Updated: Microsoft Surface Studio release date, price, specs and features – All you need to know about the new Microsoft Surface Studio all-in-one PC as we wait to go hands-on with the latest Windows 10 AIO.
As expected, Microsoft has announced a brand new Surface device at its October Windows 10 event – the newly unveiled hardware is an all-in-one PC called the Surface Studio and it's every bit as exciting as we hoped.
There are plenty of reasons to get enthused about this particular AIO, so let's get started. Here's what we know so far about the Surface Studio.
What is the Surface Studio?
The Surface Studio is Microsoft's latest addition to generally well received Surface line-up.
Joining the likes of the Surface Book, Surface Pro 4, and Surface 3, the Surface Studio is an AIO Windows 10 PC with a difference – as well as propping up like a traditional desktop, it folds almost completely flat.
Microsoft claims the addition represents a "new category of device" and a "profound experience" that will "help you bring your ideas to life".
What does that actually mean? Here's what we know so far.
The Surface Studio is a 28-inch AIO PC that Microsoft claims represents the "thinnest LCD monitor ever built" and features a Gorilla Glass-protected display powered by Microsoft's PixelSense technology.
There are a few configurations on offer, with the base model coming with an Intel Core i5 Processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 1TB hybrid drive.
The priciest model packs a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, an Nvidia GTX980M GPU, and a 2TB hybrid drive.
Connectivity comes in the form of four USB ports, a mini DisplayPort and an Ethernet jack, plus there's an HD webcam and built-in mic array that's apparently optimised for speaking to Cortana. There's also a new accessory in the form of the Surface Dial.
When is the Surface Studio coming out?
Good question. The Surface Studio is available to pre-order immediately, at least in the US, with demos on offer at Microsoft stores from Thursday October 27.
Microsoft added that the device will only be available in "limited quantities" this holiday season, and encouraged you to order "quickly" if you want to slot one under the Christmas tree.
I'm tempted to view this rallying cry as little more than a crude marketing ploy, but given how oversubscribed recent releases like the iPhone 7 Plus and Google Pixel have been, I'm inclined to temper my natural cynicism.
How much does the Surface Studio cost?
US pricing for the Surface Studio starts at $2,999, with some configurations costing as much as $4,199. While UK specific pricing has yet to be confirmed, the cheapest machine equates to roughly £2,450. Adjusting for tax and the current state of the pound, we'd expect the UK RRP to be at least £2,799 when it launches here.
Should I care about the Surface Studio?
In a word, yes. Microsoft's Surface products are some of the very best on the market and showcase the company's Windows 10 operating system at its very best.
While the bulk of Microsoft's October event fell flat with the TrustedReviews staff, the Surface Studio genuinely elicited 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' from across the war room, with one of our number going so far as to say, "I might be switching to PC." (By way of balance, other in-house comments included, "that's amazingly expensive.")
That pretty much says it all, but stay tuned for more details and our first impressions of the Surface Studio.
