14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is working really hard to become a hardware manufacturer, and in addition to tablets that can replace your laptop, the company is now trying to step into the conference room with the new Surface Hub.
If you’re not familiar with the Surface Hub, it is a very advanced productivity device (so not the kind of tablet that you use while sitting on a couch) that serves as a web-conference device, a whiteboard, and a computer per se, running a modified version of Windows 10 that allows business customers to take advantage of all the new features that Microsoft is bundling into its overhauled operating system.
The company has already presented the Surface Hub at its recent events, but it’s now announcing that enterprises can place their pre-orders for the device starting July 1. Shipping will begin in September, the company says, and the device will sell in a total of 24 markets.
The United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom will all get it at launch.
Technical specifications
The Surface Hub will come in two different sizes, with a 55-inch or an 84-inch screen, both models coming with an i7 processor.
The device also packs 8 GB of RAM and boasts an Intel i7 processor coupled with Nvidia Quadro K2220 graphics for the 84-inch version and an Intel HD 4600 video card for the 55-inch model.
As far as the resolution of these gigantic displays is concerned, it’s not at all surprising that the 84-inch configuration supports 3840x2160 pixels, while the 55-inch version works with 1920x1080 pixels.
If you’re thinking that the Surface Hub is an expensive device, Microsoft says it’s not. And it has a really good explanation for this.
“As a complete, all-in-one solution, Surface Hub delivers incredible value. In an average conference room, Surface Hub replaces a number of disparate tools and technologies, including the audio-video conferencing system, display, projector, wireless receiver, and the analog or digital whiteboard at a lower upfront cost. And when you look at ongoing management costs, the story gets even stronger,” the company says.
Here are the full technical specs of the new Surface Hub:
| Operating system | Windows 10 |
|---|---|
| Size and weight | 84 - 46.12” x 86.7” x 4.15” (1171.5mm x 2202.9mm x 105.4mm) 55 - 31.75” x 59.62” x 3.38” (806.4mm x 1514.3mm x 85.8mm) Weight: 84 – 280lbs, 55 - 105lbs Color: Black |
| Input | Surface Hub Pen (two included), Powered, Active, subpixel accuracy |
| CPU | 84”: 4th Generation Intel Core i7 with Nvidia Quadro K2200 Graphics 55”: 4th Generation Intel Core i5 with Intel HD 4600 Graphics |
| Network | Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) Ethernet 1Gbps Bluetooth 4.0 low energy NFC Reader Miracast Enabled |
| Display | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (84” model) and 1920 x 1080 (55” model) Aspect ratio: 16:9, Touch: 100-point multi-touch |
| Ports | 84 - (1) USB 3.0, (4) USB 2.0, Ethernet 1Gbps, DisplayPort Out, 3.5mm Stereo Out, RS232 Serial (RJ11). Ingest: DisplayPort In, HDMI In, VGA In, 3.5mm Stereo In, (2) USB 2.0 type B 55 - (1) USB 3.0, (2) USB 2.0, Ethernet 1Gbps, DisplayPort Out, 3.5mm Stereo Out, RS232 Serial (RJ11). Ingest: DisplayPort In, HDMI In, VGA In, 3.5mm Stereo In, (1) USB 2.0 type B |
| Sensors | 2 Passive Infrared Presence Sensors, Ambient Light Sensors |
| In the box | Two Surface Hub Pens, Microsoft All-In-One Media Keyboard and power cable |
| Warranty | One-year limited warranty (In the US; warranty terms vary by market) |
| Network | Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) Ethernet 1Gbps Bluetooth 4.0 low energy NFC Reader Miracast Enabled |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Pricing | $6,999 (55-inch) and $19,999 (84-inch) |
