6. Dell XPS 12
Dell seems to be that kind of company that listens to its customers and especially to the competition’s customers, so it takes action and improves where others have failed. The XPS 12 seems to be Dell’s superstar convertible ultrabook, nominated in top ten devices lists by many tech reviewers and users, because its elegant design and high functionality made a good impression on everybody.
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Over 8 hours
- Weight
3.4 pounds
- Sound and Speakers
Waves MaxxAudio 4
- Ports
- 2 USB 3.0 (1 regular, 1 with Powershare)
- Headphone output/Microphone input combo
- Mini DisplayPort
- Processor
Intel Core i5-3317U 1.70 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.60 GHz
- Memory
4 GB DDR3 1333 MHz
- Hard Drive
128 GB SSD
- Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 4000
- Operating System
Windows 8
But we are in for other big surprises, as according to Engadget, we will have a brand new XPS 11 (with a clear inspiration drawn from Lenovo’s Yoga family) that will be even more amazing than the XPS 12 in terms of flexibility and looks. It is said to be released in November, at an average price of starting at $1,000, and we truly hope it will be worth its money. For those who enjoyed the XPS 12 experience, here is a presentation and don’t forget you can
7. Acer Iconia W510
What is amazing about this device is that the battery keeps going and going, or at least this is what the guys at InfoWorld noticed. Highly resembling the Envy x2, this hybrid computer – tablet has some features of its own that make it no less spectacular than its competitors.
The Iconia W510 comes also in a Pro pack, with a Windows 8 Pro difference from the W510 which operates only on the W8 consumers’ edition, a stylus and an extended warranty.
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Over 8 hours
- Weight
2.8 pounds
- Sound and Speakers
- High-definition audio support
- Two Built-in Stereo Speakers
- Integrated Digital Microphone
- Ports
- 1- Micro USB 2.0 Port
- 1 – Micro-HDMI™ with HDCP support
- MicroSD memory slot up to 32GB (SDHC 2.0 compatible)
- Processor
Intel® Atom™ Dual-Core Processor Z2760 1.5GHz with Intel® Burst Technology up to 1.8GHz
- Memory
2 GB DDR2 SDRAM
- Hard Drive
64 GB Internal Storage
- Graphics
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator with 64MB of dedicated system memory
- Operating System
Windows 8 Pro
The spectacular attribute resides however in the battery life: while the official website talks about an 8 hour battery life, according to the tester at InfoWorld, “I got 15 and one-half hours in my Netflix battery rundown test.” If you have some 3 minutes to spare, this is how The Verge preview on Iconia W510 looks like and check Amazon for the best deal on this product.
8. Acer Aspire R7 with Active Pen
It was indeed designed for touch, just as the producer mentions, but it was only recently when it became provided with an Active Pen. Just as its predecessor (or the low version), this one comes with the same Ezel hinge design Acer is so proud about. The screen can be flipped almost in any direction you’d like and, according to PC Mag testers, it displays a 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and 10-finger touch functionality. The auto-reverse audio interface is what enticed people the most, as it allows the sound to follow you wherever you want it oriented.
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Around 4 hours
- Weight
5.3 lbs
- Sound and Speakers
High Definition Audio, Dolby Home Theater
- Ports
- USB 2.0
- 2 x USB 3.0,
- HDMI,
- Acer converter port,
- Microphone input
- Card reader ( SD Memory Card )
- Processor
Intel Core i5 3 i5-3337U / 1.8 GHz
- Memory
6 GB ( 1 x 2 GB + 4 GB (soldered) )
- Hard Drive
500 GB HDD
- Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 4000
- Operating System
Windows 8
The “welcome to nothing” promo video is quite entertaining and surely it leaves us with at least a little something. The product can be found for purchase on Amazon.
9. MSI S20 Ultrabook Convertible
The thin slim and slick MSI S20 was expected since last year, but now it is available and ready to be reviewed. If you’re a fan of Windows 8, the MSI convertible ultrabook allows you to operate smoothly thanks to its 10-point multi-touch screen. The MSI Slidebook S20 allows the user to view images from any desired angle and focuses on a main feature which differentiates the MSI from its competitors: Gigabit Ethernet. However, according to NotebookCheck, “the S20 does not come equipped with a WWAN modem, having to rely on external HotSpots or tethering-enabled devices in order to access the World Wide Web on the go.” However, many customers have been impressed with MSI’s SSD functionality, although reported slower on some tests than the ones used by the competition.
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Around 4 hours
- Weight
1.16kg
- Sound and Speakers
THX TruStudio PRO
- Ports
- 2x USB 3.0
- 1 x Mini HDMI
- Processor
Intel Core i5-3337U processor
- Memory
DDR3 1066/1333/1600MHz, DIMM x 1slot (Max: 8GB)
- Hard Drive
128GB mSATA3 SSD
- Graphics
Intel integrated HD4000 graphics
- Operating System
Windows 8
This CES 2013 video demo takes you further into the details and if interested, you can
10. Samsung Ativ Smart PC
Samsung knows its business when it comes to the best smartphones and tablets, so it wasn’t such a big of surprise when it released the Ativ Smart PC, not only keeping the legacy of the touch screen we’re already used to, but bringing in a full PC to it. Compatible with Windows 8, the Ativ Smart PC relies on its elegant and slim features to conquer the competition.
Here are some technical features you might be interested in:
- Battery Life
- Ober 10 hours
- Weight
0.744kg
- Sound and Speakers
- Stereo Speakers (0.64W x 2)
- Internal Dual Array Digital Mic
- Ports
- 1 Micro HDMI
- 1 USB2.0
- MicroSD Multi-media Card Reader
- 1 Headphone out / Mic-in Combo
- 1 Dock Port
- 1 DC-in
- Processor
Intel® ATOM™ Processor Z2760 (1.8GHz, 1MB L2 Cache)
- Memory
2 GB LPDDR2 System Memory at 800MHz (on BD 2GB)
- Hard Drive
64GB e.MMC iNAND™ Embedded Flash Drive
- Graphics
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator
- Operating System
Windows 8
The product also has an affordable price, under $700 if you Users seem to be more in favor of the white version, and is appreciated for its solid structure, despite its fragile look.
In waiting for the next Ativ Q form Samsung, announced to be released only next year, to the disappointment of all those waiting for Samsung’s dual-booting Windows 8 and Android hybrid ATIV Q tablet, let’s see the commercial that made people look Samsung’s way when it was about tablet – PC hybrids.
What’s your favorite convertible ultrabook model? Is any in particular that drew your attention? Are you happy with your product or are you thinking about upgrading?
Roxanne G. says
These ultrabooks are just awesome. As far as I’m concerned, I think I would go for Dell XPS 12, this beautiful convertible ultrabook with an elegant and stylish look. I also saw its internal specs and it’s perfect with an 124 GB SSD inside plus the third generation of Intel’s processors. Lightweight, beautiful design and a good price tag. The perfect birthday gift for November :). Thanks!