Is there a better alternative?

There are some other Windows on ARM machines that you can consider, including the HP Envy x2 and the Lenovo Miix 630. The NovaGo is the least expensive of the three, and performance is likely to be underwhelming on those other machines as well. You’d choose them, though, if you want a detachable tablet rather than the NovaGo’s 360-degree convertible 2-in-1 design.

　　You could also opt for a budget 2-in-1 like the Dell Inspiron 13 5000, which will run you $750 for a Core i5-8250U, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It offers similar quality, better performance, and shorter battery life. You’ll also be able to purchase a pen and use the Inspiron for taking notes, something the NovaGo doesn’t support.

　　

How long will it last?

The NovaGo is outdated right out of the box thanks to its already-obsolete CPU. It’s reasonably well-built, but with performance this spotty, you’ll be ready to move on to something else almost immediately.

　　

Should you buy it?

No. Windows 10 on ARM is a great idea, and the NovaGo is a well-built notebook that lasts a long time on a charge. But its performance isn’t good enough for all but the lightest user, something that’s likely to change when the first Qualcomm Snapdragon 850 devices hit stores later in 2018.