For the better part of its history, Microsoft has focused on the development of its operating system and Office Suite programs. With the growth of popularity in Apple products and Google becoming a more active player in the computing world, Microsoft has shifted its resume to include hardware production. The Microsoft Surface line first hit stores in 2012 as a touchscreen tablet/notebook alternative to the Macbook Pro. The Surface and Surface Pro lineups of hybrid tablets have increased in popularity in the last four years, especially with creative professionals. It is due to this popularity that Microsoft decided to turn its sights onto the desktop PC world.
Going After Apple’s Niche
While Apple struggle to stay afloat in the early years of Steve Jobs returning to run the company, the creative niche more or less kept the company afloat. Designers, photographers, video editors and others turned to Apple and served as the company’s base. However, in recent years as Apple has looked to expand its market share, the company has streamlined both hardware and software to make it more use friendly to the masses. By doing so, it has alienated its original niche demographic. Many users have turned away from traditional Apple products including Final Cut Pro due to it being watered down. Microsoft has since aimed its new products at this very niche, first with the Surface Pro and now with the Microsoft Surface Studio.
The Microsoft Surface Studio
The desktop computer by Microsoft is uses a multi-touch design to give uses more control over their products. Should you use the desktop, the screen easily folds down from its base so it can function similar to a drawing easel. With the sensitive touchscreen it is possible to use the essentially large tablet for more hands on creativity than ever before. The entry level Microsoft Surface Studio is an Intel Core i5 6th Generation Quad-Core with 8GB of RAM and up to a 2TB Hard Drive. The hard drive is housed in the base of the PC, which allows the tablet screen to remain thinner. The high-end tablet design uses an Intel Core i7 with 32GB of RAM and up to 2TB of hard drive space.
The Microsoft Surface Dial
What really stands out as a potential game changer for designers such as yourself is the Microsoft Surface Dial. This device interacts with the screen and provides additional, hands on controls.