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’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.
Sony’s
take on the new mobile computing subcategory is the VAIO Duo 11
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. 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.
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
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.
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.
The
VAIO Duo 11 transforms from tablet to notebook via the Surf Slider mechanism.
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.
Instead
of a trackpad, Sony opted for an optical sensor found amidst the keyboard keys.
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Specifications
§ Graphics:
Intel HD Graphics 4000
§ Operating
system: Windows 8
§ Connectivity:
Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, 2x USB 3.0, HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, Headphone jack,
Multi-Card Reader
§ Dimensions
/ weight: 320 x199 x 17.85mm / 1.3kg
§ Website:
www.sony.com
At a glance
§ Processor:
Intel Core i7-3517U (1.9GHz)
§ Display:
11.6” Full HD LED-backlit (1920 x 1080)
§ Memory:
8GB DDR3
§ Storage:
256GB SSD
§ Price:
Inquire
Verdict: 8.5
§ Physique:
8.5
§ Features:
8.5
§ User-friendliness:
8.5
§ Performance:
8.0
§ Value:
7.5
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