Convertible
Formerly "convertible" only
meant: a laptop that the screen can rotate and fold into tablet mode, but at
this time you can interact with it by using your finger or stylus. While that
form factor has almost disappeared, the word convertible is now more
influential than anything else a category includes all different form factors -
everything from sliders to the dual-screen laptop. However, suffice to say that
not all designs are created equal. Although we have tried to select three for
each item, we only get two names for the convertible. That's because we can’t
think any models that we really want to introduce. Sliding computers usually
offer the compromised typing experience, and we have frustration experience
with other competitors, such as Asus Taichi. We hope to have more choices at
the time we publish the buyer’s guide for spring, but for now, here are two
best computers you can buy now.
Lenovo
IdeaPad Yoga 13
Yoga 13 is the first Windows 8 convertible
computer to release and it is still one of the best computers. Sure it's not
perfect (five and a half hours battery life slightly disappointing) but
generally it wins high marks for its lightweight design and comfortable typing
experience. However, the flexible form factor makes it stand out like that. By
sturdy hinge, you can fold the screen back completely into tablet mode. If you
prefer, you can also stop it halfway to the keyboard lies flat on the table
(Stand Mode) or a laptop rests in the Downward Dog position (Tent Mode). All
create a flexible product with few compromises (such as keys, are still exposed
in tablet mode, but at least Lenovo is selling sleeves to cover them up). We
hope that the company knowingly makes the second model with bigger battery
and can be 1,080p screen. But even so, Yoga 13 is one of the most memorable
Windows 8 computers we've seen so far.
Lenovo
IdeaPad Yoga 13
The bottom line
·
A unique form factor and comfortable keyboard
make it the most memorable Windows 8 convertible computer we've ever tested.
Price
·
$999 and up
Key Specifications
·
Up to a 2GHz Intel Core i7-3537U CPU
·
4GB to 8GB of RAM
·
128 to 256GB of internal storage
·
Intel HD Graphics 4000
·
13.3-inch (1,600 x 900) display
Dell
XPS 12
It’s is always a tough decision between the
introduction of Yoga 13 or Dell XPS 12, and vice versa. After all, Yoga 13 has
more flexible design, but even so, XPS 12 Ultrabook is one of the most
comprehensive we tested recently. When you do not use it as a normally touch
screen laptop, you can flip the screen in its hinge to laptop coupling into a
12-inch tablet. By chance we find this computer a bit unwieldy to hold as the
tablet (as well as most of these computers), but that does not really
important. Whether you have never pushed the screen out of the hinge, this is
amazing Ultrabook touchscreen, with comfortable backlighting keypad, 1,920x1,080
screen and fast performance.
Dell
XPS 12
The bottom line
·
Even if you rarely use it in tablet mode, the
XPS 12 is the excellent Ultrabook, thanks to its comfortable keyboard, vibrant
display and sophisticated design.
Price
·
$1,200 and up
Key Specifications
·
Up to a 1.9GHz Intel Core i7-3517U CPU
·
4GB to 8GB of RAM
·
128 or 256GB of internal storage
·
Intel HD Graphics 4000
·
12.5-inch (1,920 x 1,080) display
Laptop with touchscreen
The safest way to PC manufacturers is
experiment with touch. Unlike hybrids, which have virtually ubiquitous, this is
the Windows 8 form factor you'll see most on the store shelves. And that's
reasonable, right? The PC manufacturers are not sure whether customers will
prefer sliding computer, hybrid or convertible, but quite easy to fit one touchscreen
on an old laptop and call it ready for Windows 8. While several models (Acer
Aspire and Toshiba Satellite P945t S7) was created for the purpose of Windows 8
targeting, most available options (Sony VAIO T13, HP TouchSmart Envy 15,
Samsung Series 5 Ultra Touch, etc.) are the remix version of the previous
models, with the touch is sometimes offered as one option to upgrade.
Acer
Aspire S7
The title of our review is "great
Ultrabook, shame about the battery life." Despite of four hours disappoint,
we can’t stop returning to the Aspire S7. After all, if it does not run short
of time, Acer has one big hit in the hand. S7 is slim and lightweight but
rugged design, with a mixture of cold metal and smooth Gorilla Glass. (Note:
only 13 inch version with glass lid, 11-inch model is made entirely of metal).
1,080p IPS screen is one of the best screens we've seen on any laptops - not
only the pixel density, but also the vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.
Performance is also fast, thanks to RAID 0 SSD setup. In summary, S7 is one of
our favorite models, although naturally we dream about the second generation
model with longer battery life.
Acer
Aspire S7
The bottom line
·
Between design, speed and quality, this is one
of the best Ultrabooks we've seen. Just do not forget to bring the charger.
Price
·
$1,199 and up (11 inch) / $1,399 and up (13
inch)
Key Specifications
·
11-inch
·
1.7GHz Intel Core i5-3317U CPU
·
4GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage
·
Intel HD Graphics 4000
·
11.6-inch (1,920 x 1,080 display)
·
13-inch
·
1.7GHz Intel Core i5-3317U or 2GHz Core i7-3537U
CPU
·
4GB of RAM
·
128 to 256GB of internal storage
·
Intel HD Graphics 4000
·
13.3-inch (1,920 x 1,080 display)
Asus
Zenbook Prime UX31A Touch
At the time Ultrabook has no touchscreen,
Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A is one of our favorite models – that is probably the
second after Samsung Series 9. Specifically, we are fans of 1,920x1,080 IPS
screen and futuristic design but this time, Asus has updated the trackpad, so
it works more reliably. All of that are true except, you know, it has one touch
screen to help you to take advantage of Windows 8. Our only real complain is
about battery life, but to be fair, pretty mediocre on most of these early
Windows 8 systems.
Asus
Zenbook Prime UX31A Touch
The bottom line
·
It is the same Prime Zenbook Ultrabook we've
liked, except this time it has the touch screen and improvement trackpad.
What's not to like?
Price
·
$1,099 and up
Key Specifications
·
Up to a 1.9GHz Intel Core i7-3517U CPU
·
4GB of RAM
·
128 or 256GB of internal storage
·
Intel HD Graphics 4000
·
13.3-inch (1,920 x 1,080) display
Lenovo
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch is another example
of a prominent Ultrabook that is upgraded with touch. From the beginning, we
liked the original X1 Carbon because of its slim shape - it's quite compact for
a 14 inch computer, and it has become thinner and lighter than 13-inch ThinkPad
X1 that came before it. And of course, there is ThinkPad keyboard, different
with the old ThinkPad fans, but it is an improvement compared to what you would
find on the other Ultrabooks. Here's what we report: 1,600x900screen could
benefit from wider viewing angles. Starting price is high for a touch screen
laptop with these specifications - even 3 years warranty also does not help
justify the price. However, if the user experience is important - and we think
that - X1 Carbon Touch deserves to be on your short list.
Lenovo
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch
The bottom line
·
One of our most popular ultrabooks has touch
screen.
Price
·
$1,499 and up
Key Specifications
·
Up to a 2GHz Intel Core i7-3667U CPU
·
4GB to 8GB of RAM
·
128GB of internal storage
·
Intel HD Graphics 4000
·
14-inch (1,600 x 900) display
