The Surface Studio 2 is the sequel to the Microsoft’s innovative all-in-one Surface Studio desktop PC that was released over a year ago. With the improved hardware of the Surface Studio 2, Microsoft aims to raise the desktop computer bar and provide better performance than its first Surface Studio.
Where to Buy Surface Studio 2
Amazon US – See Offers
Announced at Microsoft’s Surface Event in New York, the Surface Studio 2 launches with upgrades in the display, processor, and graphics card departments.
Of course, compared to its predecessor, the price has also been beefed up. The device was announced alongside other Surface hardware like the Surface Pro 6 2-in-1 convertible tablet and the second generation of its Surface Laptop.
Microsoft Surface Studio 2 Key Specifications
- Dimensions — Display: 25.1in x 17.3in x 0.5in, Base: 9.8in x 8.7in x 1.3in
- Display — 28-inch PixelSense 4500 x 3000 pixels (192 PPI)
- Storage — 1TB or 2TB solid-state drive (SSD)
- Memory — 16GB or 32GB (DDR4)
- Graphics — NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or 1070 8GB GDDR5 memory
- Processor — Intel Core i7-7820HQ
- Software — Windows 10 Pro
- Connections — 4 x USB 3.0 (one high power port), SD card reader, USB-C, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
- Camera — 5-megapixels 1080P HD camera, compatible with Windows Hello Face Authentication.
Design and Display
If you used or have seen the first Surface Studio, and you loved the design, overall build and aesthetics, good news: Microsoft stuck with the same build on the Surface Studio 2.
And since the design was a great one, I for now do not see any need to modify what works; what the users are in love with.
The Surface Studio 2 has the same dimension and innovative hinge unique to the Studio that allows users convert the colossal desktop to a digital drafting table by pushing the screen down with a single device for drawing and painting.
The display stays the same too: a 28-inch wide PixelSense screen in 3:2 aspect ratio with a resolution of 4500 x 3000 pixels and 192 PPI display density.
Microsoft, however, says the display has undergone upgrade to be brighter (up to 38%) and have more contrast (22%).
Processor and Storage
While the outside of the Surface Studio 2 might not exactly resonate what a device upgrade should look like, the internal components have been extensively improved upon.
Powering the desktop is Intel’s 7th generation Core i7 processors. They aren’t the best version of Intel’s CPU but they’d perform powerfully enough.
In terms of storage, there are two models of the desktop with variable storage options. The base model comes with a 1TB SSD while the second model has 2TB.
To boost gaming, image editing, video processing, and overall graphical performance on the new Surface Studio, a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 / GTX 1070 graphics card is on board.
Software and Connectivity
Asides the regular connectivity options and port selections found on the original Surface Studio, the Surface Studio 2 now comes with a USB-C port. The new Surface Studio comes out-of-the-box with running the Professional version of Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system (Windows 10 Pro).
Surface Studio 2 Price and Availability
Microsoft Surface Studio 2 price starts at around $3,499 for the base model and the second model with the higher configurations will cost $4,799. Pre-order of the upgraded desktop began immediately after it was unveiled but it is expected to go on sale on October 16.
If you use the first version of the Microsoft Surface Studio and you need more powerful GPU that will bring about 50% improvements in graphical performance, smoother gaming experience, USB-C connection, and enhanced display quality, you should go for the new Surface Studio 2.
If not, sticking to the old Surface Studio wouldn’t be a bad idea as the new upgrade is way more expensive compared to the improvements it brings on board.
