Friday 31 January 2014

Dell XPS 12 vs Asus Zenbook UX32VD vs Toshiba Satellite U925T:Who is the winner?


W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Dell XPS 12                                                                                                                                             The Dell XPS 12 is a thin, powerful, very cleverly designed touch-screen convertible that flips into multiple screen positions.This machine’s key feature is a 12.5-inch touchscreen with a native resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels that pivots inside its aluminum frame—just as on the original. Open the lid, and you can use the computer as you would any other notebook. You simply push the top front or bottom back of the display to pop it out of its frame, and then flip it over and close it to convert the machine into a tabletThe biggest improvement, though, lies in battery life. The Ivy Bridge version of the XPS 12 provided 5 hours of streaming video, but that figure rose to a 6 hours and 45 minutes when we tested again with the same test.The Dell XPS 12 is one of the most powerful Ultrabooks you'll find. It might be heavy and awkward as a tablet, but when you consider the value that's on offer, with the blistering processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD drive, there's more than meets the eye..
But, For all the hype about touch and tablets with Windows 8, the XPS 12 still works better as a laptop than as a slate. Its battery life is on the low side.
The bottom line: Dell has revamped its rotating Duo laptop concept into the much-improved XPS 12, but like most convertibles, it makes a better laptop than tablet.
Windows 8 (64-bit); 1.9GHz Intel Core i7-3517U; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,333MHz; 32MB (Shared) Intel HD 4000; 256GB Lite-On IT SSD                                                                                                           Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 2.6 GHz
Memory4 GB
Hard Drive128 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type12.5 in
Max Resolution1920 x 1080
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD 4000
Weight3.35 lbs                                                                                                                                         Price;$1,199.99                                                                                                                                         VS                                                                                                                                                           Asus Zenbook UX32VD                                                                                                                           The Asus Zenbook UX32VD has features usually missing from ultrabooks, including a 1080p display and Nvidia GPU.The speakers, along with the Bang and Olufsen ICEpower technology, offer a sound better than you have a right to expect on a laptop this size. Sure, it's never going to beat the sound from proper desktop speakers or headphones, but it's still pretty good.
But, The UX32VD is expensive, it's thicker and heavier than most ultrabooks, and it has a less-than-stellar touch pad.The mini VGA port really could have been a Thunderbolt - or at least a mini DisplayPort - connection. Given how far the ultrabook form factor is pushing away from the old style computing connections, VGA feels like a legacy port out of place on such a sleek machine.
The bottom line: With a Core i7 CPU, discrete graphics, and a full HD screen, the Asus Zenbook UX23VD is pretty close to being the ultrabook that has it all, but you'll pay for all those features.
Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i7 3517UM / 1.7 GHz( Dual-Core )
Memory4 GB/ 4 GB (max)
Hard Drive500 GB - 7200 rpm
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Display Type13.3 inIPS
Max Resolution1920 x 1080 ( Full HD )
Graphics ProcessorNVIDIA GeForce GT 620M
Optical DriveNone                                                                                                                                     Price;$1,299                                                                                                                                             VS                                                                                                                                                   Toshiba Satellite U925T                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A solidly built slider-style Windows 8 convertible, the Toshiba Satellite U925t includes features, such as a touch pad, that others leave out.The Toshiba Satellite U925t can be used as a tablet, but the 12.5-inch screen slides up to reveal a backlit keyboard beneath it.The U925t is sold in one configuration on Toshiba's site: the same $1,150 model we tested with the Core i5-3317U processor, 128GB SSD and 4GB of RAM. Those are fairly typical specs, as far as Ultrabooks go, though some power users might lament that they can't configure it with a Core i7 CPU, 8GB of RAM or 256 gigs of storage.Battery life on the U925t is good, as long as you're paying attention. I got about five hours of constant use from the device, in a mix of tablet and laptop mode. (That doesn't include playing any games, which absolutely destroys the battery.)                       But, The design leaves the screen exposed at all times, so you'll need a case or sleeve. The screen resolution is low for a $1,149 laptop.
The bottom line: The mechanical elements of the Toshiba Satellite U925t convertible laptop are complex, but well-made. It won't be your main machine, but it's one of the more usable Windows 8 launch experiments.
Windows 8 (64-bit); 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-3317U; 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,600MHz; 32MB (Dedicated) Intel HD 4000; 128GB Samsung SSD                                                                                                       Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core )
Memory4 GB / 8 GB (max)
Hard Drive128 GB- Serial ATA-300
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type12.5 inIPS
Max Resolution1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD Graphics 4000
Optical DriveNone                                                                                                                                     Price;$1,149.99            

Microsoft Surface Pro 2 vs Dell XPS 11 vs Sony Vaio Duo 11:Who is the best?

W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                             Microsoft Surface Pro 2                                                                                                                             The Surface Pro 2's display may not have received an upgrade, but then it didn't need one. It's still a fine IPS panel that helps bring Windows 8.1's colorful and vibrant nature to life. The tablet itself is easier to use thanks to improved keyboard covers - even the Touch Cover 2 will prove more than adequate for most this time around.The Microsoft Surface Pro 2 is a faster, longer-battery-life version of the original model, upgraded with a current-gen Haswell processor. The keyboard cover is also improved with backlit keys, and is among the best tablet accessories ever devised.The Surface Pro 2 is a very tough product to judge, which is what makes it interesting. The good news is Microsoft has sorted out the most serious issue with the first version: the battery life. At around eight hours, the Surface Pro 2 mixes it with the Ultrabooks like the Samsung Ativ Book 9 Plus and Sony VAIO Pro 13, even if it still falls a little short of 'tablet class' battery life.
But, The Surface Pro 2 remains stubbornly thick and heavy compared with some sleeker competitors. The base 64GB version may leave you starved for storage, and the keyboard cover, practically required, should be included instead of sold separately.
The bottom line: Microsoft's subtly updated Windows 8.1 tablet feels more like Surface Pro 1.5 -- improved battery life and better accessories make it a worthwhile (albeit pricey) laptop replacement, but it's still not an iPad-level category killer.                                                                                                                           Specifications
Display type10.6 nm
RAM4 GB
ProcessorIntel 4th Gen Core i5
Dimensions (WxDxH)10.8 in x 0.53 in x 6.8 in
Weight2 lbs                                                                                                                                             Price $899                                                                                                                                                 VS                                                                                                                                                           Dell XPS 11                                                                                                                                                 The XPS 11, a “2-in-1″ convertible Ultrabook that turns into a tablet. You don’t get to tablet mode by separating the display and keyboard bits, you do it by turning the screen around 360 degrees.With the Dell XPS 11 2-in-1 you’ll be working with an 11.6-inch display with, again, Gorilla Glass to protect your innards. This display works with a 2560 x 1440 resolution and works on a hinge that allows you to fold it back 360-degrees. As you can imagine, this display is also touch-enabled and works as both a notebook and a tablet - when you fold it back, that is.The Dell XPS 11 is a slim, light hybrid that looks and feels great, and offers decent performance and battery life.
But, The touch-style keyboard, lacking actual keys, is an experiment that just doesn't pan out.
The bottom line: Attempting to out-Yoga the Yoga, Dell's flip-screen XPS 11 has a great design, but isn't as practical as other hybrids for actually getting work done thanks to a frustrating keyboard.                                                                                                                                                                                                   Specifications
ProcessorIntel Core i5
RAM installed size4 GB
Hard Drive80 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD Graphics 4200                                                                                             Price:$999.99                                                                                                                                           VS                                                                                                                                                             Sony Vaio Duo 11                                                                                                                                     Sony’s Duo 11 is one of that strange new breed of hybrid Windows 8 devices that can be used as either a tablet or a laptop computer. It's an Intel Core i5 3317U chip clocked at 1.7GHz - the same low power variety found in Ultrabooks. While 1.7GHz may seem low, it can Turbo Boost itself to a whopping 2.7GHz under heavy strain, which means it's no slouch.It’s certainly an attractive looking device, with an excellent high-definition, touchscreen.The Sony Vaio Duo 11 packs an 11.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS panel, which looks glorious. Not only is Windows 8's new interface sumptuously represented, but also apps, games and movies too.The Sony Vaio Duo 11 has a fine set of specs for an ultrabook and an excellent full-HD touch screen on which to take advantage of the Windows 8-style interface.Battery life is respectable considering the specifications. We got just over four hours when using Wi-Fi to stream video from iPlayer, so you can probably stretch that to around five hours for lighter web browsing or using simple office software.
But, The Duo's design misses the mark for use as a tablet and a laptop, feeling like too much of a compromise.
The bottom line: While there are certainly things to like about the Sony Vaio Duo 11, the design gets in the way of enjoying them.
Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 1.7 GHz( 3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core )
Memory6 GB/ 8 GB (max)
Hard Drive128 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type11.6 inIPS
Max Resolution1920 x 1080( Full HD )
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD Graphics 4000
Optical DriveNone                                                                                                                                     Price;$1,199.99

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 vs Dell XPS 12 vs Sony Vaio Duo 11:Which one is the better one?

W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                             Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13                                                                                                                       The 13-inch Lenovo Yoga was one of the first convertible Windows 8 tablet/laptops.Packed into its flexible chassis, the Lenovo Yoga 13 has some tasty specs: its 13-inch IPS screen may not offer a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution, but at 1,600 x 900 pixels it’s significantly higher than many affordable rivals and offers 10-finger touch. Under the hood, this Yoga can offer up to a Core i7 CPU, up to 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, putting it at the top of the convertible game in terms of power – yet Lenovo still claims battery life of up to eight hours. All that’s lacking is pressure-sensitive stylus support, but as the Core i7 version comes in at under  $1,000.00 , that’s easy to forgive.Intel's 1.70 GHz Core i5-3317U, which has two cores capable of delivering four processing threads with bursts up to 2.6GHz, outputs a surprising amount of giddy-up.Upgrading to the faster Core i7-3517U, which runs at 1.90GHz with bursts of up to 3.0GHz and has a 4MB cache vs. the Core i5-3317's 3MB cache, will give you even more CPU kick.The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 looks as good as any 13-inch ultrabook, with the added attraction of a 360-degree screen and a laptop body that can fold into a tent, stand, or slate.
But, Tablet mode leaves the keyboard exposed, and the Yoga 13 costs more than standard ultrabooks with similar components.
The bottom line: The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 is a convertible touch-screen laptop/tablet that most importantly doesn't compromise the traditional laptop experience.                                                               Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5i5-3317U / 1.7 GHz ( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core )
Memory8 GB / 8 GB (max)
Hard Drive128 GB - Serial ATA-300
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type13.3 inIPS
Max Resolution1600 x 900 ( HD+ )
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD Graphics 4000
Optical DriveNone                                                                                                                                    Price; $1,000.00                                                                                                                                         VS                                                                                                                                                           Dell XPS 12                                                                                                                                             The Dell XPS 12 is a thin, powerful, very cleverly designed touch-screen convertible that flips into multiple screen positions.This machine’s key feature is a 12.5-inch touchscreen with a native resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels that pivots inside its aluminum frame—just as on the original. Open the lid, and you can use the computer as you would any other notebook. You simply push the top front or bottom back of the display to pop it out of its frame, and then flip it over and close it to convert the machine into a tabletThe biggest improvement, though, lies in battery life. The Ivy Bridge version of the XPS 12 provided 5 hours of streaming video, but that figure rose to a 6 hours and 45 minutes when we tested again with the same test.The Dell XPS 12 is one of the most powerful Ultrabooks you'll find. It might be heavy and awkward as a tablet, but when you consider the value that's on offer, with the blistering processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD drive, there's more than meets the eye..
But, For all the hype about touch and tablets with Windows 8, the XPS 12 still works better as a laptop than as a slate. Its battery life is on the low side.
The bottom line: Dell has revamped its rotating Duo laptop concept into the much-improved XPS 12, but like most convertibles, it makes a better laptop than tablet.
Windows 8 (64-bit); 1.9GHz Intel Core i7-3517U; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,333MHz; 32MB (Shared) Intel HD 4000; 256GB Lite-On IT SSD                                                                                                             Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 2.6 GHz
Memory4 GB
Hard Drive128 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type12.5 in
Max Resolution1920 x 1080
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD 4000
Weight3.35 lbs                                                                                                                                         Price;$1,199.99                                                                                                                                           VS                                                                                                                                                           Sony Vaio Duo 11                                                                                                                                   Sony’s Duo 11 is one of that strange new breed of hybrid Windows 8 devices that can be used as either a tablet or a laptop computer. It's an Intel Core i5 3317U chip clocked at 1.7GHz - the same low power variety found in Ultrabooks. While 1.7GHz may seem low, it can Turbo Boost itself to a whopping 2.7GHz under heavy strain, which means it's no slouch.It’s certainly an attractive looking device, with an excellent high-definition, touchscreen.The Sony Vaio Duo 11 packs an 11.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS panel, which looks glorious. Not only is Windows 8's new interface sumptuously represented, but also apps, games and movies too.The Sony Vaio Duo 11 has a fine set of specs for an ultrabook and an excellent full-HD touch screen on which to take advantage of the Windows 8-style interface.Battery life is respectable considering the specifications. We got just over four hours when using Wi-Fi to stream video from iPlayer, so you can probably stretch that to around five hours for lighter web browsing or using simple office software.
But, The Duo's design misses the mark for use as a tablet and a laptop, feeling like too much of a compromise.
The bottom line: While there are certainly things to like about the Sony Vaio Duo 11, the design gets in the way of enjoying them.
Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 1.7 GHz( 3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core )
Memory6 GB/ 8 GB (max)
Hard Drive128 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type11.6 inIPS
Max Resolution1920 x 1080( Full HD )
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD Graphics 4000
Optical DriveNone                                                                                                                                     Price;$1,199.99 

HP Slate 7 vs Dell Streak 7 vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0:Who is the winner?

W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                               HP Slate 7                                                                                                                                                 The HP Slate 7 shapes up pretty well with its spec. It boasts an ARM Dual Core Cortex-A9 1.6 GHz processor, 1GB RAM and comes with 8GB of internal storage. Importantly the Slate 7 comes with a microSD slot which can expand the memory by up to 32GB, so this makes up for the slightly small storage spec.While there is a bit of a big gap between where the screen finishes and the edge of the tablet, the overall design of the Slate 7 is pretty good. It sports a nice stainless steel frame, and the device we saw had a metallic grey looking finish to the back (it’s also available in red), the result is an aesthetically impressive tablet. It weighs a pretty reasonable 370g and measures in at 197.1 x 116.1 x 10.7 mm.
The 7-inch screen (which as mentioned above, doesn’t come anywhere close to the edge of the tablet) isn't going to dazzle you at all. But that’s not what you expect from a cheap entry-level device. It has a screen res of 600 x 1024 pixels, and a pixel density of 170ppi, this lags someway behind its two main rivals the Nexus 4 and Kindle Fire HD, which both have a pixel densities of 216ppi. It didn’t look that bad in real life though, to be fair to the Slate 7.                                                                                                                           Price;$169.00                                                                                                                                          VS                                                                                                                                                           Dell Streak 7                                                                                                                                           The Dell Streak 7 heavily favours the two-handed landscape orientation. For example, the front-facing 1.3-megapixel video camera is in the middle, which puts it at the top of the screen when you hold the device in landscape.The Dell Streak 7 tablet offers dual-core processing, 4G network compatibility, Adobe Flash 10.1 support, front and rear cameras, and an inventive reimagining of Android 2.2.
But, Dell's Stage interface doesn't make up for the stale operating system. Screen quality and responsiveness are not as good as they could be.
The bottom line: The Dell Streak 7 polishes Android 2.2 to a tablet-worthy shine, and is the first to deliver 4G compatibility--but it's not enough to distract us from the incoming wave of Android 3.0 tablets.
Specifications
Release date02/2/11
Display type7 in
RAMGB
Processor1 GHz
Dimensions (WxDxH)7 in x 0.5 in x 4.7 in
Weight17.6 oz                                                                                                                                             Price;$349.99
VS                                                                                                                                                               Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0                                                                                                                         The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7in's grey plastic back cover is so smooth it can be hard to hold on to. You'll need a proper stand for hands-free use, since leaning it against something will invariably end in the Tab 2 sliding on to its back.The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 delivers a mostly pure Android 4.0 experience for only $250. The tablet also trumps the Kindle Fire in extras by including dual cameras, expandable memory, and TV remote-control functionality.
But, The screen doesn't look as pretty as other PLS displays, and its camera performance is lacking compared with other tablets in the line.
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 offers an excellent value and a full Android 4.0 experience that no other tablet can currently match for the price.                                                                                 Specifications
Display type7 in Plane to Line Switching (PLS) - Yes
OSAndroid 4.0
RAM1 GB
Processor1 GHz
Wireless connectivityIEEE 802.11nIEEE 802.11bBluetooth 3.0IEEE 802.11g
Dimensions (WxDxH)4.8 in x 0.4 in x 7.6 in
Weight12.1 oz

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 vs Samsung Series 7 Slate vs Microsoft Surface Pro:Who is the best?


W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11                                                                                                                         The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 is a stylish, lightweight and durable laptop that neatly doubles as a tablet.The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 works as a laptop alternative, thanks to its always-attached keyboard and myriad useful ports, and its physical flexibility provides useful ergonomic options. Its battery charges quickly and depletes slowly. Brightness shortcuts on the keyboard unearth a normally buried option in Windows RT.
But, As a tablet, the device is too bulky and heavy to hold in your hands, and its Web performance is slow. A full Windows 8 version with updated specs will be available soon for only $150 more.
The bottom line: The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 is a great laptop alternative that's unfortunately too bulky to completely replace your tablet.                                                                                                                  Specifications
ProcessorARMTegra 3 1.4 GHz
Memory2 GB / 2 GB (max)
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows RT
Display Type11.6 in
Max Resolution1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics ProcessorUltra-Low Power GeForce
Optical DriveNone
Weight2.8 lbs                                                                                                                                             Price;$499.99 to $799.99                                                                                                                          VS                                                                                                                                                          Samsung Series 7 Slate                                                                                                                              One of the Series 7 Slate's distinguishing features is its dual-input pen and touch digitizer. Samsung uses Wacom's technology, which in my experience provides the most fluid and accurate inking experience available.Samsung's Series 7 Slate is a powerful touch-screen Windows 7 PC, with a very Windows-8-like optional interface.
But, Onscreen typing is finicky and headache-inducing. The sold-separately dock and keyboard are practically required.
The bottom line: The Samsung Series 7 Slate 700T is the fastest Windows 7 tablet we've tested, and paired with its optional accessories, it provides a very laptop-like experience, but one marred by the typical awkward onscreen Windows typing experience.
Specifications
Display type11.6 in TFT active matrix - LED backlight - Yes
OSMicrosoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition
RAM4 GB - DDR3 SDRAM
ProcessorIntel Core i5 1.6 GHz
Wireless connectivityIEEE 802.11nIEEE 802.11bBluetooth 3.0 HSIEEE 802.11aIEEE 802.11g
Dimensions (WxDxH)11.7 in x 0.5 in x 7.2 in
Weight2 lbs                                                                                                                                             Price;$1,000.00 to $1,369.99                                                                                                                 VS                                                                                                                                                           Microsoft Surface Pro                                                                                                                               Making your mind up about the Surface Pro is less about what it is and what it does and more about what you want out of a tablet. As a hybrid PC it's an undeniable compromise - but that's no bad thing.                   The Microsoft Surface Pro fits a full ultrabook experience in a compact 10-inch tablet. Thanks to the ingenious Type and Touch covers, it offers a comfortable interface and typing experience. The clean, crisp design and sharp 1080p screen rise above the competition.
But, The battery life is disappointing, and more ports would be nice. The 64GB model barely has any free storage. It costs as much as a regular laptop, especially because the cool keyboard cover isn't included by default.
The bottom line: The Surface Pro's gutsy design successfully reinvents the Windows 8 laptop by cramming an ultrabook experience into the body of a 10-inch tablet. Those wanting to go all-in on the tablet experience won't regret buying the Surface Pro, but we're holding out for a future, more polished generation of the device.
Windows 8 Pro (64-bit); 1.7GHz IntelCore i5; 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,600MHz; 32MB (Sharedl) Intel HD 4000; 128GB Micron SSD                                                                                                  Specifications
Release date02/9/13
Display type10.6 inColor TFT active matrix - Yes
OSMicrosoft Windows 8 Pro
RAM4 GB
Processor3rd Gen Core i5Intel
Wireless connectivityIEEE 802.11nIEEE 802.11bIEEE 802.11aIEEE 802.11g
Dimensions (WxDxH)0.53 in10.8 in 6.8 in
Weight903 g                                                                                                                                             Price;$899.99

Lenovo IdeaPad K1 vs Apple iPad 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1:Which one is the better one?

W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                               Lenovo IdeaPad K1                                                                                                                                   The IdeaPad K1 is one of two tablets from Lenovo, each with the same processing guts and the same size of displays, but with very different physical designs.Lenovo's IdeaPad K1 packs in all of the best features found in today's modern Honeycomb tablets (upgradeable to Android 4.0) and offers some unique Android optimizations and preloaded apps.The Lenovo IdeaPad K1 does have good specs. Tegra 2 should provide plenty of power, the 32GB of on-board storage is great and it's got a big, high-res screen. For under $500, that's not bad value for money.
But, The design is thick and heavy compared with the latest from Apple and Samsung, not all of the Android tweaks pay off, and the screen isn't as bright as it could be.
The bottom line: Lenovo plays it safe with the IdeaPad K1, delivering a solid tablet that does little to stand out from the Honeycomb herd.                                                                                                                   Specifications
Release date08/4/11
Display type10.1 in TFT active matrix - LED backlight - Yes
OSAndroid 3.1 (Honeycomb)
RAM1 GB - DDR2 SDRAM
ProcessorNVIDIA Tegra 2 1 GHz
Wireless connectivityIEEE 802.11nIEEE 802.11bBluetooth 2.1 EDRIEEE 802.11g
Dimensions (WxDxH)7.4 in x 0.5 in x 10.4 in
Weight1.6 lbs                                                                                                                                            Price;$499.99                                                                                                                                             VS                                                                                                                                                      Apple iPad 2                                                                                                                                             The iPad 2 is a well-balanced combination of sleek, inspiring design and a high-end collection of premium specs that are tied together through an unrivalled user interface and ease of use that ensures the product is open up to tablet novices and gadget aficionados alike.Apple's iPad 2 is dramatically thinner and boasts front and rear cameras, FaceTime video chat, a faster processor, and 3G options for both AT&T and Verizon.The iPad 2 managed an astonishing 10 hours and 26 minutes of non-stop playback. That beats Apple's own claims, and bests its nearest competitor -- the Xoom -- by about 2 hours.
But, The iPad's screen resolution hasn't budged, photo quality is mediocre, there's still no Adobe Flash support, and ports for HDMI, USB, and SD all require adapters.
The bottom line: The iPad 2 refines an already excellent product. Its easy-to-use interface, vast app catalog, and marathon battery life bolster Apple's claim to being the king of tablets.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Specifications
Release date03/11/11
Display type9.7 in TFT active matrix - LED backlight - Yes
OSApple iOS 5
ProcessorApple A5 1 GHz
Wireless connectivityIEEE 802.11nBluetooth 2.1 EDRIEEE 802.11bIEEE 802.11aIEEE 802.11g
Dimensions (WxDxH)7.3 in x 0.4 in x 9.5 in
Weight21.2 oz                                                                                                                                           Price;$399.00
VS                                                                                                                                                         Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1                                                                                                                     The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 2014 is a seriously well-specced Android tablet, with a class leading quad-core processor and a superbly sharp 10-inch display.
Samsung's S Pen stylus feels perfectly at home with this stunning screen, turning the tablet into a sketchpad, a notebook, a virtual scrapbook, and much more beside.The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 sports a proven, sensible design, a bevy of useful features, and fast performance. The S Pen Stylus is a unique addition.The 2014 Note 10.1 has a non-removable 8,220mAh battery. That's significantly larger than the 7,000mAh battery of the last model, but it's needed because of the higher-resolution screen.
To give the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 more of a chance against its competitors, we turned off most of the Samsung extras, such as the eye-monitoring Smart Stay before setting the tablet to play a looped SD-quality video. It lasts for a fairly impressive 12 hours of video playback.
But, Only a limited number of apps make full use of the S Pen and some of the ones that do can be buggy and confusing. Some S Pen features aren't enabled by default and others don't work properly.
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is the best Samsung tablet yet. If you can get over its somewhat high price, it's a sound Android tablet investment.                                                                      Specifications
Display type10.1 inTFT active matrix - Yes
OSAndroid 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
RAM2 GB
Processor1.4 GHz
Wireless connectivityWi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
Dimensions (WxDxH)10.11 in x 0.35 in x 6.9 in
Weight1.29 lbs                                                                                                                                         Price;$409.00 to $536.66

Thursday 30 January 2014

Lenovo ThinkPad Helix vs Sony Vaio Duo 11 vs Dell XPS 12:Hot Cake Is....................................

W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                             Lenovo ThinkPad Helix                                                                                                                          The ThinkPad Helix is powered by a third generation Intel Ivy Bridge processor, up to Core i7 and up to 8GB of DDR3 1600MHz RAM. Aiding performance is an SSD of up to 256GB so its performance is top-notch. You’ll be able to choose between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix will be available in an array of spec configurations, but the one we saw  demonstrated was a mid-range example, with a Core i5 processor. Core i7 options will also be available. The ThinkPad Helix uses current Ivy Bridge-generation CULV Intel chips, backed-up by 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The screen and base are each under 2.0 pounds, but that's on the hefty side for an 11.6-inch system. That said, it's 20mm thin, qualifying for ultrabook status, and can run processors up to Intel's current-gen Core i7.Travel-friendly features include 3G/4G antenna options, NFC chip, and a spill-resistant keyboard.The Lenovo ThinkPad Helix feels like a hybrid roadwarrior. It's reasonably light, especially in its class, offers great build quality and careful attention to detail in its construction. It may not be a beauty, but it's one of the better full Windows 8 hybrid designs out there.                                                                                                                 Performance and battery life
A 1.8 GHz processor and 4GB of RAM may seem small on paper, but in practice the ThinkPad Helix is a surprisingly capable machine. Both the Windows 8 tiled interface and desktop ran smoothly on our review unit.
Browsing in either Chrome or Internet Explorer, we could get a dozen tabs going before performance started to chug. This is with the tablet docked in its helpful stand, which provides extra cooling and allows the processor to overclock a little.
The performance enhancement is noticeable, and the fans generate minimal noise. This is by no means a gaming machine, but we were able to play some Half Life 2: Episode 2 with an acceptable framerate.
The stand also provides additional battery life. With its help, we generally got 7 to 8 hours of web surfing and word processing. As just a tablet, the Helix got between 5 and 6 hours. That's not bad at all, certainly better than a Surface Pro, but one can't help but think of what Haswell could've done for this machine.
Price;$1,499                                                                                                                                           VS                                                                                                                                                         Sony Vaio Duo 11                                                                                                                                     Sony’s Duo 11 is one of that strange new breed of hybrid Windows 8 devices that can be used as either a tablet or a laptop computer. It's an Intel Core i5 3317U chip clocked at 1.7GHz - the same low power variety found in Ultrabooks. While 1.7GHz may seem low, it can Turbo Boost itself to a whopping 2.7GHz under heavy strain, which means it's no slouch.It’s certainly an attractive looking device, with an excellent high-definition, touchscreen.The Sony Vaio Duo 11 packs an 11.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS panel, which looks glorious. Not only is Windows 8's new interface sumptuously represented, but also apps, games and movies too.The Sony Vaio Duo 11 has a fine set of specs for an ultrabook and an excellent full-HD touch screen on which to take advantage of the Windows 8-style interface.Battery life is respectable considering the specifications. We got just over four hours when using Wi-Fi to stream video from iPlayer, so you can probably stretch that to around five hours for lighter web browsing or using simple office software.
But, The Duo's design misses the mark for use as a tablet and a laptop, feeling like too much of a compromise.
The bottom line: While there are certainly things to like about the Sony Vaio Duo 11, the design gets in the way of enjoying them.
Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 1.7 GHz( 3 GHz ) ( Dual-Core )
Memory6 GB/ 8 GB (max)
Hard Drive128 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type11.6 inIPS
Max Resolution1920 x 1080( Full HD )
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD Graphics 4000
Optical DriveNone                                                                                                                                     Price;$1,199.99                                                                                                                                       VS                                                                                                                                                           Dell XPS 12                                                                                                                                               The Dell XPS 12 is a thin, powerful, very cleverly designed touch-screen convertible that flips into multiple screen positions.This machine’s key feature is a 12.5-inch touchscreen with a native resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels that pivots inside its aluminum frame—just as on the original. Open the lid, and you can use the computer as you would any other notebook. You simply push the top front or bottom back of the display to pop it out of its frame, and then flip it over and close it to convert the machine into a tabletThe biggest improvement, though, lies in battery life. The Ivy Bridge version of the XPS 12 provided 5 hours of streaming video, but that figure rose to a 6 hours and 45 minutes when we tested again with the same test.The Dell XPS 12 is one of the most powerful Ultrabooks you'll find. It might be heavy and awkward as a tablet, but when you consider the value that's on offer, with the blistering processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD drive, there's more than meets the eye..
But, For all the hype about touch and tablets with Windows 8, the XPS 12 still works better as a laptop than as a slate. Its battery life is on the low side.
The bottom line: Dell has revamped its rotating Duo laptop concept into the much-improved XPS 12, but like most convertibles, it makes a better laptop than tablet.
Windows 8 (64-bit); 1.9GHz Intel Core i7-3517U; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,333MHz; 32MB (Shared) Intel HD 4000; 256GB Lite-On IT SSD                                                                                                           Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 2.6 GHz
Memory4 GB
Hard Drive128 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type12.5 in
Max Resolution1920 x 1080
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD 4000
Weight3.35 lbs                                                                                                                                           Price;$1,199.99

Asus FonePad vs Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 vs Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9:Who is the winner?


W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Asus FonePad                                                                                                                                           Asus has announced the Fonepad phone and tablet (phablet) despite already having the Padfone.The Fonepad is pretty thin and light making it easy to hold in one hand. The Asus Fonepad is powered by an Intel Atom Z2420, a dual-core processor clocked at 1.2GHz and 1GB of RAM. The tablet, sorry phablet, was running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean well enough when we used the Fonepad but we did notice some lag when scrolling.According to the spec sheet here at MWC, the Fonepad will be available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. Unlike the Nexus 7, there's a microSD card slot for expansion (up to 32GB cards). Also included is 5GB of Asus WebStorage, free for life.
Cameras are pretty low spec at 3Mp rear and 1.3Mp front facing. This isn't great considering most users rely on their smartphone's camera for day to day snaps.     Finally,The Asus FonePad tablet performs well enough and has a truly useful screen adjustment feature. It's a fine tablet, but $275 is too much if you're not planning to use the phone feature.                                                                                                                 Specifications
Display type7 in
OSAndroid 4.1 Jelly Bean
RAM1 GB
ProcessorIntel Atom 1.2 GHz
Dimensions (WxDxH)10.4 mm
Weight340 g
VS                                                                                                                                                           Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0                                                                                                                         The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7in's grey plastic back cover is so smooth it can be hard to hold on to. You'll need a proper stand for hands-free use, since leaning it against something will invariably end in the Tab 2 sliding on to its back.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 delivers a mostly pure Android 4.0 experience for only $250. The tablet also trumps the Kindle Fire in extras by including dual cameras, expandable memory, and TV remote-control functionality.
But, The screen doesn't look as pretty as other PLS displays, and its camera performance is lacking compared with other tablets in the line.
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 offers an excellent value and a full Android 4.0 experience that no other tablet can currently match for the price.                                                                                   Specifications
Display type7 in Plane to Line Switching (PLS) - Yes
OSAndroid 4.0
RAM1 GB
Processor1 GHz
Wireless connectivityIEEE 802.11nIEEE 802.11bBluetooth 3.0IEEE 802.11g
Dimensions (WxDxH)4.8 in x 0.4 in x 7.6 in
Weight12.1 oz                                                                                                                                             VS                                                                                                                                                             Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9                                                                                                                       The Kindle Fire HD 8.9 has zippier navigation than its 7-inch counterpart, a beautiful high-definition screen, incredibly fast 4G LTE speeds, seamless streaming performance, and access to one of the best media eco systems available. The new Fire HD interface feels better suited on the 8.9-inch screen.
But, Web performance is lacking compared with that of other tablets. Its physical design is fairly plain with buttons that are too flush with its chassis. The curated Appstore means many games and non-entertainment quality apps are not available. There's a $15 opt-out for ads.
The bottom line: If you're looking for a pure media consumption experience, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 delivers better than any tablet before it. People looking for something more utilitarian, however, will want to look elsewhere.                                                                                                                                     Specifications
Display type8.9 in- Yes
OSAmazon Android
ProcessorOMAP4470 1.5 GHz
Wireless connectivityIEEE 802.11nIEEE 802.11bIEEE 802.11aIEEE 802.11g
Dimensions (WxDxH)6.4 in x 0.35 in x 9.4 in
Weight20 oz                                                                                                                                             Price;$299.00

HP Envy x2 vs Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 vs Acer Iconia W510:Who is the best?


W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     HP Envy x2                                                                                                                                               The Envy x2 impressed us. Its outstanding industrial design really shows the potential of a tablet/laptop hybrid. The HP Envy x2 has a clean, comfortable design and feels lightweight in tablet form. It has excellent battery life, and works just as well as a laptop as it does as a tablet.
But, The laptop mode is top-heavy, and the awkward tablet detachment mechanism isn’t perfect; it has limited ports; and a slower Atom processor means in performance it's far behind most ultrabooks, even though it’s priced like one.
The bottom line: The HP Envy x2’s capacity to be a full Windows 8 tablet or dock with a keyboard works as well as advertised, provided you’re willing to live with slower performance at a high price. You’re paying for style.
Windows 8 (32-bit); 1.8GHz Intel Atom Z2760; 2GB DDR2 SDRAM 1,066MHz; 747MB (Total) Intel GMA; 64GB SSD             Processor 1.8GHz Intel Atom Z2760
Memory 2GB, 1,066MHz DDR2
Hard drive 64GB SSD
Graphics Intel GMA
Operating system Windows 8
Dimensions (WD) 11.9x8.1 inches
Height 0.6-0.7 inch
Screen size (diagonal) 11.6 inches
System weight / Weight with AC adapter 3.1 pounds / 3.6 pounds (tablet + keyboard)
Category Ultraportable hybrid                                                                                                                     Price; $849                                                                                                                                                 VS                                                                                                                                                           Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11                                                                                                                         The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 is a stylish, lightweight and durable laptop that neatly doubles as a tablet.The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 works as a laptop alternative, thanks to its always-attached keyboard and myriad useful ports, and its physical flexibility provides useful ergonomic options. Its battery charges quickly and depletes slowly. Brightness shortcuts on the keyboard unearth a normally buried option in Windows RT.
But, As a tablet, the device is too bulky and heavy to hold in your hands, and its Web performance is slow. A full Windows 8 version with updated specs will be available soon for only $150 more.
The bottom line: The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 is a great laptop alternative that's unfortunately too bulky to completely replace your tablet.                                                                                                                 Specifications
ProcessorARMTegra 3 1.4 GHz
Memory2 GB / 2 GB (max)
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows RT
Display Type11.6 in
Max Resolution1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics ProcessorUltra-Low Power GeForce
Optical DriveNone
Weight2.8 lbs                                                                                                                                             Price;$499.99 to $799.99                                                                                                                           VS                                                                                                                                                         Acer Iconia W510                                                                                                                                   The Acer Iconia W510 is less expensive than some other Atom-based hybrids, and its detachable tablet screen is light and portable. Battery life is excellent.
But, In laptop mode, the system is awkwardly top-heavy, and the puny keyboard and touch pad are not designed for serious use.
The bottom line: Offering low-powered Intel Atom tablet/laptop hybrids for $750 or more is a dodgy proposition for budget-looking systems such as the Iconia W510, but all-day battery life is a great selling point.                                                                                                                                                 Specifications
ProcessorIntel AtomZ2760 / 1.8 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Memory2 GB
Hard Drive64 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type10.1 in
Max Resolution1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics ProcessorIntel GMA 3650
Optical DriveNone                                                                                                                                       Price;$549.99 to $899.99 

HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 vs Lenovo IdeaPad U310 vs Acer Aspire S5:Which one is the better one?


W.A.Khan,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4                                                                                                             The HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 has a nice array of ports, including a cleverly designed 10/100 Ethernet port that expands when you push the cable in but stays within Ultrabook height specs when closed.HP's Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 is an attractive ultrabook with a respectable mix of components for its price, a responsive touch screen, and a backlit keyboard.
But, The Envy TouchSmart 4 isn't very configurable, so you can't make it too much more powerful than it already is. It's on the heavy side for an "ultrabook" (if you consider 4.5 pounds heavy). Its touch pad is jumpy at default settings.
The bottom line: The HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 is a good gateway to the Windows 8 experience with a responsive touch screen in a traditional laptop body.                                                                         Specifications
Release date11/1/12
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5
Memory4 GB
Hard Drive500 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 8
Display Type14 in
Max Resolution1366 X 768                                                                                                                        Price;$850.00                                                                                                                                             VS
Lenovo IdeaPad U310                                                                                                                                 The IdeaPad U310 looks great, but that really is its only notable feature, ultimately.The IdeaPad U310 offers up an attractive design and all the basic bells and whistles of a 13-inch ultrabook for $799, including plenty of USB ports and Ethernet.
But, The thicker, heavier design weighs a bit more than last year's U300s, and there aren't any SSD-only upgrade options.
The bottom line: The Lenovo IdeaPad U310 is an all-around decent ultrabook that's perfectly priced for back-to-school shoppers, but there are plenty of alternatives with nearly identically prices and features.
System configurations:                                                                                                                                 Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) w/ SP1; 1.7GHz Intel Core i5-3317U; 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,333MHz; 64MB (Dedicated) Intel HD 4000; 500GB Samsung 5,400rpm                                              Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i5 3317U / 1.7 GHz( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core )
Memory4 GB/ 4 GB (max)
Hard Drive500 GB - 5400 rpm- Serial ATA-300
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Display Type13.3 in TFT active matrix
Max Resolution1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD Graphics 4000
Optical DriveNone                                                                                                                                      Price; $799                                                                                                                                                  VS                                                                                                                                                           Acer Aspire S5                                                                                                                                        The Acer Aspire S5 is an incredibly thin and light ultrabook that hides its ports, including Thunderbolt, behind a clever motorized door.
But, That port door, named the MagicFlip, is a potential problem if it ever breaks down. The keyboard isn't backlit, and battery life could be better.
The bottom line: Even thinner and lighter than a 13-inch MacBook Air, the Acer Aspire S5 is a great example of an ambitious ultrabook, held back by a few flaws and its high price.                                            Specifications
ProcessorIntel 3rd Gen Core i7 3517U / 3 GHz( 2.6 GHz ) ( Dual-Core )
Memory4 GB/ 4 GB (max)
Hard Drive256 GB
Operating SystemMicrosoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition
Display Type13.3 in TFT active matrix
Max Resolution1366 x 768 ( HD )
Graphics ProcessorIntel HD Graphics 4000 Dynamic Video Memory Technology
Optical DriveNone                                                                                                                                    Price;$1,399