The final retail price of Microsoft's 50-inch Surface Hub 2, a Windows-powered multi-function digital whiteboard, has been revealed. Not only that, it has also been scheduled for an official release.
The first version of the machine from Microsoft, officially dubbed the Surface Hub 2S, is set to start shipping in June of this year for $8,999 apiece. That hefty price will net buyers a 50-inch display with 3:2 aspect ratio and a native resolution of 3,840 x 2,560 pixels. It comes with an integrated computer as well.
Split: Surface Hub 2 Versions
Previously, it was revealed that Microsoft planned on shipping a successor to the original Surface Hub with updated specs for only $6,999. This price was later updated to $8,999, which turns out to be the actual retail price once it finally ships.
The model coming out this year, as earlier mentioned, is called the Surface Hub 2S. The second one is called the Surface Hub 2X and won't be out until some point in 2020. While the first model sports a 50-inch display, the second will be fitted with an even bigger display at 85 inches.
There are differences in terms of computing power between the two Surface Hub models. The first one to come out of the gate will feature a custom-built 3:2 aspect ratio 4K screen, and it comes with built-in touch sensors that work with any of a user's fingers or a compatible stylus pen. It is said to run on an 8th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, while memory tops out at 8GB and storage is handled by a 128GB M.2 SSD.
There are also dedicated videoconferencing features such as eight built-in microphones, front-firing speakers, and a fully-detachable 4K webcam. These are likely intended to make the Surface Hub 2S a compelling all-in-one videoconferencing gadget for the modern office.
Surface Software And Upgradability
As far as software is concerned, it is said that an updated version of the Surface Hub platform will come preloaded on all units of the Surface Hub 2S. Meanwhile, hardware upgrade options are going to be present in them as well.
The new Surface Hub 2S will have some kind of removable cartridge that users will be able to upgrade once the newer parts become available sometime next year. The upgrade cartridges will then bring the specs of the 2S model up to that of the upcoming Surface Hub 2X.
Microsoft hasn't released all the relevant info about its 2X model to the press yet. All that's known about it at this point is that it's bigger, more expensive, and still a ways away. It will likely remain a mystery until further announcements from Microsoft.
