Thanks so much for this thorough update. And for your art demo! After seeing your vids and several others, I rolled the dice and bought the SLS. I've been a concept artist working in games for more than 20 years, and it's always been necessary to have a Cintiq on a relatively powerful PC for a decent Photoshop experience.. until now. I recently got a Surface Laptop Studio (32G, i7, 1TB, Nvidia card) and it's been a pretty flawless and freeing transition. I can basically go from my Cintiq and USB-C dock experience at home, to throwing it (OK gingerly placing it) in a bag and it's really quite pleasurable for doing advanced work at a café. Even with the bigger graphics card the battery lasts a good work day for me. This is a dream compared to the 6 year-old Surface Pro 4 that I used to sketch on when travelling. And yeah it's capable of doing some decent gaming as well, though not exactly the fastest. It runs Kerbal Space Program faster than my 3 year old desktop.. The one option I had to dig around for to improve it was to get an app to enable "Right Click While Hovering" which is not available by default (Tablet Pro PEN). Other than that, the drawing and painting experience is excellent, and nearly on par with my Cintiq 27QHD. Thanks again, and keep up the great content. Cheers!

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

Sweet! I love my SLS. It is much better than expected. Glad you like the videos:) M

@photo_n_art

2 ай бұрын

SLS definitely has some positive pluses and negative pluses… 😂😂😂

Is what I needed! Thank u soo much

Oh your configuration is not middle range, it is base configuration… I have just purchased same configuration refurbished for around $600 and I love it…. Your videos have convinced me to finally pull a trigger on it and the price was right 😎👍. Thanks Michael for all the interesting videos

@MichaelClaridaArts

2 ай бұрын

Sweet!!! I love mine. Use it every day. Still going strong.

@photo_n_art

2 ай бұрын

Well, I also own HP zBook x2 G4 which you also had for a while. I don’t use it as much as I was hoping due to the 16:9 aspect ratio, I prefer 3:2 just like the Surface Laptop Studio. I do use the zBook for photo and video editing on the go but not much for drawing and sketching… Now I have perfect combo, each for specific tasks. One again thank you for your effort to share your skills and knowledge with us! Keep up keeping up Michael 👍 Glad to see your channel growing steadily

The timing of you releasing an update is crazy lol I just saw your initial review yesterday. Brand new to your channel, loving it so far. I will be especially watching any SLS drawing or SLS animating videos of yours in the future. Thanks for making this. I am currently trying to save up for the Surface Laptop Studio 2 and want to max it out when it comes out, hopefully in about a year. I haven't really had the setup to ever mess around with 3D applications (Maya, Zbrush, architectural apps, etc) or heavier 2D applications (Photoshop) with a pen-on-display that has enough power to run that sort of stuff. Earlier on I was wanting the Surface Book 3 (15") but it seems that Microsoft resolved some things on the SB that needed resolving now with the SLS so I probably will do the SLS2 instead. I'm hoping that Microsoft's 2nd gen will have a more convincing GPU and CPU so that my "dream device" can run anything that I throw at it. I was curious if you could give any insight about something.. I don't know if a 2nd gen would change anything that would solve this but I'm assuming not. I wanted to draw at an incline that isn't the stage mode or the "studio" 🙄🤪😆 mode which is basically flat lol. I know that somewhere between these two is the sweet spot but I didn't really want to purchase a stand like the one you're using because I'd like to use it slightly differently. I have these PadPucks things www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CDUD6XI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 that I think would work perfectly under the display but I'd maybe have to flip the device into that 'mode' that isn't really advertised where you flip the display to the back of the device and leave the hinge upright. I was thinking that way the pucks could go where you'd rest your palms to type on the keyboard and I could just tilt the display back onto the pucks. The thing that I'm worried about though and was hoping for your opinion on is if I'm then drawing on the display I'd be putting pressure exactly where there isn't support, where the hinge is directly behind the display, and would be putting pressure in the opposite direction of the pucks and the bottom of the display. I'm worried that this would bind the hinge behind the display and wear it out over time. Curious if you think this would indeed be an issue or if you have any other suggestions based on what I'm thinking. Hopefully you can make sense of what I'm inquiring about. Thank you if you choose to read all of this 😄

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

I use a stand from Huion when I draw on this machine. I don’t put too much weight on it and it has been fine. I also use it on my lap with a pillow when I draw. I would wait for the SLP 2 and skip the SB3. Go with newer tech. Thanks for the watch and comment:) M

Thank you! May i ask about battery consumption for the laptop? People are saying it only lasts about two hours. Do you find that true? Also can you tell what any other styluses are compatible? Like the Noris, maybe? Thank you again!

Thank you for this

I'm going to keep an eye out. I'm still using my surface book2 for work. But I really love how thorough you went with this review. instant subscribe! Just curious about the black square. Did you set the power perforance on your laptop on high? On the book2. there were odd things that would happen on Balanced. I dont know if that will change anything. Or maybe in the Nvidia control panel.. you can choose photoshop to use high performance. again Im guessing from my issues on book 2, that helped make photoshop run smoother

@MichaelClaridaArts

2 ай бұрын

Thank you!! I believe it was on balanced. Mike

Great video... I am actually having a really bad time using the Slim Pen 2 in Illustrator. There seems to be some conflicts and I've already loaded the newest driver. Illustrator is practically unusable with the stylus. If anyone has had a similar issue and solved it, please respond with any solutions.

I love your real world review! Can you please tell me what type of stand you're using? I'm looking at getting an Asus Rog Flow x16 for similar use and would also get a stand like the one you're using.

@MichaelClaridaArts

4 ай бұрын

It is a laptop stand from Boyata. I also do a review of it. Very cool.

Awesome review as usual! I noticed at Best Buy that the laptop had 2 strong black bars on the keyboard. I thought that it was because it was the preview unit. But now I can see it’s more cause of the device itself. A bit disappointing.. can you clean it to remove it completely?? Really considering this device for art but this little thing is troubling me haha. Love your art and review btw those are very helpful !!! Thanks 😊😊

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

I am Not sure what the black Lines are. Yes…they can be cleaned somewhat but not completely. I will do some looking around as to what they are. Not a deal breaker for me but is is weird. Thanks for the comment and the view! M

Hi ! Might be able to get my hand on the top configuration for this pc (So the 32GB + Nvidia 3050...) I was wondering, does the SLS handle zbrush well ? Would be to work on the go, sometimes on battery but mostly on sector :) Thanks for the review update too, it was very informative.

@MichaelClaridaArts

Ай бұрын

Yes…at that configuration you will not have many issues. They are powerful machines. However, just like any machine battery life will be affected to more you tax the machine:) otherwise…be confident. M

Great video. Wats the stand you are using? I use a 2tb,32gb version. Great machine. Weirdly I hate using the new pen and stick to older pen. Also I've found the plastic tip to be really hard to draw with in illustrator. Also I lost the pen recently becouse it was stuck under the laptop and then it stuck to a metal table and I left it there(table was black)

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

I am using a tablet stand from my Huion Kamvas 12. Works great. You can also use a Raphael 520 stylus. I have a bunch of stylus pens…and will probably do a video comparing them soon. Yes…wonderful machine. M

Hi! How do u use shortkey like Undo and Redo, transform and others in tablet mode?

Hi Michael, I'll watch the full review, but in case you don't cover it. How hot does the screen get while drawing on the screen? I tend to wrest my palm on the screen for a long time.

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

It be is fine. This machine does not really get hot. My Surface book 1 got so hot it baked the battery and separated the screen. This one is great:) M

Hello Michael thank you for the videos. Currently torn between the Surface studio laptop and the galaxy book 2 pro 360. Do you know how SLS performs with clip studio and krita?

@MichaelClaridaArts

2 ай бұрын

Both performance very well. Both are epic. The SLS is a great machine. Performs very well with Photoshop, Clip studio and Krita. Same with Samsung. I prefer the SLS over the Samsung but only by a super slim margin. I just liked drawing on the SLS a bit more.

@zenith_orbiting

2 ай бұрын

@MichaelClaridaArts Thank you so much. really appreciate the reply. I'm deciding which to get today:) sounds like either will be just fine. Thank you for sharing your insights and experience.

Great review, buddy! Not sure how I missed this since I have my subscription notifications on. I think I told you awhile back I tried the SP Laptop and regular version over at Best Buy for a few mins and I'm honestly not sure I noticed any difference between this and Wacom or Ipad's pen line quality (then again, it's hard to really make a judgement in such a short period of time). Still thinking of getting one but I really want to be able to draw on this as a laptop so I have easy access to the keys. Any idea if you can draw on the Surface Laptop 5?

@jasontkruse

Жыл бұрын

ps. I've noticed issues with Photoshop on literally every machine I've used. I have an HP with 32gb RAM and video card and I still get issues with it. Consequently, I rarely use it anymore. It's Clip Studio for me.

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

@@jasontkruse Photoshop is a huge resource hog. I am reviewing a Samsung device next week and will see how it drives. It uses Wacom EMR tech and touts Mac m1 speed. I will see. My SLP with Photoshop issues came down to the Microsoft cloud saving feature that was on. It was competing with PS when I was working….causing a small slow down. I suspend cloud sync and all is good. I tested PS on the SP 5 and it was good…not great. Probably depends on doc size…layers…and Ram. Your HP has a 4K screen. You can set your card on that machine to be the rendering engine in Ps. May help. I loved my HP Zbook. It had the 7th gen processor with 32gb and 1 tb drive. I will let you know how the Samsung plays. M

@jasontkruse

Жыл бұрын

​@@MichaelClaridaArts I've had to return the Zbook a bunch of times for diff. reasons. Most recently, I couldn't get Storyboard Pro to run on it properly. I also can't get the screen colors to calibrate properly no matter what I do. Honestly, I've been using my 1st gen MobileStudio Pro while the HP is collecting dust. Looking forward to the Samsung review.

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

@@jasontkruse did you download the dreamcolor feature? You should be able to adjust in that. I sold my Zbook a while back. It was finicky but worked well while I had it. My pal always said if I bought a pc to get it where I wanted it and never update or connect it to the internet. I laughed but sometimes with fragmented machines like the zbook(hp, Microsoft, Intel, and nvidea) then you have drivers that sometimes don’t play well. I always update my SLS through Microsoft. Same with my M1 Mac. We will see on the Samsung. M

@jasontkruse

Жыл бұрын

@@MichaelClaridaArts I did. No help. It was fine before I sent it back one of the last times but I've since given up. I also don't care much for the form factor. If you're like me and work on a lap desk it tends to slip off very easily and they don't really make protective covers for it. I was really hoping for Wacom to announce a new MSP but alas, twas not to be. Maybe next year. Can you tell us which Samsung you're reviewing or is it a surprise?

It's a touch display and you don't even rotate/zoom with hands. Why? I only want to buy it for that reason.

Great video!! I’m interested in both the Surface Laptop studio and drawing, so this video is perfect. When Microsoft announced the Surface Pro 9, i pre-ordered one, I’m now thinking i made the wrong decision and should of gotten the Surface Laptop studio instead, would you recommend it over a Surface Pro? I’m also fascinated by how quick you draw and the amazing quality of your drawings. I’ve always wanted to learn to draw, but i find it so dawning with all the different applications and the fact that my drawings look like 5 year old did them.

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

I would get the surface laptop studio. It comes with a keyboard and it is bigger:)

@DavidJames-ro2bl

Жыл бұрын

@@MichaelClaridaArts Ok thank you, i will send my Pro 9 back when it arrives, as Microsoft don’t allow you to cancel orders when they have already put a hold on your account for the money. I will also watch some of your 600 videos on how how to draw, hopefully i can learn a thing or two.

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

@@DavidJames-ro2bl cool! Yes…I have owned many surface devices. The SLS has been my favorite. I would get the one that has a larger HD if you can afford it. Great machine. M

I still prefer the Surface Book 3 in 15".

Do you wish the laptop was a tad bigger? What is your ideal size

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

No. The weight and size is good. I can always hook up a 24” display tablet if needed. M

Hi Michael, very good review! Two questions: Is Intel Iris X graphics sufficient for Photoshop? I´m assuming you´re using Photoshop Creative Cloud. And can a smaller Wacom Cintiq be attached to it, like the Wacom Cintiq 16 (non-pro version), to draw on it instead of the display? Right now, good deals can be had for the outgoing Surface Pro 8, and I´m considering getting the maxed out version with 32gb Ram. But Surface Laptop Studio is also a good option. Regarding pricing: Yes, the entire Surface lineup is very expensive.... But what really pi$$ed me off was the audacity MS had when releasing the crippled Surface Studio 2+ for an outrageous price: Limited to 32gb Ram an 1 tb harddrive, 11th gen Intel, and not exactly the latest GPU for 5.000$.... What in the world were they thinking?

@MichaelClaridaArts

Жыл бұрын

Yes…it can run Photoshop. The only issue I had was in full screen mode. It gets a black square issue that looks to be related to the graphics card. Maybe it is a intel and pSD issue? It does not happen when in frame mode. Weird. I am running the full Photoshop desktop version. I have the creative cloud subscription (I believe you have to install creative cloud nowadays) and I have a ton of brushes and fonts installed. It is a very powerful machine. Honestly, this is probably a perfect machine for artists. Fast, portable, powerful, versatile. I would like to have the i7 with dedicated graphics but for what I do it works great. The SP 8 looks good but you have to add the keyboard and pen and it is smaller. I would stick with the SLS and put that money to get a higher end model. Yes…expensive but optimized to run Windows 11 for sure. Plus…soooo nice:) They are great tools! Michael