The tech giant Microsoft took the wraps off its first all-in-one PC earlier this Wednesday at its official Windows 10 event in New York City. The Microsoft Surface Studio focuses on creativity, and it comes with an innovative input device called a Surface Dial.
The Surface Studio was the star of the show at Microsoft’s Windows 10 event, but it was not the only reveal by the iconic company. Microsoft also announced the Surface Book i7, the Windows 10 Creators Update, streaming directly from Xbox Live, and new VR headsets.
Microsoft’s Surface Studio comes as Apple prepares to unveil a new lineup of MacBook laptops, and possibly a competing Mac computer. The new all-in-one PC by Microsoft is the company’s lead bearer of a new brand focus on ‘mixed realities’ and creativity.
Microsoft Surface Studio: Specs and Design
Microsoft is pitching the Surface Studio as a “new class of device” in the sense that not only it is an all-in-one PC, but it is also one dedicated to the creative process.
The computer features a massive 28-inch PixelSense display, as seen in other Surface brand devices. The ultra-HD 4.5K resolution touch LCD screen delivers 13.5 million pixels of color.
Microsoft’s Surface Studio comes in three configurations. The entry-level model packs an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 2 GB of VRAM, a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M GPU, and 1 TB of storage in a ‘hybrid drive.’
The mid-range Surface Studio has an i7 CPU, 16 GB of RAM and a GTX 980M GPU. The top-of-the-line option has the same 6th gen processor, 32 GB of RAM, the same GPU, 4 GB of VRAM, and 2 TB of storage.
Microsoft Surface Studio: Features, Price, and Release Date
All Surface Studio models will come with four USB 3.0 ports, an SD card slot, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5-mm headphone jack. The computer comes with a 5.0 MP front camera and a 10 MP rear camera, both capable of recording 1080p videos.
A signature feature of the Surface Studio is what the company dubs as a ‘Zero Gravity Hinge.’ The hinge allows the PC to turn into a real creative studio, putting the display at a 20-degree angle commonly used for sketch boards.
Microsoft also includes a Surface Pen and a Surface Dial. The Surface Dial is a new input peripheral that pairs with the Surface Studio for more creative control over the settings of your work. The Dial is also compatible with other brand devices, and it will cost $99.
The basic Surface Studio costs $2,999, while the higher-end models are priced at $3,499 and $4,199 respectively. Microsoft’s official site says the Surface Studio is readily available for pre-order in limited quantities and that it will start shipping on December 15.
Source: Microsoft