There was a time when
"convertible computer" has only one meaning: a type of laptop has
rotating screen that can be folded into tablet mode. However, Windows 8 was presented,
this category becomes somewhat messy.
There was a time when "convertible
computer" has only one meaning: a type of laptop has rotating screen that
can be folded into tablet mode. However, Windows 8 was presented, this category
becomes somewhat messy. How else to describe our recent review? Only in the
past few weeks, we have examined a laptop whose screen folds all the way back,
an Ultrabook whose screen flip inside the hinge and another one with a
slide-out keyboard. Anything is possible at least until customers determine
which form they like the best.
Lenovo
ThinkPad Twist
But when Lenovo called its new ThinkPad
Twist a convertible, you can rest assured that it is using the old-school
definition. As the name implies, it has a swivel screen allows it to be used as
a 12-inch tablet. And like all ThinkPad business-friendly before it, it has a
well-designed keyboard, secondary set of touch buttons and of course, the signature
red pointing stick/ However, it is now running an OS which is much more finger-friendly,
and its touchpad can support all the new gestures in Windows 8. It is one of
several new touch support laptops from Lenovo, but only aimed at businessman. Does
it worth upgrade from your old ThinkPad? And it must be a good deal more than
just a Windows 8 convertible PC by Lenovo, IdeaPad Yoga 13? Keep reading to
find out.
Look and Feel
You've seen this design before. No, we're
not even talking about that classic convertible form factor. Twist has style
and feel like every other PC in the Lenovo's ThinkPad Edge line. As these
models, it has a soft-touch black finish, rounded corners, two ThinkPad logos
with glowing "i"; and of course, the island-style keyboard comes with
red pointing stick and a secondary set of touch buttons. Basically, it looks
like a ThinkPad, which is definitely the reason you are here.
Basically,
it looks like a ThinkPad
There are some clear signs that this is a
low-end computer of Lenovo (you know, in case the price does not show that
clearly). The lid edge with a silver-color strip that look like metal, but
really it's just glossy plastic. There is a thing which is more shinny that can
be found under the screen: you will find a large piece of plastic that house
Start button and volume buttons. Keyboard Panel is made from the same material,
so if you look closely, you will see lights between buttons. Frankly, those
flashy reflective material looks very strange when place next to matte material
which is used on the lid and keyboard tray. On the positive side, there is an
alloy aluminum frame underneath it, even though Twist looks cheap in many ways,
it actually felt quite solid.
At 3.48 pounds, the Twist slightly heavier
than those 12-inch touch screen Windows 8 convertible, such as the Dell XPS 12,
but you will hardly notice unless there is a chance to handle both side by
side. Point is, it's quite easy to hold it with two hands or one hand. As your
waiting, the coefficient shape is appropriate for the show, which is definitely
more possible to use than consumer laptops. However, as any other 12-inch or
13-inch Windows 8 convertible, it's somewhat difficult to use with the way you
use your iPad, or any independent tablet. Specifically, the screen is quick,
and that soft material feels nice with fingers. More than anything else, we
wish that the screen accept pen input, given that it aims mainly to the
business man.
Lenovo
ThinkPad Twist’s modes
When it comes to the real rotation, two
articulated work in one direction: you rotate the screen clockwise to flip it
into tablet mode (it will not budge if you try to push it in another way).
Swivel itself feels firm, though we found that when it's in tablet mode,
accelerometer is slightly slower when detects changes in direction.
Fortunately, it functions well most of the time, although we often have
problems when changing from portrait mode to laptop computer clamshell using
mode; we often have to "shake" it to make the desktop stand straight
back.
This
is one of a few 12-inch laptops include Ethernet jacks
A pleasant surprise here: this is one of a
few 12-inch laptops include Ethernet jacks. Good news for all the road warriors
prefers to use a wired internet connection the next time you camp at the Hyatt.
Besides, Lenovo included two USB 3.0 ports, one mini-DisplayPort, 3.5mm headphone
jack, and a mini-HDMI jack. Well, the card reader, thing was often forgotten on
the small computer like this. Looking for the power button? You'll find it at
the edge of the lid, swept down next to the keyboard. There is also one button
to lock the screen in case you think you know better than the built-in
accelerometer.
