Today the Redmond-based technology giant debuted the Surface Go that will be the cheapest Surface device available in what appears to be a direct challenge to Apple’s most affordable iPad variant.
The Surface Go is powered by a 7th Generation Intel Pentium Gold Processor 4415Y and Microsoft claims to have worked with the chip manufacturer to “optimise power, performance, and battery for the most critical tasks people perform every day”.
Microsoft appears to be specifically targeting those in eduction with the new budget surface tablet in a similar fashion to Apple.
Back in March Apple held an education-focused event in Chicago where it unveiled a new, cheaper iPad priced at just £319 for the 32GB model and announced a new stylus dubbed Crayon.
Today Microsoft emphasised the importance of being able to run Office software on the Surface Go in an effort to appeal to students.
The tablet features a built-in kickstand, 10-inch PixelSense Display that will support the Surface Pen and will run Windows 10 Home in S mode or Windows 10 Pro depending on user preference.
The Surface Go’s display will be of a 1800 x 1200 resolution and sit at a 3:2 aspect ratio.
A new Type Cover has been engineered for the budget tablet and will feature a signature Surface keyboard that has “high precision tuning and Windows Precision Trackpad that supports five-point multi-finger gestures”.
The Surface Go also has support for the Surface Mobile Mouse.
A USB-C 3.1 port will sit on the side of the device that will allow for charging in addition to data and video transfers.
The port is joined by a Surface Connect slot, headphone jack and MicroSD card reader.
In a blog post Panos Panay, the Chief Product Officer at Microsoft, said: “When we designed this device, we had to ask ourselves what people want and need from a 10-inch Surface.
“The answers seem obvious – lightweight, productive, and accessible to more people.
“The power and connectivity in a device this small gives you the style and productivity Surface is known for in a more convenient package.
“At just 1.15 pounds (0.52kg) and 8.3 millimetres thin, Surface Go packs portable performance into a 10-inch device.
“Starting at $399 MSRP (£379.99), it represents a new entry point for the Surface family, while keeping the premium qualities that have come to define it.”
The Surface Go is available for pre-order today starting at £379.99 and will ship in August.