Microsoft announced Monday that it is adding a new model to its Surface Go line, one that has the capability of connecting to the internet over LTE cellular data networks.
Surface Go with LTE Advanced is available for pre-order now, and Microsoft expects it will be generally available in the U.S. and Canada on Nov. 20, and then in 23 markets by Nov. 22. Pricing for the LTE model starts at $679 for consumers and $729 for commercial customers. The Surface Go Type Cover, Surface Mobile Mouse and Surface Pen are additional.
Microsoft’s technical specifications state the new model will include a nano SIM tray and run on 4G LTE Advanced networks.
In early July, Microsoft launched the compact Surface Go with a promise of laptop performance and tablet portability. With a 10-inch screen and weighing slightly more than a pound, the Windows 10 device has been targeted to both “firstline” workers who are out in the field directly interacting with customers, and K-8 students in schools.
Overall, pricing for the Surface Go hybrid tablet starts at $399, which means there’s a significant price premium for the LTE functionality over WiFi connectivity. The lower price point put Surface Go devices directly in competition with Apple’s iPad and Google’s low-cost Chromebooks, and key features at launch were a USB-C port and up to nine hours of battery life.
At the time of the initial launch, Microsoft said an LTE version would be forthcoming later in the year.
