As home-based learning became common earlier this year, I began looking at the Surface Go 2 laptop-♥♥♥-tablet as an affordable and portable machine for my daughter. So, when the new Surface Go 3 emerged in recent weeks, I was expecting a nice update.

The Surface Go 3 is the latest entry in Microsoft’s range of tablets, which can also be turned into a makeshift laptop when paired with the sold-separately Type Cover. It’s an appealing form factor for watching video and scrolling through social media, while also being handy for writing duties with...

Boosted performance, Windows 11 improves the tablet experience, Great design, with built-in stand, You want a Windows 11 tablet : Windows 11 is a nice step up on Windows 10 for tablets, with more touch-friendly icons making it far easier to navigate.

Minor improvements compared to Surface Go 2, Poor battery life, Type Cover costs extra, iPad is faster and has a better screen, You’re happy to go for an iPad or Chromebook : The biggest issue with the Surface Go 3 is that it doesn’t offer up an advantage over the iPad, despite Apple’s tablet seeing...

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a fully-featured, Windows 11, 10.5" tablet that is perfect for for travel, students, and commuters.

Enough power for everyday tasks and content consumption, Expandable to dual 4K@60Hz screens, Fair price for Windows 11 tablet

No IP rating (few tablets have this)

The Surface Go premise makes sense. It’s a tablet that can run any Windows app you like. But it arrives with already dated-looking performance thanks to Intel’s lack of major progress in battery-sipping processors.

A far better webcam than almost all laptops, High-quality, ultra-portable design, Can run full Windows 11

It’s begging for more power, Price gets less appealing when you consider the must-have keyboard

Microsoft Surface Go 3: A still-impressive design is undermined by a puny entry-level CPU that is barely fit for purpose

Excellent display, Very good speakers, Top-quality webcam

Thick screen bezels, Keyboard a costly extra, Pentium models underpowered

The Surface Go 3 has had a nice performance boost over its predecessor, but the meaningful upgrades end there. Compared to Microsoft’s premium 2-in-1s, there’s a lot you’re missing out on.

Premium build, Decent Core i3 performance, Great video calling experience

Poor battery life, Dated design, Can be expensive

A super-portable machine for getting bits and pieces done while on the go, but it's just not adept enough when it comes to power and battery life. That makes it difficult to see how this device represents the Surface name well, as even a decent Chromebook would be preferable.

Windows 11 so you're free to install apps and executables as you please, The webcam is genuinely decent, Kickstand design is great

Lacklustre performance and battery life, Type Cover keyboard not included, Chunky screen bezel looks dated, Only one USB-C (ditch the Surface Connect port already)

The Surface Go 3 is an okay laptop that can sometimes be a mediocre tablet.

Super portable, Full desktop OS, Nice display

Poor performance relative to competition, Necessary accessories are an added cost, Minor changes from last year

Overall, I feel the Surface Go 3 is a good device though not exceptional. Sure, I get that Microsoft is charging a premium for the Surface Go 3 (the cost drastically increases when you include the accessories).

To find a tablet that can actually double up as an effective laptop is rather tough to find. Unless you are willing to splash the cash on the iPad Pro. The search for an Android tablet — that can also be used as a laptop —starts and ends with the rather expensive Samsung Galaxy Tab S series.