Smart Buyer
  • Shop On NeweggBusiness
  • Categories
    • Buying Guides
    • Components
    • DIY and How-to
    • Industry Trends
    • NetSec
    • Networking
    • Storage
    • Systems – PC & Laptop
    • Windows
  • About
  • Why NeweggBusiness?
  • Contact Us
Top Posts
PC Cooling: How to Set up Computer Case...
5 Ways to Stream from PC to TV...
How to Choose the Correct RAM Upgrade
How to Troubleshoot a PC Power Supply
Four Apps that Make Your Tablet a Second...
6 Reasons Your PC is Slow and How...
2019 Solid State Drive (SSD) Buying Guide
How-to Guide: Small Office Network Setup
Born in the USA: Computer Hardware Made in...
Computer Monitor Buying Guide 2019

Smart Buyer

  • Shop On NeweggBusiness
  • Categories
    • Buying Guides
    • Components
    • DIY and How-to
    • Industry Trends
    • NetSec
    • Networking
    • Storage
    • Systems – PC & Laptop
    • Windows
  • About
  • Why NeweggBusiness?
  • Contact Us
Mobile

Windows 10 Hybrids: It’s Microsoft vs. the Field

by Adam Lovinus October 15, 2015
by Adam Lovinus October 15, 2015 1 comment 5922 views

Many of the early comparisons pit Microsoft’s new 2-in-1 against the iPad Pro and Google’s Pixel C. In my opinion, a better apples-to-apples comparison matches the Surface Pro 4 against other Windows 10 hybrids and 2-in-1s. Comparing hardware specifications on devices that run the same operating system makes the most sense, especially for work-first users who often choose hardware based on the operating system they want to be using.

It has been interesting to watch Microsoft evolve as the driving influence in the OEM hardware landscape. Redmond has always had a pull in the way manufacturers design laptops, mainly because products were built with their software in mind. The Surface Pro 3 established Microsoft firmly as a hardware leader, and OEMs are now grappling for identity and market footing for the next generation of devices.

We are watching this play out in the final quarter of 2015. Several manufacturers are bringing to market new Windows 10 hybrids with similar features and price points. Will any of these machines contend with the Surface Pro 4? Which, if any, will have the right combination of power and price?

Let’s take a look at the now-crowded field of Windows 10 hybrid candidates.

 

Toshiba DynaPad

DynaPad_700

CPU Intel Atom (1.44 GHz)
Memory / Storage / Price Configurations are TBA; pricing likely around $1080
Display
Resolution
12 inches
1920 x 1280 pixels
Ports Micro-HDMI
Micro-USB 2.0
Micro-SD card slot
Stylus Wacom Active Electro-Static TruPen
Build Type
Weight
Thickness
2-in-1 detachable
1.2 lbs. (2.2 with keyboard)
0.33 inches

 

Grounds for comparison: Toshiba and Microsoft are old partners dating back to the original DynaPad 30 years ago. The new DynaPad—expected to hit the shelves in early 2016—shares a passing resemblance to the Surface Pro 4 with its detachable magnetic keyboard and form factor, though in actuality, is probably a closer comparison to a Surface 3 in terms of hardware specs.

Differentiators: The real selling point is the active stylus, made by Wacom, which Toshiba says is capable of 2,048 levels of pressure. This makes it ideal for users looking paper-like experience for stylus note taking and sketches, something emphasized by the tablet’s 3:2 aspect ratio. The price has not been announced, but experts are predicting around $1,080.

Dell XPS 12

Dell XPS12

 

CPU Intel Core i5 (6th generation Skylake)
Memory / Storage / Price 4 GB / 128 GB SSD
8 GB / 256 GB SSD
Pricing TBA – likely starting $1,000
Display
Resolution
12.5 inches
3840 x 2160 pixels (likely priced $1,300);
1920 x 1080 pixels
Ports Thunderbolt 3 (2)
Mini-DisplayPort
Micro-SD
Stylus Dell Active Pen
Build Type
Weight
Thickness
2-in-1 detachable
2.8 lbs (total weight)
0.80 inches

 

Grounds for comparison: The new Dell XPS 12 has an Intel Core i5 processor (4th generation), a level up from the previous XPS 12’s Core M CPU. This places it squarely in Surface Pro 4 territory for computing power. The form factor and magnetically attached keyboard bear a Surface Pro likeness, although the Dell is slightly chunkier as a tablet.

Differentiators: The sharpness of a 4K display is the standout feature for the XPS 12. The Dell Active Pen comes separately whereas the Surface Pro 4 bundles it in. The XPS is lighter on connectivity. It is missing full size USB3.0 and HDMI ports, which require the purchase of a single adapter peripheral. It is a little light on storage space maxing out at 256 GB.

Acer Aspire R14

Acer Aspire R14

 

CPU Intel Core i5 (6th generation Skylake)
Intel Core i7 (6th generation Skylake)
Memory / Storage / Price 4 GB / 128 GB
8 GB / 256 GB, 512 GB
$699 and up
Display
Resolution
14 inches
1,920 x 1080 pixels
Ports USB Type C
USB 3.0
Micro-SD card slot
Stylus Acer Aspire Active Stylus
Build Type
Weight
Thickness
360-degree hinge
4.1 pounds
0.7 inches

 

Grounds for comparison:  The Acer R14 update gives you Intel Core CPU power in a 2-in-1 form factor with similar memory and storage specifications as Surface Pro 4 models. Acer says it worked with Microsoft to design the R14 for Windows 10 capabilities.

Differentiators: Acer makes an appeal to budget-conscious users looking for production power at a low price point. It opts for a hinge instead of a detachable keyboard; early reviews of the build feel and hinge design have been positive, specifically that there is no gap between keyboard and screen when in full tablet mode.

 

HP Spectre x2

HP x2

 

CPU Intel Core M (6th generation Skylake)
Memory / Storage / Price 4 GB, 8 GB / 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB SSD
Starts at $950
Display
Resolution
12 inches
1920 x 1280 pixels
Ports USB Type C (2)
Micro-SD card slot
Stylus HP Wacom digitizer pen
Build Type
Weight
Thickness
2-in-1 detachable
2.63 pounds
0.5 inches

 

Grounds for comparison This is HP’s first attempt at a Surface-like 2-in-1 device and it gets close in many regards—mainly build size and memory configurations. Benchmarked performance comparisons between a 6th generation Core M processor and an Intel Core i5 Skylake are not yet available, but Intel’s modus operandi is to show how the current generation Core M (m7) outperforms a previous generation’s Core i5. So we’ll see.

Differentiator There’s an aluminum hardware clip-on keyboard akin to the one offered on the Surface Book, and a u-shaped kickstand which help the x2 stand apart aesthetics-wise in the field. The Core M processor does not require a fan, so it runs quieter and is easier on battery life. It comes equipped with an LTE option (Surface Pro for some reason has yet to introduce this) which will have an appeal. The display is a lower resolution, but they keyboard will be sold with the device for some added value.

 

Lenovo Ideapad Miix 700

miix700

 

CPU Intel Core M (6th generation Skylake)
Memory / Storage / Price 8 GB / 256 GB,  512 GB SSD
Starts at $699
Display
Resolution
12 inches2160 x 1400 pixels
Ports USB 3.0
USB 2.0
Micro-HDMI
Micro-SD card slot
Stylus HP Wacom digitizer pen
Build Type
Weight
Thickness
2-in-1 detachable
1.7 pounds (tablet only)
0.35 inches

 

Grounds for comparison: This Surface clone is the early darling of some in the PC review community. The most immediate similarities are the high-resolution display and the near-identical form factor and kickstand that the Surface Pro 3 has.

Differentiators: The Miix 700 finds a nice midpoint between Surface 3 and Surface Pro 4 specifications. The fanless Intel Core M gives the Miix 700 the same kind of performance and quiet run discussed with the HP Spectre. It can be configured with LTE, but carriers are not yet official at time of publication.

Let us know—which Widows 10 hybrid would you call the frontrunner to take on the Surface Pro 4?

Adam Lovinus

Adam Lovinus

A tech writer and Raspberry Pi enthusiast from Orange County, California.

More Posts - Website - Twitter - LinkedIn - Google Plus

Summary
Windows 10 Hybrids: It’s Microsoft vs. the Field
Article Name
Windows 10 Hybrids: It’s Microsoft vs. the Field
Description
Let’s take a look at the now-crowded field of Windows 10 hybrid candidates looking for foothold against Surface Pro 4.
Author
Adam Lovinus
all laptops / notebooks
1 comment
0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +PinterestEmail
Adam Lovinus
Adam Lovinus

A tech writer and Raspberry Pi enthusiast from Orange County, California.

previous post
7 Tips to Maximize SSD Endurance
next post
6 Hilarious Tech Commercials from the Past

Related Posts

Laptop Management Checklist for Remote Workers [Infographic]

December 4, 2020

How to Work Remotely While Keeping Secure and...

November 14, 2017

Best Android App to Test Wi-Fi Speed (Five...

June 22, 2017

Is a Wireless 5G Network Hub Coming to...

March 16, 2017

iPhone 7: Apple Don’t Take My 3.5 mm...

August 17, 2016

Done with Your Mobile Phone Contract, Not Upgraded,...

August 5, 2016

Microsoft Halts Surface 3, Here’s What’s Left

June 27, 2016

Replace a Laptop with iPad Pro or Surface...

September 10, 2015

Use a Tablet to Write Notes for Better...

September 3, 2015

Have a Lumia phone? Check Out Project Spartan

April 13, 2015

1 comment

3 OEM Windows 10 Laptops for the Value-Minded - HardBoiled November 18, 2015 - 4:32 pm

[…] Windows 10 Hybrids: Microsoft vs. the Field […]

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • 1

    PC Cooling: How to Set up Computer Case Fans

    February 11, 2021
  • 2

    5 Ways to Stream from PC to TV or Digital Display

    May 23, 2016
  • 3

    How to Choose the Correct RAM Upgrade

    March 10, 2021
  • 4

    How to Troubleshoot a PC Power Supply

    July 11, 2018
  • 5

    Four Apps that Make Your Tablet a Second Monitor

    January 9, 2018
  • 6

    6 Reasons Your PC is Slow and How to Fix It

    February 28, 2019
  • 7

    2019 Solid State Drive (SSD) Buying Guide

    December 6, 2018
  • 8

    How-to Guide: Small Office Network Setup

    December 20, 2018
  • 9

    Born in the USA: Computer Hardware Made in America

    September 27, 2018
  • 10

    Computer Monitor Buying Guide 2019

    January 4, 2019

Newegg + Business

How is this different from Newegg.com?

Why NeweggBusiness?
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Email