What To Know
- While the Surface Laptop Go 2’s display is still sharp and vibrant, the MacBook Air M1’s higher resolution and pixel density offer a more immersive and detailed viewing experience, especially for tasks like photo and video editing.
- The Surface Laptop Go 2 and MacBook Air M1 both offer solid performance, but the MacBook Air M1 has a significant advantage thanks to its Apple M1 chip.
- The Surface Laptop Go 2 has a rated battery life of up to 13 hours, while the MacBook Air M1 has a rated battery life of up to 18 hours.
In the realm of ultraportable computing, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and the Apple MacBook Air M1 stand as formidable contenders. Both devices boast sleek designs, powerful performance, and long battery lives, making them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone on the go. However, each has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making the decision between them a matter of personal preference and specific needs.
Design
The Surface Laptop Go 2 and MacBook Air M1 share a similar minimalist aesthetic, with aluminum unibody construction and clean lines. The Surface Laptop Go 2 comes in four vibrant colors (Ice Blue, Sandstone, Platinum, and Sage), while the MacBook Air M1 offers a more subdued palette of Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Starlight.
In terms of size and weight, the Surface Laptop Go 2 has a slight edge. It measures 10.93 x 8.14 x 0.62 inches and weighs 2.45 pounds, making it slightly smaller and lighter than the MacBook Air M1, which measures 11.97 x 8.91 x 0.41 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds.
Display
Both devices feature high-resolution displays, but the MacBook Air M1 slightly surpasses the Surface Laptop Go 2 in this area. The MacBook Air M1 boasts a 13.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 227 pixels per inch (PPI). The Surface Laptop Go 2, on the other hand, has a 12.4-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 148 PPI.
While the Surface Laptop Go 2’s display is still sharp and vibrant, the MacBook Air M1’s higher resolution and pixel density offer a more immersive and detailed viewing experience, especially for tasks like photo and video editing.
Performance
The Surface Laptop Go 2 and MacBook Air M1 both offer solid performance, but the MacBook Air M1 has a significant advantage thanks to its Apple M1 chip. The M1 chip is a powerful octa-core processor with integrated graphics, and it consistently outperforms Intel Core i5 and i7 processors in both single-core and multi-core tasks.
In real-world use, the MacBook Air M1 can handle demanding tasks like video editing, photo manipulation, and multitasking with ease. The Surface Laptop Go 2, on the other hand, is suitable for most everyday tasks, including web browsing, email, office productivity, and light gaming.
Battery Life
Both the Surface Laptop Go 2 and MacBook Air M1 offer excellent battery life, making them ideal for long days away from an outlet. The Surface Laptop Go 2 has a rated battery life of up to 13 hours, while the MacBook Air M1 has a rated battery life of up to 18 hours.
In practical use, both devices can easily last a full day on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy usage.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Laptop Go 2 and MacBook Air M1 offer a similar selection of ports, albeit with some key differences. The Surface Laptop Go 2 features a USB-C port, a USB-A port, a Surface Connect port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The MacBook Air M1, on the other hand, has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
The MacBook Air M1’s Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports offer faster data transfer speeds and can be used to connect external displays and other high-bandwidth devices. The Surface Laptop Go 2’s USB-C port also supports Power Delivery, allowing you to charge the device and connect peripherals simultaneously.
Operating System
The Surface Laptop Go 2 runs Windows 11, while the MacBook Air M1 runs macOS Monterey. Both operating systems offer a wide range of features and applications, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
Windows 11 is known for its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of software and hardware. It also offers a more customizable user experience, with the ability to personalize the Start menu, taskbar, and desktop.
macOS Monterey, on the other hand, is known for its sleek design, intuitive interface, and excellent performance. It is also highly optimized for Apple’s own hardware, resulting in a seamless and cohesive user experience.
Price
The Surface Laptop Go 2 starts at $599 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. The MacBook Air M1 starts at $999 for the base model with an Apple M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage.
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and MacBook Air M1 are both excellent ultraportable laptops, but they are best suited for different types of users.
If you value affordability, versatility, and a customizable user experience, the Surface Laptop Go 2 is a great choice. It offers solid performance, a long battery life, and a wide range of ports.
If you prioritize performance, battery life, and a premium user experience, the MacBook Air M1 is the superior option. It offers exceptional performance, an immersive display, and a sleek design, albeit at a higher price.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has a higher resolution and pixel density, resulting in a more immersive and detailed viewing experience.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has a significantly more powerful processor, making it better suited for demanding tasks like video editing and photo manipulation.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The MacBook Air M1 has a slightly longer rated battery life of up to 18 hours, compared to the Surface Laptop Go 2’s rated battery life of up to 13 hours.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The Surface Laptop Go 2 is slightly smaller and lighter than the MacBook Air M1, making it more suitable for carrying around all day.
Q: Which device is better for students?
A: The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a more affordable option and offers a wider range of ports, making it a better choice for students on a budget.
Q: Which device is better for professionals?
A: The MacBook Air M1 offers superior performance and a more premium user experience, making it a better choice for professionals who need a powerful and reliable laptop.
