Surface Laptop Studio 2. First of all, The Surface Laptop Studio is Microsoft’s most recent brand-new device, though it was unveiled in September 2021.
That initial device, which supplanted the Surface Book 3, did away with the detachable screen in favor of a three-position design. You can use it as a standard 14.4 laptop, drag the screen forward in ‘Stage mode,’ or set it flat in ‘Studio mode. Each of these is truly helpful.
So, what can we anticipate from the next generation? Here’s what we know so far.
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When will the Surface Laptop Studio 2 be released?
A new Surface Notebook Studio was always expected in 2023, and the second version is expected this spring.
That’s according to Windows Central’s Zac Bowden, who characterizes it as a ‘shipping goal’. He does not, however, rule out the chance postponed in the year, and stated in a January 2023 Windows Central video that recent layoffs at Microsoft may have an impact on the upcoming Surface release timetable.
Gustave Monce first noticed several February 2023 Geekbench, which are mentioned in the story. Monce indicated in a later tweet that this could be various versions of a new Surface Laptop Studio:
There’s no assurance that these will be the device, but it appears probable. And being on Geekbench indicates that a formal debut isn’t far away. Microsoft’s spring hardware is usually released in April or May, though this may alter in 2023.
When were the last few versions introduced for both the original Laptop Studio and the Surface Book series that it replaced?
- Surface Laptop Studio – October 2021
- Surface Book 3 – May 2020
- Surface Book 2 – November 2017
- Surface Book – October 2015
How much will the Surface Laptop Studio 2 cost?
Cost is one of the last aspects of a product to be disclosed, so you may have to wait until the Laptop Studio 2 is released. However, unless there are significant improvements, it is expected to be approximately in line with the original:
- Core i5, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage: $1,599.99/£1,449
- Core i5, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage: $1799.99/£1,649
- Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage: $2099.99/£1,899
- Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB storage: $2699.99/£2,477
- Core i7, 32GB RAM, 2TB storage: $3099.99/£2,879
Despite global inflation, there is a possibility that the next Laptop Studio will be marginally cheaper. Price is one of the major factors that weigh against the original, making it difficult to explain for the typical customer. Introducing this form factor to a larger population is undoubtedly in Microsoft’s plans.
What will the Surface Laptop Studio 2 specs and features be?
A few important specs are disclosed if the Geekbench 6 entries are the Surface Laptop Studio 2.
It appears that at least two core versions are available: one with an Intel Core i7-13700H CPU and 16GB of RAM, and another with a Core i7-13800H CPU and 64GB of Memory. The latter looks to be offered with an Nvidia RTX 4060 discrete GPU choice (rather than Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics), making it Microsoft’s most powerful notebook to date.
Upgrading to 13th-generation Intel CPUs and RTX 40 series significantly improvement in speed and battery economy for the Surface Laptop Studio.
However, the improvements may stop there. According to Windows Central’s Zac Bowden, “no significant design changes to the exterior chassis are expected,” and there won’t be an option to the 14.4in screen size. Both merely quote his sources, but Bowden is well-versed in Surface news.
This implies that the second-generation device will most likely resemble the original. It means you’ll get the same luxury design, three set options, and large bezels, but none of these require immediate attention.
There’s still a possibility Microsoft will upgrade the display specifications, though it appears to be content with LCD rather than OLED. The screen already has a high resolution of 24001600 and a refresh rate of 120Hz that can automatically change based on what you’re doing, making it one of the original’s features.
The same can be said for the impressive 1080p and IR camera, which guarantee excellent video conversations and dependable face unlocking. However, it would be great to see a distinct biometric reader, possibly integrated into the power button.
Considering the thickness of the Laptop Studio, more connections are also required. Including USB-A and HDMI in addition to the current USB-C and 3.5mm headphone input would be ideal, and ditching the Surface Connect port for USB-C charging could clear up some room.
The device’s battery life is already a major strength, but a boost to the 58Wh maximum capacity would be welcome. It also presently takes over two hours to fully charge, which should be improved in the next version.
As you can see, a few minor tweaks could make the second-generation Surface Laptop Studio a much more attractive gadget. However, nothing has been verified or even rumored as of yet; we will update this story as more information becomes available.
For a look at other products that it launched, see our separate guides to the Surface GO 2.