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Here's all you need to know about Surface Studio, Microsoft's first desktop computer

Shweta Sengar | Updated on: 10 February 2017, 1:45 IST

Microsoft's all-in-one PC, the Surface Studio, is finally here. After tablets and laptops, the Microsoft Surface family has also expanded to desktop computers.

After the launch of the Microsoft Surface Book last year, the Surface Studio is one of the most exciting products to come from Microsoft's kitty this year.

Features and specifications

"At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. With Windows 10, Microsoft Surface and the medium of Mixed Reality, we aim to empower the builders, the makers and the creators with the tools to create, collaborate and express themselves in new ways," Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft, said in a statement.

"We totally believe that Surface changes the way you produce, the way you create, the way you learn," Panos Panay, who leads Microsoft's devices team, said at the launch event. "The product I'm going to show you is all of that - but it's one step further. It's going to seem familiar, but it's going to feel different," Panay said.

He then unveiled the Surface Studio, touted to be the "world's thinnest LCD monitor ever built" at 12.5mm.

Features of the Microsoft Surface Studio

The 28-inch PixelSense touchscreen display is contained in a forged aluminum enclosure. The display outputs 13.5 million pixels, according to Panay, which is 63% more than a 4K television.

Microsoft Surface Studio supports expanded colour output, called as "TrueColor", imperative for photographers, videographers and designers.

The display has a 3:2 aspect ratio. The device also offers 'True Scale' with 192 pixels per inch pixel density display where 1mm on the screen equals the 1mm in the real world. The device is powered by 6th generation Intel Core i7 processors, has an Nvidia GTX 980M GPU in the top model and with a 965M in the lower-priced variants.

The device comes with a special controller in the form of a Surface Dial. The PC also features a zero gravity hinge and sits at a 20 degree angle, ideal for architects, painters, artists and writers.

The devices supports a variety of peripherals, including the Surface Pen and a new radial accessory, the Surface Dial. The Dial can be put directly on the studio to pop up menus and many other features like adjusting volume, screen brightness and much more. The Studio offers connectivity options like audio, SD card, Mini DisplayPort, ethernet, and 4 USB 3.0 ports. The built-in microphone array makes it easier to activate Cortana, Microsoft's Windows 10 assistant.

Microsoft also announced the Windows 10 creators update along with the Surface Studio. The Creators update aims at making 3D content available to millions of Windows 10 users as soon as possible.

This includes the biggest-ever update to the classic Paint app - now known as Paint 3D.

Microsoft's hardware division is ramping up competition targeted to numerous Windows PC vendors including Dell, Lenovo, HP, among others. The device is also taking on Apple iMac, which is already a hit among professionals.

It will be interesting to see how Microsoft's Surface Studio competes with Apple's upcoming Mac-related event.

Price of the Microsoft Surface Studio

The Surface Studio is now available for pre-order, at a starting price of $2,999 (Rs 2,00,333).

  • 1TB/Intel Core i5-8GB-dGPU- $2,999
  • 1TB /Intel Core i7-16GB-dGPU- $3,499
  • 2TB /Intel Core i7-32GB-dGPU- $4,199
The Surface Studio will be available in limited quantity this year with broader availability early next year.

First published: 27 October 2016, 4:25 IST