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Last week the future of computing took a big step forward. Microsoft and Apple announced new computers that give us a glimpse of what computers will be like in years to come.
Both Microsoft and Apple are trying to innovate with these new computers, offering features that haven’t been seen before. These features may become the standard for future machines. Or they may prove unpopular and soon be forgotten.
Even if you’re not in the market for a new computer, you may find out what the future holds for computing. Or, even if you are in the market for a new computer, you may not want either of these models. But either way, the future is exciting.
These new computers are very different from each other, but have some features in common that show us the path computing may take. Both computers use touch in new and unique ways, both have new sign-in methods and both are thin enough to give their makers bragging rights.
And both are quite expensive.
Microsoft Surface Studio
Surface Studio is the first desktop computer sold by Microsoft and blends elements of its Surface tablet line with the features of a traditional computer.
What’s Unique About The Surface Studio
The Studio comes with a 28″ touch screen monitor that pivots on hinges to move from vertical to nearly horizontal. You can type using the included Bluetooth keyboard or move the screen to Studio mode to use it as if it were a sheet of paper.
The Studio comes with a stylus called the Surface Pen, so you can draw on the screen, take handwritten notes, and sign documents.
Logging into the Studio is easier with Windows Hello, that uses the camera to identify you.
This video shows you how the Surface Studio works:
https://youtu.be/BzMLA8YIgG0
The Studio is designed to work well for creative users who want to use a computer as a flat, horizontal surface to design, draw, doodle, write and sketch. The screen can also swivel to be used as a traditional monitor for those who want to type and use a mouse.
Surface Studio is available for pre-order, beginning at $2999.
Dial
Another innovation Microsoft announced last week is Dial, an accessory that looks like a silver disc and gives you control by spinning it. As shown in the video above, the Dial spins like a dial. Rest it on the screen of the Studio Surface and turn it to select colors, menu options and more.
Dial can be used in tandem with the Surface Pen, with one in each hand. Microsoft has included a Dial setting for lefties (yea!).
Dial also works to rotate images on the screen and as a back button to return to a previous version of a document. You can use it to control volume, scroll, zoom and adjust the brightness of the screen.
Dial is $99, but is being offered free for buyers who pre-order the Surface Studio from Microsoft by December 1.
MacBook Pro
Apple introduced a new MacBook Pro, the first major update of this line of laptops in many years. Many Apple fans were eagerly anticipating what was in store for the latest version of the company’s most powerful laptop.
This video introduces Apple’s latest computer:
https://youtu.be/WVPRkcczXCY
What’s Unique About the MacBook Pro
Touch Bar
The biggest innovation of the new MacBook Pro is the Touch Bar that replaces the function keys in the top row of the keyboard. The Touch Bar is actually a thin touch screen with controls that change depending on what you’re doing on the computer.
Developers can program software to make the Touch Bar have menu options, slider controls, emoji icons and more. In Safari, you can use Touch Bar to access open tabs or to quickly visit Favorite bookmarks.
Touch Bar also brings Touch ID to the MacBook Pro, giving you the ability to use your fingerprint to log into the computer, similar to Touch ID on iPhones and iPads. Touch ID can also be used for Apple Pay on the computer. The app 1Password uses Touch Bar with Touch ID to let you use your fingerprint as a password for websites.
Ports
A big change is that the MacBook Pro has 4 USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports that connect both device and power cords. This type of port allows for faster data and power transfer, up to 40GB per second of data transfer.
But USB-C is a fairly new standard so you will probably need an adaptor to connect your devices. For example, the lightning cord that comes with iPhones and iPads needs an adaptor to plug into the new MacBook Pro.
Gone is the MagSafe connector, a magnetic port that allowed the power cord to disconnect easily from the computer should someone trip over it. Instead, the power cord connects to any one of the four USB-C ports.
The traditional headphone jack, that was omitted from the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, is the only other port on the MacBook Pro. By keeping the traditional headphone jack on the MacBook Pro, Apple now has made the lightning earbuds that come with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus incompatible with the new MacBook Pro.
It’s getting complicated. And confusing.
Availability
The MacBook Pro is available in 13 and 15 inch sizes. The 13 inch is available with or without the Touch Bar.
Prices start at:
- 13″ $1499
- 13″ with Touch Bar $1799
- 15″ with Touch Bar $2399
Your Thoughts
Which new features of the Studio Surface and MacBook Pro do you like best? Are there any features that you wish they would have? Do you think these computers hold the keys to our computing future?
Tell us what you think in the Comments section below!
Hey Carolyn,
Microsoft’s Surface PCs are known for their hinges. Microsoft is in a good position coming into this gambit. The Surface series, especially the most recent Pro 4 tablet and Book laptop, has been received positively. Both work with the Surface Pen stylus, and offer a cheap, all-in-one solution for working away from a desk.That balance of refining parts so that the display would balance perfectly reflects the engineering and design that’s gone into the Surface Studio.
Microsoft’s Surface Studio might be the latest cool hardware to come out of Redmond, but it’s also the first product that really shows Microsoft truly going after Apple’s core customer. Microsoft has been trying to differentiate itself with the Surface Pro against the iPad, and the Studio makes a play for creatives in a big way. Eventually, thanks for exploring much interesting things pertaining to this subject.
With best wishes,
Amar kumar
I have to admit, as a longtime Apple user that at least from a video standpoint, the Microsoft product is much more compelling than Apple’s. If I have to listen to Jonathan Ive one more time, I will gag. I am fed up with his ridiculous UI changes that have made my life miserable lately.
Hey Carolyn,
I saw the live Apple event and it was awesome. I have always thought about increasing the number of ports.
All the old Apple products have maxim two ports. There are some great changes here.
I was about to read about the new Surface studio. It’s really amazing.
Thanks for the info.
~Ravi
Hi Ravi, Yes, both of these computers have a lot to offer. Making the decision about which computer to get just got more difficult.
The first Surface in 2012 just scratched the surface, looks like today they finally surfaced.
Hi Jennifer, That’s great! Thanks for sharing your wit with us. 🙂