It was rumored a couple of weeks ago that Microsoft might launch a new all-in-PC called Surface Pro and that’s precisely what the company has done at its event today in New York. Microsoft’s iMac rival is called Surface Studio and the company has confirmed its specifications, price, and when we’ll be able to get our hands on one.
Microsoft says that the Surface Studio has the “world’s thinnest LCD monitor ever built” at just 12.5mm. An aluminum enclosure houses the 3:2 aspect ratio 28 inch touchscreen display which touts 13.5 million pixels, that’s 63 percent more than a 4K TV according to the head of Microsoft’s devices team Panos Panay.
The base of the Surface Studio offers numerous connectivity options like a Mini DisplayPort, SD card slot, standard 3.5mm headphone jack, Ethernet port as well as 4 USB 3.0 ports. Microsoft touts the PC’s creativity credentials which is no surprise as the Surface Studio has been announced alongside the Windows 10 Creator’s Update.
It’s powered by the latest Intel Core i7 processors coupled with 32GB of RAM and a 2TB hybrid drive. The graphics will be handled by NVIDIA’s GeForce 980M graphics card. The PC has a mic array which will enable users to talk to Cortana from across the room. There’s an HD camera on the front which supports Windows Hello.
The Surface Studio’s chrome hinge has been designed to be reflective on purpose so that it can easily “fade to background,” according to the company. The hinge has been designed to easily let users switch between upright and flat working modes. Surface Studio has support for the Surface Pen and it can be used in a very natural way when the PC is in flat working mode.
Microsoft also launched a new input device today called Surface Dial, it’s compatible with the Surface Studio, Surface Book, Surface Pro 4, and Surface Pro 3. The puck-like device works with Windows at a system level which means it can be used to control different options and features in different apps.
Surface Studio is now available for pre-order online via Microsoft’s online store. It’s going to be available in Microsoft’s retail stores for hands-on demos starting tomorrow. Microsoft says that its first all-in-one PC is going to ship in limited numbers this holiday season. Prices start at $2,999 but those who pre-order now will get the $99 Surface Dial for free.
Surface Studio's unprecedented versatility adjusts to every step of your creative process. #MicrosoftEvent pic.twitter.com/gaPUzofTNH
— Microsoft Surface (@surface) October 26, 2016
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