It is actually Microsoft’s first desktop PC ever – and its take is to put a very large 28” tablet mounted on an amazing zero-gravity stand, and smart base. A tabtop!
Our friends at iFixit have torn down the Microsoft Surface Studio. Note for Australian readers the device has sold out in it its initial release in the US so availability may not be for a couple of months here. iTWire has more on that here.
Back to iFixit’s teardown it says “It is no stocking but this machine is stuffed with goodies …”
It says the base is easy to open, home to several modular components (SATA HDD and M.2 SSD) that can be replaced, but CPU, RAM and GPU are soldered to the motherboard. It recommends buying the 16GB RAM version. The display can be easily replaced leading to a 5 out of 10 repairability score.
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Tech heads will want to read the whole coverage but here are a few highlights.
- The 5 out of 10 repairability score is the same as the integrated all-in-one iMac and this is increasingly because these devices are made using “tablet/smartphone” manufacturing processes rather than the old approach of using an “ATX style case.”
- The 28”, 4500 x 3000, 192 dpi, 32 ration screen is unique. It supports sRGB, DCI-P3, and Vivid colour profiles.
- There is a choice of an NVIDIA GeForce GTX965M and 2GB GDDR5 or a GTX 908M and 4GB GDDR5 – as this is not user upgradable it is wise to buy what you may need. Initial sales in the US have focused on the top end specified model.
- SATA 3.0 HDD and M.2 SSD are upgradable, and you can save a penny there if you need to, and it has an SD slot
- Xbox wireless allows Xbox link for amazing gaming.
- The 20° minimum tilt is more about stopping people putting coffee cups on the surface of the Surface!
- 4 x USB 3.0 ports, Gigabit RJ45, Mini display port (for an external monitor but can also support daisy-chained monitors).
- The cooling system is fine for the CPU and GPU and uses two fans and heat pipes.
Whatever the case this is a unique desktop device and will find homes in CAD, graphics, photographics and for those who just want the coolest desktop ever.
You can read about iFixit’s Surface Dial teardown here.
