The Surface Laptop Go has garnered considerable attention since its release, especially among students, professionals, and anyone in need of a portable yet powerful machine. One feature that many users look for when considering a laptop is the backlit keyboard. A backlit keyboard can dramatically enhance a user’s typing experience, particularly in low-light environments. In this article, we’ll explore whether the Surface Laptop Go is equipped with a backlit keyboard, why this feature is important, and how it compares to other laptops in the market.
What is a Backlit Keyboard?
A backlit keyboard is precisely what it sounds like: a keyboard that is illuminated from behind, highlighting each key. This feature is especially useful for users who are working or gaming in dimly lit environments, such as during late-night study sessions, in poorly lit cafes, or during flights. The main benefits of a backlit keyboard include:
- Improved Visibility: Users can type more accurately in low-light settings.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: A backlit keyboard adds a modern, sleek look to the device.
Given these advantages, a backlit keyboard can greatly enhance the overall user experience.
Does the Surface Laptop Go Have a Backlit Keyboard?
The short answer is: no, the Surface Laptop Go does not come with a backlit keyboard. This might come as a disappointment to some users, especially those who frequently work in low-light conditions. The decision to omit the backlit keyboard may have come from a few considerations, predominantly cost and battery life.
Why Choose a Laptop Without a Backlit Keyboard?
While it may seem like a drawback, there are valid reasons why some users might opt for a laptop without a backlit keyboard like the Surface Laptop Go.
Cost-Effective Design
The Surface Laptop Go is designed as a budget-friendly alternative in Microsoft’s Surface lineup. By excluding features like a backlit keyboard, Microsoft can keep the price point lower, making it more accessible for students and casual users.
Extended Battery Life
Another significant benefit of not having a backlit keyboard is the potential for extended battery life. Backlit keyboards consume extra battery power that could otherwise be used for intensive tasks or longer usage times. For users who prioritize battery life, especially during travel, this could be an essential aspect to consider.
What Are the Key Features of the Surface Laptop Go?
Despite its lack of a backlit keyboard, the Surface Laptop Go boasts an impressive array of features that make it a worthy competitor in the ultraportable market:
1. Design and Build Quality
The Surface Laptop Go has an aluminum chassis that is both durable and lightweight, weighing just about 2.45 pounds (around 1.11 kg). Its compact size makes it easy to carry, fitting snugly in most backpacks and bags.
2. Display
It features a 12.4-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels, providing crisp visuals. The PixelSense technology delivers vibrant colors and good viewing angles, making it suitable for multimedia consumption or productivity tasks.
3. Performance
Equipped with a choice of Intel’s 10th Gen processors, the Surface Laptop Go performs admirably for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and streaming. It offers practical RAM and storage options, making it efficient for various applications.
4. Connectivity
The device includes multiple connection options, such as USB-C and USB-A ports, a headphone jack, and Surface Connect for charging. While some may find the port selection limited, the inclusion of USB-C signals adaptability to modern accessories.
5. Operating System
The Surface Laptop Go runs on Windows 10 Home in S mode, offering a familiar interface that’s ideal for users of all levels. You have the option to switch to Windows 10 Home, providing access to applications outside the Microsoft Store.
Alternative Options with Backlit Keyboards
If a backlit keyboard is a dealbreaker for you, a plethora of alternatives are available that embrace this feature, adding a different experience to your typing sessions.
1. Surface Laptop 4
The Surface Laptop 4 stands as one of Microsoft’s flagship laptops and undoubtedly features a backlit keyboard. It retains many of the design qualities of its predecessors, along with improved specifications and battery life.
2. Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 is another excellent alternative that comes with a backlit keyboard, providing a premium feel alongside a sleek design. The performance and display quality are exceptional, making it a strong contender for anyone in the market for a high-end ultraportable laptop.
Comparing User Experiences
While the decision to exclude a backlit keyboard may turn some potential customers away, many users find the Surface Laptop Go’s overall functionality and design make it a worthy consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
User Reviews and Feedback
Users have noted several advantages and disadvantages in their experiences:
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Pros:
- Lightweight and stylish design
- Good battery life for casual use
- Affordable price point
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Cons:
- No backlit keyboard, limiting usability at night
- Limited port options
Understanding these user experiences can provide valuable insight for potential buyers considering their specific needs.
Conclusion: Is the Surface Laptop Go Right for You?
In a world where connectivity, visibility, and efficiency are paramount, the Surface Laptop Go stands out as a viable, affordable option without a backlit keyboard. While this feature may be prominent in many higher-end laptops, the Surface Laptop Go compensates with various design and performance attributes that make it appealing, especially to students and general users.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference. If you prioritize budget, portability, and battery life over the backlit keyboard feature, the Surface Laptop Go may be an ideal fit for your needs. However, if you often find yourself working in low-light conditions or simply prefer the typing experience that a backlit keyboard provides, it might be worth exploring other options in the same price range that include that specific feature.
In wrapping up, the absence of a backlit keyboard might be the Surface Laptop Go’s most notable downside. Still, its overall package offers a compelling choice for users looking to balance performance and price without breaking the bank.
1. Does the Surface Laptop Go have a backlit keyboard?
No, the Surface Laptop Go does not feature a backlit keyboard. This design choice might disappoint users who are accustomed to working in low-light environments and prefer the convenience of illuminated keys. While backlit keyboards are a common feature in many laptops, the Surface Laptop Go prioritizes portability and cost-effectiveness.
This means that, while the device is lightweight and budget-friendly, sacrificing the backlighting feature could impact usability for those who often work after hours. Users looking for laptops specifically with this feature might need to consider other models in the Surface lineup or explore other brands that include backlit functionality.
2. What are the key advantages of the Surface Laptop Go?
Despite the absence of a backlit keyboard, the Surface Laptop Go offers several advantages that make it a popular choice among users. Primarily, its compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly portable, making it ideal for students and professionals on the go. The high-quality touchscreen display and impressive battery life are additional factors that enhance the overall user experience.
Moreover, the Surface Laptop Go is equipped with a comfortable typing experience, allowing users to type efficiently even without backlight assistance. The device’s performance is adequate for everyday tasks, such as browsing the internet, word processing, and streaming media, which makes it a well-rounded option for various usage scenarios.
3. How does the absence of a backlit keyboard impact usage?
The lack of a backlit keyboard can significantly impact the user experience, particularly in dimly lit environments. Users may find it challenging to see the keys clearly, which could lead to typing errors or slower typing speeds when visibility is compromised. This can be a notable drawback for individuals who often work late at night or in poorly lit areas.
4. Are there any alternatives for laptops with backlit keyboards?
If having a backlit keyboard is a priority, several alternative laptop models are available within the Surface lineup and beyond. The Surface Laptop 4 and Surface Book 3, for instance, both include backlit keyboards and offer similar features to the Surface Laptop Go. Exploring other brands can also yield many options that cater to different needs and preferences.
When considering alternatives, it’s essential to identify the features that matter most to you, such as performance, battery life, and portability. This will help narrow down your choices for a laptop that offers a backlit keyboard along with other desired specifications.
5. Can I customize the Surface Laptop Go with accessories for better visibility?
While you can’t add a backlit keyboard to the Surface Laptop Go, there are various accessories that can enhance visibility in low-light conditions. For example, using a portable USB LED light can provide sufficient illumination to the keyboard area. These lights are compact and can easily be carried in a laptop bag.
Additionally, some users find that using a laptop stand can help elevate their device to a more comfortable viewing angle, which can indirectly improve the overall workstation setup. Combining these accessories with the Surface Laptop Go can lead to a more accommodating working environment, even without backlit keys.
6. How does the keyboard feel when typing?
The Surface Laptop Go features a comfortable and responsive keyboard that users generally appreciate. Even without backlighting, the keys are well-spaced, providing adequate tactile feedback that aids in typing efficiency. The design encourages a pleasant typing experience, making it suitable for extended sessions of writing or data entry.
While it may lack the illumination some users prefer, the overall build quality of the keyboard compensates for this with its durability and responsive nature. Users transitioning from other types of keyboards often find themselves adjusting to the Surface Laptop Go Keyboard quickly due to its ergonomic design.
7. Does the Surface Laptop Go have any other keyboard features?
In addition to its solid typing experience, the Surface Laptop Go comes with some noteworthy keyboard features. One of the primary features is the keyboard’s integrated fingerprint reader, which enhances security by allowing users to log in quickly and securely. This integration elevates the device’s usability, especially for those who prioritize ease of access.
The key travel and responsive nature of the keyboard also work effectively for an engaging typing experience. While the backlighting feature might be absent, the overall functionality of the keyboard remains efficient and reliable for daily tasks.
8. Is there a significant price difference between the Surface Laptop Go and models with backlit keyboards?
Yes, there tends to be a price difference among laptops with varying features, including backlit keyboards. The Surface Laptop Go is positioned as a more budget-friendly option; therefore, omitting certain features, such as a backlit keyboard, allows for a more accessible price point. This makes it attractive to students and casual users who may not need advanced functionalities.
When comparing the Surface Laptop Go to models with backlit keyboards, it’s important to weigh the added cost against the features you need. Depending on your usage scenarios, investing in a more expensive model may be worthwhile if backlighting is a priority for comfortable usage in low-light situations.