Microsoft Surface Go 3 Tablet Review

Best Tablet for Windows Users

A tablet that mimics a desktop appeals to many consumers, including seniors who may already be familiar with Microsoft Windows. The Surface Go 3‘s best selling point may be that it runs the full-size Windows 11 system, which can be upgraded as new versions are launched. This feature makes it a powerful contender in the daily use tablet marketplace, but the Surface Go, now on its third iteration, also has some other great qualities. 

Overview of the Microsoft Surface Go 3 

Basic and affordable, Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 is not too much tablet for many seniors who really just want to stay connected with loved ones through video calls and email. But for seniors who are already tech-savvy and familiar with Windows operating systems, this tablet will also be hard to resist.

How Much Does a Microsoft Surface Go 3 Tablet Cost? 

Although the basic Surface Go offers real affordability, extras require additional costs, and that can be challenging for some seniors on a budget. The starting retail price for a basic Surface Go 3 is $549, but you can find prices as low as $399 with some retailers. However, extra memory and essential accessories are sold separately, drastically increasing purchase prices. The Surface Pen stylus may cost an additional $100. The Type Cover, Microsoft’s version of an external keyboard available in different colors, costs an additional $100 to $150.  The basic Surface Go 3 comes with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. Upgrading this (which some seniors will require) can cost hundreds more.

Full Review of Microsoft Surface Go 3’s Features

A tablet that mimics a desktop is going to appeal to many consumers, including seniors who may already be familiar with Microsoft Windows. The Surface Go 3’s best selling point may be that it runs the full-size Windows 11 system, which can be upgraded as new versions are launched. This feature alone makes it a powerful contender in the daily use tablet marketplace, but the Surface Go 3 has other great qualities as well. 

Overall Design

Sturdy and well-made, the Surface Go 3 is a rectangular 10.5-inch touch-screen tablet with an integrated kickstand. Its rounded edges make it a pleasure to hold and extras like the Type Cover keyboard integrate nicely to create a desk-top experience as required.

Screen Resolution

Though not as crisp as a higher-resolution iPad, the Surface Go 3 has an adequate resolution for video and is known for the trueness of its colors. It runs an Intel HD Graphics 615 card.

User Interface

The Surface Go 3 runs a full version of Windows 11 rather than a more limited tablet OS. This makes multi-tasking a breeze and keeps the tablet update-able for even better functionality as Windows releases updates. Those who prefer a desk-top-like tablet experience can opt for the external keyboard.

Accessibility Features

•  Windows Hello facial recognition for logging in, so no need to mess with passwords
•  Voice assistant makes searching for settings and apps easy 
•  Screen magnifier

Specifications

• Connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 5. LTE is optional
• 1.6GHz Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y CPU
• 4 GB RAM, upgrade to 8
• PixelSense touch display 10.5-inch with 1920 X 1280 resolution, aspect ratio: 3:2
• 64 GB SSD storage, upgrade to 128
• 1 X USB-C port, MicroSDXC card reader, Surface Connect port, 3.5 mm headset jack
• 11 hours of battery life
• 5 MP (1080p video) front-facing webcam and 8 MP (1080p video) rear-facing auto-focus camera
• Weighs 1.2 pounds 

Pricing 

Although the starting price is extremely reasonable at $549 on the low end, extras that will enhance the Surface Go 3 experience, like a keyboard or extra memory, can add up fast. Still, it’s much more budget-friendly than Apple’s iPad and many other tablets. And you can always watch for big-box retail sales. 

Who Should Consider the Microsoft Surface Go 3? 

Seniors on a budget

Users who don’t require a lot of extras for things like drawing or multimedia can opt for the basic Surface Go 3 and be satisfied with a good tablet experience. Deals and discounts are readily available if you shop around and Microsoft itself offers financing solutions. Consumers can also opt for a certified refurbished Go 3 or past iterations like the original Go or Go 2, all of which are less expensive. 

Die-hard Windows users

Many seniors have used Windows computers in the past and may feel more comfortable sticking with it rather than learning a new OS for an iPad or Kindle tablet. The comfort level that comes with personal history with a company like Microsoft and an OS like Windows is hard to describe but powerful. These types of seniors are more likely to use a tablet interface they are familiar with, even if they are just using it to play movies or stay connected with family.

What Are People Saying About the Microsoft Surface Go 3 Tablet?

Reviewers who are already Windows users love the Surface Go 3, a pared-down and more affordable version of the popular Surface Pro. However, most found it a poor tablet for multimedia use or heavy-duty web surfing. But many seniors found it adequate to their modest needs and liked the familiarity of having a full version of Windows available to them.

Many reviewers found having to purchase essentials such as the keyboard and extra memory separately quite annoying. The tablet’s slowness was a problem for others. Another reviewer re-posted testing results that indicated the tablet could achieve only 4 or 5 hours of battery life rather than the promised 9 to 11 hours. Bottom line: seniors with only light requirements of a tablet may find the Surface Go 3 works just fine for them.

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