Tab/Laptop Convertibles

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  Riczter on 05/08/2013 - 11:21

  I'm partial to the Dell myself (the new dell xps 12 with haswell). Yet to get one though. Recommend you get one with a haswell processor for the battery and graphical performance gains.

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    jaxpylon on 05/08/2013 - 13:10

    I have the XPS 12 and love it. I picked up a refurbished model from the Dell Factory outlet for almost 50% off (paid around $1069 for a model that would've cost ~$2000 brand new) and you wouldn't know the difference. Full warranty still applies. (Unfortunately they don't have any at the moment, but keep an eye on it just in case: http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/product…)

    Realistically I don't use the tablet mode all that much, but it's still handy on occasion and is incredibly cool :P

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  murkywater on 05/08/2013 - 11:30

  I really like the Surface Pro, but the current gen battery life is atrocious. The haswell Surface Pro will be something to look forward to.

  The XPS 12 are very solid, only downside is that they're more use as a ultrabook than a tablet, as in tablet mode they're just too heavy.

  Activ Q seems interesting, will have to wait for more reviews to see if it's worth having the android part of it.

  EDIT: The LG one you linked has a resolution of 1366 x 768, and processor is 3rd gen i5. If you're looking at specs like that, you might as well get this for much cheaper: http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Com…

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    sk3iron on 05/08/2013 - 17:13

    I agree, the activ q looks amazing, especially that res…. drool. The android dual boot is a really nice feature, I do question how much it might cost when it comes out, it's scheduled for Q3 2013 so we will find out pretty shortly

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  MasterNoob on 05/08/2013 - 11:56

  -6

  I would say buy an iPad and spend $30 for a keyboard portfolio on eBay.

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    jaxpylon on 05/08/2013 - 13:45

    +2

    Even thought the OP clearly stated that he wants a Windows 8 system…

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  Astro551 on 05/08/2013 - 20:22

  The Asus Taichi 21/31 (11 inch vs 13 inch models) are not bad considerations it seems - http://www.harveynorman.com.au/endecasearch/result/?q=taichi

  It's unique in the sense that while it acts as a fully equipped ultrabook, the top of it's lid acting as a perfect utility for presentations (as there is a second touch screen). I never found this design attractive as I wanted to be able to use Windows 8 with touch AND a keyboard (at the same time), but this may be useful for you - productivity ultrabook mode at the desk -> close lid (or just turn laptop around) and tablet/presentation for clients.

  You may also want to consider the Acer P3 - http://www.acer.com/aspirep3/en_UK/

  It's advertised as an "ultrabook", but it's really more of a tablet with keyboard if anything. In terms of productivity you'll be fine with it running Windows 8, an i5 (3rd gen) and 4GB of RAM.

  The problem with most convertibilities (as everyone has pretty much stated already) is that they're running the older 3rd generation "Ivy Bridge" processors - so the battery life is not as good as Haswell. It's definitely a plus, but if battery life isn't a concern to you (generally it would be for a laptop, but in the off chance it isn't) then these other options are very viable.

  I'm in the same sort of boat, want something light and portable for uni, but will probably be holding out for Haswell convertibilities as I don't want to be tied down to a powerpoint - worth the wait for me. Or I may be tempted by firesales of these current gen ones, depends how cheap they go.

  But the thing I like about the Acer P3 and Surface Pro is that their form factors are more like tablets (with the ability for productivity). The Yoga 11s is a stroke of genius for me personally, though again the lack of Haswell is a bit of a killer for me (probably around 5-6 hours with web browsing/document use, but can't say for sure).

  Sorry for the long post, but either way my best advice would be to wait tbh. Either waiting for a Haswell Processor convertible device to pop up so you can have no worries about needing to stay plugged in to last the day. Or for the 3rd gen Ivy Bridge ones to drop in price. Personally, $1000+ is too much for this kind of device, while Windows 8 convertibles mix productivity/portability, that kind of price point is much too steep.

  I'd be waiting for somewhere between $500 - $1000 for some of these older models.

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    murkywater on 05/08/2013 - 21:55

    I'm with you, looking for something for uni. Torn between buying something now or waiting for the Haswell upgrades. You CAN buy the Sony Vaio Duo 13/Sony Vaio Pro 13/Dell XPS 12 though, they're all touchscreen & Haswell. Just abit more than what I want to spend.

    As for Surface, I've heard that you can't put it on your lap due to the kickstand, so I'm having second thoughts about that. Though perhaps I won't need to put it on my lap in lecture halls as they have those things on the sides of the seats…

    In any case, Surface Pro is not an option. The current gen battery like is like 3-4 hours, way less than most other ultrabooks/tablets running 3rd gen i5/i7. The next surface pro is coming out next year, and I don't want to wait that long.