First look at the Microsoft Surface Studio and Surface Dial

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Canadians finally get access to the Surface Studio desktop as well as the Surface Dial accessory which were shown off yesterday at a press event at the headquarters of Gelaskins, a Toronto based maker of original art-inspired skins and overlays for devices.

The Surface Studio is based around a 28-inch multi-touch display that can be articulated and reclined for drawing or laying almost flat on a desk. Despite having a small footprint, the Surface Studio is a complete PC that's the closest thing to having a large canvas for artists and designers.

Aside from offering a thin display, Surface Studio boasts the best colour accuracy on any monitor today. It also integrates various speakers, including a subwoofer at the base.  A 3:2 aspect ratio is ideal for ediing documents. Shipping in time for the Windows 10 Creators Update, the Surface Studio starts at $3,999.00.

Also released in Canada alongside Surface Studio is Surface Dial, a $129.99 multifunctional tool that makes it easy to select various options while using apps. You can use the Surface Dial on the screen of the Surface Studio (possibly on the Surface Book and Surface Pro given a software update) to calibrate brushes, settings and menu items. The artists at the event said that using the Surface Dial was a natural extension to various sketching and design applications. Both items are available for preorder and are expected to be shipping in this month from Microsoft Stores, Best Buy and Staples outlets.