The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has always been a unique PC in the tech world, with its innovative hinged display, stylus support, and balanced specifications. It’s like the ultimate jack-of-all-trades, capable in many ways, yet not claiming mastery in any one area. Now, the much-awaited sequel, the Surface Laptop Studio 2, has made its debut, offering a substantial spec bump and addressing some long-standing user requests, including the addition of a microSD card slot.
While some might glance at the Surface Laptop Studio 2 and lament its exterior, which remains largely unchanged, I beg to differ. Having relied on the previous model as my primary travel companion for the past couple of years, I find comfort in its continued clean, minimalist lines. The 14.4-inch 2,400 x 1,600 120Hz PixelSense display, which can tilt like an easel, remains a delight. The return of the two-tiered base is a quirky yet functional touch, concealing the system’s vents ingeniously and providing a secure spot for the Surface Slim Pen 2.
However, what really steals the spotlight are the updates on the sides of this device: a new USB-A port and a microSD card slot. These additions may seem subtle, but for a system tailored to artists and content creators, they represent a significant quality-of-life enhancement. The ability to swiftly transfer photos from a camera to your laptop without fumbling for cables or adapters is undeniably useful. With the inclusion of a USB-A port alongside the two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C jacks, you might find yourself leaving those dongles at home while retaining robust connectivity.
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 also flaunts some understated design modifications, opting for an aluminum chassis instead of magnesium. This results in a marginally thicker body, about 1 or 2mm, a silvery hue, and a smoother finish.
Performance-wise, the updated components in the Surface Laptop Studio 2 have me impressed. The original, at launch, felt somewhat underpowered with its quad-core chip, despite Microsoft billing it as their most powerful laptop. Now, with support for up to an Intel Core i7-13800H chip, 64GB of RAM, 2TB of storage, and an RTX 4060 GPU (or an RTX 2000 card on commercial models), this successor feels much more well-rounded. While it may not match the speed of similarly-priced gaming laptops, or the sleekness of a typical 14-inch ultraportable, the combination of a high-res touchscreen with pen integration and a spec refresh delivers remarkable versatility that outshines most competitors.
One standout addition is Microsoft’s Adaptive Touch feature, bringing increased accessibility. This technology employs a new touch algorithm that simplifies navigation and use of the touchpad for differently-abled individuals. While I might not personally utilize it extensively, I appreciate its simplicity. You merely open the Surface app, and you’re presented with options to enable Adaptive Touch and fine-tune settings like click sensitivity and double-click speed.
Admittedly, Surface Laptop Studio 2 doesn’t feature a plethora of major changes beyond the upgraded specs and new ports. However, in this case, that’s perfectly acceptable, as it preserves an already tried-and-true, highly innovative design. The main caveat is its starting price of $1,999, which is notably higher than your typical 14-inch rival. Yet, this might be the price to pay for a system that excels at almost everything it does.
Mark your calendars: The Surface Laptop Studio 2 goes on sale on October 3, offering a world of possibilities for tech enthusiasts.
[Image Source: Sam Rutherford/BuyTechBlog]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Surface Laptop Studio 2
What are the standout features of the Surface Laptop Studio 2?
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 boasts innovative features like a hinged display, stylus support, and a high-res touchscreen. It also comes with upgraded specs, including an Intel Core i7-13800H chip, ample RAM and storage, and an RTX 4060 GPU for excellent performance.
Why is the addition of a microSD card slot and USB-A port significant?
These additions are crucial, especially for artists and content creators. The microSD card slot allows for easy photo transfer without the need for cables or adapters. The USB-A port, alongside Thunderbolt 4 USB-C jacks, enhances connectivity, reducing the reliance on dongles.
How does the design of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 differ from its predecessor?
While the design remains largely unchanged, there are subtle alterations, including a shift to an aluminum chassis for a slightly thicker body and a smoother finish.
What is Microsoft’s Adaptive Touch feature, and how does it benefit users?
Adaptive Touch is an accessibility feature that simplifies touchpad navigation for differently-abled individuals. Users can adjust settings like click sensitivity and double-click speed through the Surface app.
Is the Surface Laptop Studio 2 a worthwhile investment?
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers versatility and innovation, making it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts. However, its starting price of $1,999 may be higher than some 14-inch rivals, but it justifies the cost with its capabilities.
When can I purchase the Surface Laptop Studio 2?
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is set to go on sale on October 3, giving tech enthusiasts the opportunity to experience its upgraded features and innovation.
More about Surface Laptop Studio 2
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 Official Page
- Tech News and Reviews
- Surface Laptop Studio 2 Specs
- Accessibility Features in Surface Laptop Studio 2