Software Alternatives & Startups

iTerm2 VS Surface Studio

Compare iTerm2 VS Surface Studio and see what are their differences

iTerm2

A terminal emulator for macOS that does amazing things.

Rating
4.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
Surface Studio

A brilliant screen for your ideas, from Microsoft

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, iTerm2 seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 119 times since March 2021.

social mentions
119 vs 0
Developer Tools popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 50

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

iTerm2
Surface Studio
Website iterm2.com microsoft.com
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

iTerm2 6 features
Surface Studio 6 features
  • Versatility
    iTerm2 supports a wide range of features such as split panes, multiple tab management, and hotkey-activated terminal windows, making it highly versatile for different workflows.
  • Customization
    Offers extensive customization options, including themes, color schemes, and key bindings, allowing users to tailor the terminal to their preferences.
  • Advanced Features
    Includes advanced functionality like instant replay, which allows users to rewind their terminal session, and integration with automation tools like AppleScript.
  • Performance
    Designed to be efficient and responsive, ensuring it performs well even with multiple sessions and tabs open simultaneously.
  • Integrations
    Seamless integration with macOS features such as native notifications, fullscreen mode, and support for external editors.
  • Community Support
    Active community and comprehensive documentation, which can be very helpful for troubleshooting and learning advanced configurations.

Possible disadvantages

  • Mac-Only
    iTerm2 is exclusive to macOS, which means users on other operating systems cannot utilize its features.
  • Complexity
    The sheer number of features and customization options can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a learning curve to utilize efficiently.
  • System Resource Usage
    iTerm2 may consume more system resources compared to simpler terminal emulators, which could be a concern on lower-end hardware.
  • Update Frequency
    Occasional updates can introduce bugs or unexpected behavior, requiring users to adjust settings or find workarounds.
  • Design
    The Surface Studio features a sleek, modern design with a thin, adjustable display that enhances the aesthetic of any workspace.
  • Display
    The 28-inch PixelSense display offers a high-resolution, vibrant, and color-accurate screen which is excellent for creative professionals.
  • Touchscreen and Pen Support
    The Surface Studio supports multi-touch and the Surface Pen, allowing for intuitive and precise interaction, making it ideal for artists and designers.
  • Performance
    Equipped with Intel Core i7 processors and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card, the Surface Studio provides robust performance for demanding tasks.
  • Versatility
    The zero gravity hinge allows for smooth transitioning between various angles, from a standard desktop position to a flat drafting table format, enhancing its usability.
  • Built-In Microphone and Camera
    The 5.0MP front-facing camera and stereo microphones make it convenient for video calls and conferencing.

Possible disadvantages

  • Price
    The Surface Studio is quite expensive, which might be a significant barrier for individuals and small businesses on a tight budget.
  • Upgradability
    The internal components are not user-upgradeable, which can be a downside for users looking to extend the device’s lifespan or increase performance over time.
  • Port Selection
    The Surface Studio has a limited selection of ports, including no Thunderbolt 3, which might be restrictive for some power users.
  • Weight
    The device is relatively heavy, making it less portable and more challenging to move around if necessary.
  • Gaming Performance
    While the Surface Studio has a dedicated GPU, it is not optimized for high-end gaming, which could be a limitation for users interested in gaming.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

iTerm2
Surface Studio

Overall verdict

  • iTerm2 is regarded as an excellent terminal emulator for macOS due to its robust feature set and usability, making it a top choice for power users.

Why this product is good

  • iTerm2 is often praised for its advanced features, customization options, and efficiency that enhance productivity for users who work with the command line frequently. It offers split panes, hotkey window, undo close, instant replay, and a highly configurable interface that caters to power users, making it a versatile tool for developers and system administrators.

Recommended for

  • Developers and programmers who need a highly customizable terminal.
  • System administrators who require powerful scripting and automation capabilities.
  • Users who frequently work with command-line interfaces and require multiple sessions handled efficiently.
  • Anyone seeking an enhanced, feature-rich alternative to the default macOS terminal.

Overall verdict

  • The Surface Studio is a high-quality all-in-one desktop computer designed with creative professionals in mind. While it is an impressive device with exceptional features, it also comes at a premium price. If you require a machine for intensive creative work and value top-tier design and functionality, the Surface Studio is likely a good investment. However, for general productivity or less demanding tasks, there may be more cost-effective options available.

Why this product is good

  • The Surface Studio by Microsoft is renowned for its versatility and premium build quality. It features a sleek design with a stunning PixelSense display, which is excellent for creative professionals who value accurate color representation and touch capabilities. The device is also equipped with a range of powerful hardware components suitable for demanding tasks like graphic design, video editing, and 3D modeling. The Surface Dial accessory further enhances the user experience by providing innovative ways to interact with creative software. Additionally, the integration with the Windows ecosystem offers seamless productivity enhancements for users familiar with Microsoft products.

Recommended for

  • Graphic designers
  • Digital artists
  • Video editors
  • 3D modelers
  • Professionals needing touch and stylus input

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

iTerm2 1 video + Add
Surface Studio 3 videos + Add

Customizing iterm2 with ZSH and PowerLevel9k | Z shell Tutorial

Tested: Microsoft Surface Studio Review

More videos

  • - Microsoft is Infuriating. - Surface Studio 2
  • - Microsoft Surface Studio 2 review: better performance, same good looks

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
iTerm2
Surface Studio
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
SSH
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using iTerm2 and Surface Studio. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

iTerm2 4.0 · 1 review
Surface Studio no reviews yet

We have no reviews of Surface Studio yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

iTerm2 119 mentions
Surface Studio 0 mentions

View more

Tracking Surface Studio since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to iTerm2 and Surface Studio

When comparing iTerm2 and Surface Studio, you can also consider the following products.