Microsoft has developed a new style of laptop with a versatile display that uniquely transitions to tablet mode, channeling the spirit of its high-end Surface Studio desktop for creative professionals.
The new Surface Laptop Studio was shown for the first time during Microsoft’s fall hardware event on Wednesday morning.
It comes with a 14.4-inch screen that switches from a traditional laptop setup to a “Stage” mode that covers the keyboard at a 45-degree angle, and then to a “Studio” landscape mode, raised slightly at the rear for ergonomic use with a magnetically attached Surface Slim Pen under the device chassis.
It uses what Microsoft calls a dynamic woven hinge to seamlessly transition between modes, continuing the company’s efforts to innovate hinges to allow devices to adapt to different scenarios. Surface Laptop Studio will retail for a starting price of $ 1,600, with a release date of October 4.
The event comes as Microsoft prepares to launch Windows 11 on October 5, updating the user interface of its PC operating system and adding new productivity features. Microsoft saw increased interest in desktops and laptops during the pandemic, and the company hopes to maintain that momentum. Revenue from Microsoft’s Surface products fell 20% in the June quarter to $ 1.38 million.
Microsoft’s Surface computers, tablets, and devices have traditionally been a way for the company to advance new form factors in the industry, providing a blueprint for other hardware manufacturers to follow. Microsoft describes the Surface Laptop Studio as a new category, indicating that it expects other computer manufacturers to introduce similar devices.
The company also introduced the Surface Duo 2, a new version of its dual-screen portable Android device with 5G cellular connectivity and a “Glance Bar” that provides notifications on the outer hinge. Microsoft also updated the Surface Duo 2 camera, which was one of the criticisms of its predecessor.
Surface Duo 2 will start at $ 1,499, with a release date of October 20.
Other surprises from Microsoft’s fall hardware event on Wednesday included an Ocean Plastic Mouse made from a resin produced from 20% recycled ocean plastic, part of an increased focus on sustainability; and an adaptive surface kit that uses tactile and visually distinct labels to improve accessibility.
Additionally, the company introduced upgraded versions of its Surface Pro, Surface Pro X, and Surface Go tablets; and a new version of the Surface Slim Pen.
