When Microsoft announced the Surface Hub earlier this year in January, one of the first questions was around pricing. The company has been using the massive, free-standing, touchscreen computer at a number of its events already this year in demos and in keynotes, but the lack of pricing information remained. Additionally, Microsoft remained tight-lipped about when it would be available for purchase.
Today the company has finally taking the wraps off pricing and has also set a date when businesses can start ordering the behemoth.
Per Microsoft…
Breakthrough hardware innovations in touch and ink allow Surface Hub to harness the power of Windows 10, Skype for Business, Office, OneNote and Windows Universal apps to deliver a new kind of productivity experience optimized for groups. The unique experience is designed to be just as engaging for people working together in the same room as for those connecting remotely. To meet the needs of a variety of rooms and spaces, Surface Hub is available in two main configurations – Surface Hub 55" for $6,999 and Surface Hub 84" for $19,999.
Some additional data points:
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Replaces: audio-video conferencing system, display, projector, wireless receiver, analog/digital whiteboard
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Optically bonded displays capable of detecting 100 points of multi-touch
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Three simultaneous pen inputs
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Dual 1080p front-facing video cameras
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A four-element microphone array to eliminate background noise during videoconferencing sessions
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Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
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A variety of ports for easy wired and wireless connectivity options
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Able to be centrally managed by IT, including the use of Windows Update for Business
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Works with Windows 10 Universal apps
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Compatible with most existing apps
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Despite being available for order on July 1, Surface Hub will not ship until September and only available in the following markets: 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
Based on the functionality and pricing, the Surface Hub is targeted directly at businesses. For everyone else, for the price of a used or new car (or an expensive Apple Watch *ahem*) you too can have a Surface Hub.
I just hope Microsoft will be shipping review units.
Find out more here: Microsoft Surface Hub, Press Release
