Tag Archives: surface

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 could be the beginning of the end for the hardware brand

Posted on by

Microsoft hasn’t had a lot of good fortune when it comes to its own hardware, at least outside of the Xbox consoles. Its first attempt at an iPod killer turned the Zune into a laughing stock, and its efforts to create its own mobile platform as well as adopt Android both ended up as market failures. Surprisingly, it struck gold with the Surface, particularly the Surface Pro line of 2-in-1 detachable tablet PCs that challenged the iPad and offered an even more versatile working experience on the go. That gave birth to a family of products ranging from computers to accessories and some hope that Microsoft has finally succeeded after all those years. Last week even saw the announcement of a new Surface Laptop Studio 2, but reception has been a little bit lukewarm and even doubtful of the future of these portable computers.

Designer: Microsoft

It’s not that the new Surface Laptop Studio 2 is terrible, just that it comes two years after the very first model. The Surface Laptop Studio definitely turned heads with its unique design in how it combined laptop and tablet forms in a way no other manufacturer has done before. It’s still a single piece of hardware, unlike the detachable Surface Pro, but part of its display detaches from the back and can be tilted at different angles, transforming the computer into a tablet or entertainment center. It practically combines the Surface Laptop and the larger Surface Studio to create a portable creativity powerhouse like no other.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 upgrades that design from the inside, with newer options when it comes to specs. There are also some changes from the outside, like the addition of a full-sized USB-A port and a microSD card slot, but the overall form remains the same. It’s more of an incremental step forward, which might sound a bit disappointing considering how much time has passed between the two generations.

What has some Microsoft fans more concerned, however, is what the company wasn’t saying or showing during that event. The Surface Pro 10 was nowhere to be seen, which was strange considering it is the poster child for the brand. Even the smallest Surface got an upgrade, though the Surface Go 4’s middling specs and business-oriented rhetoric might make it less interesting for consumers. The Surface Laptop Go also arrives with a third-gen model, though this is also the less powerful version of Microsoft’s self-branded laptop.

Instead, Microsoft’s event seemed to focus more on its AI-powered Office features, which isn’t surprising considering how it’s a very hot topic and how Microsoft has invested heavily in this technology. But along with the departure of Panos Panay, considered to be the face of Microsoft Surface, there have been murmurs and doomsayings about the future of this product line. After all, the design of the Surface devices hasn’t change that much over the years, and, save for the Surface Laptop Studio, hasn’t seen much innovation either. It remains to be seen if Microsoft has lost its touch and, just like its previous hardware products, put the Surface to pasture soon.

The post Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 could be the beginning of the end for the hardware brand first appeared on Yanko Design.

The best 2-in-1 laptops for 2024

Posted on by

We’re still waiting for the perfect hybrid PC that can work as well as a tablet as it does as a laptop. As we enter 2024, it seems like many companies have also given up on that ideal — but Microsoft, Apple and Samsung still have some options to consider. And we’re still seeing OS tweaks to make iOS and Android more usable for larger displays. If you’re on the hunt for your next computer and are dead-set on it being a 2-in-1, we’ve collected our current top picks here plus all of the things you should know before making a purchase.

When you’re shopping for a 2-in-1, there are some basic criteria to keep in mind. First, look at the spec sheet to see how heavy the tablet is (alone, and with the keyboard). Most modern hybrids weigh less than 2 pounds. If the overall weight of the tablet and its keyboard come close to 3 pounds, you may be better off getting an ultraportable laptop.

Also, while some 2-in-1s offer built-in LTE or 5G connectivity, not everyone will want to pay the premium for it. An integrated cellular radio makes checking emails or replying to messages on the go far more convenient. But it also often costs more, and that’s not counting what you’ll pay for data. And, as for 5G — you can hold off on it unless you live within range of a mmWave beacon. Coverage is still spotty and existing nationwide networks use the slower sub-6 technology that’s barely faster than LTE. For now, tethering a PC to your phone is still the best way to get online.

These machines still have their limits, of course. Since they’re smaller than proper laptops, they tend to have less-powerful processors. Keyboards are often less sturdy, with condensed layouts and shallower travel. Plus, they’re almost always tablets first, leaving you to buy a keyboard case separately. (And those ain’t cheap!) So, you can’t always assume the advertised price is what you’ll actually spend on the 2-in-1 you want.

See Also:

Sometimes, getting a third-party keyboard might be just as good, and they’re often cheaper than first-party offerings. If you’re looking to save some money, Logitech’s Slim Folio is an affordable option, and if you don’t need your keyboard to attach to your tablet, Logitech’s K780 Multi-Device wireless keyboard is also a good pick.

While we’ve typically made sure to include a budget 2-in-1 in previous years, this time there isn’t a great choice. We would usually pick a Surface Go, but the latest model is still too expensive. Other alternatives, like cheaper Android tablets, are underpowered and don’t offer a great multitasking interface. If you want something around $500 that’s thin, lightweight and long-lasting, you’re better off this year looking at a conventional laptop (like those on our best budget PCs list).

Nathan Ingraham contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-2-in-1-laptops-173038508.html?src=rss

Surface Pro 9 Liberty Special Edition lets artistry bloom on your 2-in-1 tablet

Posted on by

The first Microsoft Surface tablets started a new trend in computing. Although there were already tablet PCs back then, they were really just laptops that could bend or twist to become slates you could draw on with a pen. The 2-in-1 form factor with a detachable keyboard liberated people from being weighed down by what they didn’t need or use at that time, while the kickstand mechanism, though not exactly perfect, started a new trend in mobile devices and accessories. The Surface is celebrating its tenth birthday this year, and its iconic design has grown over time like a blooming flower. As if the mark that occasion perfectly, the company is launching a Special Edition of the device with engravings and patterns that turn the Surface Pro 9 into a beautiful centerpiece when not in use.

Designer: Liberty

Although many still look the part of hardened workstations and geeky powerhouses, a few laptops today have started paying as much attention to their looks as to their specs. For all the criticisms it received for its early performance, the Surface line of devices brought some of that design focus to tablets, something that is admittedly surprising for a tech company such as Microsoft, especially after its failure with Zune and Lumia. The basic design hasn’t changed drastically in its ten years, but Microsoft has, to its credit, continued to refine and perfect it every year.

The Surface’s tenth anniversary almost coincides with another major turning point in Microsoft’s history. Windows 11 was technically launched last year, but it only came into full swing starting this year. The new Windows release also brought with it a new visual metaphor, one of a blooming flower that symbolizes the collaboration of engineering and design, the merging of natural and digital elements, and the attention to aesthetics that Windows isn’t really famous for. What better way, then, to celebrate the convergence of these milestones than with a Surface Pro 9 that fills its surface with flowers, pun intended.

Made in collaboration with London-based studio Liberty, popular for its flora designs, this Special Edition isn’t just some skin slapped on the back of a Surface Pro 9. The repeating patterns of rhododendron flowers, the official flower of Washington State that Microsoft calls home, are laser engraved to give it a longer-lasting effect. It is akin to engraving fine jewelry, which is what this tablet wants to be. A specially-printed Liberty Keyboard brings those same patterns to your fingertips, almost literally, which also acts as a beautiful cover for the device when folded.

Whichever side it’s lying on, this Surface Pro 9 Liberty Special Edition is designed to look stylish and pretty, almost good enough to be a decorative piece on your coffee table or desk. It is an attempt to humanize these otherwise cold devices, but one that will cost you $1,800. Of course, there are plenty of skins available for the Surface Pro 9, but those might fade and will definitely peel over time like a wilting flower way past its prime.

The post Surface Pro 9 Liberty Special Edition lets artistry bloom on your 2-in-1 tablet first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 offers powerful computing in a sophisticated style

Posted on by

Once upon a time, actually just a decade ago, the Surface name simply referred to a range of 2-in-1 tablets that transformed into laptops when a keyboard cover was attached. Today, the brand encompasses a variety of devices, including Microsoft’s very own laptop. Rather than aping Apple’s MacBook like other manufacturers tend to do, the Surface Laptop made a name for itself with its distinctive design that clearly marked it as part of a larger Microsoft family of computers. Now in its fifth year, the Surface Laptop 5 continues that tradition, bringing not only a new set of hardware upgrades inside but also a new selection of colors to match your own personal style.

Designer: Microsoft

The Surface Laptop has always looked smart and sharp compared to most laptops. Clean corners and flat edges give it a somewhat industrial look, while its minimalist surfaces provide a modern contrast that gives the notebook PC a unique visual character. Ever since the early days of the Surface line, Microsoft has adopted a special design tradition with the use of premium Alcantara material on many of its devices. The Surface Laptop 5 inherits that DNA but also expands it a little bit to accommodate the diverse tastes of customers.

Knowing that there is no one size or color that fits all, Microsoft is adding a new Sage color option to the roster. This grayish-green hue has earthy tones that call to mind pebbles and smooth rocks that are commonly associated with Zen gardens. This gives the Surface Laptop 5 a calmer appearance that seems to fit perfectly with today’s busy lives centered around computers. Customers can still pick their preferred Sandstone or Matte Black metal colors, as well as the Platinum colorway with a premium Alcantara keyboard deck.

The Surface Laptop 5 upgrades the series with the latest 12th gen Intel processors, all designed using the chip maker’s EVO platform to guarantee power efficiency in a mobile setting. Like before, buyers can also choose between 13-inch or 15-inch sizes depending on their need for portability or more screen space. Whichever they choose, they will be able to harness the laptop’s full potential for work and entertainment. Those include Dolby Vision IQ and Atmos for exceptional image quality and cinematic sound, a 720p HD webcam and dual far-field Studio mics for video meetings, and a battery that will last 17 to 18 hours, depending on the model and use case. Availability details for the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 are still forthcoming, and this piece will be updated once the information becomes available.

The post Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 offers powerful computing in a sophisticated style first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 tablet brings new power in a new range of colors

Posted on by

Microsoft has been pushing tablets as powerful yet flexible productivity tools long before Apple decided to go on its “What’s a computer” iPad Pro marketing campaign. Although it has had trouble making and selling its own devices before, Microsoft finally struck gold with the Surface Pro 2-in-1 tablets, giving birth to a new brand of Surface devices that have become the company’s signature hardware line. Nine years and nine generations later, the Surface Pro still remains a benchmark for this class of Windows computers. With the Surface Pro 9, Microsoft is consolidating its lightweight and flexible PC while also breaking it out into new splashes of colors that will give customers more options to fit their aesthetic tastes.

Designer: Microsoft

Tablet PCs existed long before the iPad was even conceived, but those portable computers really stretched the meaning of the word “portable.” While tablets powered by iOS (now iPadOS) and Android were indeed lightweight and convenient to carry around, their earlier incarnations lacked both the hardware and the software to be considered worthwhile tools for work and creating content. The first Surface Pro in 2013 challenged those assumptions and started a trend that other PC makers would follow even to this day.

The Surface Pro’s core design has changed very little, despite heavy criticism of its kickstand’s “lap-ability.” Microsoft opted to focus on familiarity, refinement, and compatibility, with last year’s Surface Pro 8 making the biggest change that would see the bezels around the screen slim down considerably. This year, the Surface Pro 9 pays attention to a slightly different aspect, increasing the color options to include more vibrant hues to appeal to more design-savvy customers.

New to this batch are Sapphire and Forest colors, adding a bit of life to the more subdued Graphite and Platinum choices. As with any new Surface Pro release, there are matching Signature Keyboard Covers that are now partially made with biobased Alcantara material. This more sustainable textile contains at least 12% renewable content derived from sugarcane waste, making the Surface Pro 9 a little bit more environment-conscious this year.

There are more changes inside, of course, primarily with the more powerful 12th gen Intel EVO processors. Those familiar with Microsoft’s previous Surface Pro devices might notice the addition of a new Surface Pro 9 with 5G model in the list. This replaces the Surface Pro X line and is powered by a new Microsoft SQ3 processor co-designed with Qualcomm, pitting it directly against both the M1 iPad Pros and the M1 MacBook Pros. All in all, the Surface Pro 9 offers more flexibility in the number of options buyers will be able to choose from, letting them decide the features they need in the colors they want. Availability details for the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 are still forthcoming, and this piece will be updated once the information becomes available.

The post Microsoft Surface Pro 9 tablet brings new power in a new range of colors first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft announces the Surface Studio 2+, a flexible all-in-one desktop for professional creators

Posted on by

Microsoft Surface Studio 2+

Designed as an upgrade to their Surface Studio 2, the 2+ now has double the graphical capabilities of its predecessor and comes built expressly for Windows 11.

Earlier today, Microsoft announced a slew of hardware products under their Studio line (along with even an audio dock system for enterprise use with their Teams software). Debuted alongside next-gen announcements for the Surface Tab and Laptop, the company even revealed an upgraded version of their flagship all-in-one desktop system. Aptly titled the Surface Studio 2+ (since it’s an upgrade, not a next-gen), the desktop device comes with the same flexible, adjustable design as its predecessor, however with a few tweaks under the hood. The Studio 2+ sports a massive 28″ PixelSense™ touchscreen with support for a digital pen, with a virtually weightless, adjustable Zero Gravity Hinge connecting it to the main hub.

Designer: Microsoft

Microsoft Surface Studio 2+

The Studio 2+ comes with an 11th Gen Intel® Core™ H-35 Processor under the hood (50% faster than the Studio 2) with 32GB DDR4 memory, enabling multitasking, working with large files, and conducting video calls right on the device. It even houses an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX® 3060 Laptop GPU with the latest RT Cores, Tensor Cores, and streaming multiprocessors, offering double the graphical productivity of its predecessor.

The Surface Studio 2+ comes with an abundance of essential ports including thunderbolt and USB-C inputs, a 3.5mm input, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The 28″ display boasts a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 4500 x 3000 resolution with support for Dolby Vision and color calibration suited for most artist and creative-based applications. Gorilla Glass 3 on the top keeps the display unit protected against scratches, scuffs, and any other damage.

Other hardware specs include a front-facing 1080p camera with Windows Hello face-unlock, 1TB of SSD storage, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, stereo 2.1 speakers and dual far-field microphones, and finally a Surface Pen and Surface Keyboard that comes bundled with the Studio 2+. The Microsoft Surface Studio 2+ ships with a 1-year limited warranty, and impressively enough, is designed with replaceable components, enabling repairing and upgrading with time.

Pricing and availability details for the Microsoft Surface Studio 2_ are still forthcoming, and this piece will be updated once the information becomes available.

Microsoft Surface Studio 2+

The post Microsoft announces the Surface Studio 2+, a flexible all-in-one desktop for professional creators first appeared on Yanko Design.

The best 2-in-1 laptops for 2024

Posted on by

If you’re looking for a device that can do it all, a 2-in-1 laptop might be just what you need. These versatile machines combine the power of a laptop with the flexibility of a tablet, making them great options for everything from note-taking and sketching to full-on work or entertainment. Whether you’re a student, creative or just want a more flexible setup, a 2-in-1 gives you the best of both worlds without having to carry multiple devices.

We've tested and reviewed some of the top models out there from brands like Acer, Lenovo, Samsung and Apple to help you find the perfect fit. Flip the screen around for movie nights, use it in tablet mode for hands-on projects or stick to traditional laptop mode for work - there are options for everyone.

When you’re shopping for a 2-in-1, there are some basic criteria to keep in mind. First, look at the spec sheet to see how heavy the tablet is (alone, and with the keyboard). Most modern hybrids weigh less than 2 pounds. If the overall weight of the tablet and its keyboard come close to 3 pounds, you may be better off getting an ultraportable laptop.

Also, while some 2-in-1s offer built-in LTE or 5G connectivity, not everyone will want to pay the premium for it. An integrated cellular radio makes checking emails or replying to messages on the go far more convenient. But it also often costs more, and that’s not counting what you’ll pay for data. And, as for 5G — you can hold off on it unless you live within range of a mmWave beacon. Coverage is still spotty and existing nationwide networks use the slower sub-6 technology that’s barely faster than LTE. For now, tethering a PC to your phone is still the best way to get online.

These machines still have their limits, of course. Since they’re smaller than proper laptops, they tend to have less-powerful processors. Keyboards are often less sturdy, with condensed layouts and shallower travel. Plus, they’re almost always tablets first, leaving you to buy a keyboard case separately. (And those ain’t cheap!) So, you can’t always assume the advertised price is what you’ll actually spend on the 2-in-1 you want.

See Also:

Sometimes, getting a third-party keyboard might be just as good, and they’re often cheaper than first-party offerings. If you’re looking to save some money, Logitech’s Slim Folio is an affordable option, and if you don’t need your keyboard to attach to your tablet, Logitech’s K780 Multi-Device wireless keyboard is also a good pick.

While we’ve typically made sure to include a budget 2-in-1 in previous years, this time there isn’t a great choice. We would usually pick a Surface Go, but the latest model is still too expensive. Other alternatives, like cheaper Android tablets, are underpowered and don’t offer a great multitasking interface. If you want something around $500 that’s thin, lightweight and long-lasting, you’re better off this year looking at a traditional laptop (like those on our best budget PCs list). Alternatively, you might consider one of our top picks for the best Chromebooks, either as a back-to-school option or for basic tasks.

June 2024: We updated our top picks to include the Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ edition.

Nathan Ingraham contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-2-in-1-laptops-173038508.html?src=rss

If Apple Arcade had its own gaming controller, I’d want it to look as minimal as this

Posted on by

Sleek, with minimal details, and controls that are as baffling as the AppleTV Remote yet equally appealing. This may be Designer Hannes Geipel’s version of a Microsoft Surface Gaming Controller, but it definitely has a very strong Apple-esque vibe to it.

The Surface Gaming Controller concept by Hannes Geipel boasts of a brilliantly simple form. With absolutely no frills, textures, accents, or color-separation, the Surface Gaming Controller has a clean look to it that is a major contrast to Microsoft’s own Xbox controller. The Surface Gaming Controller comes with a soft, satin finish, and sports two rather slick looking joypads with a metallic ring around them. The joypads lie perfectly in reach of your thumb, while two large X signs sit where you’d expect the D-pad and the XYAB buttons.

However, instead of the buttons, the controller opts for flaps, using the X-shaped cutouts to create triangular plastic flaps that bend inward when pressed. The flaps give a natural spring-like action, providing just the right amount of resistance as you press it… although whether this detail is better than your average button from a tactile standpoint is something that’s yet to be determined. On the aesthetic front, the X-shaped cutouts definitely set the controller apart visually! There are even a pair of triggers on the upper corners of the controller, although they sit flush against the surface and recess inwards when pressed.

All the details on the Surface Gaming Controller focus more on form than on function, resulting in a device that definitely looks good. I’d arguably compare this to the AppleTV Remote, which most consumers will agree is more visually pleasing than functionally useful. Then again, the Surface Game Controller is just a concept. It echoes the clean, no-nonsense design of Microsoft’s Surface Book and Surface Pro, comes with minimal backlighting for night-time gaming, and if you look carefully, you’ll even spot the Microsoft logo on the back!

Designer: Hannes Geipel