Since the introduction of iPad in 2010, different brands of tablet PCs have been launched in the market. Though iPad wasn't the first tablet ever developed, the successful marketing and sleek design made it popular quickly among gadget lovers. At present, about a dozen of various manufacturers are producing tablet computers. With so many options available, anyone can find it hard to choose a right tablet. So, what are the things to consider while buying a tablet? Here are five simple tips to help you choose the right tablet computer.
How are you going to use it?
If you are looking for a tablet simply to watch movies, check e-mail, or browse the Web, any model will do the job for you. But if you are planning to use your tablet for some specific purpose, you can easily narrow down the options. Will your tablet be mainly for personal use, school or work? Do you plan to utilize your tablet for plenty of movie watching or gaming, or is it for some general use, such as Facebook, checking e-mail or browsing the Web? Once you find answers to these questions you will be able to find a right tablet with proper screen size and operating system.
Compare Operating System and Apps
Figure out which operating systems do you prefer to use. Some of the common operating systems are Apple iOS, Windows, Android, and BlackBerry's QNX. While QNX is specific to the PlayBook and iOS is specific to iPad, Windows and Android operating systems can be found on different brands of tablets. Also check out Apple OS X Mountain Lion Vs Windows 8.
Compare Features
Different models of tablet come with different features. Even if you go for iPad 2, you will need to select from a 3G model and a standard Wi-Fi model. Then you will have a choice of 64GB, 32GB or 16GB of storage. After then you will need to decide the color, black or white. If you plan to go with Windows or Android tablet, you will need to compare the features of various models. Look at specifications like add-on accessories, cameras, processing speed, storage capacity, 3G or 4G or Wi-Fi access, and battery life. You may also want to take a look at some accessories like external keyboards, speakers, remote controls, wall mounts and stands.
Compare Appearance and Size
Even if you are planning to buy the tablet online, it is better to go to the store and have a closer look at the device you are considering. Make sure about the size of tablet you want. The screens of tablets range from 7 inches to 10 inches, and weight can vary from 1 pound to 2.5 pounds. Go for the one that you feel right to you. Do the controls and the case feel sturdy and comfortable in your hands? How are the virtual keyboard and the touch screen? Also don't forget to compare the screen resolutions and brightness.
Consider Price
You are in great shape if your desired model falls within the budget range you have set. But if that is not the case, make sure you compare Androids to Androids or Apples to Apples in terms of size, Internet access, processing speed and storage, as tablets within the similar product line can come in different performance levels and models.
Author Bio: Scott Garcia is an experienced blogger and a technical geek. Find out what's new on Samsung Galaxy 8.0 through his articles.
Those wishing to purchase tablets Surface Windows 8 Pro with Intel will have to wait a bit. Corporation Microsoft has appointed start selling model in the U.S. and Canada on February 9. It can be purchased through the company stores Microsoft (online and retail), as well as in large retail chains.
Underlying Surface Windows 8 Pro is 22-nanometer Core i5 processor third generation. The touch screen has ClearType Full HD resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, and diagonal size 10.6 inches. There are Mini DisplayPort and USB 3.0-interface, two cameras and a slot for MicroSDXC-cards.
The thickness of the device - 13.5 mm, weight - 903 grams. The cost of the version with 64 GB of memory is set at $ 899, and the version with the memory of 128 GB - $ 999. Scope of supply implies pen Surface Pen.
Separate accessory for $ 120 will be offered cover with keyboard Touch Cover, for $ 130 - with Type Cover, as well as approximately 70 - Wireless Mouse with Touch Control - Wedge Touch Mouse Surface Edition.
Dell company has intended to break the stereotype of the prohibitive cost of tablets based on the operating system Windows 8 from Microsoft - CES 2013 at the event, she showed tablet Latitude 10, the approximate price of which does not exceed 500 U.S. dollars. Specify that the device is based on x86 processors from Intel, and not on a regular ARM-solving, that is, and Windows 8, put on it, is full.
The official announcement of the tablet Dell Latitude 10 accompanied by listing all of its specifications and comparisons with model Latitude 10 Essentials (release took place, the price starts at 650 dollars - approx. MobileDevice). The basis of the Tablet PC Dell Latitude 10 will become Intel Atom Z2760 processor with two 1.8 GHz cores. He supervises the work of memory, 2 GB of way here, and handles graphics. Picture supplied by 10.1-inch multi-touch screen with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels, which, plus everything is based on a matrix of IPS.
Unlike Latitude 10 Essentials, a new tablet from Dell has a much more modest amount of internal memory. However, it will be enough most users, because to score all 32 gigabytes of information will not be easy, especially given the availability of slots for cards SD. That is a decrease of storage and reduced the cost of Latitude 10 to $ 500. On the computer cover removed ports microUSB, miniHDMI, USB 2.0, and the delivery includes a docking station with additional connectors, including those with Ethernet. Release Dell Latitude 10 as it became known, is scheduled for March.
Company Micro-Star International introduced a new device - ultrabook tablet MSI Slidebook S20 , which was shown at Computex 2012.
Technical equipment of the gadget can be designated as "advanced", preinstalled OS - Windows 8. MSI is positioned novelty as the perfect solution for business and leisure. In the unfolded state the novelty can be used as a laptop when closed - as a tablet computer.
Specifications MSI Slidebook S20 :
Processor: Intel Core i5 (third generation);
OS: Windows 8;
Memory: RAM - up to 8 GB DDR3 (1333 MHz), built-in - 64 GB or 128 GB, mSATA SSD, you can connect an external 2.5-inch HDD;
Ports: RJ-45, miniHDMI, two USB 3.0, audio output 3.5 mm;
Communication: LAN (Gigabit Ethernet), Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n;
Battery: 3800 mAh 3-cell;
Dimensions: 300 × 196,5 × 19,8 mm, weight - 1,6 kg.
Chinese company Lenovo , producing tablets, smartphones and laptops, still taking orders for its new and highly original device - the tablet IdeaPad Yoga, running on OS Windows RT. Novelty is equipped with two screens: when closed the gadget can be used as a plate, cover folded it becomes a regular Windows-laptop.
If the buyer decides to make an order for the plate, the presence of coupon code Cybermonday reduce the initial price to $ 679.20. According to the manufacturer, delivery of the tablet can take the whole month, so by ordering now, you can get the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 in time for the New Year (if you're lucky).
The basis of the tablet - a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 (1.4 GHz). The gadget is equipped with two 11.6-inch screen (resolution - 1366 × 768 pixels), RAM - 2GB.
For $ 679 you can buy a tablet with 32 GB of internal memory (about half of which will be occupied by the OS Windows RT and pre-installed applications), 64 GB tablet will cost $ 759.20.
Both devices are equipped with modules Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11n, two cameras and output HDMI (video format can record 720p).
Since Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 runs on Windows RT, then the preinstalled software is present the free version Microsoft Office. Must be borne in mind that the process for other versions of Windows on this device will not work, which limits the range of the user's choice app store Windows (very scarce).
Lenovo has released another tablet with two screens - a 13-inch IdeaPad Yoga 13, which is based on a hardware processor Ivy Bridge. This device works on the "adult" version of Windows 8, the initial price of the device - $ 999.
Main mobile hit from Microsoft is now the system of Windows Phone 8, more powerful and functional than its predecessor, the seventh version. All first-generation smartphones will soon be upgraded to Windows Phone 7.8 with an interface similar to the eighth platform. The developer says that the upgrade process will start early next year.
The update will be released for the maximum number of devices, that is, almost all of the previous generation of smartphones will be able to work with the old system when the new interface, version 7.8 is a cross between which have already become classics of Mango and the new Microsoft Windows Phone 8. Recall, the first generation of smart phones will not be able to upgrade to the eighth version of the system.
Vice-President of Microsoft and the department supervisor Windows Phone Terry Meyerson (Terry Myerson), said that in many countries around the world are starting to appear the first generation of smart phones preloaded with Windows Phone 07/08 . This means that you can buy them already before the new year, but the update is available smartphone to get this version a little later, right after the holidays. A full list of updated features promised with the official release of the system.
As previously reported, ASUS VivoTab TF810C - a tablet on Windows 8, made on the basis of processor Intel Atom Z2760 Clover Trail. The device is equipped with 11.6-inch Super IPS screen (resolution - 1366 × 768 pixels), as well as a docking keyboard, battery which prolongs battery life of your computer.
In addition, the tablet ASUS VivoTab TF810C has an active digitizer Wacom, the presence of which makes it possible to use active digital pen. The new tablet by ASUS Windows 8 is already being sold in the U.S. starting price - $ 799.
ASUS VivoTab TF810C equipped with 2 GB of RAM and a solid state drive to 64 GB. This is one of the most expensive tablets based on Intel Atom commercially available today, as the tablet is worth $ 799 as it is. Docking keyboard sold separately, the price - $ 200.
According to the manufacturer, the tablet without the keyboard can be used in techenie10 hours, connect the dock extends that period to 19 hours. In addition, the device has Wi-Fi adapter and Bluetooth, as well as two cameras front (2MP) and major (8 MP).
Since VivoTab TF810C equipped with an X86, then it uses a full version of Windows 8. This means that at this gadget, you can run any applications written for earlier versions of Windows. This feature is absent in the Tablet PC ASUS VivoTab RT , which is equipped with ARM-processor NVIDIA Tegra 3 and the operating system Windows RT. But the price of this tablet is much lower - only $ 599.
If the buyer believes that the $ 799 for the tablet - it's too much, it can be recommended to that wait for the start of sales of "tablet" Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2 , which is also equipped with a digitizer, 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory, and operating system Windows 8. The price of the device starts at $ 649.
Microsoft is not new to the tablet, but the OS and Windows RT Surface device the company hopes to reach its first significant success in this market segment. Processor borrowed from the mobile phone industry, as well as using a simplified version of Windows 8 in combination with a special high-quality piece of hardware, Microsoft, at first glance, it was possible to do exactly what you need.
Microsoft Surface with Windows RT
For Microsoft - Windows-based processor ARM - undeveloped territory. Together with Windows RT provides a wide range of activities of companies such as NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, and others, to promote affordable variety of chipsets, which are often found in the tablets with Android.
In the case of Model Surface, Microsoft chose a quad-core Tegra 3 from NVIDIA with the RAM to 2 GB. This chip is known to us for smart phones and tablets based on Android - most features almost identical Surface mobile gadgets. You can choose from 32 GB or 64 GB of internal memory (available microSDXC slot). Issue 16 GB version is planned.
As expected, the device has two stereo speakers (pretty quiet, even when running at full capacity), dual digital microphones, HD-video output, which is an electronic key for $ 39.99 is connected to HDMI and VGA. In addition, a set of sensors: light, accelerometer, gyroscope and digital compass, but no GPS. Microsoft also does not offer a tablet with network support 3G/4G, referring to the results of the consumer survey, which showed that the majority of devices, similar to the Surface, are not used outside of the home or office.
Unlike its competitors, Microsoft has equipped the tablet Surface full-port USB 2.0, with which the gadget can connect peripheral devices such as a printer, keyboard, mouse and other accessories. Besides, there is also a Cover port, working with magnetic keyboard-cover Microsoft. Finally, there is a front and rear cameras - LifeCam, each of them can shoot HD-format video 720 p.
Microsoft currently offers three versions of the model: Surface tablet entry level price of U.S. $ 499 - with 32 GB of memory for storing data and a holster, for $ 599 you can buy a Surface to 32 GB with a black keyboard cover-Touch Cover; over 699 dollars you can become the owner of Surface with 64 GB and black Touch Cover.
Design and construction
We must pay tribute to Microsoft on the design of the devices and their design: the hardware division of the company primarily known for its range of simple peripherals - keyboard, mouse, trackpad, and the Xbox, but the tablet Surface has a completely different level of material selection. If Microsoft and you had something to learn from Apple, it is - the attention to detail, and while the Surface significantly different in design and suitable for portable computers on iPad, both gadget characterized demanding and rigorous concept.
Tablet clearly, accurately and beautifully done: the weight - 676 grams - is uniformly distributed throughout the body, so when you hold it in your hands, regardless of the position, you do not feel over-or center of gravity. «VaporMg» - the name of a specially treated magnesium alloy, which uses Microsoft - housing made of it, at the same time smooth and reliable capture hand. Experience in the first days showed that the tablet is quite resistant to scratches. This also means that there is not enough and fingerprints.
Surface - from Windows RT - intended primarily for use in landscape mode, so Microsoft has supplied a single tablet features - support extension at the rear. Stand runs the entire width of the device and takes up most of his height. The plate is carefully processed metal snaps during the opening, which is nice, and at the hearing, and feeling. Thus, Surface rises to the level of 22 degrees for easy typing or watching video. Close the stand is also nice, hidden magnets ensure that no vibration or fluctuations in the housing.
The idea was originally a stand in the project design. Thus, the camera on the back, has the same angle as the stand - 22 degrees, when Surface is vertical - the camera facing forward, not down - on the table. At the same time, the front camera plate is straight, it is assumed that the user is in any case looking at her, even when the tablet is worth.
Screen In addition to direct Windows RT, the display is the most controversial aspect of the Surface. Microsoft chose the 10.6-inch screen, which is best suited for the size of the keyboard and multitasking split panel Windows 8/RT, in contrast to typical display sizes from other manufacturers - 10.1 and 11.1 inches. What the company has done - so it's not out of the ordinary resolution of 1366 x 768, not striving for a resolution of the third-generation Apple iPad called Retina.
So, while other tablets are intended to accommodate as many pixels that are unlikely to be needed under normal circumstances, Microsoft refused to join the race pixel weapons. Although, it seems, the corporation went on a compromise - in a few months will Surface running Windows 8 Pro, resolution of which will be 1920 x 1080. Instead, Microsoft relies on ClearType HD - its latest version of sub-pixel rendering.
ClearType actually dates from the end of 1998, although first introduced in Windows, when the released version Vista. The essence of this method is to use three separate sub-pixels (red, green and blue) for each full pixels to smooth fonts. Thus, the text resolution is tripled. So, instead of processing each individual LCD-pixel, ClearType can include or incorporate any of the sub-pixels, providing a more fine-tuning.
Not surprisingly, the ClearType met a mixed reaction. On the one hand, with the help of increased levels of detail, in contrast to that which gives the traditional definition screen, however, due to the fact that each pixel has a different color, there is color fringing. Depending on what kind of subpixel is active, it can be red, blue or green. Some users believe that the bezel makes the text more visible, while others complain of its vagueness. During the reading of the text, at least one person who used the Surface to read large amounts of text, a headache.
Fortunately, other aspects of processing display more successful: for example, optical communication LCD-screen and cover the glass - reducing the distance between the two surfaces increases the transmission of light and prevents internal reflections that cause glare. This technique is widely used in smartphones, but for larger devices, such as, for example, tablets, rarely used, this is due to the high cost and complexity of the process of layering.
In general, mixed impressions. If your vision and ClearType HD match, then, together with the associated display panel do without the help of high resolution, which offers Apple and Samsung in their plates. Still, it is worth remembering that the more pixels requires significant illumination, and therefore of more batteries (which increases the weight, size and charge time tablet.)
But you need only increase the scale of graphics in the browser Surface and compare it to the iPad 3, as will be clear on the difference in resolution. The same can be observed when viewing the photos in the gallery: Microsoft loses screen tablet Apple.
Touch Cover and Type Cover Surface and its keyboard are designed together: one of the reasons that Microsoft was designed to make the screen more than the 10.1 inches in the fact that with this amount decreases the width of the tablet, and the ability for the keyboard is lost.
Already, you can select 2 Keyboard and Touch Cover Type Cover. The Touch Cover - the most subtle of the two - a thickness of only 3 mm, made of sensory structures and plastic, is attached to the bottom of the Surface and also acts as a protective cover for the front panel, a In addition, the method is also fast typing. Microsoft announces months of experiments to make absolutely sure that the magnetic clasps are strong enough and will not allow the tablet to fall out from the case, but at the same time, they should be easy to open - so that a child of three, and to deal with it.
On the keyboard, no moving parts, only the outlines of the buttons, made by laser on plastic. Inside - pressure sensors that track every movement of the fingers. Thus, the pressure should be about 40 g, although Surface also uses sensory acuity to track the key sequence, extending them to register even if you do not finish the planned action.
Naturally, this is not an ideal alternative to traditional keyboard, but due to its functionality, this device is capable of providing high speed printing, than the screen itself. The combination of a small level of compliance and the reverse textured connection provides increased the number of words to be printed in one minute. Microsoft claims that to become familiar with a new keyboard take a little less than a week, and over time can achieve double speed, as opposed to a set of on-screen. And although we did not go to that level, but the preparation of bulk e-mail and other types of messages to be comfortable.
For those who can not get used to the keyboard, so-called zero-profile, fits Type Cover. Accessory twice as thick - 6 mm, and has a mechanical keys, though, and with a minimum speed. In this case, the total weight of the tablet is added 250 g (as opposed to 200 g Touch Cover). Thus, you get a full keyboard plus a set of function keys, media control and navigation, in addition there is the trackpad. Just as with Touch Cover, closing the screen keyboard automatically switches to standby mode Surface.
Even with increased depth keyboard does not look like a traditional analog. Feeling when typing akin to those that make use of modern ultrabooks. Wide gap - special privilege.
Surface modification of the basic platform Windows RT with 32 GB of memory offered for $ 499, and with accessory Touch Cover (black) - for $ 599. For the version with 64 GB of memory, complete with Touch Cover will have to pay $ 699.
Cover of Touch Cover can be purchased separately as an accessory for $ 119.99 in a variety of colors, including white, blue, red and purple. Case Keyboard - Type Cover for $ 129.99 is available in black only.
Battery Microsoft claims that 31.5 watt-hour battery, used in Surface, has the charge, which is enough for day use. We extensively use the tablet all day, combining the work of a web browser, some applications, local and streaming media, as well as testing the operation of the camera. Microsoft tablet proved to be very reliable.
The most significant is the power consumption in the standby mode. While we are used to charge the smartphone every night, with plates such a process can be irregular. Expected that the charge lasts for a long period of time, respectively, the device should work in any time when he will not need one.
From this point of view, Surface loses its competitors. If the iPad can not enjoy a few days and still be confident that he will be a certain level of charge, the Surface is too wasteful standby. Leaving him with a charge of 30% without the active use, after 6 hours, we found that he had passed out.
Microsoft can still improve power management. It is possible that some corrections in the software will increase battery life. We do not seem so intractable problem, users simply have to consider this nuance battery in daily use.
Conclusion After all, the whole point of the question in the ecosystem. If you're already using the products Microsoft - Windows Phone, Xbox 360, or simply on your computer is Windows 7, then a tablet Surface fits your world than iPad or tablet running Android. Moreover, if you are subscribed to Xbox Music, a streaming audio service for Microsoft, it will also purchase Surface justified, given the more cross-platform applications and those that are just getting ready to launch.
The usefulness of ClearType HD pointless to argue, it's a private matter, but still relatively difficult to criticize Microsoft hardware. Team of creators Surface, taking the concept of increased attention to detail in Apple, significantly rethink it. The result is a perfectly designed tablet with a really useful design elements, for example, stand. We can argue about Touch Cover and Type Cover, how about trying Microsoft abandon a separate keyboard. But Surface is certainly practical gadget without these accessories, although their use of the same Office provides a comfortable fit.
As for Windows RT, then the operating system will be a real stumbling block. Taken for granted the fact remains that the number of applications it loses its competitors. In addition, some users Windows in principle is not perceived. But it is difficult to explain the invisible at first glance the difference between RT and Windows 8, so it will take time until the Surface take its place in the world of tablets. It will happen, but with some difficulty, perhaps with the advent of Surface Pro, having a high-resolution display and a digital pen, tablet Microsoft finally gets the respect it deserves. Source SlashGear.com
ASUS has with Microsoft held a press conference dedicated to the market tablet-Transformers and ultrabook on Windows 8. We are talking about devices such as tablet computers ASUS Vivo Tab and Tab Vivo ASUS RT , ultrabook-transformer ASUS Transformer Book, ultrabook ASUS TAICHI, laptops ASUS Vivo Book (X202, S400, U38), ASUS ZENBOOK Prime UX31A Touch - ultrabook, equipped multitouch display and ASUS ET2220 - Series 21.5-inch one-piece computers.
The 11.6-inch tablet computer Vivo Tab is perfect for working on the go, and Vivo Tab RT - a lightweight multimedia tablet.
ASUS Vivo Tab (ASUS TF 810) equipped with the latest processor Intel Atom, 2GB of memory and user memory to 64 GB. A key feature of the device is a mobile docking station, through which Vivo Tab can be converted into a compact netbook with a keyboard and touchpad. In addition, the docking station adds a pair of USB-ports, and increased battery life due to the additional battery. ASUS Vivo Tab will be available in late November - early December at a price of $1,266.64 USD.
The structure of the hardware platform ASUS Vivo Tab RT (ASUS TF600) includes 4-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with integrated graphics core, 2 GB RAM and 64 GB of user memory. As Vivo Tab, it can be used in conjunction with the mobile dock, which offers the keyboard, touchpad, USB-port and an extra battery. Tablet ASUS Vivo Tab RT is already available at a price of $949.66 USD.
ASUS Transformer Book is a laptop that can quickly transform into a tablet PC - just remove the screen from the keyboard. In the hardware component Transformer Book is the Intel Core i7 third generation solid-state drive and a hard disk. Built-in speaker system with ASUS SonicMaster audio technology provides clear sound with deep, rich bass. ASUS Transformer Book will be available in mid-December at a price of $1,899.96 USD.
Opening the cover ASUS TAICHI looks like any other ultrabook with a full size keyboard and touchpad. But as soon as the lid is closed, the device turns into a tablet PC with multi-touch screen and stylus support. Although both screens are connected to the same hardware configuration, they operate independently of each other, allowing two users to work directly with TAICHI simultaneously. Performance provided by Intel Core processor third-generation, fast SSD and dual-band wireless module Wi-Fi 802.11n. ASUS TAICHI will be in stores in early December and will be sold at a price of $1,646.63 USD.
Among the features of the series laptops ASUS VivoBook (X202, S400, U38) manufacturer said quality materials, wide choice of colors and, most importantly, easy touch screen. X202 series laptops are already on sale at a price of $569.99 USD. Ultrabooks S400 series will be available this month at a price of $1,044.98 USD, and the U38 series notebooks will be available in early December at a price of $886.65 USD.
ASUS ZENBOOK Prime UX31A Touch - this is the first model in the ZENBOOK, equipped with a multitouch display. Novelty has a powerful hardware configuration that includes an Intel Core third-generation solid-state drive up to 256 GB. As for the other characteristics ZENBOOK Prime UX31A Touch, we can note the Super IPS + screen with wide viewing angles (178 °), high-speed interface USB 3.0, as well as dual-band wireless adapter Wi-Fi 802.11n. The appearance on the market ASUS ZENBOOK Prime UX31A Touch is expected in mid-December. The device will be available at major retailers and electronics at a price of $2,026.31 USD.
Monobloc 21.5-inch ASUS ET2220 Series computer in a compact package. ET2220 Series models have a powerful enough for any daily tasks configuration that includes an Intel Core i5 third generation and up to four ports USB 3.0, a multi-touch screen models of the ET2220 is a suitable means of interaction with the user interface of the new operating system Windows 8. ASUS ET2220 device appear on the market at the end of December and will be sold at a price of $791.65 USD.
Windows 8 officially announced, and the next exit and mobile computers based on it. At Acer - Aspire S7 is in 11 and 13-inch format. Both have touch IPS-screen, aluminum body and accompanied by a powerful advertising campaign with Megan Fox in the lead role. We met with the news at an event in London. What they can to really catch on?
A new era is said about the release of Windows 8 at Microsoft, has started only recently. But equipment manufacturers have begun to actively advertise any gadgets with this system. The new operating system from Microsoft is quite different. So different that to underscore its capabilities had to redefine the concept of conventional computers. Even a few months before the release of "Eight" the Internet is replete with images of something strange - hybrids laptops and candy bars to the plates.
It is understandable - after all it is necessary to somehow justify the transition to Windows 8. Of course, working with a "magic tile" of Windows 8, and can be a mouse, but the irrepressible human mind can not resist the deadly difficult question "why?". Here also we have a lot of devices with touch screens that fold and bend, so that they feel comfortable poking fingers.
Like many others, Acer has decided to strike at the most compact computers, which for the second year as presented ultrabook. Acer was the first at the Aspire S3 , after about six months, he added Aspire S5 , and now we come to the Aspire S7. Its release is timed to coincide with the release of Windows 8, and all the new features of the operating systems are supported from and to.
But not enough to take one of the old ultrabooks, insert the touch screen to draw on the key [Windows] logo eights and salable. There was a lot of work and on the design of the device. The design of appearance, ergonomics, the cooling system. Acer, like many other companies, tried to completely change the feel of use. This not only allows you to conveniently work with Windows 8, but also attracts customers. Finally in the notebook segment, there was something new!
Aspire S7 - honest ultrabook new generation. The difference between him and the S3 or S5 is very significant and is manifested primarily in the design. The novelty is somewhat similar to the first Aspire S3, something on ultrabooks ASUS, but something - and the MacBook Air. However, neither of which the secondary can not be considered.
Acer tried to bring the design to modern Aspire S7 flagship smartphone. Last today tend to be the most thin case and a screen with a higher resolution. That is what we see in the new ultrabook. The thickness of the 11.6-inch S7 is only 12.2 mm (less than half an inch), and the 13.3-inch and even less - 11.9 mm. With these parameters they can be put on a par with tablets, not to mention a ultrabook. Weight is also very light - 1.04 kg for younger model and 1.30 kg in the older.
The main idea of the exterior Aspire S7 - this is perhaps the harmony between the curvy body and the "direct rigor" of the main surfaces of the laptop. Sharp pointed edge of the case, without the smooth bevel. According to Kant laptop circled chrome metal strip. In general, the entire body is made of anodized aluminum and glass Gorilla Glass. Emphasize - any resemblance to the MacBook Air, but the design of the Aspire S7 no less stylish.
Even the keyboard is not from the general concept. The keys are painted in the same color as the body, and seem to be too large for such a compact ultrabook, especially for the 11.6-inch model.
However, if you look closely, are immediately visible, as this has been achieved. Yes, the keys are really big and comfortable. Even move them no less than most ultrabooks, despite an incredibly slim body. But block the function keys [F1] - [F12] to be removed completely. We have become used to the fact that they are assigned to all sorts of additional features such as volume and screen brightness, the call of an application, and so on. But to take away completely the series - it is really something new. However, the "reach" of their functions can still be holding [Fn] and pressing the right key of the top row, which is dominated by numbers.
Where is the [Esc]? In place of the tilde or "E". Tilda was also the right of the [Caps Lock], which for the occasion fairly "thin." Interesting experiment. Is this a new era? For UMPC - perhaps.
Keyboard back light after such a drastic change the layout does not seem unusual. However, it is made to match the design - with style and taste. Turned herself, relying on a light sensor. They have a choice, and its brightness.
The touchpad, thank God, not abandoned. Radical transition to the touch screen on a laptop would be too risky. Pleased that Acer has not followed the example of Sony VAIO Duo and 11, which is more like a tablet with a keyboard. Nominally, the touchpad on the Aspire S7 present. As it should be in the fashion, it besknopochnaya and quite big.
But, of course, all the attention was given to the screen. Screen - this is "our everything" in Windows 8. Aspire S7 in this respect did not disappoint and came out with IPS-matrix and a resolution FullHD. This is equally true for the 11 - and 13-inch model. In the first case received almost screen class is already on edge nabivshego Retina. For comparison - the younger Aspire S7 pixel density of 190 PPI, while the MacBook Pro 13.3 "Retina - 227 PPI.
Speaking in human terms, the picture on the screen Aspire S7 is very clear, the colors are true and generally wonderful. For a complete set of the 13.3-inch ultrabook closed glass Gorilla Glass 2. Downright hefty plate is obtained. But the 11.6-inch S7 this somehow does not.
Expands the display 180 degrees, completely lying on the table. It simplifies the work with him? Only if you expand it to itself, removing the barrier of the keyboard. A fold out like the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga ultrabook from Acer can not. Yet, despite all the innovative ideas embodied in it, the novelty is nothing more than the classic version of a laptop, made in accordance with modern trends.
Acer is not shy about telling and a special cooling system Aspire S7. It is known that metal thin laptops often suffer unnecessary heating. Unpleasant it, especially if you have to put the computer to its knees, and sometimes the abdomen. Aspire S7 so strongly heated. Acer has named its decision TwinAir - a special cooling system, which involves two fans. One deals with the cold air intake, and the other blows hot. One confused in this scheme. According to the statement itself, Acer, and the little fans rotate at a decent speed - 10,000 rpm. So that the noise from them is to be honest. Not surprisingly, the word «silent» (quiet) in the description TwinAir is encountered.
Here we come to the end of the story about ultrabooks Acer Aspire S7. It remains to say a few words about the iron component and, of course, Megan Fox. But Megan leave "for dessert", and while some of the gland.
If you look at the key features of Aspire S7, is surprising we do not see. In the role of the primary storage - SSD with 128 or 256 GB. But the disk subsystem running in RAID 0, which gives a noticeable speed boost.
The architecture ARM Acer experiment did not (and sorry), and therefore use the new Aspire S7-based dual-core Intel Core i5-3317U and Core i7-3517U. RAM is 4 GB, but neither reduce nor increase this amount can not. Video card, of course, the built - Intel HD Graphics 4000. Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 on the spot. Ethernet as thin ultrabook is not allowed. 3G-module also graced us with his presence. Good thing there was a place for a couple of USB 3.0 connectors and HDMI. There is even a card reader. True, only the 13.3-inch model.
With reference to several sources, The Verge reports that Microsoft has entered the home straight in the creation of a 7-inch tablet PC Xbox Surface, designed primarily for games.
Resource claims that information applicable device confirms the information that appears on the network in June, prior to the submission of full device with 10-inch displays.
The gadget was unique components: a specially designed ARM-processor from Intel (yet unannounced), superfast memory for comfort in play and a special version of Windows with a special kernel-oriented game. Users can access the basic options such as email and calendar, but the emphasis will focus on the game.
Like the original version of Surface tablets , gaming machine developed in conditions of high secrecy. According to sources, the issue of tablet computers will be in the same place and the new Xbox 720 console with the participation of companies Foxconn and Pegatron. There is a theory that gaming tablet will work in tandem with fixed prefix next-generation Xbox, the announcement of which may take place next year.
Software Xbox Surface also shrouded in mystery, it is tested in the office of Microsoft. Insuring against premature leaks, the software giant even went to limit employee access to individual buildings related to the development of Xbox. The official announcement of the tablet is expected to play in the first half of next year, before the start of sales of Xbox 720.
It is worth noting that in a recent BBC interview, Microsoft Chairman said that planshetniki Surface will not be the last device company. Ballmer said then that hide information about Microsoft's intentions to release new devices would not be fair.
