The first time you laid eyes on the love of your life, for example. Probably still pretty vivid, even after decades.
The first time you tried a California sushi roll? Perhaps a little more hazy.
For me, using a really innovative piece of technology gets me excited and there are definitely some first times I'll never forget; first smart phone. First iPod. The first time I was brave enough to open up my PC to upgrade the ram and hard drive.
But what has technology done for me lately?
Pretty sure I'll remember my first experience with the Microsoft Surface Studio for a fair old while.
Recently I had the opportunity to put the Surface Pro 4, Microsoft's latest (and greatest) transformable tablet through its paces. To describe this process as pleasurable is an understatement. The Surface Pro 4 actually made my life better - due in large part to the device's incredible design standards. Not only does the Surface Pro 4 look cutting edge, its functionality is so close to perfect, you'd have to wonder exactly how much Microsoft can improve things on the Surface Pro 5 due out some time this year.
Everything about the Surface Pro 4 makes it easy to use; the quality of the keyboard, the design of the convertible cover, it's slimness and lightness... oh, and of course the fact it's a fully functional Windows 10 computer.
Yes that's right, I'm completely biased against Apple products. While some of them are pretty to look at, I find the software so damn bossy. I want to use my computer MY way, not how IT thinks it should be used. And why is it so hard to get Apple devices to talk to other devices? I don't even mean other brands - I've regularly struggled to connect two different APPLE machines. Forget about plugging in any accessories, of course.
Yet, for so long, if you worked in any kind of digital production, visual, audio - your go-to was an iMac.
The Microsoft Surface Studio has arrived in New Zealand to blow that theory out of the water.
The mesmerising effect of the Studio's design ethic strikes you before you even take it out of the box. It's the cleverest box I've ever opened, keeping every component of this giant gadget secure, safe and sound, yet easily accessible for the fastest and most straight-forward installation of any PC I've ever fired up.
Essentially an all-in-one desktop PC, but with one breathtaking trick. While most computer displays can be tilted a little, you've never encountered anything quite like this. The Studio's unique hinge arrangement means the screen is easily pushed down, almost flat, into a drafting desktop configuration. You might think this would require a massive amount of desk space, with the Studio having to be positioned well away from the wall but no, the hinge design is much cleverer than that. All you really need is the area of the screen and you can start using this desktop like a... desktop.
The Surface Studio is an absolute beast, to be sure. The screen is massive - very thin of course but a whopping 28" of PixelSense display. Whatever PixelSense means, the picture is amazing; sharp, bright... but not too dazzling for close-up work. At the same time, plenty big enough to enjoy a movie from across the room. If the corner of your lounge also doubles as your study, the Surface Studio could easily serve as your telly too.
The box with the brain in is super subtle, bordering on boring. If you didn't know this was an all-in-one, you could easily mistake it for the base of the monitor. There are 4 USB ports, a headphone jack and a full-sized card reader - the only downside is these are all at the back, presumably to keep everything looking nice. There are built in speakers there as well, although where they are exactly I have no idea. I also have no idea how they work, given all I can see is a relatively small, flat aluminium box. They do work though, I found the effects and music on games and movies very clear and there was plenty of volume.
The nifty packaging also contains the bluetooth keyboard, mouse and Surface Pen, all constructed from the same aluminium casing giving everything an extremely solid feel. The keyboard has all the buttons you could wish for, including a separate number pad. Interestingly, I didn't find the response of the keys to be quite as nice as the smaller keyboard of the Surface Pro 4 - not that there was anything wrong with it, it just wasn't as right.
Superb design is everywhere with this setup. Both keyboard and mouse feature battery compartment doors that are simply magnetised closed. No special knack to getting them open, they just open.
The Surface Pen is the same stylus used with the Surface Pro 4 - just click the end to access any available features. That end also works like an eraser on a pencil, which is fun. With an optional accessory pack, you can even swap out the nibs for a wider range of drawing effects.
Another optional extra is the Surface Dial, a new innovation to help get the most out of this splendid machine. Again, made from aluminium, the Dial is roughly the size of a can of tuna and can be used either on your physical desktop, or you can bung it on the screen itself. The base is some kind of slightly sticky, rubbery substance which keeps it from sliding around. (In fact, try not to drop it on the carpet. There's definitely a fluff factor here) What does this dial do exactly? Depends on which program you're using at the time. Pushing it down gives you the available options; another scrolling device when you're browsing, pen/tool selection in drawing apps, shuttling back and forth for video production etc.
As accessories go, I'm not sure the Surface Dial is essential, but then, I'm not a draftsman.
What I can tell you is after spending a few days with the Surface Studio, I was left in no doubt of its sheer processing power. There was no task it struggled with and having a display that size was such a luxury, it was really annoying having to go back to a smaller desktop.
I've seen other reviews claim this is not a gaming machine, but with this much brute force and a display of this size, you'd have to be some kind of professional World of Warcrafter to demand anything more.
It's not cheap though. In fact, you could say it's the opposite of cheap. Even the base configuration will set you back well over five grand. But remember, there's nothing basic about the base configuration. This is probably more of a business tool than a home PC of course and from what I've seen, it justifies the premium price tag.
Click here for more information and pricing details for the Microsoft Surface Studio
Click here for more information and pricing details for the Microsoft Surface Dial
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