Friday, August 31, 2012

Hands-on review: Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook

Alongside the Carbon Fibre X11 Ultrabook, Gigabyte has revealed the more conventional 14-inch Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook. Blending dedicated graphics with an impressive list of components, this laptop will need to overcome relative obscurity to challenge the current crop of Ultrabook big-hitters.Taiwanese company Gigabyte might be better known for producing laptop components than the laptops themselves, but there's little left out from the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook's lineup. Packing Intel third generation processors, both Core i5 and Core i7 models will be available. The sample we were shown was also boasting 8GB RAM and Nvidia GeForce GT640M discrete graphics. Despite these impressive specifications, the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook is prevented from overheating during performance by a race car-inspired dual air vent system. Storage consisted of a 128GB SSD, but Gigabyte has employed the common dual storage space system and included an HDD that will go up to 1TB on the top-tier model. This means you get the fast boot-up required of an Ultrabook without compromising on storage.Re-enforcing this machine's credibility as a gaming/multimedia platform is the HD+ screen resolution. The 1600 x 900 pixel count won't match the likes of the Asus Zenbook Prime or the MacBook Pro with Retina Display, but it's a step in the right direction. The laptop we inspected at launch had a matt screen, going a long way to soaking up the reflections of the bright overhead lights; this could be a real benefit if you're planning to use it outside or in a brightly lit office.We weren't given a chance to test the speakers on the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook, but the inclusion of THX TruStudio ProTM technology should result in a very decent sound. When coupled with the graphical muscle and storage space of this machine, we expect film buffs to be more than happy with this Ultrabook. Usability looks to be a highlight as well – several useful features have been included to make day-to-day computing easier, especially to those who aren't particularly tech-savvy. Next to the power button is an extra hot key that launches the Gigabyte Smart Manager, giving you a simple dashboard in which you can tweak settings. Similarly, press and hold the right-click button beneath the touchpad and you get an update on the battery status via the LED light across the front of the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook.Aside from extra features, the basics also seem to be in place. The isolation-style keyboard is well sized, and the keys felt firm when we tested them out. The added backlight helps aesthetically, but also means you can type away in low-light conditions. The touchpad has a rough textured surface that differentiates it from the brushed metal of the palm rest. Of the four USB ports on the Gigabyte U2442, two of them were the faster 3.0 format, enabling you to transfer data with compatible devices 10 times as fast as over a USB 2.0 port. Other connections were as standard, with HDMI, Ethernet and a 3.5mm headphone jack all present and accounted for.One thing we weren't able to confirm was battery life. The representative from Gigabyte explained to us that it would manage a full day at the office on a single charge, but we'll be putting this to the test when we get a review sample in.The 14-inch Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook is a more accessible Ultrabook than the smaller Gigabyte X11, and should make a bit of a splash for the Taiwanese company when it lands in the UK in September. Suggested pricing for the Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook is £1,020 (around $1,615), lining it up nicely with other top-end Ultrabooks on the market. However, with the lack of brand awareness, expect suppliers to drop the price somewhat, which could make this a real bargain. Stay tuned to TechRadar for our full Gigabyte U2442 Ultrabook review, coming soon.See more laptops and netbooks Add comment 'Hands on reviews' are a journalist's first impressions of a piece of kit based on spending some time with it. It may be just a few moments, or a few hours. The important thing is we have been able to play with it ourselves and can give you some sense of what it's like to use, even if it's only an embryonic view. For more information, see TechRadar's Reviews Guarantee.Our guide to the best new computing gear:PlusAll Windows 8 coverageOS X 10.8 compatibilityWindows 8 vs Windows RTMore reviewsIFA 2012 Solid laptop hybrid takes the form factor to new highs IFA 2012 It's a laptop with an extra screen in the lid IFA 2012 Trying to make Windows 8 into a top tablet platform Offering all the apps you've already seen in Google Play IFA 2012 Tablet, monitor and computer combined Tutorial The app formerly named iCal is great for keeping you organised Opinion Macs don't get viruses? Flashback proved that wrong Why keep all your data on one Mac or iPad? Updated Everything you need to know about Windows 8 tablets View the original article here

Hands-on review: IFA 2012: Samsung Galaxy Camera

With a 4.8-inch Super HD Clear LCD touchscreen, the Samsung Galaxy camera isn't likely to be the smallest compact camera you'll ever see, but it feels very nicely put together and is both responsive and intuitive.


Even better news for many, is that the 16 million pixel CMOS sensor inside the camera is a 1/2.3 inch device, the same size as in many compact cameras and considerably bigger than those in the average phone. This should mean that the Galaxy Camera is capable of recording a respectable level of detail with reasonably well controlled noise.


The sensor is coupled with a 4.1-86.1 mm f/2.8-5.9 lens which gives the focal length equivalent of a 23-483mm lens in 35mm terms. This makes it a very versatile optic, suitable for shooting wide landscapes or cramped interiors, as well as picking out distant details. It could make the camera a popular option for travellers, especially those who want to be able to share their images with the rest of the world via the Wi-Fi connectivity.


Samsung Galaxy Camera


We were only able to spend a relatively short time playing with it at Samsung's Mobile Unpacking event prior to the opening of IFA 2012, but it was enough to convince us that this is a camera that will attract a lot of interest.


There's little in the way of physical controls on the camera as most operations are carried out via the touchscreen, which is very responsive. On the top, however, there is a shutter release button surrounded by the zoom switch and the power button as well as a pop-up flash - that's it and as a result the Galaxy Camera has a very clean look.


Samsung Galaxy Camera


Those who fear that relying on a screen to make settings selections will mean scrolling through endless menu options can rest assured that Samsung has done an excellent job with the interface and we got to grips with it very quickly.


As you might expect there's a selection of shooting options for the inexperienced photographer, but Samsung also included the more advanced program, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual exposure modes for experienced users.


Samsung Galaxy Camera


These options are accessed via the Expert option in the Camera menu. Once this is selected, a neat graphic of a lens with a series of rings appears on screen and the sensitivity (ISO), exposure compensation, aperture and shutter speed are adjusted by 'rotating' the rings with a flick of a finger.


Samsung Galaxy Camera


In addition to the Auto and Casual mode that are designed for keeping photography very quick and easy, there's a Smart Pro option that allows users to choose the most appropriate scene mode for the shot. This includes options such as Waterfall Trace, which records moving water as a blur, Blue Sky mode that ensures blue skies are saturated and not washed out and a Light Trace mode for shooting car light trails etc at night. There are also more common options such as a Macro, Panorama, Smart Night and Best Photo mode.


Samsung Galaxy Camera


There's also a Voice Control mode that, as the name suggests, enables you to control the camera with your voice by getting it to zoom in and out or take a shot with a voice command. This sounds like a really useful option for self-portraits, but as the screen is fixed there will be a little bit of guesswork involved with the composition.


After the images have been captured the Galaxy Camera's Smart Content Manager organises them into searchable folders based on time and location.


 


There are also options to tag faces in the images, rotate pictures and crop shots as well as view them in a slideshow. Images can be selected for view with a tap of the screen and scrolled through with a swipe of two of the finger - just as you would with a smart phone.


 


A Sharing Widget is claimed to make light work of uploading shots to all your favourite social media sites and Auto Cloud Back-up is available for remote storage straight after they are taken.


We haven't been able to use the Galaxy Camera properly or examine any images yet, but we're pretty excited about it. It has a high-quality feel and although it has lots of options and some pretty advanced controls, it's very easy to use.


The Samsung Galaxy camera will have a full price of around £399 (around $630) in UK, and will be available from around mid-October.


The 16 million pixel, 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor should be capable of capturing images that are on a par with other compact cameras and significantly better than those from the average smartphone. However, the lens has a wide zoom range (21x) and it will be interesting to see if this compromises the image quality at all.


We're really looking forward to receiving a full-production sample and putting it through its paces. As well as testing the usual photographic aspects, looking at sharpness, dynamic range and the like, we'll try out a few apps and share images via the Wi-Fi connectivity.


View the original article here

Hands-on review: IFA 2012: Dell XPS One 27 Touch

In association with Sony

Dell previously had a 27-inch all-in-one XPS, but this new model brings a couple of new tricks to the party. Firstly, it has a touchscreen, built specifically for Windows 8.


And secondly, there's a new tilt stand meaning it can be used at varying angles from upright to pretty much flat.


Dell XPS 27 touch


It's a real powerhouse of a machine, featuring an as yet unspecified Intel Core i7 processor, though we'd suspect it's the 3.10GHz i7-3770s inside the current XPS One 27. You probably don't get the screen wipes you can see in the picture above!


The unit comes complete with a wireless keyboard, but no mouse.


Dell XPS One 27


The display has a whopping 2,560 X 1,440 resolution, meaning there are 3.7 million pixels in the highly impressive panel, though it's still some way off the 2,880 x,1,800 resolution of the MacBook Air retina display. The touchscreen features 10 finger capacitive touch technology.


One XPS 27 screen


Also expect other specs to be similar to the current XPS One 27, which has 8GB of memory, a huge 2TB of storage (with a 32GB SSD for rapid start) and a 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 640M.


Dell XPS 27 touch


The above is the slider cover for the webcam, but it shows the attention to design Dell now makes. There's a full array of ports as you'd expect as well as a Blu ray Combo drive.


Dell XPS 27 touch


The design follows on from other XPS systems, with a smart grey and black chassis. Note that we can see Windows 7 stickers here - a bit strange as we know this model will ship with Windows 8 as standard.


There's the eject button for the optical drive on the bottom right, too.


 


We were quite interested by how the Windows 8 charm bar looked on screen; it's bigger than you'd get on a notebook, but still seemed quite small for the large screen. When you're dealing with such a big device, the targets seem quite small.


 


The Dell XPS One 27 Touch UK and US release date is set for late October to coincide with the launch of Windows 8.


 

Hands-on review: IFA 2012: Sony Xperia J

The Sony Xperia J is another smartphone in the Japanese firm's new series of handsets which carry on the design ethos of the late Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc and Xperia Arc S.

Sony is pitching the Xperia J as a smartphone which offers "a stand-out screen size for consumers looking to combine great style with affordability".

We reckon Sony has got it right in terms of design, with the curved, rubberised back of the Xperia J fitting snugly into our hand, and the body feel solid and well built.

Sony Xperia J review

It looks very similar to its bigger brother, the Sony Xperia T, which sports the same design, however the Xperia J allows you to whip off the back cover, allowing you to access the full-sized SIM port, micro SD card slot and the huge 1,750mAh battery – which should keep you going all day long.

Sony Xperia J review

The Xperia J sports a 1GHz single-core processor, 512MB of RAM and a 4-inch, 480 x 854 TFT display, which sees it fit in between the Xperia P and Xperia U from Sony's NXT range.

The bright, clear 4-inch screen displays Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich well, with the Xperia UI slapped over the top, and text and images appear sharp and easy to see.

The Xperia J runs Ice Cream Sandwich smoothly and although it may not be as quick as the higher powered Xperia T, it is by no means a slouch, and we didn't encounter any unexpected lag or slow down.

Sony Xperia J review

There is around a second wait when opening apps, but this isn't long enough to cause concern or irritation, however we did find the camera app did take two to three seconds to load up.

The Sony Xperia J offers you the stock Android keyboard, which is relatively easy to type on thanks to the 4-inch display giving us enough room to hit the right keys, and although it's not perfect, we could happily tap out emails and messages on it.

Sony Xperia J review

To help you snap photos with the 5MP rear camera there's a single LED flash on the back of the Xperia J, and within the app you also get auto-focus, a handful of scene modes and exposure adjusments – all of which are easy to access and understand.

The auto-focus does take a little time to settle, and if you are quick on the shutter button there can be around a three second delay as the focus sorts itself out, meaning you won't be able to snap in quick succession.

Sony Xperia J review

There's also a front facing, VGA quality camera on the Xperia J which can be used for video calls, or the odd vanity check, but with the low quality we'd recommend sticking with the 5MP offering on the back for taking photos with.

Unlike the Xperia T there's no physical camera button on the side of the Sony Xperia J, but you do get a power/lock key and volume rocker switch located at the top of the right side, which are easy to hit when the phone is held in one hand.

Sony Xperia J review

Video playback was acceptable for a mid- to low-end smartphone, although we did feel colours were a little washed out, but you could still quite easily watch a movie on the Sony Xperia J, with the lightweight (124g) body and its rubber back making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Music lovers will be pleased to learn that Sony has included its Walkman player app on the Xperia J, which we found to be an intuitive and attractive way of managing all your tunes, and with Sony's xLoud technology on board audio played through the rear speaker is louder and less distorted than on other, similarly priced handsets – meaning you can really annoy people on bus.

Sony Xperia J review

There's no word on pricing other than "affordable", but we hope the Xperia J will land at around the £200 (around $310) mark, putting it head to head with the HTC One V and slightly beefier Orange San Diego.

The Sony Xperia J release date is currently unconfirmed, but we've been told it will make its way into stores during the final quarter of 2012.

Sony Xperia J review

The Xperia J is certainly a good looking handset, but we can't help but feel it's going to be outclassed by the Orange San Diego in the price bracket we expect Sony to put it in.

To say you're offering an affordable smartphone with a good screen and then pricing it the same as a handset with not only a beefier processor and camera, but also a higher-res screen, seems like a strange way to go.

That said the Sony Xperia J is still a decent handset and if you're taken by the design, choice of four colours (black, gold, white and silver), and Ice Cream Sandwich out the box then you can't go too wrong with this mid- to low-range smartphone.


View the original article here

Hands-on review: IFA 2012: Sony Vaio Duo 11

With Windows 8 moonlighting as both a tablet and desktop OS, the hybrid tablet-PC idea is one that's reared its head again.


Sony has jumped on this concept at IFA 2012 with the Sony Vaio Duo 11. The device is both an Ultrabook and a tablet – a 'handy' tablet as Sony explains in its press blurb.


Although this sounds like a concept that's going to add extra chunk in the hand, it really isn't.


Although when you lift the Sony Vaio Duo 11 it definitely has weight (1.3kg of it, which is a little heavier than the Microsoft Surface), it is a mere 17.85mm thin when flush and in its tablet state.


The tablet-laptop comes with a 11.6-inch full HD touchscreen panel (1920 x 1080), which you can prod away with using your own fingers, but there's also a stylus on board.


What with Samsung and its S-Pen functionality and Sony with its Duo pointer, the stylus is definitely back in fashion.


 


When upright as a laptop, you wouldn't guess that the Duo 11 has a secret life as a tablet. The screen is sturdy and doesn't slide around on its hinges when you prod it.


The keyboard itself is decent enough, with enough space between the keys to make sure you don't fumble while getting flirty with QWERTY.


 


There's no trackpad, though, so you have to deal with the optical button in the middle of the keys to move your mouse pointer – or point using your digits or the included stylus. But it is backlit, which is definitely a good thing.


The lack of trackpad did mean that we felt the need to use the stylus a lot more, even when the Duo 11 was in laptop mode.


 


When it comes to the stylus, the device was nice and thin in the hand and felt as if we could write to at least the legibility of a doctor. It was a much better experience writing on the screen when the Duo 11 was a tablet, but it was still fine when we used the device as a laptop.


Changing the Duo 11 to a tablet was pretty effortless. Sony has called the technology Surf Slider – which makes the hinges on the hybrid Ultrabook sound like a comic-book hero. They're not, but they are functional and sturdy too – there was no sign of strain when we pushed the screen down into tablet mode.


 


The only worry we had on the design was when we tried to lift the screen back into being a laptop the wrong way. Not only did this mean we got an angry stare from a Sony rep, we did feel a little bit of movement from the hinges. In short: it was a mistake that we wouldn't repeat.


 


When it comes to connectivity and buttons, we found volume and lock keys on the bottom of the Duo 11, a USB, an HDMI and Ethernet ports and a home button situated at the bottom of the screen, which is used when you take the Duo 11 out for a spin as a tablet.


 


But, make no mistake, this is a device for pros - its got Windows Pro 8 installed - and will come packing Intel Core i7, i5, or i3 chips.


 


The Sony Duo 11 is definitely a product that fills a hole in the PC market, but we're not sure if the convergence of PC and tablet is such a good thing. Personally we prefer to keep our devices separate but if you like the idea of having tablet functionality coupled with a fully functioning Ultrabook then this could be for you.


The Sony Vaio Duo 11 release date is October, with pricing to be announced.


View the original article here

Hands-on review: IFA 2012: Dell XPS Duo 12

In association with Sony

Dell has taken Windows 8 into convertible territory – with a two-in-one flip screen that takes an old design – first seen in the Inspiron Duo – and updates it for the Ultrabook era.


The Duo 12 is a hugely impressive two-in-one device that banishes the weight problem that held the Inspiron Duo back – as well as the not inconsiderable increase in oomph; The XPS Duo 12 features Core i5 or -i7 processors instead of the Atom in the old Windows 7-powered Duo.


 


So what we have here is, to all intents and purposes, an XPS 13 Intel Ultrabook with a flippy screen that can face either in or out of the lid for tablet or laptop use.


It's exactly the kind of device that Windows 8 was built for; great for touch, but it can get out of the way when you need to get some actual work done on the desktop.


 


Here's the screen fully rotated. Ignore the gaps you can see around the bezel - it's because this is a pre-production unit. The copy of Windows 8 on the unit was also in "test mode" - something we haven't seen before - but presumably it's nowhere near the final version that Dell will ship with the device.


The screen has a Windows button for returning to the Start screen when you're in tablet mode.


 


"Some of our competitiors think about mobile design and think it's impossible to do a good or great convertible design," said Dell's Sam Burd during this morning's IFA 2012 Dell press conference. "The [XPS Duo 12] combines the power of working with a PC with the ability to consume content in other ways. The two devices in a pretty awesome combination."


 


The XPS Duo 12 features the now-expected XPS chiclet keyboard, which remains great to type on.


 


The Duo 12 has the same 12.5-inch form factor as the XPS 13 and many of the same materials, too. There's plenty of machined aluminium and carbon fibre around the system. The quality of the screen is also a major part of the story here; there's a Full HD 1,920 x 1,280 display behind a Gorilla Glass outer.


 


You'll also get all the usual accouterments you'd expect from a Dell XPS PC - there's a backlit keyboard and a very similar array of ports to the XPS 13 (we're not allowed to tell you exact specifications for the XPS Duo 12, so why don't you pop and read our review of the older model).


The XPS Duo 12 release date is late October when Windows 8 becomes available.


Like the XPS 10, our main caveat with the XPS Duo 12 is the price. Don't expect it to be cheap, though it's difficult to tell how much it will cost when it hits the streets. However, the combination of an i5 or i7 plus the twist-screen means we'll surely be looking at well over the MacBook Air mark.


In terms of hardware, the Duo 12 is a beautiful thing. It did seem a little weighty though, so we'll wait for our full review to give a better assessment of that. One thing's for sure - we're really, really looking forward to trying it out properly.


 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Review: Sony NSZ-GS7

Owners of smart TVs are used to apps like YouTube and the BBC iPlayer, and even the ability to surf the web, but Sony's refreshed attempt at Google TV seeks to streamline the whole process by combining a Chrome browser with a selection of Google Play apps - and all controlled by a double-sided trackpad remote with a keyboard on its reverse.

Can this Android-based, slim-line box that depends on Google Play for its apps seriously challenge the likes of the Apple TV, Xbox 360, YouView or smart TVs?

All Apps

A quick inspection of the NSZ-GS7's apps reveals one huge oversight; there's no BBC iPlayer, though it is in the pipeline. What about catch-up apps for ITV Player, Channel 4 and Five? For a UK-centric service these apps ought to be integral, or at least idiot-proof access to them via Chrome.

home screen

The main toolbar, accessed by pressing the 'home' button on the remote, includes (from left to right), the current time, notifications and links to recent apps, a grid icon that leads to a full page of native and downloaded apps, a shortcut to show live TV if a set-top box is connected, and then dedicated shortcuts to YouTube, Google Play, the all-important Chrome, the less crucial Sony Entertainment Network (Video Unlimited, Music Unlimited, DailyMotion, GolfLink, Livestrong.com and NPR radio), a search option, and a help button.

In the apps folder we found Netflix (the much-needed result of a recent firmware update) and Twitter, though only 16 apps can be shown at one time (in A-Z fashion) while a third of the screen lies empty.

That's a real shame because most of the apps here are either repetitive from elsewhere in the GUI or of limited appeal - such as a link to the Media Player (USB stick access), Chrome, Google Play, YouTube, Search, Product Registration, Help Guide and Settings. It's a shame since scrolling down a page is a stodgy experience. Other apps of note here include Track ID (Sony's own music identifier) and Photos (encompassing photos stored on a USB stick, Flickr or on an Android phone.

Play Store

Being a Google TV box, the NSZ-GS7 is at least in part subject to the quality and range of the apps it can download from Google Play.

IMDB

We visited Google Play to download extra apps, but met with great disappointment; Netflix, Red Karaoke for Google, IMDb, Flixster, Evernote, Weather Channel, iStoryBook, OpenOffice Document Reader and Fox News are probably the highlights - few of them video-orientated - with myriad more apps that you really won't want to bother with. Presumably the aim is to offer every app used by Android phones on Google TV, though surely 99% of them should be providing video, movies and TV.

We also worry slightly about the motley collection of apps hiding behind the Sony Entertainment Network link. It's good to see both Video and Music Unlimited services, but we're not sure why Sony has chosen to include some of the frankly uninspiring apps - such as Golflink - from its Smart TV platform. We're not sure of the point of this extra layer.

The search function is poor, capable of discovering content in its Media Player - that means a USB stick, if attached - or through a basic web search of Chrome. It doesn't, for instance, find any relevant video; a search for Top Gear merely performs a search of the web that doesn't include a link to the content on the BBC iPlayer, or BBC America episodes available to all in YouTube.

Most smart TVs, although limited in content, have better search functions than this; we'd expected more from Google on this front.

hardware

For all of Google TV's faults as a platform, Sony has done a decent enough job with the WiFi-endowed NSZ-GS7, though it does run on the ageing Android 3.2 Honeycomb OS.

Equipped with HDMI in and out for switching purposes), it's possessed of a digital optical audio output, two USB slots and a Bluetooth link for communicating with Android phones. As well as wired LAN, there's also an IR blaster cable. Much like your average smartphone, the NSZ-GS7 has about 8GB of storage on-board.

remote control

Those not able to master the frankly odd remote control, which puts a touchpad in amongst a plethora of baffling controls (though Android phone owners will be au fait with some of them) and a QWERTY keyboard on the reverse, can opt for the Sony Media Remote app available for iOS and Android.

remote 2

It's more sensitive than the 'proper' remote and does make operating both the browser and the YouTube app easier.

It's possible to play video, music and photos from a docked USB stick. In our test we managed to get AVI, AVC HD, MKV, MOV, MPEG, WMV and WMV HD video files to play while music (MP3, AAC, FLAC & WAV) and photo (JPEG, BMP, GIF & PNG) compatibility also impressed. The thumbnail representation of video content is excellent.

ESFile Explorer File Manager, a free app from Google Play, can delve into cloud storage servers from the likes of Dropbox, Google Drive and SkyDrive as well as NAS drives and your phone or PC. aVia Media Player does a similar job for free, too, though it didn't work with our Mac running TwonkyMedia UPnP. There's also a tempting Plex for Google TV app, which costs 62p.

It's a neat intro to a new way of thinking; Sony builds the basic hardware, and app developers offers extra features and functionality. Sounds messy … and potentially confusing for many.


View the original article here

Hands-on review: HP ENVY x2

In association with Sony
By Alex Roth from TechRadar  August 30th 2012

With the touch and mouse friendly Windows 8 right around the corner, PC makers have begun revealing the devices designed specifically for Microsoft's versatile new operating system. At IFA 2012, HP officially unveiled its laptop/tablet hybrid the HP ENVY x2. Similar to the Asus Vivo and the Asus Transformer Book, it's a combination of a tablet and a traditional mobile computing solution.

These new mobile computing devices designed around Windows 8 are surely meant to turn the heads of iPad owners and laptop carriers alike. We're thinking that's why HP has dubbed its new hybrid device the Envy.

HP ENVY x2 review

A combination laptop and tablet, the HP ENVY x2 has an HD touch display that measures 11.6-inches diagonally. Boasting 400-nit brightness and a resolution of 1,366 x 768, the screen is easily removed from the keyboard chassis and clicks back into place with the help of magnets.

HP ENVY x2 review

On its lonesome, the HP ENVY x2's screen is a slim, easy to hold tablet. Perhaps in anticipation of the iPad Mini, it has a slightly smaller width than an iPad, fitting easily in one hand. It also features front and rear facing cameras for snapping pictures and video chatting. The camera on the back provides 8.0 megapixel quality.

HP ENVY x2 review

While all the most important internal parts are stored behind the screen, enabling it to leave the keyboard behind with the flip of a switch and a gentle tug, it's got all the essential ports necessary to be a functional computing solution. The keyboard base features an SD card slot, HDMI, and a few USB ports. The base even provides extra battery life. When hooked together as a laptop, it weighs in at only 3.1 pounds, only a little heavier than a MacBook Air.

HP ENVY x2 review

Also like a Macbook, the HP ENVY x2 features a brushed aluminum finish. It also boasts Beats Audio speakers, NFC support and IPS technology. The touch display screen is multi-touch, and HP plans to offer an optional stylus for more precise touch controls.

The HP ENVY x2 we saw featured a 64GB SSD and a processor of the Intel variety. As far as more exact specs, in addition to battery life, price and an exact release date, HP wasn't ready to get too say just yet, but we've been told that this device will be in stores by the time Windows 8 launches on Oct. 26.

Hands-on review: IFA 2012: Asus Vivo Tab

Asus has fired its off its opening salvo of Windows 8 tablets with a new range of 'Transformer' style devices dubbed the Asus Vivo Tab. Like the Asus Transformer Pad range, the Vivo is a tablet-cum-laptop hybrid where a tablet device docks into a keyboard base-station to become a netbook-sized laptop.


Those who are as concerned with etymology as we are will be interested to know that Vivo comes from the Latin verb meaning 'to live', so it's just as well Asus is touting this as a device for both work and play.


Asus Vivo Tab


The Vivo Tab is the big brother of the Vivo range and rocks an Intel Atom Clover Trail processor, rather than a low-powered ARM-based chipset. This means there's enough power for running rich applications, whether that's from the Windows Store or traditional desktop-based programs.


If the very name 'Intel Atom' is enough to strike fear into your heart, then you might want to look more closely at this latest offering from Intel, who have invested heavily in this architecture over the last year. This is the next generation Atom chip that runs on a tidy 32nm die making it power efficient, yet it still packs Ivy Bridge graphics with plenty of power for Windows 8.


Being x86, you still get the compatibility and flexibility of an Intel Core chip, but without the devastating power footprint and wallet-walloping cost. There's also 2GB of RAM and 64GB of built-in storage, making it a decent competitor in what's becoming a packed market.


The Clover Trail Asus Vivo Tab measures just 8.7mm thick, not bad for something that packs the power of a mid-range laptop, weights 675g without the docking station and boasts an 11.6-inch Super IPS+ screen with a resolution of 1366 x 768. We have to say this looks fantastic with Windows 8 and the new Windows UI (strictly not called Metro, you understand) simply jumps from the screen, and apps loaded quickly, with minimal lag.


Asus Vivo Tab


Aside from the touchscreen input method, and the keyboard dock's trackpad, there's also a stylus pen that uses Wacom technology and shows that Asus is giving the Vivo Tab every chance of being a success. Samsung has also done a similar thing by drawing on the excellent S-Pen technology in their hybrids, which means the battle for supremacy will be an interesting race.


 


If there was one complaint from the highly successful Transformer series it was the weighting of the unit while docked, and its tendency to over balance backwards during use. This was the first thing we looked for when getting hands-on with the Vivo, and while our on-stand test was by no means scientific, the weight distribution felt more even; closer to a normal laptop or netbook than on the Asus Transformer Prime.


 


Build quality was exceptional, and we prefer the solid keyboard dock to that of the Asus Transformer Prime. It felt solid, and our impression was that the keys had a tad more cushioning and refinement than its Android cousin.


Of course we have no idea how much this will put the Vivo at a premium, but with Asus' track record recently of delivering products at enviable pricing, we're hoping for a great value tablet.

Hands-on review: IFA 2012: Asus Taichi

In association with Sony

Among Asus' flurry of Windows 8 tablet devices announced at IFA 2012, is the Asus Taichi, a curious laptop hybrid device.

While it's a genuinely exciting and innovative product, which Asus only briefly allowed out from its glass case, we're dubious whether this will see a genuine release.

Laptop hybrids are nothing new, but up until now, they've mostly been transformer style devices where a tablet fits into a keyboard docking station to become a laptop. The Taichi is different; an Ultrabook with a second tablet display fitted into the lid, this second screen enables it to be used as a standard laptop, to be held as a tablet, or enjoyed by two people sat opposite each other.

Asus Taichi

Powering this unusual Asus Taichi is an Intel Core processor, which offers up plenty of power to multitask over the two IPS panels. They can even be used independently, so someone sat on the tablet side can use apps and games, while you work on the laptop.

Our brief hands-on couldn't find any performance issues with the Tegra 3 chip, and Windows 8 remained responsive while multi-tasking apps and switching between them.

Visions of complex Windows commands being required to start using the rear panel were thankfully dispelled, and on opening the slim chassis, a blue hotkey immediately stood out from the array of compact black buttons.

This toggle enables the user to switch between four distinct settings: notebook mode, tablet mode, dual screen mode and mirror mode.

Asus Taichi

Notebook just switches off the second screen and tablet mode enables you to use top screen while the laptop is closed, just like a tablet. Mirror mode 'mirrors' whatever is on the laptop screen onto the lid, and dual screen enables you to use both screens independently.

The clear benefit is the ability to carry your laptop and use it as a tablet on the move, opening it up when the keys are required for typing longer emails or working on documents, but enabling you to surf the web and check your email. However, it still remains a niche product, but one we hope isn't resigned to Asia only, or a muted execution by CES 2013.

Weight is important with any device that's supposed to be used as a tablet, which is still an early build, but we were assured that the thickness, weight and built is extremely similar to the Asus Zenbook.

Other concerns are with battery life, and having an Intel Core processor powering two screens will struggle to cope with anywhere near all-day use. We'll have to wait for more details to emerge before working out whether the Asus Taichi will see the light of day.