Microsoft Makes a 4G LTE Version of the Surface Go

Microsoft's Surface Go is getting a 4G LTE model that's available for pre-order today.

The new model will cost $679 for consumers and $729 for business customers. It'll officially go on sale in the US and Canada on Nov 20. Another 21 markets will get the device on Nov. 22.

The LTE model is configured with 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. A 256GB version is also available for business customers at $829, making it the priciest Surface Go configuration you can get.

The high costs for the new unit may seem a little much, given that you can simply tether the standard version of the tablet with your smartphone's portable hotspot. But in a blog post, Microsoft said the new LTE model will be ideal for business workers, who are often out on the field and need quick access to the internet.

The LTE model also weighs a little more than the Wi-Fi version; it adds 0.02 pounds for a total weight at 1.17 pounds. Microsoft says the device's battery life can last up to 8.5 hours on a single charge, or about thirty minutes less than the standard model.

In July, Microsoft introduced the Surface Go, which starts at $399, as an attempt to offer an affordable 10-inch Windows tablet. In contrast, the Surface Pro 6 starts at $899.

PCMag gave the Surface Go a "Good" score in our review. We liked the device's low cost and high-quality design. However, the product isn't very fast; it runs an Intel Pentium 4415Y processor, a significant downgrade from the Intel Core processors used in the Surface Pro units. If you want the keyboard cover, you'll have to pay an additional $99 to $129, depending on color.

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Consumers can order the device on Microsoft's site here. The company will also offer a $50 discount on Surface Go devices from Nov. 18 to the 24 as part of its upcoming Black Friday sales event.

Microsoft announced the LTE model as the company's Surface products have elevated the company to becoming a top five PC vendor in the US, according to research firm Gartner.

1 Cool Thing: Microsoft Surface Go