The Ultimate Showdown: Surface Go vs MacBook Air – Which Laptop Will Conquer Your Heart?
What To Know
- The Surface Go has a claimed battery life of up to 9 hours, while the MacBook Air has a claimed battery life of up to 18 hours.
- The Surface Go has a built-in kickstand and supports the Surface Pen, making it a versatile device for note-taking, drawing, and presentations.
- The MacBook Air is more expensive than the Surface Go, but it also offers a more powerful processor and a larger, higher-resolution display.
In the realm of portable computing, two titans stand tall: the Microsoft Surface Go and the Apple MacBook Air. Both devices offer a compelling blend of portability, performance, and affordability, making them popular choices for students, professionals, and everyday users alike. But which one is the better choice for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison of the Microsoft Surface Go vs. MacBook Air.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Go and MacBook Air both sport sleek and sophisticated designs. The Surface Go features a magnesium alloy body with a 10.5-inch PixelSense display, while the MacBook Air has an aluminum unibody with a 13.3-inch Retina display. Both devices are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around. However, the MacBook Air has a slightly larger footprint and is a bit heavier than the Surface Go.
Display
The Surface Go’s 10.5-inch PixelSense display offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the MacBook Air’s 13.3-inch Retina display has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. Both displays are sharp and vibrant, but the MacBook Air’s Retina display has a higher pixel density, resulting in a more detailed and immersive viewing experience.
Performance
The Surface Go is powered by an Intel Pentium Gold 4425Y processor, while the MacBook Air is available with a range of Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors. The MacBook Air with an i5 processor will generally outperform the Surface Go in most tasks, thanks to its faster clock speeds and more powerful graphics capabilities. However, the Surface Go is more than capable of handling basic computing tasks like web browsing, email, and office productivity.
Battery Life
The Surface Go has a claimed battery life of up to 9 hours, while the MacBook Air has a claimed battery life of up to 18 hours. In real-world use, the MacBook Air typically lasts longer on a single charge than the Surface Go. However, the Surface Go’s battery is replaceable, while the MacBook Air’s is not.
Operating System
The Surface Go runs Windows 10 in S mode, while the MacBook Air runs macOS Big Sur. Windows 10 S mode is a streamlined version of Windows that only allows you to install apps from the Microsoft Store. macOS Big Sur is a more versatile operating system that gives you access to a wider range of software, including professional-grade applications like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro.
Features
The Surface Go has a built-in kickstand and supports the Surface Pen, making it a versatile device for note-taking, drawing, and presentations. The MacBook Air has a built-in Touch Bar, which provides quick access to frequently used functions and controls. Both devices have good webcams and microphones, making them suitable for video conferencing.
Price
The Surface Go starts at $399, while the MacBook Air starts at $999. The MacBook Air is more expensive than the Surface Go, but it also offers a more powerful processor and a larger, higher-resolution display.
Wrap-Up: The Best Choice for You
Ultimately, the best choice between the Microsoft Surface Go and the MacBook Air depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly device that’s perfect for basic computing tasks, the Surface Go is a great option. If you need a more powerful device that can handle demanding tasks like video editing and graphic design, the MacBook Air is a better choice.
What People Want to Know
1. Which device is better for students?
Both the Surface Go and MacBook Air are good choices for students. The Surface Go is more affordable and has a built-in kickstand that makes it easy to take notes. The MacBook Air has a more powerful processor and a larger display, which is ideal for students who need to run demanding software or work with large files.
2. Which device is better for professionals?
For professionals who need a powerful device that can handle demanding tasks, the MacBook Air is the better choice. It has a faster processor, more RAM, and a larger display than the Surface Go.
3. Which device has better battery life?
The MacBook Air has better battery life than the Surface Go. The MacBook Air has a claimed battery life of up to 18 hours, while the Surface Go has a claimed battery life of up to 9 hours.
4. Which device is more portable?
The Surface Go is more portable than the MacBook Air. The Surface Go is smaller and lighter than the MacBook Air, and it has a built-in kickstand that makes it easy to use on the go.
5. Which device has a better display?
The MacBook Air has a better display than the Surface Go. The MacBook Air’s Retina display has a higher pixel density than the Surface Go’s PixelSense display, resulting in a more detailed and immersive viewing experience.
