Microsoft recently unveiled the Surface Hub 2S, the latest version of its Interactive Smart Whiteboard built for teams and collaboration, which brings a mobile and modular approach to team conferencing and collaboration computer solutions.
A More Mobile Surface Hub in a Smaller Package
The original Surface Hub came in larger 55- and 84-inch sizes, but were mostly designed to be mounted in conference rooms and used in landscape mode.
The Surface Hub 2S is 60 percent thinner and 40 percent lighter and has more screen real estate due to smaller bezels. Pricing is $8,999.99 for the 50-inch Surface Hub 2S, which ships in the US in June and can be purchased through authorized resellers. Adding the Steelcase Roam Mobile Stand will cost an additional $1,449.99, and there's also a $249 wall mount available.
Microsoft also plans to sell an enterprise-focused Surface Hub 2 Display, which does not have the computer functionality, but serves the needs of offices that need a pen- and touch-enabled interactive display.
Microsoft is also trying to future-proof the Surface Hub 2S; there's the option of switching out its Central Processing Unit (CPU), which comes out like an old video game cartridge. Simply swap in an upgraded Surface Hub Compute cartridge and it will become faster and more powerful while gaining new functionalities, like rotating between landscape and portrait mode.
The optional 4K conferencing cameras use USB Type-C connectors and magnets that make them easy to remove and replace. Another option is a battery from APC by Schneider Electric. Capable of powering the Surface Hub 2S for two hours, the battery accessory tucks neatly underneath the Roam Mobile Stand. It was designed specifically for Surface Hub 2S and can be fully charged in 90 minutes, according to Mark W. Kaloudis, director of OEM and single phase secure power IT Business for APC.
