The notebook-tablet hybrid
The release of Microsoft’s touch-enabLED
Windows 8 OS sparked new and innovative notebook designs from the lot of
computer manufacturers around the world, including the convertible form factor,
which combines a notebook and a tablet into one device.
Sony
VAIO Duo 11 – All Things To All People
Sony’s take on the new mobile computing
subcategory is the VAIO Duo 11. As its name suggests, it has an 11-inch
touchscreen display which does away with the hinge and lid by using a unique “Surf
Slider” mechanism that lets the Duo 11 transform from a tablet to a notebook by
sliding the screen up and back. Being an 11-incher, it only weighs 1.3kg which
makes it one of the smallest and lightest convertibles out in the market.
Overall build quality looks good with its
mixed aluminum (screen and keyboard) and plastic (base) build. A slight concern
about Sony’s implementation of the slider would be the exposed ribbon cable
behind the screen.
Overall
build quality looks good with its mixed aluminum (screen and keyboard) and
plastic (base) build.
This convertible features a gorgeous Full
HD 1920 x 1080-pixel resolution IPS touchscreen. Not only is the resolution
fantastic, it’s also very bright with great viewing angles. Worry not about the
screen as the display appears to be made of Corning Gorilla Glass or something
very close to it as it can handle quite a beating.
If you’re going to be using the Duo 11 for
entertainment, it has two small speakers at the front-bottom of the device with
a fairly decent volume. Media controls are found next to the left speaker.
As for ports, it includes every port you
would need on a modern device such as two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, VGA, card
reader, and an Ethernet port.
As
for ports, it includes every port you would need on a modern device
For its input, you get a backlit Chiclet keyboard
and an optical sensor to replace the trackpad due to space limitations. Another
option for input would be the included Digitizer Stylus for a more natural
writing feel.
Hidden inside the Duo 11, you’ll also find
an assortment of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, digital compass,
and NFC technology.
Hidden
inside the Duo 11, you’ll also find an assortment of sensors such as an
accelerometer, gyroscope, digital compass, and NFC technology.
With an Intel Core i7-3517U, the Duo 11
performed well on our benchmark tests as it scored 5094 marks on PCMark 7 and
678 marks on 3DMark 11, as for battery life and portability index, it lasted
165 minutes on PowerMark and got a 3.11 index.
Overall, we loved the Duo 11’s display and
excellent connectivity. The Surf Slider mechanism is one of the smoothest and
quickest notebook tablet transitions. Considering all of this, the Duo 11 is
probably best suited for users who want a powerful tablet and notebook in one
package.
|
Specifications
§
Operating system :
Windows 8 64-bit
§
Memory : 2-8GB 1600MHz
DDR3L-SDRAM
§
Display : 11.6in
1920x1080 pixels
§
Hard Drive : 128 or
256GB
§
Graphics : Intel HD
Graphics 4000
§
Webcam : Front-facing
full HD with Sony Exmor R sensor
§
Wireless : Wi-Fi
802.11 b/g/n, wireless LAN, Bluetooth
§
Ports : RJ-45
(Ethernet), VGA, 2x USB 3.0, 1x HDMI; headphone jack, microphone jack, power
connector, multi-card reader
§
Blu-ray player : No
§
Size : 320x199x18mm
§
Weight : 135g
|
