New Microsoft Surface desktop computer is presented, costing $4299

New models of a range of devices have been presented by Microsoft, including a number of Surface Pro tablets, several laptops of the Surface line, and a Surface Studio 2+ desktop computer, which hasn’t got updates for a period of several years.

The mentioned desktop computer model is all-in-one, and it features a renewed 28-inch display and an Intel Core H-35 processor. In addition, the CPU performance is 50% faster, and the device is provided with faster graphics by an updated NVIDIA chip. There are also updated cameras and microphones, along with a possibility to use a digital pen, allowing on-screen drawing and writing. The desktop computer has several ports that include USB with Thunderbolt 4, and with this device it’s possible to split the display into four apps simultaneously, which would enhance multitasking.

The Surface models were announced on Wednesday as the beginning of the Ignite conference, which is traditionally organized by Microsoft for developers and lasts for several days. This year, the event is timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Surface line launch, which was started with the first Microsoft tablet released as a potential competitor to iPad.

At the moment, Microsoft and other technological companies are facing certain difficulties associated with a complicated economic environment. High inflation levels and a growing possibility of recession are among the main hurdles for the company, as it might affect an intention of the company’s customers to spend significant amounts of money on updating their devices. Such an intention might be undermined by the prices, as some of the new models have three or even four figures price tags.

The recently presented models got a series of parameters updated, including new chipsets that enhance performance, while their design and screen sized remained hardly changed.

One of the most significant devices presented, the company’s flagship Surface Pro 9 tablet, has again been positioned as a laptop replacement. An aluminum casing of this device is now available in new colors, also having a built-in kickstand and a PixelSense display. The model features an HD camera, newer versions of speakers and microphones, as well as a specific G6 chip. As it was stated by the developer company, this chip is necessary to allow working with digital ink. This feature is accessible via the Ink Focus app in Microsoft OneNote and the GoodNotes app for Windows 11, which were created to provide a user with a feeling of using a pen and paper.

Surface laptops were also unveiled on Wednesday, with their prices starting at $999, which is how much the 13.5-inch version costs, while the 15-inch version will be available at $1299. The beginning of pre-orders is scheduled on Wednesday in select markets, and the models will become available in stores by the end of this month.

As it was stated by ABI analyst David McQueen, Microsoft hardware devices represent about 3%-5% of the total in the tablet market, while the biggest part of the company’s revenue is made up by the income received through Microsoft OS for various devices, related applications, and cloud services.

As it was said by McQueen, this income allows Microsoft to keep its presence in the hardware sector, which resembles an approach taken by Google. For Google, the launch of its own Pixel smartphone has become a way of attracting additional attention to its applications and operating systems, while the device itself is still a niche product.

Returning to Microsoft, it’s necessary to note an announcement of a new application called Microsoft Designer, and Image Creator in Bing and the Edge browser, aimed at providing the public with easier access to advanced graphic design. Said platform is closely associated with the company’s partnership with the OpenAI startup, as well as its main tool called DALL-E 2, working on the AI basis. DALL-E 2 is able to create custom images following text instructions, and it’s expected that the tool will be featured as part of Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service.