What makes it poorly designed?
Well they will probably attract some cintiq users. Wacom makes crap hardware that breaks, and it's still almost this much for a large one. It would be easier to just drop $3k on this every 2-4 years.
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Microsoft Surface Studio Reviews: Apple Fans Might Be 'Tempted to Switch Camps', Despite High Price
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What makes it poorly designed?
Well they will probably attract some cintiq users. Wacom makes crap hardware that breaks, and it's still almost this much for a large one. It would be easier to just drop $3k on this every 2-4 years.
Yes, the CPU in this is the higher end, 45w mobile quade core (8 logical thread) CPU from Skylake. The GPU is the nv985m. Judging from how long the development cycle actually was (estimated to be a couple years), sounds like Microsoft, once they decided on the internals, kept with them, even though newer chips in reality might have been made available.
I bet we'll see a refresh after 6 months with Kaby Lake / 10xx nvidia GPU's.
But the actual computer components aren't the real cost to this thing. it's that display.
i definitely want one and I'll be visiting both the Apple store later today to check out the new MBPs but also across the street to the MS store and check out the Surface Studio
It's nice, and I'm glad to see Microsoft pushing Apple in this space, but cannot understand why they'd release a futuristic computer in 2016-2017 without USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports. Like it or not, USB-C is the future of ports, and anyone who plunks down $3K+ for this product will be disappointed in 12-24 months time to still be using USB-A and MiniDisplayPort connectors when every other modern computer comes with USB-C/Thunderbolt 3.
After getting to play with the entry level one for a few hours, I was kind of disappointed.
I had seriously pondered replacing my Cintiq with the Studio, but between the input lag for the stylus, iffy pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, I'm probably going to wait a generation or two.
I had seriously pondered replacing my Cintiq with the Studio, but between the input lag for the stylus, iffy pressure sensitivity and palm rejection, I'm probably going to wait a generation or two.
Apart from the price, the the only thing holding me back from moving to a windows surface system is ..... Windows.
if you're not in the market to use a 28" display with built in Active Digitizer, this product isn't aimed for you.
But if you're someone who wants / requires such, this is actually a decently priced computer. When you consider that Wacom's own 16:9, 2k, active digitizer display alone retails at $2,800, to build your own computer + this display technology, you're going to be paying a lot more than $3,000
That monitor is really thin...Jony Ive must be dying inside right now!
Hopefully Apple has been letting their iMac line stagnate so long because they have a surprise up their sleeve. I'm sure even Apple designers use Wacom tables and Cintiqs...they have got to be thinking, "why do I have to use this Wacom thing when Apple has a pencil and a loyal creative-user following?"
Hopefully Apple has been letting their iMac line stagnate so long because they have a surprise up their sleeve. I'm sure even Apple designers use Wacom tables and Cintiqs...they have got to be thinking, "why do I have to use this Wacom thing when Apple has a pencil and a loyal creative-user following?"
I use all platforms on a regular basis. They all suck in their individual ways, but macOS certainly is in absolutely no way superior to either Linux or Windows anymore. Rather the opposite: macOS didn't age well, it feels out of place in this half of the decade, and even a conservative light-weight Linux distribution like Xubuntu feels more in sync with the present.
As for the Surface Studio: That's just an amazing, gorgeous machine. It was not meant for the casual user, it was not meant for the Starbucks crowd. I'm in IT, so this machine was not designed for me either. But you know what? If it were available in Germany and if I were in the market for a new desktop machine, this beauty would be on top of my wish list.
I actually got the chance to play with one of these at the Microsoft store, and despite it being a cool concept and a great computer it's still running windows and the worst part is the Surface Dial that sticks to the screen, slides down on the screen. It doesn't stay in place. When I asked the employee why they told me that was one thing they haven't figured out yet...Immediate turn off.
I said nothing about Skylake... It's just that if this is supposed to match iMac, it needs to do better in every way. Now, using a mobile processor instead of an desktop one? If Apple did this with iMac, everyone would be complaining here.
At the end of the day, I think most professional artists are still going to prefer a solution that is:
• separate from the desktop computer hardware itself
• more flexible in terms of mounts/positioning/rotation
• separate from the desktop computer hardware itself
• more flexible in terms of mounts/positioning/rotation
It looks like an ergonomic disaster to me. Am I missing something?
As a creative, I just don't get the hype. I tested one out at the Microsoft store and found it nice but lackluster for actual creative work when compared to Wacom Cintiqs (which is what Microsoft is really competing against at this price point). The biggest issue I had was the lack of customizable buttons on the bezel. Those are immensely useful for streaming workflow and the puck thing is no replacement as, at least at this point, it cannot be user customized (and it is nowhere near as easy to use as simply pressing a button). I also missed the matte screen that my cintiq has, which cut down the inevitable reflections that will show when you've got the screen pointed towards the ceiling while drawing. The pen wasn't as sensitive at Wacom's either, though it was nice enough to use.
Probably one of the most significant issues that the Studio has that most creatives would complain about is the inability to mount the thing on an adjustable arm. If Microsoft had put the computer internals in the display like Apple does with the iMac, the problem would be solved. Maybe they'll fix this on the Studio 2.0.
Oh, and the price is kinda absurd. It makes far more sense to buy a $2,800 Cintiq display and build a $1,400 computer than buy the fully loaded Studio at $4,200. That computer would run circles around the Studio performance-wise and is fully upgradable.
All in all, the Studio is nice. I just wish people would quit saying it's for creatives. Maybe hobbyists who don't do their research would buy it, but I guarantee actual pros would largely balk at the idea of buying one over a much more flexible Cintiq.
Probably one of the most significant issues that the Studio has that most creatives would complain about is the inability to mount the thing on an adjustable arm. If Microsoft had put the computer internals in the display like Apple does with the iMac, the problem would be solved. Maybe they'll fix this on the Studio 2.0.
Oh, and the price is kinda absurd. It makes far more sense to buy a $2,800 Cintiq display and build a $1,400 computer than buy the fully loaded Studio at $4,200. That computer would run circles around the Studio performance-wise and is fully upgradable.
All in all, the Studio is nice. I just wish people would quit saying it's for creatives. Maybe hobbyists who don't do their research would buy it, but I guarantee actual pros would largely balk at the idea of buying one over a much more flexible Cintiq.
This is where the iPad is headed. As in a desktop (28") version of the iPad. I am confident in saying that touch won't come to macOS.
The screen height isn't really adjustable if I remember correctly. If you try to lower it, the screen starts to point towards the ceiling.
it's not really meant to match the iMac. I wouldn't even say they're direct competition.
the iMac is a good desktop computer. But it's most recent variants are aimed at everyday users, and not the creative professionals that would benefit from this sort of input.
if you're not going to take advantage of that display, the Surface Studio is going to be very expensive as just a regular desktop.
also: Apple did do that in their product lineups, and rightfully so, many of us called Apple out on it.
the Mac Mini for example, on last refresh went from using the 45w Quad core options, to the 15w ULV dual core CPU's. why? Cause Apple said so.
the current generation of iMac's also come default with slower CPU's. They ship with 65w parts (Quad core, no hyperthreading on default configuration), which is a step down in performance from the real desktop components.
in fact, the i7 27" iMac is only using the desktop "K" model so that it could thermal throttle down faster under load.
and many MANY people have complained here about Apple's choices in CPU's as well. It's just been so long since they've released or updated them that most of us have moved on to other things to talk about.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
No Apple logo on the back.
Known to NOT be an Apple product in the pipeline.
Change those about it and it will magically become "best Mac ever" and "shut up and take my money."
You know how things work around here.
All
It's meant to be used as a drawing board. It's at the right angle for that use.
I did a small review on this...actually on-site review. I LOVED IT. I went to MS in the store and tried the dial...and it was on another level.
My only complain at this time was the pen. It was lagging. I hope 3rd party comes out for it.
EDIT: Face recognition was on another level.
My only complain at this time was the pen. It was lagging. I hope 3rd party comes out for it.
EDIT: Face recognition was on another level.
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The iMac is really f'ed. Think about it
March 2017, ANNOUNCING THE iMAC!
What's new:
USB C ports!
Thinner!
... cricket.
March 2017, ANNOUNCING THE iMAC!
What's new:
USB C ports!
Thinner!
... cricket.
Looks cool if you're a graphic artist. I like the idea of a touch screen computer. I called my brother out on it today when he was testing the new mbp's with touch bar. Even he was like why you don't need to touch the screen, whats the first thing he did, try to touch the screen!