For $800, it's 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. For $700, you can get the same Core i5, but with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.

Yes, Microsoft says 4GB is officially supported for Windows 11, but I think the RAM upgrade is going to give you a much more satisfying experience. For both generations of this product, Microsoft sent me an upgraded model with 8GB of RAM to test. The lowest-end Surface Laptop Go 2 (like the original) has 4GB of RAM, which I'd consider a red flag.

You can probably see where this is headed. That's because, even for a low-cost laptop, you should be looking for an Intel Core i5 or equivalent processor, 8GB or 16GB or RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. As outlined in my recent guide to buying a budget laptop, the old $500 limit to what we'd consider 'budget,' has been pushed up closer to $700.

Windows 11 includes a Snap Layout feature, accessed by hovering over the Maximize button on any open window.My thinking on budget laptops has changed, pushed by inflation, supply shortages and the increase in work-from-home and remote school scenarios.

Windows 11 supports eye control with external eye trackers.

The cursor’s size and speed can be adjusted and gestures can be remapped in Touchpad Settings.

The keyboard can be remapped with Microsoft’s PowerToys.

Caption color and size can be customized and appear close to the bottom of the screen.

Standard Dark Mode and custom colors are also available under Personalization. Contrast themes are toggled with Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen.

Color Filters including inverted, grayscale, red-green, and blue-yellow can be toggled with Windows + Ctrl + C.

Windows 11 supports voice typing (accessed by Windows + H) and speech recognition (toggled with Windows + Ctrl + S).

A full list of compatible software can be found on Microsoft’s website. It supports third-party screen readers including NVDA from NV Access and Jaws from Freedom Scientific.

Windows 11 includes a built-in screen reader (Narrator).

Windows 11 includes a dedicated accessibility menu.

Laptop go 2