Is there a better alternative?

Yes, there are lots of alternatives. If you’re a student on a budget, you might want to consider buying the Pixelbook Go. If Windows is a must, then there’s the bulkier and heftier Asus Vivobook 15, Acer Swift 3, or even the Dell Inspiron 14,5000. If a budget Surface is a must, then the Surface Go 2 might also be a better bet, for its higher resolution display and support for Surface Pen.

　　

How long will it last?

The Surface Laptop Go will last for a while. Its internals is up to spec, and its design and build quality are robust. You get a 60-day return policy through the Microsoft Store, and a one-year hardware warranty, plus 90 days of technical support.

　　

Should you buy it?

Yes. The Surface Laptop Go makes sacrifices to hit a low price, but its 3:2 aspect ratio, solid processor, and good battery life help set it apart from the pack.