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Microsoft Ends Affordable Surface Lines
2 Jul
Summary
- Microsoft has reportedly ceased production of Surface Go and Laptop Go models.
- New Snapdragon X-powered Surface devices offer performance and battery gains.
- Global component shortages have impacted budget laptop pricing significantly.
Microsoft has reportedly ceased manufacturing its more budget-friendly Surface Go and Surface Laptop Go devices, with no plans for future iterations. This decision follows the discontinuation of several other Surface models over recent years. The company recently unveiled new Surface Laptops and Pros powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips, emphasizing enhanced performance and battery life, with some models available starting at $849.
The Surface Laptop Go 3, released in 2023, saw a price increase, pushing it beyond the budget category. Similarly, the Surface Go 3 from 2021, while noted as a capable budget 2-in-1 tablet, faced performance and value challenges against competitors. The Surface Go 4 was exclusively released to businesses and schools in late 2023.
This strategic shift leaves a void in Microsoft's entry-level hardware offerings. While the company's official channels are now promoting other devices, including Dell's XPS 13 starting at $699 in the US, international pricing for comparable models shows significant variation. The broader budget laptop sector continues to grapple with component shortages and price inflation, affecting overall PC affordability and performance.
