Surface Go: Where is Microsoft going with this and does India need one?

For some time now we have been witnessing a paradigm shift in the way we (consumers) use laptops. The hybrid laptop/tablet culture has kicked in and tech giants like Microsoft, Google and Apple have leapt forward to get a hold of the big fish. Hardware companies like HP, Dell and Asus have come up with tantalizing form factors for the hybrids. The market for laptops/tablets is going through a tumultuous wave, one which will change the industry forever and for the good. Who is the winner over here? Is has to be the consumer.

What is the Surface Go?

A 10 inch hybrid tablet/laptop priced at $399 (~Rs.30,000) running Windows 10 S mode (that means it will run apps only from the Microsoft Store). The chipset is Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y chip. The new keyboard is adjusted to Surface's form factor and as per reviews it works like a charm. Microsoft is offering 4GB/8GB RAM and 64GB eMMC and 128GB SSD. Note that SSD is faster than eMMC (post coming out soon on the difference). It also comes with the iconic kickstand that has made the Surface what it is today.

Courtesy- HardwareZone

 

What can it do?

Gaming – This tablet/laptop is not really meant for gaming. You can try your luck with games from Microsoft Store but then you’ll be disappointed.

Internet Surfing – Will work like a charm given the amazing form factor and portability.

Watching videos – Form factor is just perfect for watching YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime. Coupled with a decent battery life, the Surface Go is inherently designed for this task.

Photo/Video editing – Video editing is questionable, but basic photo editing on something like Adobe LightRoom works fairly well.

Will it kill the iPad?

It may just do that! But, the ecosystem is not that strong. The apps on the Microsoft Store are few and there is a need to on-board developers to create and sustain an ecosystem similar to that of Android or iOS.

Where is Microsoft going with it?

Since the industry has already shifted towards hybrids, it won’t be wrong to say that Microsoft trying it’s luck here. With the Surface line up being impressive in terms of form factor and utility, the Surface Go has a chance here. As per reviews by The Verge and other technology pros, the Surface Go is an overachiever if you set your expectations right at the price point offered.

Overall, the Surface line up has started giving gains to Microsoft as per the latest quarterly report.

Courtesy - Microsoft.com

It won't be wrong to say that Microsoft will stay in the hardware arena for now. Success for the company lies in creating a stable ecosystem (reiterated).

Does India need one?

The trend of hybrids in India has been slow, but steady. Hardware companies like Dell, HP and Asus have tried their luck in the Indian tech market with fair bit of success. But, what bothers Indian consumers more than anything else is the price point. Agreed that players like Micromax, iBall and Acer have come up with cheaper variants, but the trust factor is lacking and the quality of the chipset and body is questionable.

Given the quality with which Microsoft ships it’s Surface Line up, there is no doubt that the Indian consumer would take to the Surface Go, if the price point is good enough to attract that millennial population. The success for Microsoft lies in creating a proposition and an ecosystem that instantly makes the consumers in India cling on and when that happens in a country like India, you can be sure of succeeding in the market for long.