Summer Refresh: The latest hardware from Microsoft and Apple

This week brought the announcement of two major hardware refreshes from both Microsoft and Apple.  At first glance, both seem to be generally small tweaks to their overall lineup, but upon further examination of the details each new offering provides consumers with something that was previously missing.

Surface Go

Microsoft has boldly added an entirely new Surface device--a 10" 2 in 1 that checks all of the Surface brand staples--touch, pen support, 3:2 display, etc., but also fills in part of the Surface lineup that hasn't been filled since 2016.  The new Surface Go's claim to fame is affordability and mobility.  The base model (no Type Cover or Surface Pen is included) starts at $399, but you're going to want the upgraded model that runs around $550 (that's around $520 for us education customers).  While the least expensive model includes 4 GB of memory, the bump to 8 GB is a much better entry point if you're going to spend money on a device like this one.  Also, the $399 version uses eMMC storage--a type of storage that provides noticeably less performance than the 128 GB SSD found in the $550 option.

The Surface Go uses a Pentium Gold processor, which is a middle-of-the-road CPU that gets the job done for most business/student users, but won't deliver the performance of an i5 or i7 found in the Surface Pro or Surface Book lines.  You'll also notice the Go replaces the traditional USB port for the new USB-C.  Otherwise, the Surface Go has the connectivity you'd expect from the Surface line--Surface Connect for power, Bluetooth, WiFi, MicroSD card reader and the headphone jack.  This Surface includes the 165 degree kick stand and supports Windows Hello--the ability to log you in to your device using facial recognition.  The tablet itself marks the lightest Surface device at 1.15 lbs and is only 8.3 mm thick.  Microsoft claims 9 hours of battery life, but actual use is probably less given the general testing method of using video watch time as a way of measuring. 

The Surface Go does what Microsoft intends-give users, especially those of us in education--a cheaper option.  But this comes with the asterisk that notes that you'll really need that add-on Type Cover keyboard ($124 extra), while the Surface Mobile Mouse and Surface Pen are nice to have if you want to get the most out of this form factor.  So, the final price comes in at $766 (again, this is education pricing, regular consumers pay more).

So, should you get one?  If you're just needing a general purpose budget laptop--probably not.  Your best bet is to look somewhere other than the Surface line.  If you're a business user and want this to be your only computer--skip this device.  Spend the extra dollars and go for the Surface Pro/Book 2.  If you're needing a Windows tablet as a general "go anywhere" device or even a second device this is where you go for the Surface Go.  If you're a student and just need a tablet for Office docs, email, note-taking, light media editing, drawing and watching videos--the Surface Go will work just fine.

MacBook Pro 13" and 15"

While Microsoft's device fills in the gap for a cheaper Surface, Apple's latest MacBook Pro targets the higher end with a refresh designed for professional users--video editors, artists, power users and others who need performance in their mobile workstation.

Technically, the refreshes only target two existing MacBook Pro models--those offering the Touch Bar at 13 and 15 inches.  And also it's worth noting there is no outward design change in the body of the MacBooks.  From the outside they look like last year's model.  On the inside, however, you'll find a pretty noteworthy update that delivers more than just a refresh.

While there are many new features, here are the main takeaways:

• New 8th generation Intel processors (quad and hex core options available, including an i9 on the 15")
• Increased memory (up to 32 GB on the 15" model)
• True Tone displays (the display adjusts white balance for ambient lighting) 
• Hands-free Siri control
• 3rd Generation butterfly keyboard (supposedly quieter than last year's model)
• Iris Plus 655 Graphics (13") and Radeon Pro 550X or 560X (15")
• Super fast SSD hard drives (some media outlets reporting the fastest drives ever seen in laptops in initial tests) up to 4 TB
• T2 chip that, among other things, keeps your hard drive secure by encrypting it out-of-the-box

Both sizes offer around 10 hours of battery life (Apple's actual time is typically very close to what they claim).

If you need more video horsepower, Apple has worked with Blackmagic to create an external GPU for an extra $700.

Prices vary, starting with around $1699 (edu pricing) for the base 13" with Touch Bar going upwards of $7000 for a 15" with every bell and whistle available.

So, should you get one?  If you're a Mac user and are in the market for a laptop the short answer is "yes."  No other MacBooks received an update and while the smaller 12" MacBook doesn't contain extremely outdated internals, the MacBook Air should be avoided at all costs.  By all means, go for the MacBook Pro 13"with Touch Bar base model.  If you're a power user, then you'll need to select the specs that align with your needs.  If budget is a concern, you can still go for last year's model without the Touch Bar and get a respectable laptop, but the Touch Bar is growing beyond being a niche feature as more 3rd party developers are adding capabilities to it.

For Emporia State University

Students can get discounts for the devices discussed here from Microsoft and Apple, as well as other offerings from both vendors.  The same is true for faculty and staff looking for personal/at-home devices in most cases.  For faculty/staff looking to purchase one of these devices, please contact the IT Help Desk for more information.  Our IT purchasing catalog, IT Advisor, will be updated with our recommended models in each category shortly.

 -Brian Osbourn, ESU, Director, Web & Digital Strategies