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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop Go (2020)

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Product A: Apple

MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

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B

Product B: Microsoft

Surface Laptop Go (2020)

73 of 179 known

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Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop Go (2020)

General

5 of 9 differ

Series

MacBook Air4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026

Surface Laptop Go7Press releaseblogs.windows.com/devices/2020/10/01/introducing-surface-laptop-go-new-updates-to-surface-pro-x-and-new-accessoriesRead 5 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

MWTL2LL/A2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original April 15, 2020 Apple US inventory page 2 explicitly lists MWTL2LL/A, Gold, dual-core tenth-generation Core i3 1.1 GHz, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. Nearby 128 GB education-only SKU MYE72LL/A and AppleCare bundles excluded. Education price is not launch MSRP.

THH-000013Retailer pagenewegg.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-10-point-multi-touch-intel-core-i5-1035g1-intel-uhd-graphics-8-gb-lpddr4x-memory-128-gb-ssd-platinum/p/N82E16834736241Read 5 October 2026Exact original hardware THH-00001 Platinum, i5-1035G1/8 GB/128 GB. Current US marketplace replacement listings preserve manufacturer identity but dates, condition, price, stock and seller warranties are not imported as original hardware facts. Original US Best Buy SKU 6428996 independently corroborates identity.10Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-touch-screen-intel-10th-generation-core-i5-8gb-memory-128gb-solid-state-drive-platinum/J3ZKK53WZJ/sku/6428996Read 5 October 2026Original US Best Buy SKU 6428996 explicitly retains THH-00001 Platinum, tenth-generation Core i5, 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD. Current route retains original identity/title/reviews rather than current new stock. Later Win11 marketing screen image is not original OS proof.

GTIN / EAN

19019925617010Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/support/622812/apple-macbook-air-mwtl2ll-a-early-2020-133-laptop-computer-goldRead 7 October 2026Product Information: exact MWTL2LL/A Gold i3, 8 GB, 256 GB, UPC 190199256170.

88984266800113Retailer pageofficedepot.com/a/products/8421862/Microsoft-Surface-Go-Laptop-124-TouchscreenRead 7 October 2026Specs table: Manufacturer THH-00001, Platinum 8GB 128GB, UPC 889842668001.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

18 March 20204Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026

1 October 20207Press releaseblogs.windows.com/devices/2020/10/01/introducing-surface-laptop-go-new-updates-to-surface-pro-x-and-new-accessoriesRead 5 October 2026Original October 1 maker announcement. Starting $549 price belongs to 4 GB/64 GB eMMC variant, not retained SKU, and is omitted.

Status

Discontinued11Spec databaseeverymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/specs/macbook-air-core-i3-1.1-dual-core-13-retina-display-2020-scissor-specs.htmlRead 7 October 2026Introduction/Discontinued table: original Intel Core i3 model discontinued November 10, 2020. Public indexed page text read. Direct page returned 403.

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PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

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SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M1, 2020)19Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/11/introducing-the-next-generation-of-macRead 23 October 2026Apple compares the MacBook Air with M1 with the previous-generation Intel Core i7 13-inch MacBook Air.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 227Reviewtomsguide.com/opinion/the-microsoft-surface-laptop-go-2-looks-like-a-good-value-but-its-notRead 23 October 2026Tom's Guide calls the Surface Laptop Go 2 the successor to the 2020 Surface Laptop Go.28Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Surface-Laptop-Go-2-Microsoft-recycles-the-Surface-Laptop-Go-with-an-Intel-Core-i5-1135G7-and-a-new-colour-option.624258.0.htmlRead 23 October 2026Notebookcheck says Microsoft refreshed the Surface Laptop Go with a second-generation model and calls the original its predecessor.

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$9994Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026Maker original consumer US starting MSRP $999, matching retained original Core i3/8 GB/256 GB entry configuration. Lower education price excluded.

$699.9920Press articletheverge.com/21496684/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-price-release-date-specsRead 10 October 2026Launch-day price list: Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of SSD storage: $699.99. Matches the stored THH-00001 configuration. US launch price, US list prices do not include sales tax. Base 4GB/64GB eMMC is $549.99.26Press articlewindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-go-549-official-announcementRead 10 October 2026Launch announcement SKU table: 8/128GB $699. Rounded to the dollar, which agrees with the $699.99 list price in The Verge launch article.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

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MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026Maker explicitly US inventory, independently corroborated by original US retailer inventory.

US3Retailer pagenewegg.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-10-point-multi-touch-intel-core-i5-1035g1-intel-uhd-graphics-8-gb-lpddr4x-memory-128-gb-ssd-platinum/p/N82E16834736241Read 5 October 202610Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-touch-screen-intel-10th-generation-core-i5-8gb-memory-128gb-solid-state-drive-platinum/J3ZKK53WZJ/sku/6428996Read 5 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Gold2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Platinum3Retailer pagenewegg.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-10-point-multi-touch-intel-core-i5-1035g1-intel-uhd-graphics-8-gb-lpddr4x-memory-128-gb-ssd-platinum/p/N82E16834736241Read 5 October 202610Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-touch-screen-intel-10th-generation-core-i5-8gb-memory-128gb-solid-state-drive-platinum/J3ZKK53WZJ/sku/6428996Read 5 October 2026

Segment

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Form factor

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Chassis

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DimensionsiClosed laptop body size. Minimum and maximum thickness describe the front and rear or other points stated by the maker.

Width304.1Depth212.4Thickness (min)4.1Thickness (max)16.1mm(12 × 8.4 × 0.2 to 0.6 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker centimetres converted exactly to millimetres. Published wedge minimum 4.1 mm and maximum 16.1 mm. Retailer rounded metric conversions excluded.

Width278.18Depth206.17Thickness (max)15.68mm(11 × 8.1 × 0.6 in)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Final maker October 7 original specification explicitly 278.18 x 206.17 x 15.68 mm. Earlier draft and current guide stale 205.67 mm depth/15.69 mm height excluded. Across-screen width, front-to-back depth and closed height.

Weight (published)iPublished laptop weight without the charger. A starting weight is identified in the source note and may vary with configuration.

1.29kg(2.8 lb)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly publishes 1.29 kg laptop weight. Retailer conversion from rounded 2.8 lb to 1.27 kg excluded. Manufacturing/configuration variation applies.

1.11kg(2.4 lb)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original maker 1,110 grams laptop mass, retained 1.11 kg.

Lid material

Aluminium1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker Environment section explicitly 100 percent recycled aluminium enclosure.

Aluminium1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Final Exterior row separately identifies Top and Keyboard Cover as aluminium. Base polycarbonate composite resin is retained separately as the broad plastic bottom material class.

Bottom material

Aluminium1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker aluminium enclosure.

Plastic1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Final October 7 maker Exterior row explicitly Base: polycarbonate composite resin system with glass fiber and 30 percent post-consumer recycled content. Plastic is the broad material class of this resin composite. Aluminium top and keyboard cover are distinct from the bottom.

Max hinge angle

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MIL-STD-810 testing (claimed)iManufacturer claim of MIL-STD-810 testing. The revision and tested procedures belong in the source note. This is not proof of every standard test.

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Display

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Screen sizeiDiagonal of the main built-in display. Rounded-corner displays may be measured as a full rectangle.

13.3in(33.8 cm)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

12.45in(31.6 cm)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Final Display table and footnote 5 expressly full-rectangle diagonal 12.45 inches, actual viewable area less. Headline and later guide use 12.4 inches, not used to erase original precise footnote.

Native resolution

2560 × 1600px1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

1536 × 1024px1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Pixel density

227ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

148.3ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

Panel typeiDell's WVA means wide viewing angle and names no panel technology, so it is stored as IPS only when Dell or a review names IPS.

IPS1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

IPS16Spec databasee-catalog.com/MICROSOFT-THH-00001.htmRead 7 October 2026Exact THH-00001 Screen type: IPS. Same original-model IPS display is identified by Notebookcheck and other reviews. Panel part number from 256GB sample is not inherited.

Backlight

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Dimming zonesiIndependently controlled backlight zones, not the number of LEDs or screen pixels.

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Panel part numberiPanel part number identified in a matching review unit. Suppliers may vary within the same laptop configuration.

APPA04217Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Gold Core i3/8 GB/256 GB review unit, specification and Display sections: APPA042. Suppliers may vary. No i5 panel measurement inherited.

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Screen surfaceiSurface of the stored display configuration. Anti-reflective coatings do not by themselves make a glossy display matte. A matte finish of the chassis is not the screen surface.

Glossy3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1553858-REG/apple_mwtl2ll_a_13_3_macbook_air_with.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact original Gold MWTL2LL/A Display table explicitly Glossy.

Glossy16Spec databasee-catalog.com/MICROSOFT-THH-00001.htmRead 7 October 2026Exact THH-00001 Surface treatment: gloss. No matte display option is published.

Touchscreen

No3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1553858-REG/apple_mwtl2ll_a_13_3_macbook_air_with.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Display table explicitly Touchscreen No.

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Stylus

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None6Maker product pagesupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/accessories/pen/surface-pen-compatibility-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026Maker expressly Surface Laptop Go all editions have no Surface Pen/inking support. Retailer erroneous pen support descriptions excluded.

Refresh rate modesiHighest confirmed operating refresh rate of the built-in display at each resolution. Add a second row only for a documented dual-mode panel, not an ordinary supported timing.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Width (px)	Height (px)	Maximum operating refresh (Hz)
2560	1600	60

Source17Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Matching Gold Core i3 specification table: native 2560 x 1600, 60 Hz built-in display. No other operating modes inferred.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop Go (2020)

Width (px)	Height (px)	Maximum operating refresh (Hz)
1536	1024	60

Source16Spec databasee-catalog.com/MICROSOFT-THH-00001.htmRead 7 October 2026Exact THH-00001 Screen block publishes native 1536x1024 and Refresh rate 60Hz. This is operating built-in refresh, not external accepted timing. Exact 8/128 BestBuy verified-purchase answer independently reports screen only runs 60Hz. No lower-resolution or VRR mode inferred. Display gamut/brightness database rows are not maker claims and are omitted.

Max refresh rate

60Hz=CalculatedFrom Refresh rate modes

60Hz=CalculatedFrom Refresh rate modes

Adaptive synciNamed variable refresh technologies for the built-in display. Manual switching between 60Hz and 120Hz is not VRR.

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Gray-to-gray response time (claimed)iManufacturer claim for a gray-to-gray pixel transition. Do not use generic response times, black-to-white values, or motion-picture response times.

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Native panel colour depthiPhysical panel colour depth per channel. Do not infer native bit depth or FRC from the number of supported colours.

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Brightness (SDR, claimed)iManufacturer typical SDR luminance. Outdoor maxima and an unspecified peak are not typical SDR brightness.

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Peak brightness (SDR outdoors, claimed)iManufacturer maximum SDR luminance explicitly claimed for outdoor use. Ambient light, automatic brightness and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not typical SDR or HDR brightness.

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Sustained brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer explicitly sustained HDR luminance. Screen area, duration, temperature and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not a brief peak or SDR luminance.

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Peak brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer peak luminance explicitly measured or claimed in HDR. Window size and duration belong in the source note.

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sRGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated sRGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

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DCI-P3 coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated DCI-P3 gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

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Adobe RGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated Adobe RGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

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HDR certification

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Factory calibratediThe maker explicitly states factory colour calibration. Certification alone does not establish calibration.

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Second display

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Processor

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Processor

Intel Core i3 (1.1 GHz, dual-core, 10th generation)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Exact original base dual-core 1.1 GHz Core i3 row. Original maker and inventory do not state the custom processor suffix, so neither suffix nor chip process node/thread count is inferred.

Intel Core i5-1035G11Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original maker exactly Core i5-1035G1. One original CPU model, separate from later Go2/Go3 chips.

Processor brand

Intel1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Intel1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Core configurationiProcessor core groups using the chip maker's names. MediaTek Big, Apple Super and AMD Zen architecture labels remain distinct from Intel P and E labels.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Count	Base clock (GHz)	Max clock (GHz)
2	1.1	3.2

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly two cores, 1.1 GHz base and 3.2 GHz Turbo Boost. No later hybrid P/E classification imposed.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop Go (2020)

Count	Base clock (GHz)	Max clock (GHz)
4	1	3.6

Source4Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196603/intel-core-i51035g1-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-60-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact homogeneous four-core chip, standard base 1.0 GHz and max turbo 3.6 GHz. No later P/E classification imposed. Configurable TDP clocks, chip powers and RAM capabilities not laptop settings.

CPU cores

2=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

4=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Cores labelled performanceiCounts only rows classified as performance. Other labels, including Big, Super and AMD Zen architecture rows, are not included.

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Cores labelled efficiencyiCounts only efficiency and low-power-efficiency rows. AMD Zen 5c and Apple super cores are not included.

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ThreadsiMaximum hardware threads of the processor, including simultaneous multithreading where supported.

418Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196586/intel-core-i31000ng4-processor-4m-cache-up-to-3-20-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact Core i3-1000NG4 chip is identified in matching i3/8 GB/256 GB Notebookcheck sample. Intel CPU Specifications states Total Threads 4 and Total Cores 2.

84Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196603/intel-core-i51035g1-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-60-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Max boost clock

3.2GHz=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

3.6GHz=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

L3 cacheiL3 cache only. Do not copy a combined L2 plus L3 cache total. Qualcomm's total cache, such as 30 MB on Snapdragon X, is not L3, even when a laptop maker labels it L3.

4MB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly 4 MB L3 for retained Core i3. Higher chip-option caches excluded.

6MB3Retailer pagenewegg.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-10-point-multi-touch-intel-core-i5-1035g1-intel-uhd-graphics-8-gb-lpddr4x-memory-128-gb-ssd-platinum/p/N82E16834736241Read 5 October 2026Exact CPU table expressly L3 Cache 6 MB, not assumed from Intel Smart Cache branding.

ProcessiProcess size class of the processor compute die in nm, as on CPUs: TSMC N3B is 3, Intel 7 is 10, Intel 4 is 7 and Intel 18A is 1.8. Marketing process names and other chiplet processes belong in the source note.

10nm11Spec databaseeverymac.com/systems/apple/macbook-air/specs/macbook-air-core-i3-1.1-dual-core-13-retina-display-2020-scissor-specs.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact model overview identifies 10 nm Ice Lake Core i3-1000NG4. Custom Apple chip suffix also identified by matching Notebookcheck review. Public indexed maker-independent specification read.18Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196586/intel-core-i31000ng4-processor-4m-cache-up-to-3-20-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 7 October 2026Intel Essentials for exact i3-1000NG4 states Lithography 10 nm. Chip maker evidence corroborates EveryMac without borrowing a different Core i3 suffix.

10nm4Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/196603/intel-core-i51035g1-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-60-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Intel explicitly 10 nm, no marketing-name numeric conversion.

Sustained CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's sustained configured CPU power limit, such as PL1. A chip manufacturer's generic base power is not the laptop setting.

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Peak CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's configured short-duration CPU limit, such as PL2. Do not substitute generic processor maximum turbo power.

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Combined CPU and GPU poweriMaker stated simultaneous CPU plus discrete-GPU budget for the exact configuration and power mode.

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NPU performanceiNPU-only claimed operations per second. Excludes combined CPU, GPU and platform AI throughput. Precision belongs in the source note.

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Graphics

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Discrete GPUiA separate dedicated graphics processor is installed. Integrated or unified-memory graphics do not qualify.

No3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1553858-REG/apple_mwtl2ll_a_13_3_macbook_air_with.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Performance table explicitly Integrated graphics. External GPU support is not an installed dedicated GPU.

No3Retailer pagenewegg.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-10-point-multi-touch-intel-core-i5-1035g1-intel-uhd-graphics-8-gb-lpddr4x-memory-128-gb-ssd-platinum/p/N82E16834736241Read 5 October 2026Exact Graphics table expressly Integrated Card and shared system memory.

GPU

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GPU brand

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VRAMiDedicated video memory of the installed discrete GPU. Shared system memory is excluded.

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Max GPU power (TGP)iMaximum configured discrete-GPU power including Dynamic Boost. Mode and any maker qualification belong in the source note.

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Dynamic BoostiMaximum additional GPU power shifted from the CPU through NVIDIA Dynamic Boost. This is part of maximum TGP, not extra to it. A figure written as "up to 115W Dynamic Boost" is the total, so it goes in gpu_tgp_max_w.

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GPU boost clockiHighest maker configured GPU boost clock, including factory overclock where explicitly stated. Mode belongs in the source note.

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GPU switchingiExplicit GPU display-routing or power-sharing features. Advanced Optimus includes hardware display multiplexing.

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Integrated GPU

Intel Iris Plus Graphics1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker Graphics section identifies Intel Iris Plus. Optional external Thunderbolt GPU support is not installed discrete graphics.

Intel UHD Graphics1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Memory

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Installed RAMiTotal installed RAM in this product configuration, not the maximum purchase option.

8GB2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026

8GB3Retailer pagenewegg.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-10-point-multi-touch-intel-core-i5-1035g1-intel-uhd-graphics-8-gb-lpddr4x-memory-128-gb-ssd-platinum/p/N82E16834736241Read 5 October 202610Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-touch-screen-intel-10th-generation-core-i5-8gb-memory-128gb-solid-state-drive-platinum/J3ZKK53WZJ/sku/6428996Read 5 October 2026

RAM type

LPDDR4X1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Memory section expressly LPDDR4X onboard memory. Published 3733 MHz is not converted into the configured MT/s field without exact transfer-rate proof.

LPDDR4X1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

RAM speediConfigured memory data rate in transfers per second. Do not treat the DRAM clock in MHz as the data rate.

3,733MT/s10Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/support/622812/apple-macbook-air-mwtl2ll-a-early-2020-133-laptop-computer-goldRead 7 October 2026Memory Speed: LPDDR4x-3733. Stored literal rated data-rate designation, corroborated exact matching Notebookcheck LPDDR4X-3733. No doubling of Apple's ambiguously labeled 3733 MHz.

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Memory channelsiActive memory channels of the installed configuration, not the number of RAM modules or slots. One installed module is one channel. This holds for DDR5 too, whose two 32-bit subchannels on one module do not count as two channels. Soldered LPDDR memory counts in 64-bit units, so a 128-bit bus is 2 channels, even when a maker calls it quad-channel.

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RAM upgradeiWhether the installed RAM is soldered, socketed in slots, or a mixture. Purchase-time configurations are not upgrades.

Soldered13Reviewifixit.com/News/36480/theres-something-new-in-the-macbook-airRead 7 October 2026Teardown repairability list explicitly says SSD and RAM soldered. Original March 2020 Intel hardware. No physical RAM or storage slot is fabricated.

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Memory slotsiPhysical replaceable RAM module sockets grouped by type and occupancy. Clocked SO-DIMM uses CSODIMM. Soldered memory is excluded.

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RAM slots

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Free RAM slots

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Maximum supported RAMiManufacturer supported maximum RAM, including purchase-time soldered options. Does not imply post-purchase upgradeability.

16GB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker memory section offers 16 GB purchase-time configuration. Retained installed memory remains 8 GB. Does not imply user upgradeability.

8GB1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original consumer maximum 8 GB with same CPU/GPU. Explicit commercial-only 16 GB excluded. Purchase maximum does not imply later upgradeability.

Storage

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Installed storageiTotal advertised installed storage in decimal GB. Convert 1TB to 1000GB, without changing an explicitly published 512GB value.

256GB2Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List-04-15-2020.pdfRead 5 October 2026

128GB3Retailer pagenewegg.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-10-point-multi-touch-intel-core-i5-1035g1-intel-uhd-graphics-8-gb-lpddr4x-memory-128-gb-ssd-platinum/p/N82E16834736241Read 5 October 202610Retailer pagebestbuy.com/product/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-touch-screen-intel-10th-generation-core-i5-8gb-memory-128gb-solid-state-drive-platinum/J3ZKK53WZJ/sku/6428996Read 5 October 2026

Storage type

SSD (interface unspecified)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly PCIe-based SSD, but does not state installed NVMe protocol or generation. Stored as SSD with interface unspecified by the supported schema enum.

SSD (interface unspecified)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original maker 128 GB SSD option, not base 64 GB eMMC. Installed NVMe protocol and generation not inferred.

Installed drive PCIe generationiPCIe generation of the installed drive. This may be lower than the slot capability.

Not available

Not available

Storage slotsiPhysical storage connectors grouped by capability and occupancy. A slot accepting several drive lengths is one slot, not one per length.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Not available

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop Go (2020)

Count	Occupied
1	Yes

Source24Owner's manuallearn.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/service-guides/surface-laptop-go-removable/surface-laptop-go-removable-component-disassembly-and-reassemblyRead 10 October 2026Maker service guide for the Laptop Go removable-SSD models: one SSD secured by one screw and pulled out of the mainboard socket. One removable SSD socket, occupied in the stored 128 GB SSD configuration. M.2 length and NVMe lanes are not stated, so they are left out. Reinstallation or swapping is not supported by Microsoft.

M.2 slots

Not available

Not available

Free storage slots

Not available

0=CalculatedFrom Storage slots

Maximum slot PCIe generation

Not available

Not available

Ports

3 of 7 differ

PortsiPhysical laptop connectors grouped by type, protocol capability and side. One connector with several protocols is counted once.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Type	Version	Count	Maximum data rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode
USB-C	Thunderbolt 3 / USB 3.1 Gen 2	2	40	Thunderbolt 3	Yes
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Two physical USB-C ports support Thunderbolt 3 up to 40 Gb/s, USB 3.1 Gen 2 up to 10 Gb/s and native DisplayPort over USB-C. Highest rate retained once per connector. Audio section states physical 3.5 mm headphone jack. External adapters/eGPUs excluded from installed hardware.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop Go (2020)

Type	Version	Count	Side
USB-C	Not available	1	Left
USB-A	USB 3.1	1	Left
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Left
Other	Surface Connect	1	Right

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original one USB-C, one USB-A, physical headset and Surface Connect. Unpublished USB versions/data rates/TB not inferred.21Reviewlaptopmag.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-laptop-goRead 10 October 2026Review ports section: left side has a USB 3.1 Type-A port, a USB Type-C input and a headphone jack. Alone on the right side is the magnetic Surface Connect port. Tom's Guide gives the same layout. USB-C data rate, charging power and DisplayPort support are not published, so they are left out.22Reviewtomsguide.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-laptop-goRead 10 October 2026Review ports section: USB-A, USB-C and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the left side. Surface Connect on the right side. Same layout as Laptop Mag.

USB-C ports

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

1=CalculatedFrom Ports

Thunderbolt

Yes=CalculatedFrom Ports

Not available

Highest HDMI version

Not available

Not available

Card reader

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Ethernet speed

Not available

Not available

Maximum USB-C charging inputiHighest confirmed charging power accepted by a USB-C port. This is separate from adapter rating and power delivered to peripherals.

Not available

Not available

Wireless

1 of 5 differ

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 51Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Wi-Fi 61Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Wi-Fi bandsiSupported radio frequency bands. Availability may be restricted by country or regulatory configuration.

Not available

Not available

Wi-Fi module

Not available

Not available

BluetoothiThe version as a number with one decimal, such as 5.4 or 6.0. A qualifier such as or above goes in the source note.

5.01Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

5.01Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Cellular

Not available

Not available

Keyboard and touchpad

5 of 8 differ

Keyboard layoutsiDocumented layouts of the retained regional SKUs. Do not infer a layout solely from the sales country.

Not available

QWERTY2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-go-1st-gen-specs-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026Maker expressly QWERTY full function row. No ANSI/ISO geometry inferred from sales country.

Key switches

Scissor12Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 7 October 2026New Magic Keyboard section explicitly refined scissor mechanism, 1mm travel. Original 2020 hardware, not later M1.

Not available

Keyboard backlightiA maker-confirmed backlight with no published type uses backlit_unspecified. Do not infer white lighting, a single colour or RGB from backlit alone. A single-zone RGB backlight is RGB zones.

Not available

None15Maker product pagebestbuy.com/site/questions/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-12-4-touch-screen-intel-10th-generation-core-i5-8gb-memory-128gb-solid-state-drive-platinum/6428996Read 7 October 2026Exact THH-00001 Q&A: Microsoft Outreach Team manufacturer answer says keyboard is not backlit. Public indexed answer read, direct open timed out. This wins over erroneous spec-database backlight listing.

NumpadiDedicated physical numeric keypad. A virtual touchpad number pad is not counted.

Not available

Not available

Key traveliPhysical key travel distance, not actuation distance.

1mm4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026Original maker Magic Keyboard announcement explicitly states 1 mm physical key travel.

1.3mm1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Final maker expressly 1.3 mm physical key travel, corroborated by maker November 20 publication. Final sheet removes earlier draft backlit/glass claims but retains 115 x 76.66 mm trackpad size conflicting with actual-hardware reviews. Trackpad size and backlight type remain omitted.11Press releasenews.microsoft.com/de-de/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-ab-heute-in-deutschland-erhaeltlichRead 5 October 2026Maker original-model November 20, 2020 publication expressly states 1.3 mm physical key travel. German retail prices, later regional availability and commercial memory maximum are not imported into selected original US consumer configuration.

Pointing stickiDedicated stick pointing device such as TrackPoint. A touchpad does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Touchpad size

Not available

Not available

Touchpad mechanismiA clickpad or glass touchpad that clicks when pressed down is mechanical. Haptic needs a source that says haptic or force feedback.

Haptic1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Exact sheet specifies Force Touch. Separate maker support source explicitly establishes haptic feedback.6Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/en-gb/102309Read 5 October 2026Maker support explicitly states Force Touch trackpads provide haptic feedback. Exact model sheet specifies Force Touch.

Not available

Camera and audio

5 of 7 differ

Webcam

720p FaceTime HD1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

720p HD f/2.01Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

IR face loginiAn infrared camera suitable for Windows Hello face authentication. An ordinary webcam or fingerprint sensor does not qualify.

Not available

No17Measurementconsumerreports.org/electronics-computers/laptops-chromebooks/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-128gb/m402405Read 7 October 2026Exact 8GB/128GB model Features table Facial recognition: No. Maker documents fingerprint sign-in only. Public indexed text read, direct page 403.19Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/setup/troubleshoot-problems-with-windows-hello-on-surfaceRead 7 October 2026Maker explicitly states all Surface Laptop Go models do not support Windows Hello facial recognition. Fingerprint recognition is separate.

Webcam privacy

Not available

Not available

Built-in speaker driversiIndividual built-in acoustic drivers, including separate tweeters and woofers. Do not count audio channels or infer driver count from speaker assemblies.

Not available

221Reviewlaptopmag.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-laptop-goRead 10 October 2026Review audio section: the dual omnidirectional speakers are located underneath the keyboard. Review unit is the $899 Core i5 8GB/256GB model, speakers are the same across configurations. No driver power published.

Total speaker poweriCombined published power of the built-in speaker drivers. RMS or peak classification belongs in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Audio features

Dolby Atmos, Wide stereo sound1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Dolby Audio Premium1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

MicrophonesiPhysical built-in microphones, not beamforming channels or microphone modes.

31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker Audio section explicitly three-mic array. Stereo sound does not establish a physical speaker count, so that count is omitted.

21Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original expressly dual far-field Studio Mics, physical microphones not beamforming channels.

Battery and power

4 of 5 differ

Battery energyiPublished nominal energy capacity of the installed internal battery in watt-hours. Separate from measured runtime and charger output.

49.9Wh1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Maker explicitly 49.9 Wh lithium-polymer battery. No battery actual-rating override appears in footnotes.

39.7Wh12Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/mscle/documents/legal/legal-compliance-and-ethics/Microsoft%20Lithium%20Ion%20PDS%2030Jan2025A.pdfRead 7 October 2026Product Data Sheet, p5 model 1943 Surface Laptop Go row: four cells, one battery, rated energy 39.7Wh. Original 2020 model, distinct from Go2/Go3 model 2013. Capacity applies across original configurations.

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime for each explicitly named test. Display brightness, configuration and other conditions belong in the source note. Wireless streaming preserves an unnamed content type and does not imply video or audio. Video conferencing requires an explicit calling test, with application and participant setup in the source note. MobileMark versions use different workloads, so compare only rows of the same version.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Use case	Hours (h)
Web browsing	11
Video playback	12

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Footnote 2 matches retained preproduction February 2020 Core i3 dual-core 1.1 GHz, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. Wireless web browses 25 popular websites. Movie test plays HD 1080p content in Apple TV app. Both set display brightness to 12 clicks from bottom or 75 percent. Up-to claims, separate from measurements and standby days.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop Go (2020)

Use case	Hours (h)
Mixed use	13

Source1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original footnote 2 matches preproduction September 2020 i5/8 GB/128 GB. Mixed active use and modern standby: eight websites, Office productivity and idle apps. Default settings except 150 nits/auto-brightness off, Wi-Fi connected. Not video-only runtime or reviewer measurement. Fast-charge just-over-one-hour wording is not rounded into an exact minute claim.

Adapter rated outputiNominal rated output of the documented supplied or recommended adapter. A temporary dynamic maximum belongs in the source note. Not the laptop charging-input limit.

30W1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Nominal included 30 W adapter output, not maximum accepted USB-C charging input.

39W1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original included 39 W adapter nominal rating, not accepted USB-C input.

Laptop charging connectoriConnector at the laptop end of the documented main charging cable, not the wall plug or adapter-end connector. HP's AC smart pin is a round DC plug, so it is barrel.

USB-C1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026USB-C at laptop end of the supplied charging cable.

Proprietary5Maker product pagemicrosoft.com/en-au/d/microsoft-surface-39w-power-supply/8mzbmmcjzpb6Read 5 October 2026Maker exact 39 W Surface power-supply component explicitly magnetic Surface Connect. Original consumer sheet establishes included 39 W. Component laptop-end connector only, Australian wall-plug region is not imported.

Charge 0 to 50 % (claimed)iManufacturer time to charge an empty battery to 50%. Adapter and powered-off conditions belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Cooling

0 of 4 differ

FansiPhysical cooling fans inside the laptop. Excludes fans in external coolers and the power adapter.

115Reviewifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Air+13-Inch+Early+2020+Fan+Replacement/142675Read 7 October 2026Exact Early 2020 Intel fan replacement guide. Complete opened-device photographs show one chassis fan. Replacement parts list contains one fan. Matching Core i3 review describes the same single chassis fan.

123Reviewtechradar.com/reviews/microsoft-surface-laptop-goRead 10 October 2026Dutch review of the Core i5 8GB/256GB unit: the fan starts to blow after more than fifteen Firefox tabs (de ventilator begon te blazen). Corroborates the single fan named by Windows Central.25Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-goRead 10 October 2026Performance section: Microsoft cools the chip with a single fan and vent system hidden near the display. Explicit single fan. The review unit configuration is not stated, the chassis is the same for all configurations.

Vapor chamberiA vapor-chamber heat spreader is installed. Ordinary heatpipes alone do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Liquid metaliComponents where the maker confirms liquid-metal thermal material. Ordinary thermal paste is excluded.

Not available

Not available

Power modesiPublished laptop operating modes and configured power limits. Do not place observed runtime power measurements in this table.

Not available

Not available

Security

1 of 4 differ

Fingerprint

Power button5Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1931_macbook-air-13-2020-qsg.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 2 hardware diagram explicitly identifies Touch ID as power button.

Power button2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-go-1st-gen-specs-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026Maker guide expressly fingerprint power button for retained 8 GB configuration. Only original 4 GB/64 GB exception lacks it.

TPM

Not available

Not available

Remote management

Not available

Not available

Security lock slotiA dedicated built-in physical security-cable slot. Security locks that occupy a USB-C port do not qualify.

Not available

No13Retailer pageofficedepot.com/a/products/8421862/Microsoft-Surface-Go-Laptop-124-TouchscreenRead 7 October 2026Exact THH-00001 Specs row Security Lock Slot: No.

Software

2 of 3 differ

Operating system

macOS Catalina4Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2020/03/new-macbook-air-has-more-to-love-and-is-now-just-999Read 5 October 2026Maker original March 2020 announcement expressly states every new MacBook Air comes with macOS Catalina. Later Quick Start UI reprint does not change launch OS.

Windows 10 Home in S mode1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

OS family

macOS1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Windows1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Security updates untiliPublished end date of OS/security updates promised for the exact device model. Preserve the source precision. Do not calculate it from years or substitute a generic OS-version lifecycle. Unknown when no device-specific promise is published.

Not available

Not available

Measured display

11 of 12 differ

Brightness (measured, centre)iReviewer center-point SDR luminance for the matching display configuration. Do not substitute a review average or unspecified measurement.

416nits14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Display nine-point grid center 416 nits, macOS 10.15, X-Rite i1Pro 2. Windows is over 30 percent brighter and is not mixed in.

Not available

Brightness (measured, average)iReviewer mean luminance across a documented display grid, normally nine points.

403.4nits14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Display grid mean 403.4 nits, macOS, X-Rite i1Pro 2.

Not available

Contrast ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

1,224:114Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Display table 1224:1, macOS, black 0.34 nits, X-Rite i1Pro 2.

Not available

HDR peak brightness (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

sRGB coverage (measured)iReviewer measured sRGB coverage, not gamut volume. Instrument and method belong in the source note.

98%14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Updated Display table sRGB coverage 98 percent, Argyll 3D and X-Rite i1Pro 2. Older Argyll 1.6.3 row 97.6 is a different software method.

99%25Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-goRead 10 October 2026Display section: color accuracy with 99 percent sRGB. The text does not name the instrument, brightness or profile. Same display on every configuration. The review unit's RAM and storage are not stated, so no SSD or battery result is used. Tom's Guide reports 103% sRGB with a colorimeter. A figure above 100 is a gamut volume and is not stored.

DCI-P3 coverage (measured)iReviewer measured DCI-P3 coverage, not gamut volume. Display P3 measurements are identified in the source note.

Not available

78%25Reviewwindowscentral.com/surface-laptop-goRead 10 October 2026Display section: 78 percent DCI-P3. Laptop Mag reports 77% with its colorimeter, which agrees within one point. Instrument and profile not named by Windows Central.

Colour accuracy (measured Delta E)iReviewer colour error before calibration. Delta-E formula, colour space and picture mode belong in the source note.

0.914Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Pre-calibration ColorChecker mean 0.9, Delta E 2000, CalMAN sRGB/macOS, X-Rite i1Pro 2. Calibrated 0.6 excluded.

Not available

PWM flicker foundiWhether a reviewer detected pulse-width-modulation flicker under the documented test conditions. False does not prove all frequency ranges were tested.

Yes14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026PWM test detected flicker at 75 percent and below.

Not available

PWM frequency (measured)iDetected PWM frequency at the brightness setting stated by the reviewer.

119kHz14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026PWM table 119000 Hz at 75 percent brightness or below.

Not available

PWM at or below brightnessiHighest display brightness setting at or below which the documented PWM is detected.

75%14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026PWM threshold 75 percent.

Not available

Response black to white (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response for black-to-white-to-black, with test conditions in the source note.

28.4ms14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Black-white-black combined 28.4 ms: 16 rise plus 12.4 fall.

Not available

Response grey to grey (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response between specified grey levels. State the levels in the source note.

38.4ms14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 202650 to 80 percent grey combined 38.4 ms: 20.4 rise plus 18 fall.

Not available

Measured performance

None of 8 known

Cinebench 2024 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Cinebench 2024 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Geekbench 6 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

Not available

Not available

Geekbench 6 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

Not available

Not available

3DMark Time Spy graphicsiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Graphics score, not the overall score. A score the review does not label as graphics is left out.

Not available

Not available

3DMark Steel NomadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

SSD sequential read (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Game frame ratesiMatching review-unit game results. Resolution, preset, upscaling, frame generation and ray tracing are stated only when documented.

Not available

Not available

Measured noise and temperature

6 of 9 differ

Fan noise per modeiReviewer sound-pressure readings for the matching configuration and mode. Measurement distance and workload belong in the source note.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Load	Noise (dB(A))
Idle	29
Medium load	31.6
Max load	39.4

Source14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Noise table idle 29, load average 31.6, max 39.4 dB(A). Audix TM1/Arta at 15 cm, background 29 dBA. Power mode not stated. Idle indistinguishable from room noise. No separate gaming result invented.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop Go (2020)

Not available

Max fan noiseiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

39.4dB(A)=CalculatedFrom Fan noise per mode

Not available

Fan noise while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Top surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

44.3°C14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Matching i3 / 8 GB / 256 GB unit. Max-load upper surface grid 44.3 C. Voltcraft IR-900, room 21 C. Review stress text identifies simultaneous CPU and iGPU load. Exact OS and power mode for the surface grid are not explicitly stated.

Not available

Bottom surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

40.9°C14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Matching max-load bottom surface grid 40.9 C, Voltcraft IR-900, room 21 C. Exact OS and power mode unstated. Combined CPU/iGPU stress described by review.

Not available

Palm rest under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

29.1°C14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Matching stress-grid palmrest/touchpad maximum 29.1 C. Exact OS and power mode unstated. Voltcraft IR-900, room 21 C.

Not available

CPU temperature in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

CPU clock in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

1.5GHz14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Stress text: two CPU cores sustain 1.5 GHz while iGPU 400 MHz. Simultaneous CPU+iGPU load. SoC 11 W is not CPU-only power.

Not available

GPU temperature while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Measured battery and power

5 of 10 differ

Battery runtime per testiReviewer runtime for the exact test and configuration. Mixed browsing, video and graphics workloads are classified as mixed use.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (Intel, 2020)

Test	Brightness (nits)	Hours (h)
Wi-Fi browsing	150	11.02
Wi-Fi browsing	Not available	7.28
Video playback	150	11.1

Source14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026macOS 10.15. First row Safari 13.1 Wi-Fi 11h01 (11.02 h) at 150 nits. Second Safari max-brightness 7h17 (7.28 h), numeric maximum luminance not assumed. Third Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p 11h06 at 150 nits. Power mode/firmware unstated. Windows 7.5 h is approximate and excluded.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop Go (2020)

Test	Hours (h)
Wi-Fi browsing	11
Video playback	4.25

Source17Measurementconsumerreports.org/electronics-computers/laptops-chromebooks/microsoft-surface-laptop-go-128gb/m402405Read 7 October 2026Exact original i5-1035G1/8GB/128GB review, tested Windows 10 Home after exiting S Mode. Public indexed Detailed Test Results Portability reports 11h light web browsing and 4.25h heavier 4K video playback. Brightness, power mode, browser, codec and firmware are unstated. CR published category method defines Battery Life-web as a sequence of pages over WiFi, and video as a 4K loop. No 150 nit setting assumed. Maker 13h mixed standby/active claim differs. Direct page 403, public indexed text read.18Measurementconsumerreports.org/electronics-computers/laptops-chromebooks/laptops-with-best-battery-life-a1118947781Read 7 October 2026CR public indexed category-method article describes continuously downloading ten lab-server pages over Wi-Fi in default browser and local 4K video playback to depletion. It is method corroboration only, not an exact 2020-unit brightness claim. Target brightness, browser version, power mode and firmware remain unknown. Direct page returns 403. Exact unit review itself explicitly states 11 h web and 4.25 h 4K video.

Wi-Fi browsing runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

11.02h=CalculatedFrom Battery runtime per test

11h=CalculatedFrom Battery runtime per test

Video runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

11.1h=CalculatedFrom Battery runtime per test

4.25h=CalculatedFrom Battery runtime per test

Full charge time (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

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Power draw idleiHighest reviewer idle AC power reading for the matching configuration and test conditions.

7W14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Power table highest idle 7 W AC input, Metrahit Energy. Exact OS/power mode unstated.

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Power draw gamingiReviewer AC power draw during the named game and settings. Not GPU-only power.

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Power draw maxiMaximum reviewer AC input power during the documented load or stress test. Not the adapter rating.

30.6W14Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Air-2020-Review-Is-the-Core-i3-the-better-choice.465534.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Power table maximum 30.6 W AC input, Metrahit Energy. AC input may exceed nominal 30 W adapter output due to conversion loss. OS/power mode unstated.

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Sustained CPU power (measured)iObserved sustained CPU package power during the documented test. Not the configured PL1 limit.

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GPU power while gaming (measured)iObserved GPU-only power while running the documented game and settings.

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Weight (measured)iReviewer measured laptop mass without its power adapter unless the source note explicitly states otherwise.

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Certifications

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Intel EvoiManufacturer certification of the exact configuration as Intel Evo. Processor support alone does not establish certification.

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Copilot+ PCiManufacturer identifies the configuration as Copilot+ PC. A Copilot keyboard key alone is insufficient.

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Colour certifications

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ENERGY STAR

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Yes14Certification listepeat.net/product-details/7d5d887e5b7d4ceb8815be47ff4f78c0Read 7 October 2026Same exact UPC-listed EPEAT record required criterion 4.5.1.1: Conformance to current ENERGY STAR program requirements. Historical 2020 registration. Maker Ecoprofile public indexed document also states Computer Specification 8.0 conformity but downloaded URL returned 404 and is not evidence used here.

EPEAT

Gold16Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/environment/pdf/products/notebooks/13-inch_MacBookAir_w_Retina_PER_July2020.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original Intel 2020 Environmental Report, p8 endnote 2: EPEAT Gold in United States and Canada. First page explicitly US 256 GB configuration, March 18, 2020 introduction. Historical original rating, excludes later M1 November report.

Gold14Certification listepeat.net/product-details/7d5d887e5b7d4ceb8815be47ff4f78c0Read 7 October 2026Product Summary: Surface Laptop Go model 1943, Registered In United States, Tier Gold, registered 2020-10-12, archived 2024-09-26. Expanded UPC list in public HTML includes target 889842668001. This is its historical rating, not a claim of active registry status today.

Other certifications

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In the box

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In the boxiAccessories confirmed for this exact SKU. Do not combine mutually exclusive regional bundles into one box.

MacBook Air, 30W USB-C Power Adapter, USB-C Charge Cable (2 m)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026Original standard maker box contents. Optional adapters and later bundles excluded.

Surface Laptop Go, 39W Power Supply, Quick Start Guide, Safety and warranty documents1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original standard consumer box. Optional Mouse/Surface Dock/bundles excluded.

Power adapter includediWhether a power adapter is included with this exact regional SKU. A supported or recommended adapter does not prove inclusion.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year7Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/embedded-mac-warranty-us.htmlRead 5 October 2026US one-year limited manufacturer hardware warranty. Paid plans and statutory rights excluded.

1year1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original one-year limited maker hardware warranty for selected US SKU. Current marketplace seller warranty excluded.

Warranty serviceiDocumented manufacturer warranty service for the named market. Included paid service upgrades belong in the source note.

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Links

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Product page

support.apple.com/en-us/1119911Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-go-1st-gen-specs-and-features2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-go-1st-gen-specs-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/1119911Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/111991Read 5 October 2026

msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdf1Maker spec sheet (PDF)msftstories.thesourcemediaassets.com/sites/587/2020/10/Surface-Laptop-Go-Fact-Sheet-FINAL-10.7.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original maker October 7, 2020 final fact sheet, three pages downloaded/read. Replaces earlier draft. Consumer rows retained, commercial 16 GB/Pro excluded.

Manual

cdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1931_macbook-air-13-2020-qsg.pdf5Owner's manualcdsassets.apple.com/live/6GJYWVAV/start/ma1931_macbook-air-13-2020-qsg.pdfRead 5 October 2026Exact Intel 13-inch 2020 model Quick Start PDF, two pages downloaded/read/rendered. Big Sur Control Center UI reprint used only for unchanged hardware controls.

support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-go-1st-gen-specs-and-features2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-go-1st-gen-specs-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Both are also in the API. Back to all laptops.