As the world of work becomes increasingly cloud and mobile-oriented, the types of devices required to do business change too. At one end of the scale, smartphones are becoming larger screen ‘phablets’, and at the other end, laptops are rapidly merging with tablets to become hybrid 2-in-1 devices that combine ease of use with functionality.
The versatility, power and compactness (a detachable touchscreen, anyone?) of a hybrid device is perfect for almost any modern business environment. Indeed, ‘detachable devices’ are the sole ray of light in a slowing tablet market.
But which are the best hybrid devices for business? We here at TechWeekEurope have done some digging on that very subject – here’s what we found:
Powered of course by Windows 10, Microsoft has made quite a splash with its Surface Pro 4 device since its arrival in November. We called it “pretty much perfect”. It’s a thin and powerful device that’s perfect for both the office and home, equipped with an excellent screen that offers high-quality graphics. An impressive and highly-capable device, then, that appears to tick most, if not all, of the boxes.
Also powered by Windows 10, Lenovo’s hybrid device really is something to behold. It’s a slim (the world’s thinnest Intel Core i convertible laptop, as it were) and attractive proposition whichever way you use it – which is particularly apt as its “smart hinge” enables you to sit the screen where not every other devices can.
It also comes in a choice of three colours – clementine orange, platinum silver and champagne gold – which may or not matter to your employees. There is a slight catch, mind, in that it doesn’t come cheap: it’s unlikely you’ll be able to purchase one for less than £1000, which may be a little off-putting for some.
What sets apart Vaio, no longer part of Sony, is its unique ‘flip’ features that lets you position the screen however you see fit. It’s not underpowered either, with a sixth generational Intel Core ‘Skylake’ processor, Intel Irish graphics and long lasting battery. It also promises better Wi-Fi connectivity with an “optimum positioned” antenna.
The newly independent Vaio positions the Z Flip as an aspirational device with high quality materials, sleek design, and expensive price tag.
HP’s foray into our list comes in the form of the sterling Pavilion x2, which scores big points for possessing capabilities that fall into the “simple, but effective” category. Its detachable screen is very handy for switching between both laptop and tablet duties, while its Windows 10-powered hardware is very serviceable indeed – and let’s not forget the seven-hour battery life. The biggest points are scored, however, for its budget-friendly price: it’s currently on sale at a number of retailers for under £200, which’ll be music to the ears of your wallet.
Dell’s entry point here is with the Inspiron 11 3000: a two-in-one hybrid device that’s compact, adaptable and in no way bulky – the perfect fit to carry to and use at work. The 3153 version – a little pricier than its predecessor, the 3147 – comes with the new Intel Core i3 processor and an additional 2GB of memory.
Continues on page 2
Page: 1 2
Suspended prison sentence for Craig Wright for “flagrant breach” of court order, after his false…
Cash-strapped south American country agrees to sell or discontinue its national Bitcoin wallet after signing…
Google's change will allow advertisers to track customers' digital “fingerprints”, but UK data protection watchdog…
Welcome to Silicon In Focus Podcast: Tech in 2025! Join Steven Webb, UK Chief Technology…
European Commission publishes preliminary instructions to Apple on how to open up iOS to rivals,…
San Francisco jury finds Nima Momeni guilty of second-degree murder of Cash App founder Bob…