I still remember the buzz back in 2018 when to fight against Apples iPad Microsoft brings Surface Go started trending across tech blogs. I was one of those curious early adopters who couldn’t resist checking out what Microsoft had cooked up to rival Apple’s sleek, beloved tablet.
I’d been using an iPad for years—mostly for Netflix marathons and sketching with the Apple Pencil—but something about the Surface Go promised a “mini laptop” feel that the iPad never quite nailed.
When I finally got my hands on the Surface Go, it felt like Microsoft had actually been listening to people like me: students, travelers, and casual users who wanted the power of Windows in something portable and budget-friendly. But was it really the iPad killer everyone claimed it to be? Let’s unpack that.
What Made Microsoft Launch the Surface Go to Compete With Apple’s iPad?
Microsoft didn’t just want a tablet—it wanted a 2-in-1 productivity machine that could go head-to-head with Apple’s iPad.
The Surface Go was essentially a “little sibling” to the Surface Pro, offering similar design cues but in a smaller, more affordable package.
When To Fight Against Apple’s iPad Microsoft Brings Surface Go became the headline of the year, the move made sense.
Apple’s iPad dominated the tablet market, but it was primarily built for media consumption—watching shows, browsing, and gaming. Microsoft wanted to flip that narrative by giving people a true PC experience in tablet form.
The Surface Go ran Windows 10 Home (in S Mode), meaning it could handle the full version of Windows once upgraded for free.
I could open Word, use Chrome extensions, or even run Photoshop—something iPad users could only dream of at the time.
How Does the Surface Go Compare to the 2018 iPad?
Back in 2018, this was the ultimate showdown. I remember setting my Surface Go beside my iPad 6th Gen and immediately noticing how different their personalities felt—like comparing a student who loved coding with another who excelled in design.
| Feature | Microsoft Surface Go (2018) | Apple iPad (6th Gen, 2018) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home (S Mode, upgradeable) | iOS (now iPadOS) |
| Design | 2-in-1 tablet with kickstand | Standard tablet |
| Display | 10″ PixelSense (1800×1200) | 9.7″ Retina (2048×1536) |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y | Apple A10 Fusion |
| Ports | USB-C, Surface Connect, microSDXC | Lightning Port |
| Stylus Support | Surface Pen (sold separately) | Apple Pencil (sold separately) |
| Keyboard | Type Cover (sold separately) | Smart Keyboard (sold separately) |
| Starting Price | $399 | $329 |
The Surface Go definitely leaned toward work and productivity, while the iPad excelled in creativity and leisure.
Windows made me feel like I was carrying a mini laptop, while iOS was more of a playground for quick notes, games, and Netflix binges.
The Go’s adjustable kickstand was a game-changer for typing or video calls, while the iPad needed a case or stand for similar comfort.
However, when it came to speed and display sharpness, the iPad had an edge with its A10 Fusion chip and Retina screen.
The Surface Go’s Intel Pentium Gold processor was fine for light work, but multitasking too heavily made it slow down.
Was the Surface Go Really an “iPad Killer”?
Here’s where the debate heated up—and honestly, I get why. Both devices looked incredible and shared overlapping price points. But their philosophies couldn’t have been more different.
When people said To Fight Against Apple’s iPad Microsoft Brings Surface Go, they weren’t exaggerating. Microsoft clearly targeted users frustrated by the iPad’s mobile limitations.
The Surface Go let me plug in a mouse, use external drives, and even connect to dual monitors through its USB-C port—something Apple wouldn’t introduce until much later.
However, the iPad had its strengths too. It was faster, had better battery life, and an ecosystem full of polished apps built specifically for touch.
Apple nailed the casual user experience, while Microsoft catered to those who preferred flexibility and function over polish.
If I had to summarize it back then: the Surface Go was a laptop disguised as a tablet, while the iPad was a tablet trying to be a laptop.
What About the Pricing Battle Between the Two?
I’ll never forget how confused buyers were when both tablets required extra purchases to reach their full potential.
Sure, the Surface Go started at $399, but once you added the Type Cover keyboard and Surface Pen, the total easily crossed $550.
Meanwhile, the iPad started at $329, but pairing it with an Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard brought it closer to the same price bracket.
In India, things looked even more dramatic. The iPad 6th Gen (Wi-Fi only) sold for around ₹9,899, while the Surface Go retailed at ₹78,000+ for higher configurations.
The price gap made the iPad far more accessible, but Windows loyalists were willing to pay extra for that familiar PC environment.
How Has the Surface Go Line Evolved Since Then?
Fast forward a few years, and both companies doubled down on their philosophies. Microsoft launched the Surface Go 2 and Go 3, refining the formula with better processors, slimmer bezels, and longer battery life.
Apple, meanwhile, introduced iPadOS, bridging the gap between iPad and Mac more than ever before.
Today, the Surface Go still targets a niche audience—students, travelers, and professionals who want a full Windows experience in the smallest possible package. It’s not trying to be the iPad anymore—it’s comfortable in its own lane.
And as an everyday user, I think that’s where it shines most. I love that I can edit documents, stream Netflix, and switch between apps without feeling restricted. It’s my “tiny laptop” when I travel light.
FAQs About “To Fight Against Apple’s iPad Microsoft Brings Surface Go”
1. Is the Microsoft Surface Go better than the iPad?
Not necessarily—it depends on what you value. The Surface Go is perfect if you want a full Windows system for productivity, while the iPad is better for creativity, drawing, and entertainment.
2. Can you use Microsoft Office on the Surface Go?
Yes! That’s one of its biggest advantages. You can install and use the full desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint—something the iPad only recently began supporting in a limited way.
3. Is the Surface Go good for students?
Absolutely. It’s portable, runs Windows apps, and works great for note-taking and online classes. The only drawback is that accessories like the keyboard and pen increase the total cost.
4. Does the Surface Go replace a laptop?
For light tasks like writing, browsing, and streaming, yes. But if you’re doing heavy photo or video editing, a full-sized laptop or desktop is still more practical.
Final Thoughts — The Rivalry That Sparked Innovation
Looking back, To Fight Against Apple’s iPad Microsoft Brings Surface Go wasn’t just a catchy headline—it marked a turning point in tablet innovation. Microsoft dared to enter Apple’s turf with a product that blurred the line between work and play.
The Surface Go didn’t kill the iPad, but it did redefine what tablets could be. It pushed Apple to create iPadOS, improve multitasking, and take productivity seriously. And for that, I’d say Microsoft’s gamble paid off.
Personally, I still love my Surface Go for its charm—it’s compact, capable, and quietly confident. It might not have the iPad’s fame, but it has something better: the heart of a real PC in a travel-sized body.
