I’ve been doing a lot of testing on the Dell XPS 12 over the last 4 days.
Here’s a 16 minute video of my findings. If you’re interested in Ultrabook Convertibles, take a look at this video because it covers some ergonomic issues as well as a detailed look at the Dell XPS 12. [Specs, images, videos and more info in our database here.]
As always, I welcome discussion below. What do you think of Ultrabook Convertibles and what device impresses you the most?
We’re expecting a number of Ultrabook refreshes over the CES 2013 week and here’s the first of them. The Lenovo U310 and U410 are getting a touchscreen upgrade.
Liliputing reports a fairly straightforward refresh with 1366×768 touchscreens on both the Lenovo U310 and U410 and starting prices of $779 and $850 respectively. There will be an optional Nvidia GeForce module on the U410. Availability is said to be March. We’re assuming all CES info is for the US market only so other markets may get different timescales.
This ground-breaking integration of Windows 8 and PC hardware will change the way you use a PC and it’s likely to be an Ultrabook-exclusive for much of 2013 and 2014. Connected Standby is ‘on’ for Windows 8 apps when the PC is ‘off.’ It means you can run Windows 8 applications like Skype to provide voice and video services when your PC is in your bag, and much more.
The Yoga wasn’t my favorite Ultrabook of 2012 but it was incredibly popular when we wrote about it. Over on YouTube it was our most-watched video of 2012. We got hands-on with the Lenovo Yoga at CES 2012 and exactly one year later it’s in our hands for review. [Follow closely for teasers of 3rd generation Ultrabooks next week as we cover CES 2013.] Here’s a quick unboxing video just to prove it’s here in the studio. We’ll produce a first impressions, detailed review and for those on the cusp of buying one, a live review session where you can ask your own questions. Feel free to start listing those below.
As part of our continuing co-op with Intel on highlighting interesting and useful Ultrabook resources we’ve got another bunch of info for software developers this week – a very useful guide to designing for Ultrabook Convertibles.
We focus on Ultrabooks here but also keep a close track on what’s happening in the ultra mobile PC space through our work with UMPCPortal. For some people it’s more important to be mobile with all-day, all-scenario capability at the expense of processing power or speed. For others, the most important thing is to be able to carry desktop power and that’s where a Core-based Utrabook comes in. But how big is the difference in platform performance? I’ve had a Atom-Clovertrail based tablet convertible for a few weeks now and so I took the chance to test it alongside an Ultrabook convertible – the Lenovo Thinkpad Twist. Both devices have strengths, and weaknesses.
Competitor to the Microsoft Surface Pro (and 4 other Core-based dockables,) the Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro / 700T / XE700 hasn’t exactly got the market to itself but given Samsung’s history of making tablets we think they have a good chance of being one of the most popular brands in the category and when Samsung posts details about what’s going inside the SmartPC Pro you get the impression they have some confidence too.
Check out some of the key features inside the Samsung ATIV SmartPC Pro below and read-on for information on the first owner-feedback.
As part of our continuing work with Intel to highlight interesting software and developer demos, techniques and tools for Ultrabooks running Windows 8 we’ve got something here that would interest software developers looking at integrating media, social and sensor into their Windows 8 desktop software.
Hopefully, as a developer, you’re aware that some Windows 8 Ultrabooks have sensor integration. Sensors include cameras, GPS, NFC, touch, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, accelerometer and electronic compass. If you’re interested in this area, check out a really detailed tutorial with information and code pack from Intel – Ultrabook™ Desktop Applications Development on Windows* 8: Photo Application with Touch and Sensors The how-to shows how you can implement some of the new sensor features in your Windows 8 desktop application.
I’ve been doing a lot of testing on the Dell XPS 12 over the last 4 days.
