As expected, Microsoft rolled out its new All-in-One PC at a Windows 10 event today in New York. But at $3000 and up, Surface Studio will appeal to a very limited audience.
This is surely by design, and Microsoft was quick to note the aspirational qualities of a device that I’m sure it would like to see other PC makers ape in their own less costly machines next year.
And it is a stunner, in an aluminum enclosure—a hint, perhaps, at a materials change from magnesium coming to its portable products as well—and with a gorgeous 4.5K display panel. That panel is 28 inches on the diagonal—so, huge—and offers a 3:2 aspect ratio like Microsoft’s other Surface devices.
It does not, however, detach from the base, since all the computer innards are in that base. That is probably for the best, but Surface Studio does let you recline the screen so that it looks and works much like a drafter’s table.
Surface Studio is also backed by a new Surface peripheral called Surface Dial. Available for $99 and compatible with all modern Surface devices—Surface Studio buyers can get one for free for a limited time—the Surface Dial is “a more intuitive way to scroll, zoom, and navigate,” Microsoft claims. The puck-like device “also enables a set of unique experiences exclusive to Surface Studio, such as app-specific digital tools that allow you to quickly access shortcuts and move seamlessly through your workflow.” You can attach to the screen and trigger in-app menus and options, or use it from the desk.
As a very premium device, Surface Studio will cost you. Here are the available models, which are now up for pre-sale and will ship in December:
Entry-level. Intel Core i5, 8 GB of RAM, 2 GB GPU, 1 TB SSD, $3000.
Mid-level. Intel Core i7, 16 GB of RAM, 2 GB GPU, 1 TB SSD, $3500.
High-end. Intel Core i7, 32 GB of RAM, 4 GB GPU, 2 TB SSD, $4200.
Yikes. I know.
More soon.
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