Options for a convertible 2-in-1?

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ashtonaut

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#204621 9-Oct-2016 21:14

Hi there

I'm hoping to get some thoughts and assistance on a replacement laptop.

I currently have a 5 year old Dell Vostro 3300 (13") which is slowly dying and will soon give up the ghost. I have really liked the 13" form factor, but would like to get something a bit more compatible with watching videos on the couch or in bed (touch screen, ability to use more like a tablet).

What it will be used for
MS Office suite
Web browsing
Light Photoshop and image editing work
Encoding home videos (Handbrake)
Watching videos (from network storage or online)
Zero gaming
I don't have an external monitor
Often used on the lap

Must have
Convertible 2 in 1 with touchscreen (I'm not interested in tablets with detachable keyboards, eg MS Surface)
12-14" screen
Not a high DPI screen
Windows 10
128gb SSD
4GB RAM
AC Wifi
A faster processor than my current Core i3 M 370

Want/nice to have
Intel Core processor (i3 or i5)
Backlit keyboard
256GB SSD
Webcam or fingerprint reader compatible with Windows Hello
Thin with small bezel (I realise this is a long shot with my budget)

Budget
$1000-$1500
Prepared to go a little higher if justified

I've had a basic look around and the Lenovo Yoga series looks promising.

Can anyone help me out with other suggestions that are worth looking at? I have no particular brand likes or dislikes.

Kookoo

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#1649685 12-Oct-2016 11:50

There's a bit of a gap in the market there to be honest. Hopefully there will be more releases closer to Christmas. Lenovo Yoga used to be a good option, for example, but is no longer available.

Because of that l'm thinking you'll probably need to be a bit more flexible with your requirements.

For example, when you say "no detachable keyboard" - are you effectively only looking for a keyboard that swivels 360 degrees? Because that really limits your options. Or is you problem with MS Surface that the keyboard isn't solid enough?

Also, why limit yourself to Core-i? Core M is just as capable, and is well suited to what you need it to do.

Screen size is also an issue. Would you consider going a bit smaller, like 11.6''?

Then you can probably choose between ASUS T300CHI (JB HiFi have it for $1219), or Acer Switch 11 ($989 at PBTech). Although my experience with Switch 03 (which is obviously the most entry level device for convertibles) tells me to steer clear of Acer.

Hello, Ground!

ashtonaut

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#1649745 12-Oct-2016 13:37

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm keen on the 360 hinge options - I understand this limits things a lot. Happy with Core M. Keen to stay above 12" as I find smaller to be a bit hard for longer term use.

It looks like Asus offer some good options in this space, in particular at 13.3" (I really like this size), it's just a bit confusing trying to work out which models are available in NZ.

ASUS ZenBook Flip UX360UA-C4153T can be had for close to $1,500, and looks like it meets pretty much all of my requirements. I'd be happy with less RAM, a smaller SSD and a Core M processor in exchange for a slightly lower price but I don't think that config is offered in NZ.

The UX360UA-C4136T is another option at similar price point.

VivoBook Flip TP301UA-DW030T is yet another option a bit cheaper.

I really need to get my head around the Asus product line...

Kookoo

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#1649771 12-Oct-2016 14:09

Yep, I'm pretty much in the same boat. Product availability (or rather - unavailability) in New Zealand is just frustrating.

And then they want to know why we buy tech gear overseas instead of local retailers. Well, that's because you don't leave us much of choice.

Hello, Ground!

Kookoo

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#1650294 13-Oct-2016 12:17

Your prayers have been answers
https://m.1-day.co.nz/products/asus-transformer-book-flip-touchscreen

Hello, Ground!

ashtonaut

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#1650469 13-Oct-2016 14:53

Good spotting, thanks for the heads-up. 15.6" is a bit large for my liking.

I read up on the Asus range and finally got my head around it. Looks like the models available in NZ are as follows:

UX360UA (8GB RAM, Core i5/i7, fan cooled, backlit keyboard, 13.3" 1920x1080)

4136T: i5 6200U, 256GB SSD, $1,478 on Pricespy
4153T: i5 6200U, 512GB SSD, $1,510 on Pricespy
4152T: i7 6500U, 512GB SSD, $1,636 on Pricespy

UX360CA (8GB RAM, Core M, passive cooling, no backlight on keyboard, 13.3" 1920x1080):

4037T: Core M3 6Y30, 256GB SSD, $1499 on Pricespy

I also read that there are Kabylake versions of the above (UX360UAK / UX360CAK) coming soon - not sure when.

Online reviews are limited but seem generally positive.

I'd prefer performance and a backlit keyboard to battery life so I think the 4136T or 4153T is the option - they tick almost all the boxes for $1,500. Now I just need to find somewhere I can see one in real life...

Kookoo

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#1650480 13-Oct-2016 15:05

Check with Dove Electronics. They are the importer, so they should know which retailers have got it in Stock.

Hello, Ground!

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

ashtonaut

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#1675723 22-Nov-2016 22:22

To round out this thread, I ended up with an Asus UX360UA-C4136T. Ticked every box and can be had for close to $1,300.