Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 Price Starts at $1,999 USD, Officially Announced

Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop Studio 2, an updated iteration of its innovative predecessor. This refreshed model boasts a 13th-generation Intel Core processor and a dedicated AI chip, demonstrating Microsoft's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.

During its recent fall event, Microsoft introduced several new Surface laptops, including the Surface Laptop Studio 2, the Surface Laptop Go 3, and the Surface Go 4 for Business. These additions cater to different segments of the market. Notably, the event took place amid the departure of Panos Panay, a key figure in the Surface brand, adding an unexpected twist to the proceedings. It's worth noting that none of the new Surface devices feature Intel's Core Ultra or "Meteor Lake" chips, which align with Microsoft's strategy of focusing on AI capabilities, particularly in the upcoming Windows 11 23H2 update.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is available for pre-order, with prices ranging from $1,999 to $3,699, and is set to ship on October 3. This release is expected to coincide with the rollout of Windows 11 23H2.

In terms of hardware, the Surface Laptop Studio has always been among Microsoft's top performers. While it may have missed out on an Editor's Choice award previously, it remains an exceptional device. The pull-forward display design, featuring a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow screen with a resolution of 2400x1600 and a 120Hz refresh rate, remains a standout feature. The exceptional speakers that deliver a superb multimedia experience have also been retained.

The key upgrades in the Surface Laptop Studio 2 lie within its internals. It is now powered by 13th-generation "Raptor Lake-H" processors, specifically the Intel Core i7-13700H and Intel Core i7-13800H (for commercial versions). This laptop is designed for content creators, not gamers, and as such, it includes Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 and RTX 4060 discrete GPUs, both from the lower end of the RTX 4-series lineup. Additionally, there's an unexpected option for an RTX 2000 GPU.

What's particularly intriguing is Microsoft's emphasis on the AI chip inside the Surface Studio 2. It features an Intel Gen3 Movidius 3700VC VPU AI Accelerator, which is likely the same chip found in the Samsung Galaxy Book3 series and the Surface Pro 9. This chip plays a vital role in accelerating the new AI features integrated into Windows 11's latest update.

Microsoft has also upgraded the memory and storage configurations, offering options like 32GB of RAM (which is not common), and a groundbreaking 64GB option that brings it into workstation territory. There's also a shift to LPDDR5 memory, and video editors will appreciate the availability of 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options.

While the chassis remains largely unchanged, there are two noteworthy additions: a USB-A port and a microSD card slot. The inclusion of these legacy ports is a convenience for users. The laptop retains a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed expansion to Thunderbolt docks, as well as a Surface Connect port. Connectivity options are rounded out by WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.

Interestingly, Microsoft is offering only Windows 11 Home with no Windows 10 or Windows 11 Pro options, a decision that might raise eyebrows given the Surface Laptop Studio 2's strong focus on content creation.

To wrap up, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a significant upgrade with powerful hardware, AI capabilities, and enhanced memory and storage options, making it a compelling choice for content creators. While the design remains consistent, the improvements under the hood make it a noteworthy addition to Microsoft's Surface lineup.