Unveiling the Frustrating Side of Microsoft

Unveiling the Frustrating Side of Microsoft

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Surface Studio 2: An Overview
3. Design and Build Quality
4. Display and Touch Screen Experience
5. Performance and Hardware Specs
   • CPU and GPU
   • RAM and Storage
6. User Experience: Touch and Pen Input
   • Accuracy and Pressure Sensitivity
   • Pro and Cons for Graphic Designers
7. Peripherals: Keyboard and Mouse
8. Audio and Sound Quality
9. Upgradability and Ports
   • Lack of Thunderbolt 3 and 10 Gigabit Option
   • Accessibility of USB Ports and Headphone Jack
10. Price and Value Proposition
    • Comparison with other desktop options
    • Considerations for creative professionals
    • Cost of touch screens
11. Conclusion

Surface Studio 2: A Powerful Tool for Creative Professionals

The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 has been making waves in the creative market as a powerhouse device aimed at challenging Apple's dominance. With its impressive touch screen and sleek design, it has garnered both praise and criticism since its release two years ago. Now, with a refreshed version of the internals, the Surface Studio 2 seeks to solidify its position as a must-have device for creative professionals. But is it worth the investment? Let's dive into the details and find out.

Introduction

In recent years, Microsoft has been actively targeting the creative market, directly competing with Apple's offerings. One of their standout products is the Surface Studio, a desktop device that boasts a cutting-edge touch screen and sleek design. However, the original Surface Studio fell short in terms of performance and outdated hardware. Now, Microsoft has released the Surface Studio 2, promising significant improvements. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of the Surface Studio 2, from its design and display to its performance and value proposition for creative professionals.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the Surface Studio 2 is truly exceptional. Microsoft has managed to Create a thin, well-constructed screen that sits atop a surprisingly compact computer. The hinge mechanism allows the screen to be adjusted from fully vertical to a 20-degree drafting table angle effortlessly. The touch screen itself is massive and provides an incredible drawing and viewing experience. However, some users may find the screen too glossy, and there are slight uniformity issues with brightness on the left and right sides of the display.

Display and Touch Screen Experience

The Surface Studio 2 offers an excellent display with vibrant colors and multiple pre-calibrated display modes. It supports DCI-P3 and sRGB color spaces, making it suitable for both creative work and media consumption. The touch screen functionality is impressive, providing precise accuracy and pressure sensitivity for artists and designers. The included Surface Pen enhances the writing experience, with its grippiness and overall quality. However, the eraser functionality of the pen suffers from accuracy issues.

Performance and Hardware Specs

The Surface Studio 2's performance largely depends on its hardware specifications. While it boasts a powerful processor, graphics card, and ample storage, it falls behind when compared to desktops aimed at professionals. The quad-Core Intel Core i7-7820HQ processor is unable to deliver the same level of performance as newer processors available in the market. However, it is worth noting that the Surface Studio 2 does not experience throttling and maintains clock speeds above base even under load. The inclusion of a GTX 1070 graphics card makes it capable of handling gaming, albeit at lower resolutions for demanding titles.

User Experience: Touch and Pen Input

The touch and pen input of the Surface Studio 2 are major selling points for artists and designers. The large touch screen allows for intuitive navigation and interaction with creative applications. The Surface Pen offers impressive accuracy and pressure sensitivity, enhancing the drawing experience. While the glossy screen may be a minor drawback, the overall touch and pen input experience is excellent for creative tasks.

For graphic designers, the Surface Studio 2 offers a mixed bag of pros and cons. The glossy screen may cause reflections, making it less than ideal for color-critical work. However, the accurate pen input and pressure sensitivity make up for this. The absence of the Surface Dial, a peripheral that was heavily Promoted in the previous model, may disappoint some users. Nonetheless, Windows Hello facial recognition and the above-average webcam add to the overall user experience.

Peripherals: Keyboard and Mouse

The included keyboard and mouse with the Surface Studio 2 vary in terms of user satisfaction. While the keyboard offers a surprisingly good typing experience, it does not match the performance of a full mechanical keyboard. However, for those accustomed to Rubber dome keyboards, it is a significant improvement. The mouse, on the other HAND, falls short in terms of comfort and tracking speed, often necessitating a replacement for users.

Audio and Sound Quality

The speakers of the Surface Studio 2 deliver great sound quality at lower volumes. However, at higher volumes, the sound quality begins to suffer. This limitation may not be a dealbreaker for most users, but it is worth noting for those who prioritize high-quality audio.

Upgradability and Ports

One area where the Surface Studio 2 falls short is upgradability. Most components, including the CPU, GPU, and RAM, are soldered onto the motherboard, making it impossible for users to upgrade them. The only upgradable component is the storage, which requires a tricky disassembly process. Furthermore, the lack of Thunderbolt 3 and 10 Gigabit Ethernet options is a disappointment, especially considering the device's target audience. Additionally, the positioning of the USB ports and headphone jack at the back of the device makes them less accessible for everyday use.

Price and Value Proposition

Ultimately, the Surface Studio 2's price and value proposition are essential considerations for potential buyers. At a starting price of $4,200, the Surface Studio 2 competes with other high-end desktop options, including the iMac Pro. While it offers impressive design and touch capabilities, its performance and upgradability may not justify the cost for all users. Additionally, the price of touch screens is a significant factor to consider when evaluating the value of the Surface Studio 2.

In conclusion, the Surface Studio 2 is a powerful tool for creative professionals who prioritize touch capabilities and a sleek design. However, the device falls short in terms of performance when compared to other desktop options. The decision to invest in the Surface Studio 2 ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the individual user.