Microsoft’s new desktop has drawn a lot of attention, and some reviews went up earlier today.
The Verge’s Tom Warren thinks the large touch screen and pen support are going to tempt current Mac users:
The fact that Microsoft is even being considered an alternative to Apple’s line of machines for creatives is not something anyone, not even Microsoft, was expecting for the Surface devices. The Surface Studio won’t take over Mac-focused design houses just yet, but that it’s even a possibility is remarkable. The Studio is special because it knows exactly what it is and who it’s for — and it’s largely spot on. If Microsoft keeps developing its strengths here, some of Apple’s most loyal customers might well be tempted to switch camps.
Norman Chan at Tested believes the Studio is a new type of computer, not a direct competitor to the iMac. I tend to agree with this line of thinking — the Studio is a more of a Wacom Cintiq with a computer inside than an traditional desktop.
Devindra Hardawar at Engadget:
The Surface Studio is both familiar and new. It empowers us to work the way we always have, while also giving us entirely new modes of productivity. Personally, that’s a philosophy I can get behind — especially when compared with Apple’s habit of pushing consumers down new roads that aren’t necessarily improvements (hello, dongle life). But the Surface Studio’s high price and lack of expandability could make it a tough sell for an already niche market, especially for people already devoted to their Wacom tablets.
I don’t think this computer is going to be a huge hit, but I like that it exists. Microsoft is doing some really interesting stuff, and that’s good for the entire market.
I believe Apple when it says that touch is wrong for macOS, but this sort of product sure makes me wonder what professionals could do with it.