Microsoft Surface Go vs Dell Inspiron: The Ultimate Budget Laptop Battle
What To Know
- The Surface Go features a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack.
- The Inspiron offers a more comprehensive set of ports, including a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack.
- The Surface Go excels in design, display, and battery life, while the Inspiron offers superior performance, a wider selection of ports, and a lower starting price.
With the market overflowing with 2-in-1 devices, the competition between Microsoft Surface Go and Dell Inspiron has reached a fever pitch. These devices have captured the hearts of many with their versatility and portability. But which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the depths of these two rivals, unveiling their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Surface Go: The Surface Go boasts a sleek and sophisticated design, with its signature magnesium alloy body. It exudes a premium feel, weighing only 1.15 pounds, making it an ideal companion for those always on the go.
Dell Inspiron: The Inspiron, on the other hand, features a more traditional plastic chassis. While it’s not as luxurious as the Surface Go, it’s still durable and lightweight, weighing in at 1.25 pounds.
Display
Surface Go: The Surface Go sports a 10.5-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Its vibrant colors and sharp resolution make it a joy to use for both work and play.
Dell Inspiron: The Inspiron comes equipped with a slightly smaller 10.1-inch IPS display. While it offers decent color accuracy, the resolution is lower, resulting in less sharp visuals.
Performance
Surface Go: The Surface Go is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor, which provides adequate performance for basic tasks. It’s capable of handling web browsing, email, and light productivity apps.
Dell Inspiron: The Inspiron packs a more powerful Intel Core i5-8250U processor, offering a significant boost in performance. It can handle demanding tasks like video editing and multitasking with ease.
Battery Life
Surface Go: The Surface Go offers up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge. This makes it a reliable device for extended use without the need for constant charging.
Dell Inspiron: The Inspiron, with its larger battery capacity, boasts up to 14 hours of battery life. It’s ideal for those who need a device that can last all day and into the evening.
Operating System
Surface Go: The Surface Go runs Windows 10 S mode, which is a lightweight version of Windows 10. It offers a streamlined experience, but it restricts you to downloading apps from the Microsoft Store.
Dell Inspiron: The Inspiron comes with Windows 10 Home, providing a wider selection of apps and greater flexibility. It allows you to install software from any source, including third-party websites.
Connectivity
Surface Go: The Surface Go features a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5.
Dell Inspiron: The Inspiron offers a more comprehensive set of ports, including a USB-A port, a USB-C port, a microSD card slot, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5.
Price and Availability
Surface Go: The Surface Go starts at $399 for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. It’s available through Microsoft and authorized retailers.
Dell Inspiron: The Dell Inspiron starts at $349 for the base model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It’s available through Dell and authorized retailers.
Final Verdict: The Best Choice for You
The Microsoft Surface Go and Dell Inspiron are both excellent 2-in-1 devices. The Surface Go excels in design, display, and battery life, while the Inspiron offers superior performance, a wider selection of ports, and a lower starting price.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize aesthetics, portability, and long battery life, the Microsoft Surface Go is the ideal pick. But if you demand more power, flexibility, and a lower price, the Dell Inspiron is the way to go.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which device has a more powerful processor?
A: The Dell Inspiron features a more powerful Intel Core i5-8250U processor compared to the Surface Go’s Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor.
Q: Can I install any software on the Surface Go?
A: The Surface Go runs Windows 10 S mode, which restricts you to downloading apps from the Microsoft Store. To install software from other sources, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 10 Home.
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The Surface Go has a slightly larger and higher-resolution display compared to the Dell Inspiron. It offers more vibrant colors and sharper visuals.
Q: Is the Dell Inspiron more durable than the Surface Go?
A: While both devices are durable, the Surface Go features a magnesium alloy body, which is known for its sturdiness and premium feel.
Q: Can I use the Surface Go as a tablet?
A: Yes, the Surface Go can be detached from its keyboard and used as a standalone tablet. It’s perfect for reading, browsing the web, or watching videos.
