At a
time when the most talked about IT topics revolve around immaterial tools like
the cloud, wireless networking, AI-based software, and mobile apps, we tend to
forget that tangible hardware still matters. After all, it is what started it
all years ago, with the “personal computer” concept, that now materializes in
gorgeous laptop and desktop models.
اضافة اعلان
Tangible
hardware is the core equipment behind everything we do when a large display is
a must, especially when a smartphone or laptop — however powerful and
feature-laden it may be — is just not enough.
Microsoft did not cut corners when designing its Surface Studio 2 Plus.
The
time when a personal computer was a poor man’s device has passed. Units made
after 2015, whether laptops or desktops, are anything but run-of-the-mill
equipment. They have all the processing power, resources, and functionality
needed at home or work, and some new high-end models can even compete with
entry-level dedicated server machines.
In
the Microsoft Windows world, Lenovo, HP, and Dell are in the lead, at least in
sales figures. However, Microsoft, which also makes hardware in addition to its
dominating MS-Windows software operating system and Microsoft 365 Office Suite,
has a computer model that truly stands out, the Surface Studio 2 Plus.
What
strikes you first is the design's beauty and the lines' elegance. The
connectors to the outside world are in the small rectangular base that sits on
the desk and supports the superb 28” display. It is, of course, a touch screen
featuring PixelSense technology and Dolby Vision and can display 1 billion
colors. Every specification and every characteristic is pushed to the limit
here. The processor is an Intel Core H35 of the 11th generation. The internal
graphic process is an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 fitted with 6GB of memory, which
is as much memory as some computers.
For those who spend hours in front of the screen every day or simply enjoy computing, which is probably the largest part of the population, yes, it is justified — provided one can afford it.
Bluetooth
is the latest version, 5.1, central memory is 32GB, and sound is an impressive
stereo 2.1 speakers with Dolby Atmos, etc. Microsoft did not cut corners when
designing its Surface Studio 2 Plus.
At
28”, the screen is not only larger than in most computers, but its Gorilla
Glass 3 anti-scratch and shock resistant glass is usually only found in
expensive smartphones because they are more subject to falling or being broken,
which of course is not the case of a machine that will be sitting on a desk.
But again, Microsoft wanted top-of-line, luxury computer hardware with no
compromise. And needless to say, Windows 11 is included.
Of
course, such mouth-watering specs come at a price and at a weight. In the US,
the price tag is $4,400. As for the weight, it is about nine kilograms. Is the
luxury justified?
For
those who spend hours in front of the screen every day or simply enjoy
computing, which is probably the largest part of the population, yes, it is
justified — provided one can afford it.
All reviews
found on the web agree that the machine is nothing but superlative in every
aspect. Still, some have found “minor imperfections”. Zdnet.com for instance,
regrets that the processor is of the 11th and not the 12th generation and that
the screen bezels are not narrower. Tomsguide.com, another well-known
technology reviewer, mainly complains about the price — too high, despite the
fantastic characteristics.
So, who is the Surface Studio 2 Plus made for, and what user market segment is Microsoft targeting? Certainly not the casual, money-conscious users who just want to check their email, watch a Youtube video, store some music or photos, or write a letter now and then.
So,
who is the Surface Studio 2 Plus made for, and what user market segment is
Microsoft targeting? Certainly not the casual, money-conscious users who just
want to check their email, watch a Youtube video, store some music or photos,
or write a letter now and then.
It
is more intended for those who can afford it in the first place, naturally, but
also for power users, business executives, and die-hard gamers. Indeed, the
latter category will find an ideal computer to play games requiring a very
large, sharp screen, a fast processor, a lot of memory, and a strong secondary
graphic processor. The superb 28” screen, probably the strongest point in favor
of the model and its best-selling argument, and the Nvidia graphic processor
will be an ideal setup in such cases.
Businesspeople
and power users will also find it an ideal tool to run several applications
simultaneously and split the large screen into two or even three parts,
allocating comfortable real estate for each program.
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