Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13" Vs Microsoft Surface Go 2 10"

The Lenovo ThinkPad L390, released in late 2018, is a traditional laptop designed for productivity, while the Microsoft Surface Go 2, launched in May 2020, is a compact 2-in-1 detachable tablet. Both devices run on the Windows operating system, but they cater to different user needs through their distinct form factors and design philosophies. The ThinkPad L390 emphasizes a robust laptop experience, whereas the Surface Go 2 prioritizes portability and tablet functionality.

These devices offer different approaches to longevity and repairability, reflecting their design intentions.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 was released in late 2018, preceding the Microsoft Surface Go 2's May 2020 launch. Both devices run Windows 10, with the Surface Go 2 initially shipping with Windows 10 Home in S mode, which can be switched to the full version of Windows 10 Home or Pro. Both are compatible with Windows 11. The newer release of the Surface Go 2 may offer a slightly longer period of official software updates compared to the L390.
• Physical Durability and Repairability: The ThinkPad L390 is MIL-SPEC tested for ruggedness, featuring a more traditional laptop build that allows for user-upgradeable RAM and SSD storage, contributing to its practical lifespan. In contrast, the Surface Go 2 features a magnesium casing and Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection, but its design makes user repairs or upgrades challenging.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users seeking a device with more internal flexibility for upgrades might find the L390 more appealing for extended use, while the Surface Go 2's sealed design means users commit to its initial configuration for the device's lifetime.

The performance capabilities of these two devices are tailored to their respective use cases, with notable differences in processing power and multitasking efficiency.

• Processor Capabilities: The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 is equipped with 8th Gen Intel Core processors (i3, i5, or i7), providing solid performance for demanding applications and multitasking. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 offers either an Intel Pentium Gold or an 8th Gen Intel Core m3 processor. The Core m3 variant provides a noticeable performance improvement over the Pentium Gold, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light productivity.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The L390, with its more powerful processors and up to 32GB of RAM, handles multiple applications and heavier workloads smoothly, making it a capable machine for business and academic environments. The Surface Go 2, typically configured with 4GB or 8GB of RAM, is designed for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. While the Core m3 model with 8GB RAM can manage light multitasking, it may experience slowdowns with numerous open tabs or more intensive applications.
• Battery Behavior: The ThinkPad L390 features a 45Wh battery, offering around 8 to 14 hours of use depending on the specific configuration and workload, and supports rapid charging. The Surface Go 2's battery life is rated for up to 10 hours of typical usage, with real-world results varying between 5 to 11 hours, depending on the model and tasks performed.

The display characteristics of these devices differ significantly, impacting viewing experience and portability.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 features a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, often with a matte finish to reduce glare. Some configurations also offer touchscreen functionality. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 comes with a 10.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, offering a resolution of 1920x1280 pixels, resulting in a sharper image due to its higher pixel density (220 ppi).
• Brightness and Color Reproduction: The L390's display typically offers brightness levels between 261 and 278 nits and covers a range of 53% to 116% of the sRGB color gamut. The Surface Go 2's screen is generally brighter, measuring around 390 to 408 nits, and boasts excellent color accuracy, covering nearly 99% of the sRGB color gamut, making it suitable for tasks requiring accurate color representation.
• Aspect Ratio and Viewing Experience: The L390 uses a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, common for laptops. The Surface Go 2 features a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical screen real estate, beneficial for document viewing and web browsing, especially in its tablet form.

Both devices include cameras and audio systems, but they are optimized for different primary uses.

• Camera System Capabilities: The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 is equipped with a 720p webcam, which is standard for video conferencing and online meetings. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 features a 5MP front-facing camera that supports 1080p video, along with an 8MP rear-facing camera also capable of 1080p video recording and autofocus. The front camera also includes infrared sensors for facial recognition.
• Photography and Video Quality: The Surface Go 2's higher resolution cameras offer clearer images and video, making it more suitable for frequent video calls and occasional photography. Users have noted the front-facing camera provides a sharper image during calls. The L390's 720p camera is functional but may not offer the same level of detail.
• Audio Quality: The ThinkPad L390 includes 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium, providing decent sound for a laptop. The Surface Go 2 also has 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio, which are considered surprisingly good for its size, offering clear low, mid, and high tones. Both devices are suitable for media consumption and online communication.