Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio & Duo 2 Announced - Windows 11

Microsoft Unveils New Hardware Ahead of Windows 11 Release

As the launch of the first significant Windows release in six years approaches, Microsoft has recently revealed a comprehensive range of new hardware offerings. The Surface product line has consistently served as a testing ground for an operating system, often inspiring innovation in hardware design.

This brand provides Microsoft with a platform to explore the boundaries of consumer hardware, frequently concentrating on merging categories such as laptops, tablets, and, increasingly, mobile phones. The Surface line has generally proven successful, although experimentation with different designs means perfection isn’t always achieved.

Surface Duo 2: A Second Attempt

The previous Surface Duo exemplifies this approach, alongside its larger counterpart, the Surface Neo. Both devices generated considerable excitement upon their announcement in 2019. However, both eagerly awaited products ultimately fell short of expectations, albeit for distinct reasons.

The Neo was ultimately never released. Microsoft’s earlier decision to discontinue Windows 10X this year effectively ended that particular product’s development. While the Duo did reach consumers, it didn’t fully deliver on its initial promise. The form factor remained intriguing, but the company acknowledged the specifications were not optimal, choosing instead to prioritize other areas. It was described as a “work in progress” that did not justify its $1,400 price.

Microsoft doesn’t explicitly state it, but the new Surface Duo 2 represents a revised approach. This is similar to the strategy employed with products like Samsung’s initial foldable phones. In the smartphone market, there’s a strong desire for devices that could move beyond the established form factor that has dominated for over a decade. The dual-screen device offers a compelling glimpse into potential future designs.

Key improvements include larger screens, now 5.8 inches each (totaling 8.3 inches, up from 8.1), with a resolution of 1344 x 1892 at 401 PPI. The inclusion of a Snapdragon 888 processor and 5G connectivity are also significant upgrades, addressing the limitations of last year’s LTE-only model. The camera system has also been substantially improved, featuring a rear camera setup with three lenses: a 12-megapixel wide, a 12-megapixel telephoto, and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide, in addition to a 12-megapixel front-facing camera.

The Surface Duo 2 is currently available for preorder, with a starting price of $1,500.

Surface Laptop Studio: A New Two-in-One

Another noteworthy new device is the Surface Laptop Studio. This device offers a unique take on the two-in-one category, a segment Microsoft has consistently championed. The name appropriately reflects its lineage, drawing inspiration from both the Surface Studio and the Surface Laptop. It features a 14.4-inch touchscreen mounted on a dynamic hinge that allows for multiple configurations.

Essentially, it functions as a laptop – resembling a MacBook in many respects – with a screen designed to transition into a tablet-like experience when used with the keyboard base. A magnetic attachment point on the underside allows for easy connection of the company’s new stylus.

The Laptop Studio is specifically targeted towards creative professionals, a demographic Microsoft has been actively trying to attract from Apple. It is equipped with an 11th-gen Intel Core H35 processor, available in i5 and i7 configurations. Preorders are open now, with a starting price of $1,600.

Updates to Existing Surface Devices

The Surface Go, Pro, and Pro X lines are also receiving updates. The Go 3 now includes a new Intel Core i3 processor, promising up to 60% faster performance. The 10.5-inch system starts at $400 and will also offer an LTE option in the coming months. The Pro 8 two-in-one features a 13-inch screen, 11th-gen Intel Core processors, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, with a starting price of $1,100. The Surface Pro X, known for its thin and light design, runs on a Microsoft SQ2 ARM chip and will be available from $900.

All of these devices are compatible with the new Surface Slim Pen 2, which boasts a finer tip, haptic feedback, and magnetic charging, priced at $130. Additionally, the Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse, constructed from 20% recycled plastic recovered from the ocean, is a new peripheral offering. The Surface Adaptive Kit includes stick-on keycap labels, bump labels, port indicators, and device openers, designed to enhance accessibility.

Overall, Microsoft’s approach is well-balanced. The Laptop Studio represents further exploration within the two-in-one space. While it may appeal to a niche market, Microsoft has sufficient experience to understand the scale required for such a product. A significant operating system update is more impactful when accompanied by hardware designed to support it.

The Duo 2 is a refinement of a promising product that didn’t fully succeed initially. Microsoft has been transparent about the device’s shortcomings and has addressed them in this iteration. While the price point may be debated, it’s encouraging to see the company continuing to pursue innovative products, especially considering the fate of other experimental concepts like the Neo.

The other Surface updates demonstrate a continued commitment to refinement, aligning with the upcoming release of Windows 11. Microsoft clearly intends for users to upgrade their hardware to take full advantage of the new operating system, as evidenced by its system requirements.

The Microsoft Ocean Plastic Mouse, while somewhat of a marketing initiative, highlights the company’s push for hardware upgrades. Ideally, all devices would utilize similar sustainable components. However, recovering plastics from the ocean is a positive step. The Surface Adaptive Kit exemplifies Microsoft’s ongoing leadership in accessibility efforts.