Tech Talk: Are Windows 8 hybrids the real iPad killers?
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Last week Thursday, along with eating insane amounts of turkey and visiting with family and friends, I was able to see a family member’s brand-new ASUS VivoBook. This particular VivoBook was the X202E-DH31T model, which means that it has an Intel Core i3 processor clocked at 1.8GHz, 4GB of RAM, and a 500GB 5,400RPM hard drive.
After using it for a while, I understand how Microsoft thinks that this can compete with the iPad: this particular VivoBook is a traditional laptop, complete with the ability to run traditional Windows software, just with a touchscreen that turns the laptop into a tablet when you are done with work that requires a keyboard and mouse versus just your fingers.
Everything was very smooth, even with the spinning platter storage and less-than-stellar processor. Apps opened up quickly and animations and transitions were as smooth on the ASUS as they are on my Intel Core i7 3770k- and 7970GHz Edition-powered gaming rig.
When I was finished fiddling around with the laptop, I went back to my iPad and realized that, while it’s a fantastic device, Windows 8 devices are just a bit better. Instead of lugging around my MacBook and a tablet, I could just bring my VivoBook (or other Windows 8 convertible) along with me and save on weight and forego the uneasiness that comes with bringing a lot of expensive tech along to wherever I need to go – while still being able to do the work that I do which requires a full desktop experience.
At this point, I don’t think I’m ready to entirely give up a laptop/tablet combination, but I’m starting to consider it. I always knew that the Windows 8 convertibles and hybrids that were introduced earlier this year would be competition for Apple, but I just didn’t realize just how fantastic they would turn out to be – and how worried the Cupertino-based company should be, too.
I think I’d personally like something with even more power than this particular VivoBook, but the point still stands: Windows 8 convertibles and hybrids are, in my opinion, the true iPad and Android tablet killers.
But that’s just one man, one editor’s experience. Have you used a Windows 8 hybrid or convertible? And if so, did you like it – or even feel that you wanted to replace your current mobile setup with one? Let’s chat in the comments below!
