When the Covid-19 lockdown forced the world indoors, tech companies slowed down product cycles, paused launches, and shifted focus to remote work tools. But Microsoft took a bold step in the opposite direction.
Amid global uncertainty, the company rolled out three major products:
- Surface Go 2
- Surface Book 3
- Surface Headphones 2
This strategic launch wasn’t just about updating the Surface lineup it was a calculated move to solve the rising challenges of remote work, online education, and digital collaboration.
In this detailed blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know and help you decide whether these devices are worth your investment.
Why Microsoft Released New Surface Devices During Covid-19
The lockdown completely changed how people worked, studied, and communicated. Suddenly:
- Laptops became essential tools
- Video conferencing became the new “office”
- Students needed reliable tablets and PCs
- Noise-cancelling headphones became crucial in shared homes
- Demand for performance laptops increased
Microsoft realized the world had shifted overnight. Instead of delaying launches, they accelerated them — delivering devices that directly addressed pandemic-era needs
Surface Go 2: A Bigger, Faster, Smarter Portable Device
The Surface Go 2 arrived as an ideal device for students, kids attending online classes, and casual home users who needed affordability without sacrificing quality.
Key Improvements
- Larger 10.5-inch display (reduced bezels)
- Improved battery life
- Faster Intel 8th Gen Core m3 processor option
- 1080p Full HD cameras for online classes
- LTE option for on-the-go connectivity
Why It Mattered During Lockdown
- Perfect size for home schooling
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable option compared to premium laptops
- Great for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Classroom
Surface Book 3: The Most Powerful Surface Ever Made
While the Surface Go 2 targeted basic users, the Surface Book 3 aimed at professionals who needed desktop-level power at home.
Highlights
- Up to 32GB RAM
- Upgraded Nvidia GTX/Quadro GPUs
- Longer battery life
- Faster SSDs
- Detachable display (tablet mode + studio mode)
Who It Was Built For
- Software developers
- Engineers
- Video editors
- Designers
- 3D artists
- Professionals needing a flexible workstation
During lockdown, many of these professionals couldn’t access office desktops Surface Book 3 became a powerful alternative.
Surface Headphones 2: Designed for the New World of Video Calls
Remote work brought new challenges: distractions, poor audio quality, and nonstop meetings.
Surface Headphones 2 directly addressed this shift.
Key Upgrades
- Better Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Longer 20-hour battery
- Improved sound quality
- Rotating ear cups for comfort
- Touch controls for calls and music
Why It Became a Lockdown Essential
- Ideal for Zoom/Teams meetings
- Blocks household noise
- Comfortable for long meeting hours
- High-quality microphone pickup
Comparison Tables (Gives You the SEO Advantage)
Surface Go vs Surface Go 2
| Feature | Surface Go | Surface Go 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 10″ | 10.5″ (larger) |
| Processor | Pentium Gold | Pentium Gold / Core m3 |
| Battery | Average | Improved |
| Camera | 5MP | Full HD 1080p |
| Use Case | Basic tasks | Online classes, work-from-home |
Surface Book 2 vs Surface Book 3
| Feature | Surface Book 2 | Surface Book 3 |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | Up to 16GB | Up to 32GB |
| GPU | GTX 1050/1060 | GTX 1650/1660/Quadro |
| Battery | Good | Better |
| Performance | Strong | Workstation-level |
| Target Users | Creators | High-end professionals |
Surface Headphones vs Surface Headphones 2
| Feature | Headphones 1 | Headphones 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 15 hours | 20 hours |
| ANC | Good | Improved |
| Controls | Touch | More responsive |
| Comfort | Good | Enhanced ear cup rotation |
How Microsoft’s Pandemic Strategy Helped It Stand Out
During lockdown:
- Apple delayed several product launches
- Dell and HP faced supply chain issues
- Google cancelled major events
- Many companies froze updates
Microsoft did the opposite and gained major visibility.
Their strategy focused on:
Supporting remote workers
Strengthening the Surface ecosystem
Staying competitive in the premium hardware market
Providing solutions at all price levels
While global markets struggled, Microsoft positioned itself as a reliable productivity partner.
Who Should Buy These Devices?
Buy Surface Go 2 if you are:
- A student
- A parent buying a device for online classes
- A light user (browsing, Office apps)
- Someone who needs portability and affordability
Buy Surface Book 3 if you are:
- A professional needing serious power
- A designer, developer, or video editor
- Someone who wants a workstation that doubles as a tablet
Buy Surface Headphones 2 if you are:
- A remote worker
- A person with a noisy home environment
- Someone attending long meetings daily
- A music lover who needs good sound and comfort
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Microsoft launch devices during Covid-19?
Because remote work and online learning created immediate demand for new hardware.
2. Is Surface Go 2 good for students?
Yes it’s affordable, portable, and perfect for online classes.
3. Is Surface Book 3 still worth buying?
For professionals who need power, yes it remains a strong choice.
4. Are Surface Headphones 2 good for Zoom and Teams?
They are one of the best options for video calls with noise cancellation.
Conclusion:
Microsoft’s decision to introduce the Surface Go 2, Surface Book 3, and Surface Headphones 2 during the Covid-19 lockdown wasn’t just a product release it was a direct response to the world’s rapidly changing needs.
Each device supported a different kind of user, from students to remote workers to high-end professionals.
While competitors slowed down, Microsoft moved forward and this bold timing helped the Surface lineup become more relevant than ever.
If you’re upgrading your work-from-home setup, looking for the right device for your online classes, or wanting a powerful professional laptop, these Surface devices still stand strong as reliable choices.
