Microsoft Surface: an extraordinary hardware family
· Michel Aguilera
Long attached to the Apple world, I was surprised to see that, over the years, Microsoft decided to hunt on the same ground as its apple-branded rival: exceptional hardware. Apart from the classic Xbox consoles and the various keyboards or other isolated components into which the Redmond company had tried to venture, there is one fact that cannot be denied: this new hardware segment at Microsoft is seriously impressive… and it’s here to stay! Explanations and, for those who don’t know it well, a discovery of the Surface family.
Surface… a family that really impresses!
Indeed, what surprises you the first time you see the Surface hardware line is the diversity of coverage it involves. “All-in-one” desktop, tablet, laptop, multimedia collaboration screen, accessories… In short, you are blown away when you see the wealth of what the “Surface” name covers at Microsoft. It is precisely to respond to the market segments that Apple has attacked that we find such commitment from Microsoft.
Let’s start with my favourite product, the Surface Pro. A tablet that plays in the ultraportable PC league. But with all the advantages of a tablet, precisely. Detachable keyboard, very high-quality display, generous storage expandable by SD card, the option of using a stylus (which is very well designed). This stylus, like the one for iPads, has more than one trick up its sleeve, notably by reproducing the reflexes we have when using a pen or a pencil.
Available in 2 colours (the keyboard covers come in several colours), the product is offered in several configurations, going up to an Intel Core i7 and 1 TB of SSD for the top configuration. One downside, however: no USB-C! Just 1 traditional USB port, a DisplayPort and the proprietary connector for plugging in the magnetic charging system.
Microsoft has recently also offered a smaller version (in size but also in configuration) to compete with Apple’s iPad on a 9.7-inch diagonal: the Surface Go. Intro:
A docking station turns it into a desktop station and extends the connectivity options.
Next up is the Surface Book, the laptop… that can become a tablet! Yes, this may seem paradoxical compared with the Surface Pro, but the hardware configuration is superior, with a larger screen diagonal as well as high graphics power.
A generous configuration, full SSD storage and a stunning touchscreen diagonal. The use of the stylus and the special on-screen dial make this machine the ideal platform for creative people. Having been able to work on it for a few hours, even as an office user with a few basic multimedia tasks, I had a blast, so pleasant is this screen.
One of the very important aspects for Microsoft is security on Surface devices. All the computers have Windows Hello built in, allowing you to use biometrics to recognise you and authenticate you in your Windows session. Speaking of screens, Surface really started with an iconic product: the Surface Hub. A collaboration screen that combines all the superlatives: generous size, ultra-responsive touch, cameras for group video conferencing. In short: a technological marvel. Here is an intro video:
The aim is to replace the good old whiteboards and deliver a collaborative experience pushed to the extreme. The integration with Teams and the Office 365 suite opens the floodgates of creative possibilities and exchange with everyone you want to work with.
We will end this tour of Surface products with one of the accessories that surprised me: the Surface Headphones. Noise-cancelling headphones.
So let’s be clear: Microsoft is trying out a first version of headphones meant to compete with Bose, Sony and other headphones of the kind. After testing with various sources, we are still far from talking about a real competitor. But Microsoft has nevertheless delivered an interesting product, notably with the dials and touch controls on the side. With a relatively simple design (without being revolutionary), these are headphones that keep their promises, with acceptable noise cancellation that could still be improved.
In short, what can we say about the Surface range?
Seeing Microsoft venture into the hardware world, in direct competition despite its repeated statements to reassure the other PC partners / manufacturers around the world, is a very interesting experience. First of all (and this may seem bold), Microsoft hardware can be more expensive than Apple’s (in certain configurations). But there is a greater degree of innovation brought to the hardware experience than what the apple brand offers.
In the coming years, we are going to witness a ramp-up of attempts to innovate, surpass and pioneer in the field of evolving devices, with this Surface range from Microsoft. If you were wondering: can you be a Mac person and want to come back to PC? Well, once you have tasted Surface machines, there is reason to wonder and perhaps to want to enter the world of hardware as seen by Microsoft.