The Floor Laptop computer Studio is the most recent brand-new product in Microsoft’s vary, though it was introduced again in September 2021.
That unique machine changed the Floor Guide 3, ditching the removable display screen in favour of a design with three fastened positions. You need to use it as an everyday 14.4in laptop computer, pull the display screen ahead in ‘Stage mode’ or lay it down flat in ‘Studio mode’. As talked about in our full overview, every of those is genuinely helpful, however there’s undoubtedly nonetheless room for enchancment.
So, what can we count on from the upcoming second technology? Right here’s every little thing we all know to this point.
When will the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 be launched?
A brand new Floor Laptop computer Studio was all the time doubtless in some unspecified time in the future in 2023, and it appears to be like like we’ll see the second technology this spring.
That’s based on Home windows Central’s Zac Bowden, who describes it as a ‘transport goal’. Nevertheless, he doesn’t rule out the potential for it being delayed to later within the yr, and talked about in a January 2023 Home windows Central video that current layoffs at Microsoft may affect the upcoming Floor launch schedule.
The article mentions a number of February 2023 Geekbench 6 listings that have been first reported by Gustave Monce. In a subsequent tweet, Monce urged this may very well be totally different fashions of a brand new Floor Laptop computer Studio:
There’s no assure these will find yourself being the machine, however it appears doubtless. And showing on Geekbench is an indication that an official launch isn’t too distant. Microsoft usually launches its spring {hardware} in April or Might, though that will change in 2023.
Right here’s when the previous few fashions have been launched, each for the unique Laptop computer Studio and Floor Guide line that it changed:
How a lot will the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 value?
Pricing is among the final issues to be revealed a few product – you will have to attend till the Laptop computer Studio 2 launches. However except there are substantial upgrades, it’s more likely to be roughly according to the unique:
- 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
Regardless of excessive inflation charges world wide, there’s an opportunity the following Laptop computer Studio will be barely cheaper. Value is among the huge issues that counts in opposition to the unique, making it exhausting to justify for the typical client. Bringing this way issue to a wider viewers will certainly be in Microsoft’s plans.
What is going to the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2 specs and options be?
If the Geekbench 6 listings develop into the Floor Laptop computer Studio 2, just a few key specs are revealed.
It appears to be like like there at the very least two core fashions: one with a an Intel Core i7-13700H CPU and 16GB of RAM, and one other with a Core i7-13800H and 64GB of RAM. The latter additionally seems to be out there with the choice for an Nvidia RTX 4060 discrete GPU (moderately than Intel Iris Xe built-in graphics), which might make it Microsoft’s strongest laptop computer so far.
Upgrading to Thirteenth-gen Intel processors and RTX 40 Sequence graphics can be a giant step ahead for the Floor Laptop computer Studio’s efficiency and energy effectivity.
Nevertheless, that could be the place the upgrades finish. Zac Bowden at Home windows Central says “to not count on any main design updates to the exterior chassis”, and that there isn’t more likely to be a substitute for the 14.4in display screen measurement. Each merely cite his sources, however Bowden has a powerful monitor file for Floor information.
It means the second-gen mannequin is more likely to look similar to the unique. It means you’ll get the identical premium design, three fastened modes and sizeable bezels, though none of those want pressing consideration.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
There’s nonetheless an opportunity Microsoft will replace the show specs, though it appears to nonetheless be proud of LCD moderately than OLED. The display screen already has a excessive 2400×1600 decision and 120Hz refresh price that may dynamically alter relying on what you’re doing, making it one of many highlights of the unique.
You possibly can say the identical for the spectacular 1080p and IR sensor, that guarantee nice video calls and dependable face unlock. Nevertheless it’d be good to see a separate fingerprint scanner, doubtlessly one which’s constructed into the facility button.
Given how thick the Laptop computer Studio is, there additionally must be extra ports. Including USB-A and HDMI to the present USB-C and three.5mm headphone jack can be nice, and ditching the Floor Join port for USB-C charging may release some house.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Battery life is already a key power of the machine, however it’d be good to see a rise to the 58Wh most capability. It additionally presently takes over two hours for a full cost, one thing which must be improved on the following iteration.
As you may see, just a few small refinements may make the second-gen Floor Laptop computer Studio a way more interesting machine. However nothing has been confirmed and even rumoured at this stage – we’ll replace this text as soon as extra data is understood.
For a take a look at different merchandise more likely to launch this yr, see our separate guides to the Floor Professional 10 and Floor Laptop computer 6.
