Microsoft has added another product to its Surface lineup, the all-in-one computer named Surface Studio, aimed for artists, designers and those in the creative field.
Much of what has been said online about the Surface Studio is that Microsoft's AIO computer hosts an impressive setup, a worthy direct competitor to HP's own AIO computer, the HP Envy 27, regarded as one the best AIO desktops currently in the market.
Display: Surface Studio "Higher Than 4K"
The Surface Studio has a slightly larger touch screen display at 28 inches compared to Envy 27's 27-inch touch screen display. The Surface Studio boasts the "world's thinnest" monitor with PixelSense technology, which Microsoft claims is higher than 4K resolution with 192 ppi. On the other hand, the HP Envy 27 boasts its Micro Edge display design, stripping away more bezel for more screen space.
The displays of both computers are almost identical, save for the Surface Studio's much higher resolution at 4,500 x 3,000 compared to Envy 27's 2,560 x 1,440. More notably, the Surface Studio also supports the Microsoft Surface Pen and the Surface Dial, which fastens on the screen to offer rotary functions. The Surface Studio easily beats out the Envy 27's display.
Performance: Sixth-Generation Skylake Chips
Both of these computer offer different models that allow users to opt for more powerful processors and larger storage. The exact models for the Surface Studio hasn't been specified yet by Microsoft, but they'll likely be 65-watt or 95-watt variants. In comparison, the Envy 27 packs a 35-watt "T" series chip, a considerably underpowered setup compared to the Surface Studio, which will be able to run things with nary a hiccup.
Both computers start with 8 GB of RAM, with 32 GB max for the Surface Studio and 16 GB max for the Envy 27. 32 GB may seem too much since most users will be fine even with 8 GB of RAM, but if there's ever a time when you need 32 GB of RAM, then the Surface Studio can handle it.
Both computers have the option for Core i5 or i7 processors, with the Surface Studio packing GeForce 965M for graphics, notching higher than Envy 27's GeForce 950M. Since these products are aimed at creative professionals, it's only logical that the chips under the hood can power different software designers use, which can sometimes be very intensive.
Generally, the Surface Studio is the better performing computer, though not by an extreme mileage.
Slim And Artistic Design
A design-centric desktop must also look right for the job, and both devices qualify immensely. There's not much to be said in this department other than that both devices are sleek, svelte and slim, with the computer components docked at the base unit, with the Surface Studio's being significantly smaller than Envy 27's. The Envy 27's webcam is retractable, hiding behind the monitor when idle.
Pricing And Availability
This is where the two devices considerably differ. The most inexpensive model of the HP Envy All-in-One 27 starts at $1,299, shooting up to $1,699. The Surface Studio, meanwhile, has a starting price of $2,999, a stark contrast to the Envy 27's much lower price. The Surface Studio's most expensive model costs $4,199, and it comes with 32 GB of RAM and 2 TB of internal storage.
In conclusion, the HP Envy All-in-one 27 is a pretty stellar investment already, if you don't mind losing some of the added features of the Surface Studio. It can pretty much handle graphics-intensive software given its impressive specs. In theory, you can't go wrong if you choose the Envy 27.
The HP Envy All-in-One 27 is available now, while the Surface Studio is set for a Dec. 15 release but is available for preorder now.
