Microsoft updates a tablet and laptop offering from the Surface range-- the Surface Go 2 and Surface Book 3. Also announced are the Surface Headphones 2 and Surface Earbuds, as well as the Surface Dock 2 and USB-C Travel Hub.

Created as the more affordable and portable Surface tablet, the Surface Go 2 keeps the same lightweight design with a 10.5-inch display, up from the 10-inch original. The display is also higher resolution at 1920 x 1080, but retains the same 3:2 aspect ratio typical of Surface devices. Internal specifications start from an Intel Pentium Gold processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage up to an 8th Gen Core m3 processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD.

The Surface Go 2 is compatible with previous Typ Go Covers and accessories, since it includes the same single USB-C port for both charging and connecting. It also includes a microSDXC card reader and studio mics, something Microsoft claims allows for better videoconferencing and audio calls. Customers can add further connectivity through an additional LTE model.

Meanwhile the Surface Book 3 promises to be the most powerful Microsoft laptop yet. Available in 13- or 15-inch sizes, it offers mainly internal upgrades through 10th Gen Intel Core processors and a choice of discrete Nvidia GeForce GTX or Quadro RTX GPUs. Customers also get up to 32GB RAM, the "fastest" SSD yet and a battery Microsoft claims allows for up to 17.5 hours of use in a single charge.

Microsoft also has accessory upgrades-- the Surface Headphones 2 feature longer battery life, improved sound quality and active noise cancellation with 13 levels of ambient noise control, while the Surface Earbuds offer a comfortable fit and intuitive touch controls. In case customers want to set up a mobile workspace the Surface Dock 2 promises faster chrging, higher data transfer rates and enterprise management tools, and the USB-C Travel Hub provides more ports for connection to networks, displays and USB-C accessories.

The Surface update announcement comes as Microsoft admits it has put plans for dual-screen devices aside, at least for the time being. A blog post by Windows chief Panos Panay states Windows 10X, the Windows "expression" initially set for dual-screen devices, will be first available for regular single-screen tablets. This is sure sign Microsoft plans improve on existing tools and services before taking the plunge on novel form factors, a perhaps wise move considering the current pandemic.

Go Introducing Surface Go 2, Surface Book 3, Surface Headphones 2 and Surface Earbuds

Go Accelerating Innovation in Windows 10 to Meet Customers Where They Are