feels a bit squishy when pressing keys on either edge of the keyboard because it rocks like a see-saw… has anyone else experienced this?
Chuck out the tablet, keep the box. That alone is worth $399.