We have Lenovo's newest Tablet PC, the X200 in office and we put it to the test. This 12.1" tablet has a reinforced lid that uses carbon fiber on the top and glass fiber around the edges for added strength. It's definitely a solid ThinkPad with some new features like a bi-directional hinge, which is a bonus and it's powered by a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo processor. Check out how the X200 compares to other tablets in its class.
Lenovo X200 Tablet PC specs:
Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86GHz L9400 processor
2GB RAM
160GB hard drive, 7200 rpm
SSD optional
Intel GMA X4500 graphics
12.1" WXGA (1280 x 800) display with active digitizer, touchscreen optional
Optional optical drive with weight saver with dock
Windows Vista Business OS
3x USB ports
1x Multicard Reader
1x PCI ExpressCard
RJ-11 and RJ-45
VGA-15pin
Microphone and headphone
8-cell battery, 4-cell available
Intel Wi-Fi 5300 and WWAN
Design
The X200 has a solid chassis and design. I mean after all it is a ThinkPad and lives up to its name and durability. It sports the same matte black design, but new to the X200 is a bi-directional hinge, which is great for presentations, much like the Fujitsu T2010.
Weighing in around 3.8lbs with the 8-cell extended battery, this 12.1" tablet is still light and thin enough to take where ever you go. Perfect for mobile professionals or college students. I didn't notice any signs of flex in any part of the tablet and was quite impressed with the screen. I would have liked the touchscreen/active digitizer model to review, but this one is still good.
The X200 is packed with a good variety of features and if you spring for the dock you definitely won't be disappointed. The X200 also now has two speakers on the bottom for better stereo sound instead of one speaker like on the X61 series. Battery life seems way better as well, but I get to that later because that is an important feature for a mobile tablet.
Display
The X200 I am reviewing has a 12.1" WXGA (1280x800) display. It has an active digitizer, but no touchscreen. The digitizer is accurate and the pen works great. I took notes like I was writing on paper. The hinge is solid, so the display looks great from all viewing angles. I didn't notice any signs of color bleed, the display was really nice and bright.
It wasn't too grainy like most tablets and can get really bright if need be. The colors are bold and vivid and even though the screen is 12.1-inches, I had no problem reading or viewing any documents. The X200 looks great in tablet mode as well and the display automatically changes orientation when rotated.
Performance and Benchmarks
The X200 is like most other ThinkPad tablets with their LV processors, but the X200 sports a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo processor that really can get work done. I was impressed with how fast the machine booted-up and ran PCMark05. It did well on the benchmarks and surfed the Web and ran multiple applications with no problems. It didn't even seem like it was overworking itself
Monday, October 4, 2010
Fujitsu LifeBook T2020 Review
Fujitsu just recently updated their popular business tablet the T2010 with a new processor and chipset. Welcome the LifeBook T2020, which we got our hands on for review. This tablet has the same design, build, display and most of the features just better in the performance department. Check out our review of this sleek, lightweight LifeBook.
Intel Core 2 Duo U9300 1.2GHz, optional U9400 1.4GHz processor
Intel GS45 chipset
120GB (5400 rpm) hard drive, SSD optional
2GB DDR3-800Mhz SDRAM
Windows Vista Business with OneNote 2007
12.1" WXGA indoor/outdoor active digitizer display with wide viewing angles (1280x800)
Integrated speakers
2 x USB
1 x VGA - 15 pin
1 x IEEE 1394 (Firewire)
1 x Type I/II PCMCIA slot
1 x Smart Card slot
1 x Media card reader
1 x Microphone-in and 1 x Headphone
Atheros XSPAN (802.11a/b/g/n)
RJ-45 and RJ-11
10/100/1000 Ethernet
Bluetooth 2.0
High-capacity 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery
Weight: 3.8lbs.
Dimensions: 11.9" (Width) x 8.8" (Depth) x 1.36" (Thick)
Design and Build
The T2020 has a simple design that is sleek and appealing. It has that business feel to it, compact and lightweight, at 3.8lbs. It would be perfect for college students as well considering how small it is and the active digitizer is great for note-taking. The graphite color hides dirt very well and keeps the tablet looking professional. The chassis is solid and there is minimal flex, except for the keyboard area, which I will get to later.
There are a few dedicated tablet buttons on the bottom of the screen that change the screen orientation and function. They are very convenient, especially when using the T2020 in tablet mode. As I mentioned before this review is very similar to the T2010 review because none of the design features have changed.
Display
The active digitizer is great and the 12.1" WXGA screen is flawless. You can adjust the brightness level to your liking and I didn't notice much graininess. The colors are bright and vivid, so much that I almost forgot I was working with a tablet instead of a notebook. I didn't have any problems taking notes and since the T2020 has a bi-directional hinge it's great for presentations. It automatically changes orientation in tablet mode as well. The screen does have a glossy finish, but it's not that reflective. In fact it has great viewing angles and is readable outdoors.
Processor and System Performance
The T2020 I reviewed has a Intel Core 2 Duo U9300 1.2GHz processor and a 120GB hard drive. It didn't show any signs of lag at all. It booted-up quickly and had no problems surfing the Web or running the benchmarks. It did make a little noise when running the benchmarks, so you will know when this tiny machine is hard at work and there was a little CPU whine when idling. The T2020 is an improvement from its predecessor, the T2010. The benchmark scores are improved and the GS45 graphics and processor are to thank. Remember though, the T2020 isn't for gamers or power fiends.
Intel Core 2 Duo U9300 1.2GHz, optional U9400 1.4GHz processor
Intel GS45 chipset
120GB (5400 rpm) hard drive, SSD optional
2GB DDR3-800Mhz SDRAM
Windows Vista Business with OneNote 2007
12.1" WXGA indoor/outdoor active digitizer display with wide viewing angles (1280x800)
Integrated speakers
2 x USB
1 x VGA - 15 pin
1 x IEEE 1394 (Firewire)
1 x Type I/II PCMCIA slot
1 x Smart Card slot
1 x Media card reader
1 x Microphone-in and 1 x Headphone
Atheros XSPAN (802.11a/b/g/n)
RJ-45 and RJ-11
10/100/1000 Ethernet
Bluetooth 2.0
High-capacity 6-cell Lithium-Ion battery
Weight: 3.8lbs.
Dimensions: 11.9" (Width) x 8.8" (Depth) x 1.36" (Thick)
Design and Build
The T2020 has a simple design that is sleek and appealing. It has that business feel to it, compact and lightweight, at 3.8lbs. It would be perfect for college students as well considering how small it is and the active digitizer is great for note-taking. The graphite color hides dirt very well and keeps the tablet looking professional. The chassis is solid and there is minimal flex, except for the keyboard area, which I will get to later.
There are a few dedicated tablet buttons on the bottom of the screen that change the screen orientation and function. They are very convenient, especially when using the T2020 in tablet mode. As I mentioned before this review is very similar to the T2010 review because none of the design features have changed.
Display
The active digitizer is great and the 12.1" WXGA screen is flawless. You can adjust the brightness level to your liking and I didn't notice much graininess. The colors are bright and vivid, so much that I almost forgot I was working with a tablet instead of a notebook. I didn't have any problems taking notes and since the T2020 has a bi-directional hinge it's great for presentations. It automatically changes orientation in tablet mode as well. The screen does have a glossy finish, but it's not that reflective. In fact it has great viewing angles and is readable outdoors.
Processor and System Performance
The T2020 I reviewed has a Intel Core 2 Duo U9300 1.2GHz processor and a 120GB hard drive. It didn't show any signs of lag at all. It booted-up quickly and had no problems surfing the Web or running the benchmarks. It did make a little noise when running the benchmarks, so you will know when this tiny machine is hard at work and there was a little CPU whine when idling. The T2020 is an improvement from its predecessor, the T2010. The benchmark scores are improved and the GS45 graphics and processor are to thank. Remember though, the T2020 isn't for gamers or power fiends.
Apple iPAD Review
The Apple iPad is an attempt to launch a new class of devices, more than a smartphone but less than a laptop. For some it's the product they've been looking for all their lives, for others it's no better than an iPod touch with a glandular problem.
Its strengths are its beautiful 9.7-inch touchscreen, 1.5 pound weight, and extremely long battery life. Its weakness include its weak support for multitasking, lack of Adobe Flash, and no memory card slot.
The iPad is available now starting at $500 and going up to $830, depending on configuration.
BUILD & DESIGN
Like all tablets, this device is basically a netbook without a keyboard, which allows it to be smaller and lighter without sacrificing much functionality.
The iPad is about as small as portable as a computer can be; at just 1.5 pounds, if I put it in a backpack, I can't tell I've got anything in the bag.
It is definitely more portable than your average laptop or even netbook, but you're going to need to add some bulk with a case. I can't imagine anyone carrying this computer around without some additional protection for the display.
Screen
The centerpiece of the device is its 9.7-inch touchscreen with a 1024 x 768 pixel resolution. It's the iPad's most critical feature, so it's a good thing that it's beautiful. Colors are vibrant, fonts are crystal clear and the support for a wide selection of viewing angles is amazing.
While this screen looks great indoors, outdoors is another matter. It's fine in full shade, but if I go out in the sun I have to turn the backlight all the way up and carefully pick the direction I'm facing to be able to get anything done -- it's basically a hassle.
Orientation switches automatically, depending on how you hold it. Most of the time this is good, but if you are using the iPad flat on a table, the orientation will switch back and forth at semi-random. Fortunately, there's a small switch you can flick that locks the screen into its current orientation.
Because we're talking about a touchscreen, it's inevitably going to collect fingerprints. Apple has included a coating that's supposed to minimize them, and while it's helping a little, I suspect most users are going to carry around a cleaning cloth.
Keyboard
The iPad's keyboard is probably going to keep more people away than any other feature. A device of this size that depends on a screen keyboard is definitely controversial when people are more accustomed to laptops with large keyboards.
How you use the keyboard depends on how you are holding the iPad. In portrait mode, you hold the device between your hands and type with both thumbs. I have average-size hands, and I find this to be just barely possible; hitting the keys in the middle of the keyboard is kind of a stretch. The process puts a strain on my wrists; I'd write a short note or a quick email this way, but not much else.
Switching the iPad to landscape mode opens a much larger keyboard. To type on this, you have to put the tablet on a table or in your lap. In this mode, my typing speed shoots way up. But keep in mind, when you're typing you can't do like you do with a physical keyboard and rest your fingers on the keys. You have to hold your hands above the keyboard
Its strengths are its beautiful 9.7-inch touchscreen, 1.5 pound weight, and extremely long battery life. Its weakness include its weak support for multitasking, lack of Adobe Flash, and no memory card slot.
The iPad is available now starting at $500 and going up to $830, depending on configuration.
BUILD & DESIGN
Like all tablets, this device is basically a netbook without a keyboard, which allows it to be smaller and lighter without sacrificing much functionality.
The iPad is about as small as portable as a computer can be; at just 1.5 pounds, if I put it in a backpack, I can't tell I've got anything in the bag.
It is definitely more portable than your average laptop or even netbook, but you're going to need to add some bulk with a case. I can't imagine anyone carrying this computer around without some additional protection for the display.
Screen
The centerpiece of the device is its 9.7-inch touchscreen with a 1024 x 768 pixel resolution. It's the iPad's most critical feature, so it's a good thing that it's beautiful. Colors are vibrant, fonts are crystal clear and the support for a wide selection of viewing angles is amazing.
While this screen looks great indoors, outdoors is another matter. It's fine in full shade, but if I go out in the sun I have to turn the backlight all the way up and carefully pick the direction I'm facing to be able to get anything done -- it's basically a hassle.
Orientation switches automatically, depending on how you hold it. Most of the time this is good, but if you are using the iPad flat on a table, the orientation will switch back and forth at semi-random. Fortunately, there's a small switch you can flick that locks the screen into its current orientation.
Because we're talking about a touchscreen, it's inevitably going to collect fingerprints. Apple has included a coating that's supposed to minimize them, and while it's helping a little, I suspect most users are going to carry around a cleaning cloth.
Keyboard
The iPad's keyboard is probably going to keep more people away than any other feature. A device of this size that depends on a screen keyboard is definitely controversial when people are more accustomed to laptops with large keyboards.
How you use the keyboard depends on how you are holding the iPad. In portrait mode, you hold the device between your hands and type with both thumbs. I have average-size hands, and I find this to be just barely possible; hitting the keys in the middle of the keyboard is kind of a stretch. The process puts a strain on my wrists; I'd write a short note or a quick email this way, but not much else.
Switching the iPad to landscape mode opens a much larger keyboard. To type on this, you have to put the tablet on a table or in your lap. In this mode, my typing speed shoots way up. But keep in mind, when you're typing you can't do like you do with a physical keyboard and rest your fingers on the keys. You have to hold your hands above the keyboard
HP EliteBook 2740p
Business users and consumers who want a well-built tablet PC have a few options on the market right now, including models from HP, Lenovo and Dell, among other manufacturers. HP just updated the aging EliteBook 2730p, replacing it with the EliteBook 2740p that includes upgrades to the latest Core i5 and i7 processors. In this review, we take an in-depth look at this newest business tablet PC and see how well it stacks up against the competition.
Our HP EliteBook 2740p Tablet Specifications:
Screen: 12.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) UWVA LED Backlit Multitouch (Matte finish)
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional (64bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5-540M (2.53GHz, 3MB Cache)
Memory: 4GB DDR3 RAM (2GB + 2GB)
Storage: 250GB Toshiba 1.8" HDD (5400rpm)
Wireless: Intel 6200 802.11AGN, Bluetooth
Graphics: Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics
Power: 44Wh primary battery, 46Wh slice battery, 65W 20V AC adapter
Dimensions: 11.42 x 8.35 x 1.25"
Weight: 3.93lbs
Our HP EliteBook 2740p Tablet Specifications:
Screen: 12.1-inch WXGA (1280 x 800) UWVA LED Backlit Multitouch (Matte finish)
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional (64bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5-540M (2.53GHz, 3MB Cache)
Memory: 4GB DDR3 RAM (2GB + 2GB)
Storage: 250GB Toshiba 1.8" HDD (5400rpm)
Wireless: Intel 6200 802.11AGN, Bluetooth
Graphics: Intel GMA HD Integrated Graphics
Power: 44Wh primary battery, 46Wh slice battery, 65W 20V AC adapter
Dimensions: 11.42 x 8.35 x 1.25"
Weight: 3.93lbs
Dell Latitude XT2 Full Review
by Kevin O'Brien
The Dell Latitude XT2 is a business-grade convertible notebook, offering multi-touch finger and digitized pen controls. With a slim and boxy chassis it might not look as cool as some consumer tablets, but it ends up being easier to carry and smaller to travel with. With a starting price of $1,929 it is easily one of the more expensive tablets on the market, but it does include some not-so-common features. Is the Dell Latitude XT2 worth the high price tag? Read our full review to find out.
Specifications:
Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 1.4GHz (800MHz FSB, 3MB L2 Cache)
Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit)
12.1" Premium WXGA (1280 x 800) LED-Backlight Display with Multi-touch
Intel X4500MHD Integrated Graphics
3GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM (2GB + 1GB)
120GB Toshiba 1.8" 5400RPM HDD
8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive) through docking station
Intel 5100AGN WiFi, Bluetooth, and 1Gb Ethernet
6-Cell 42WHr Battery
Limited 3-year standard parts and labor warranty with on-site service
Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 1.1"
Weight: 3lbs 13.6oz
The Dell Latitude XT2 is a business-grade convertible notebook, offering multi-touch finger and digitized pen controls. With a slim and boxy chassis it might not look as cool as some consumer tablets, but it ends up being easier to carry and smaller to travel with. With a starting price of $1,929 it is easily one of the more expensive tablets on the market, but it does include some not-so-common features. Is the Dell Latitude XT2 worth the high price tag? Read our full review to find out.
Specifications:
Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400 1.4GHz (800MHz FSB, 3MB L2 Cache)
Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit)
12.1" Premium WXGA (1280 x 800) LED-Backlight Display with Multi-touch
Intel X4500MHD Integrated Graphics
3GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM (2GB + 1GB)
120GB Toshiba 1.8" 5400RPM HDD
8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive) through docking station
Intel 5100AGN WiFi, Bluetooth, and 1Gb Ethernet
6-Cell 42WHr Battery
Limited 3-year standard parts and labor warranty with on-site service
Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 1.1"
Weight: 3lbs 13.6oz
WINDOWS 7 TABLET
Don't expect those rumored Microsoft Windows 7 Tablet PCs to ship soon, claims Jefferies analyst Katherine Egbert. According to Business Insider, Egbert writes, "Early reports about Windows 8, which has been rumored for release in late 2011, make it appear to be more suited to the tablet market with features such as instant on, GPS support and restoration tools." In addition, Windows 7 doesn't play nice with the Qualcomm SnapDragon processor, and Intel's tablet Oak Trail is not expected until Spring 2011. Meanwhile, there seems to be a consensus among manufacturers that existing Atom chips are not cut out for Windows 7.
BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK TABLET
It's not a BlackPad, and it's certainly not a SurfBook. Instead, RIM has puts those BlackBerry tablet rumors to sleep by unveiling the PlayBook, a seven-inch tablet (1024 x 600) sporting a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and the new BlackBerry Tablet OS that offers multitasking.
At least two rumors were correct, however. The PlayBook only supports a/b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth, but will be able to tether to a BlackBerry via Bluetooth for a data connection. While connected, users will be able to "use the larger tablet display to seamlessly and securely view any of the email, BBM™, calendar, tasks, documents and other content that resides on (or is accessible through) their smartphone," the press release stated. Also, users can "use their tablet and smartphone interchangeably without worrying about syncing or duplicating data." Finally, the new BlackBerry Tablet OS is built on the QNX Neutrino microkernel architecture. RIM is touting the PlayBook as a "professional tablet" that is "enterprise ready."
Other specs include a three-megapixel front-facing digital camera for video conferencing, five-megapixel rear camera, 1080p video recording capability, HDMI out with dual display support, USB port, as well as Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR and HTML-5 support. The PlayBook will measure 5.1 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches and weigh less than a pound.
RIM expects the PlayBook to ship in early 2011 in the US, Q2 2011 internationally. There is no word on pricing, but rumors indicate a $500 price point. RIM also claims intentions to "launch 3G and 4G models in the future."
At least two rumors were correct, however. The PlayBook only supports a/b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth, but will be able to tether to a BlackBerry via Bluetooth for a data connection. While connected, users will be able to "use the larger tablet display to seamlessly and securely view any of the email, BBM™, calendar, tasks, documents and other content that resides on (or is accessible through) their smartphone," the press release stated. Also, users can "use their tablet and smartphone interchangeably without worrying about syncing or duplicating data." Finally, the new BlackBerry Tablet OS is built on the QNX Neutrino microkernel architecture. RIM is touting the PlayBook as a "professional tablet" that is "enterprise ready."
Other specs include a three-megapixel front-facing digital camera for video conferencing, five-megapixel rear camera, 1080p video recording capability, HDMI out with dual display support, USB port, as well as Adobe Flash Player 10.1, Adobe Mobile AIR and HTML-5 support. The PlayBook will measure 5.1 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches and weigh less than a pound.
RIM expects the PlayBook to ship in early 2011 in the US, Q2 2011 internationally. There is no word on pricing, but rumors indicate a $500 price point. RIM also claims intentions to "launch 3G and 4G models in the future."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)