PC’s are now into their 6th Generation of Intel with everything from a Core i3 to a Core i7 processor, but everything is getting smaller as technological possibilities grow. The PC “tower” is now smaller than a family-size treat.

If you could fulfill everyone at the table with a cake but cut it down to a more compact size, would you go for something that small? Compare the HP Elite Slice with a rich dessert; a little goes a long way.

Specifications of the HP Elite Slice

There are numerous versions, but we will start with the first and most basic if anyone can refer to the Slice as “basic.” The cheapest model provides 4 GB of memory and 500 GB of HDD storage. High definition graphics are part of the package no matter what. Windows 10 Pro 64-bit is already installed with an i3 processor. The whole thing sits on top of your desk, leaving more room to stretch your legs or stack other equipment such as a printer and scanner.

Wireless

If it’s not a machine getting in the way, you can bet that cables make desk-life messy. Try this wireless, cable-free device instead. The HP Slice Elite functions at least as well, if not better, than the tower you use now. Don’t be afraid of change.

Agile Addition

This is your connection to the usual range of machines found in an office. Charge other devices, store images and text, and play music. There are also more items which connect wirelessly to the Elite but are sold separately.

Intel® Core™ i3-6100T

If you get carried away with the beauty of a slice, you might miss its brains. Intel HD Graphics 530 supply stunning visuals on the screen and additional speed if your screen is up to par. If not, upgrade to an HD monitor this Christmas. Make the most of the technology on your desktop.

Several Ports

On a usual tower, there are many ports to enable all sorts of functions. They include installing speakers, a mouse, keyboard, printer, and connecting to the TV. These are still located on the HP Slice Elite. Notice a 3.1 Type-C for charging, another of the same kind, one charging port, a Display Port, and one for audio.

New Energy

Enjoy a renewed sense of energy. This system qualifies for an Energy Star rating because it saves on electricity. Do more, but use less, and be kinder to the environment without losing a single function. Dimensions are smaller than ever and so is your carbon footprint. The Slice weighs less than 2 ½ pounds but supplies professional, quality services including security and the reliability of HP’s reputation.

Various Versions

The HP Slice Elite starts at around $700 but goes up in price as you extend features or add accessories. Select an i3 Intel Core, an i5, or an i7. Choose 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of HDD storage or double that to 500 GB. As storage values climb, the price also rises to around $1,000, but savings are already available. See what HP and authorized retailers have to offer today or in the sales after Christmas and let this solid brand fill you up with the best that PC technology has to offer as you approach 2017.

Microsoft would like to introduce creative individuals to their new studio: the Surface Studio. This 28″ display provides what they refer to as a “canvas” rather than a mere computer screen. Draw right onto that surface as though it were a piece of drafting paper and pay $2,999 for the privilege. The Surface Studio is currently available from Microsoft for pre-order and targets those serious about creating a graphic impression.

Image: Microsoft

Features

Consider this a cross between paper and a real canvas. The Surface Studio is very large, thicker than paper, but thinner than something you would set on an easel. With 13.5M pixels, your graphics will be the most complete, most authentic, and most stunning you have ever produced digitally.

Amateur and professional graphic artists alike will see their work come to life with the NVIDIA GeForce dGPU and an i5 or i7 Intel Core processor at their disposal. Bluetooth 4.0 is, of course, built into this new Microsoft display.

NVIDIA

The NVIDIA GeForce dGPU is a built-in feature designed for high definition video streaming. If you use the computer to watch movies, YouTube demonstrations, to play video games, or to host conference calls, Microsoft’s choice of technology makes it real.

Intel Processors

The computing world has seen a huge jump in computer speed, thanks to the i5, but an i7 improves that even more. When you work in a fast-paced world, tech is more important than cost. If your screen is used for work and your graphics need to be scientifically precise, that might be the way to go for a bit more money.

Take advantage of a 6th Generation i5 Core with 8 GB of RAM. Memory upgrades are also available. Microsoft is offering their clients as much as 16 GB or 32 GB of RAM, basically, but the standard is 8 GB.

The Surface Studio is your resume; your portfolio; potentially your artistic lifeline. Keep that lifeline stocked and ready for interviews, shows, to show clients, or for your enjoyment. Select a Rapid Hybrid drive of 1 TB or 2 TB.

Interaction

Press Surface Dial and hold it to access a selection of tools to take you to assorted apps, choose colors from a seemingly endless sRGB palate, or start drawing. With 1,024 pressure sensitivity levels and an eraser, this will be like working with paper only better.

The Studio Surface was designed to operate cooperatively and intuitively with Microsoft Windows, of course. You have access to all the tools associated with their drawing programs like Ink Workspace as well as editing functions for photographs. But the Surface Studio is also Office-capable; flexible to display text as crisply as images.

A pen is included plus Windows 10. Write or, alternatively, read documents and creative works on Surface Book where font will be big and legible on your wireless display. It’s weighty and large for travel, but not if you are only moving from a desk to the bed or another room in the office. If you wanted a small screen, a notebook would be more practical, but you wanted precision visuals.

Configuration

Stand the Surface Studio on your desk or lay it on the desk flat. How you choose to view and use it will depend on a given task and where you are. It’s usually easier to draw flat but to view visuals and movies upright. Then again, if you’re not at your desk, a screen laid flat is equally useful.

Ultimately, there should be joy in owning something so agile that you can host a video call on it and talk to people far away like they’re in the room, or take pictures with a 1080p camera plus video fed by Dolby Audio. Commercial and home-based users alike receive high-grade Windows Hello2 security; a visual safeguard which innovatively requires you to sign in on video. Protect the work you treasure.