Surface Studio 2
The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is a high-end all-in-one desktop computer developed by Microsoft as part of its Surface lineup, released in October 2018 to target creative professionals such as designers, architects, and digital artists. A refreshed version, the Surface Studio 2+, was released in 2022.[1] It features a signature Zero Gravity hinge that allows its 28-inch PixelSense display—with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 4500 × 3000 resolution at 192 pixels per inch—to tilt smoothly from an upright position down to a 20-degree angle, enabling seamless transitions between traditional desktop use and a flat "Studio Mode" for direct drawing and interaction with the Surface Pen (which supports 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity).[2] This design builds on the original Surface Studio from 2015 by enhancing performance for intensive workflows like 3D rendering, video editing, and mixed-reality applications.[1] At its core, the Surface Studio 2 is powered by a seventh-generation Intel Core i7-7820HQ quad-core processor clocked at up to 3.9 GHz, paired with up to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB GDDR5) or GTX 1070 (8 GB GDDR5) discrete graphics for accelerated graphics processing.[2] Storage options include a 1 TB or 2 TB PCIe SSD, providing fast access for large files common in creative software like Adobe Creative Cloud or Autodesk applications.[2] The display itself offers 10-point multi-touch support, 13.5 million individually lit pixels for high dynamic range (HDR) content, sRGB and DCI-P3 color profiles, and anti-reflective Gorilla Glass, making it suitable for precise color-accurate work.[1] Audio is handled by a 2.1-channel speaker system with Dolby Audio Premium, while the integrated 5-megapixel HD front-facing camera supports Windows Hello facial recognition for secure logins.[2] Connectivity is robust for a creative workstation, including four USB 3.0 ports (one with high-power charging), a USB-C port with 3.1 Gen 1 support, an SDXC card reader, Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) with Bluetooth 4.1.[2] The device ships with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed (upgradable to later versions) and includes accessories like the Surface Pen, Surface Keyboard, and Surface Mouse to enhance productivity in digital inking; the Surface Dial 2 is available separately for radial menu interactions.[1] Measuring approximately 28 inches wide and weighing up to 21 pounds (9.5 kg) with its adjustable aluminum stand, the Surface Studio 2 emphasizes a premium, minimalist aesthetic while delivering 50% faster file handling compared to its predecessor through hardware optimizations.[2]Development
Background and design goals
The Surface Studio 2 was developed as a direct successor to the original Surface Studio, introduced in 2016, with Microsoft aiming to enhance performance for demanding creative workflows while maintaining the core form factor of an all-in-one PC. Key improvements included significantly boosted processing power through upgraded Intel Core i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics, enabling faster rendering and multitasking for professional applications. The display brightness was also increased, rising from approximately 430 nits on the original model to nearly 600 nits peak on the Studio 2, allowing for better visibility and color accuracy in varied lighting conditions.[3] Microsoft's design philosophy for the Surface Studio 2 centered on creating a versatile workstation tailored for creative professionals such as artists, designers, and architects, emphasizing seamless integration between hardware and software to mimic traditional creative tools. The device features a 28-inch tiltable touchscreen that transforms into a digital canvas for sketching and drawing, paired with support for Windows Ink to enable natural, pressure-sensitive input via the Surface Pen. This approach sought to bridge the gap between physical drafting tables and digital interfaces, fostering intuitive interaction without the need for external peripherals.[4][5] Development of the Surface Studio 2 spanned roughly two years following the original's launch, culminating in its announcement at Microsoft's October 2018 hardware event, where the company highlighted its evolution amid growing emphasis on mixed-reality experiences and high-fidelity visuals. Engineers focused on refining the device's capabilities to support emerging technologies like Windows Mixed Reality, prioritizing immersive graphics without altering the foundational chassis design. A pivotal element was the retention and optimization of the Zero Gravity Hinge mechanism, which uses a combination of springs and linkages to enable effortless tilting down to a 20-degree angle without motors or electronics, thereby enhancing portability and optimizing desk-space efficiency for studio environments.[6][7][8]Announcement
The Surface Studio 2 was officially announced by Microsoft on October 2, 2018, during a hardware event held in New York City, where it was unveiled alongside the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2.[9] The event highlighted the device's evolution as a creative workstation, emphasizing its role in enabling immersive digital workflows for artists and designers.[6] Microsoft marketed the Surface Studio 2 as the "fastest Surface ever," boasting up to 50% faster GPU performance compared to the original Surface Studio through the integration of NVIDIA Pascal-based graphics.[6] Pre-orders for the device began immediately following the announcement on October 2, 2018, with initial availability starting November 15, 2018, in select markets including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.[10] The base configuration, featuring an Intel Core i7-7820HQ processor, 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB SSD storage, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, was priced at $3,499, while upgraded options extended to $4,799 for models with 32 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD, and a GTX 1070 GPU.[11][12] Launch bundles were offered through Microsoft Store and authorized retailers, often including the Surface Pen for enhanced stylus input, targeting professional creators in initial markets such as the US and UK with broader international rollout planned for early 2019.[10]Specifications
Surface Studio 2 (2018)
The Surface Studio 2, released in 2018, is an all-in-one desktop PC designed for creative professionals, featuring upgraded hardware over its predecessor to support demanding workloads like 3D rendering and video editing. It maintains the signature 28-inch adjustable display but incorporates a more powerful discrete GPU and faster storage options. All configurations ship with Windows 10 Pro, upgradable to Windows 11.[2] The processor is a quad-core Intel Core i7-7820HQ from the 7th generation Kaby Lake family, with a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz, paired with 8 MB of SmartCache.[13] Graphics options include the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with 6 GB GDDR5 memory in the base configuration or the GTX 1070 with 8 GB GDDR5 for higher-end models, enabling GPU-accelerated tasks in applications like Adobe Creative Suite.[2] Memory is available in 16 GB or 32 GB DDR4 configurations at 2666 MHz, soldered to the motherboard and non-upgradable.[2] Storage uses a PCIe NVMe SSD in 1 TB or 2 TB capacities for rapid file access and boot times.[2] The display is a 28-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a native resolution of 4500 x 3000 at 192 pixels per inch (ppi), a 3:2 aspect ratio, 10-point multi-touch support, and typical brightness of 450 nits, calibrated for sRGB color accuracy.[2]| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | 4x USB 3.0 (including 1 high-power port), 1x USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1, non-Thunderbolt), Gigabit Ethernet, SDXC card reader, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 802.11ac Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5), Bluetooth 4.1, Xbox Wireless support[2] |
| Camera | 5 MP front-facing with 1080p HD video recording and Windows Hello IR face authentication[2] |
| Audio | 2.1-channel stereo speakers with Dolby Audio[2] |
| Weight | Approximately 9.56 kg (21 lbs) for the full system[2] |
| Power Supply | External AC adapter with grip-release cable[2] |