Surface Go 3: Essential Zoom Tablet

Surface Go 3: Essential Zoom Tablet

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a fantastic, portable tablet choice for Zoom meetings. It’s lightweight, offers good battery life, and runs full Windows, making it surprisingly capable for video calls, note-taking, and light productivity. Discover why it’s an essential companion for staying connected.

Welcome to Tabletzoo! Are you looking for a tablet that’s perfect for video calls? If hopping onto Zoom for work, school, or just catching up with friends is a big part of your day, you’ve probably wondered which tablet truly shines in this area. It can be a bit overwhelming with so many options out there, right? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to show you that the Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a surprisingly powerful and incredibly convenient option for all your Zoom needs. Let’s dive into why this little powerhouse is becoming a go-to device!

Why the Surface Go 3 is Your Zoom Best Friend

When you think about a tablet for Zoom, a few things immediately come to mind: portability, battery life, a good screen, and ease of use. The Surface Go 3 delivers on all of these, making it a standout choice for anyone who spends a lot of time in virtual meetings.

The Surface Go 3 is designed with portability in mind. It’s incredibly light and thin, meaning you can easily carry it in a backpack or even a large purse. This makes it perfect for taking to coffee shops, libraries, or simply moving from room to room in your home. You don’t need a bulky laptop; your Zoom setup can be as simple as grabbing your Go 3.

Furthermore, its battery life is generally more than sufficient for extended meetings or a full day of classes. You’re less likely to be scrambling for a charger mid-call, which is a huge plus for productivity and avoiding awkward silences. And for video calls, a decent screen is crucial. The Surface Go 3 boasts a vibrant touchscreen that makes seeing your participants clear and easy.

Key Features for Seamless Zooming

Let’s break down what makes the Surface Go 3 so good for Zoom and video conferencing:

• Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just over a pound (about 544 grams for the tablet alone), it’s one of the most portable devices you can get that still runs a full operating system.
• Full Windows 11 Experience: Unlike many tablets that run a mobile OS, the Surface Go 3 runs Windows 11. This means you can install and run the desktop version of Zoom, along with other essential productivity apps like Microsoft Office, without any compromises.
• Integrated HD Webcam: The 1080p front-facing camera ensures you look clear and presentable on calls.
• Dual Far-Field Studio Mics: These mics are designed to pick up your voice clearly and reduce background noise, so your audio comes through crisp and clean.
• Long Battery Life: Microsoft claims up to 11 hours of “typical device usage,” which translates to a solid day of hybrid work or classes. Real-world usage might vary slightly, but it’s enough to get you through most Zoom-heavy days.
• Touchscreen and Optional Pen/Keyboard: The responsive touchscreen makes navigating Zoom controls intuitive. For more involved note-taking during calls, adding the Surface Pen and Type Cover (sold separately) transforms it into a capable writing and typing machine.

Setting Up Your Surface Go 3 for Zoom: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your Surface Go 3 ready for your first Zoom call is wonderfully straightforward. Since it runs Windows 11, it’s very similar to setting up a laptop.

1. Power Up and Connect to Wi-Fi: Turn on your Surface Go 3. If it’s your first time, you’ll go through the initial Windows setup. Connect to your home or office Wi-Fi network.
2. Download the Zoom App: Open a web browser (like Microsoft Edge, which comes pre-installed). Go to the official Zoom download page: Zoom Download Center. Look for the “Zoom Desktop Client” and click download.
3. Install Zoom: Once the download is complete, find the installer file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click it. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the application. It’s a simple, guided process.
4. Sign In or Sign Up: Launch the Zoom application. You can sign in with your existing Zoom account or create a new one if you don’t have an account yet.
5. Test Your Audio and Video: Before your first important call, it’s a good idea to test your setup. In the Zoom app, go to Settings (the gear icon). Under “Video,” you should see your front-facing camera listed. Your microphone settings are under “Audio.” Zoom has a handy “Test Speaker” and “Test Mic” function to ensure everything is working perfectly.
6. Grant Camera and Microphone Permissions: Windows 11 might ask for your permission for Zoom to access your camera and microphone. Make sure to allow these, or Zoom won’t be able to broadcast your video or capture your audio.

That’s it! You’re now ready to join or host Zoom meetings directly from your Surface Go 3.

Enhancing Your Zoom Experience with Accessories

While the Surface Go 3 is great on its own, a few optional accessories can significantly boost your Zoom productivity and comfort.

The Surface Type Cover

If you plan on doing more than just attending meetings – perhaps taking detailed notes, responding to chat messages, or doing a bit of typing – the Surface Type Cover is almost essential. It magnetically attaches to the bottom of the Go 3, providing a full-sized keyboard and a trackpad.

• Typing Comfort: The keys have good travel for a keyboard this thin, making typing much more comfortable than on-screen.
• Precision Input: The trackpad allows for smooth cursor control, essential for navigating Windows and managing applications.
• Protection: When closed, it also acts as a screen protector.

Look for the Surface Go Type Cover specifically, as it’s designed to fit the dimensions of the Go line.

The Surface Pen

For students, artists, or anyone who prefers jotting down notes by hand, the Surface Pen is a game-changer. It works seamlessly with the Surface Go 3’s touchscreen.

• Digital Notetaking: You can write directly on the screen, taking notes in meetings, marking up documents, or sketching ideas. This is incredibly useful for subjects that involve diagrams or handwritten formulas.
• Natural Feel: The pen offers a surprisingly natural writing experience, often with tilt and pressure sensitivity for more expressive strokes.
• Quick Access: Some Surface Pens have buttons that can be programmed to launch apps like OneNote or take screenshots.

The latest Surface Pen models are generally compatible, but it’s always good to check compatibility before purchasing.

External Accessories (Optional but Useful)

While the Go 3’s built-in mics are good, some users might want more. For noisy environments or if you need higher audio fidelity:

• USB Headset: A simple USB headset can offer better microphone quality and ensure your audio is private and clear. Many comfortable options are available that plug directly into the Go 3’s USB-C port (or USB-A via an adapter).
• External Webcam: If you’re aiming for studio-quality video, an external webcam can also be connected. However, for most users, the built-in 1080p camera is more than adequate.

Surface Go 3 Model Variations and What They Mean for Zoom

The Surface Go 3 comes in a few different configurations, primarily differing in processor, RAM, and storage. For Zoom purposes, here’s what to consider:

Recommendation for Zoom: For the best experience with the Surface Go 3 for Zoom, we recommend a model with at least 8GB of RAM and a Solid State Drive (SSD) for storage. The Intel Core i3 processor is also a significant upgrade over the Pentium Gold for overall responsiveness. This configuration will ensure smooth video, quick app launches, and the ability to run other applications alongside Zoom without lag.

Remember, while Zoom itself isn’t a hugely demanding application for a tablet, running it alongside other programs like a web browser, email client, or a note-taking app can quickly eat up RAM. Also, eMMC storage (found in the 64GB models) is slower than an SSD, affecting general system speed.

Surface Go 3 vs. Other Tablets for Zoom

It’s natural to compare the Surface Go 3 to other popular tablet options when considering a purchase for Zoom. Here’s a quick look:

• iPad (Standard Models): iPads are excellent tablets with great apps and battery life. The iPad version of Zoom is very capable. However, the iPad runs iPadOS, which is different from a desktop operating system. While it handles media and communication well, if you need to run Windows-specific software or have a full desktop experience, the Surface Go 3 has an edge.
• Android Tablets: Similar to iPads, Android tablets offer a mobile OS. They have good Zoom apps and are often more budget-friendly. Again, the strength of the Surface Go 3 lies in its ability to run full desktop applications due to its Windows 11 operating system.
• Chromebooks: Many Chromebooks are excellent for budget-conscious users and can run web-based Zoom very well. They are also lightweight and have good battery life. However, if you need to run any traditional desktop software that isn’t web-based, a Chromebook might be limiting compared to the Windows-powered Surface Go 3.

The Surface Go 3’s unique position as a truly portable Windows device makes it invaluable for users who need the versatility of a laptop and the convenience of a tablet for their Zoom calls and beyond. It bridges the gap between a mobile device and a full computer.

Where to Buy Your Surface Go 3

You can purchase the Surface Go 3 directly from Microsoft’s official website. It’s also widely available from major electronics retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and other authorized Microsoft partners.

When buying, pay close attention to the specifications (processor, RAM, storage) to ensure you get the configuration that best suits your needs and budget, as discussed earlier.

Troubleshooting Common Zoom and Surface Go 3 Issues

Even with a great device, you might encounter minor hiccups. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Poor Video Quality:
  • Ensure your internet connection is stable.
  • Close other bandwidth-heavy applications.
  • Check your room lighting; good lighting from the front helps the camera work best.
  • Restart the Zoom app and your Surface Go 3.
• No Audio or Microphone Not Working:
  • Go to Zoom Settings > Audio and check that the correct microphone is selected and not muted.
  • Check Windows 11 Privacy settings for Microphone access. Search for “Microphone privacy settings” in the Windows search bar and ensure Zoom is allowed to access it.
  • Ensure the physical mute button on your headset (if using one) isn’t engaged.
  • Restart your Surface Go 3.
• Zoom Crashing or Freezing:
  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up-to-date. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
  • Ensure your Zoom app is updated to the latest version.
  • If you have the base model (4GB RAM), closing other applications before starting Zoom can help.
• Battery Draining Too Quickly:
  • Lower screen brightness.
  • Disconnect unnecessary peripherals.
  • Check battery usage in Windows Settings > System > Power & battery to see which apps are consuming the most power.
  • Ensure your Surface Go 3 is not running a demanding background task.

For more in-depth troubleshooting, Microsoft’s support site for Surface devices and the Zoom Support Center are excellent resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the Surface Go 3 good enough for professional Zoom meetings?

Yes, absolutely! For professional meetings where clear audio and video are key, the Surface Go 3 is more than capable, especially the configurations with 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i3 processor. The integrated microphones and webcam are designed for clarity.

Q2: Can I run other Windows applications on the Surface Go 3 besides Zoom?

Yes, you can. The Surface Go 3 runs a full version of Windows 11, so you can install and run most standard Windows applications, including Microsoft Office, web browsers, and many productivity tools. Performance will vary based on the app’s demands and your specific Go 3 configuration.

Q3: Do I need to buy the keyboard and pen separately?

Yes, the Surface Go 3 is typically sold as a tablet-only device. The Surface Type Cover (keyboard) and Surface Pen are usually sold separately as accessories. Budget for these if you anticipate needing them for extended typing or note-taking.

Q4: How does the Surface Go 3 compare to an iPad for Zoom?

The Surface Go 3 offers a full Windows desktop experience, which is beneficial if you need to run specific Windows software. An iPad offers a streamlined tablet OS (iPadOS) that is very user-friendly and has a robust app ecosystem, including a great Zoom app. Choice depends on whether you prioritize desktop compatibility (Surface Go 3) or a simpler, tablet-focused experience (iPad).

Q5: Is the Surface Go 3 powerful enough for online classes?

For attending online classes, taking notes, and participating in discussions via Zoom or other platforms, the Surface Go 3 is an excellent choice. The models with 8GB of RAM are particularly well-suited for managing multiple tabs and programs often used in an educational setting.

Q6: Can I use my phone’s hotspot with the Surface Go 3 for Zoom?

Yes, you can. You can connect your Surface Go 3 to your smartphone’s mobile hotspot via Wi-Fi, allowing you to join Zoom meetings from anywhere you have a cellular signal. Keep an eye on your mobile data plan, as video conferencing can use a significant amount of data.

Conclusion: Your Portable Gateway to Connection

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 truly shines as an essential Zoom tablet. Its perfect blend of portability, a capable Windows 11 operating system, and features designed for clear communication makes it an ideal device for anyone frequently attending virtual meetings. Whether you’re a student joining lectures, a professional collaborating with colleagues, or simply catching up with loved ones, the Surface Go 3 offers a reliable, user-friendly, and surprisingly powerful experience. Remember to consider the configuration that best suits your needs, and don’t hesitate to explore accessories like the Type Cover and Pen to maximize its potential. With the Surface Go 3, staying connected has never been easier or more convenient.

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to explore Tabletzoo for more in-depth reviews and buying advice on all things tablets!

Walter Moore

Your tech guru in Sand City, CA, bringing you the latest insights and tips exclusively on mobile tablets. Dive into the world of sleek devices and stay ahead in the tablet game with my expert guidance. Your go-to source for all things tablet-related – let’s elevate your tech experience!