It seems that the competition in the Windows-based tablet/laptop hyrbrid arena is going to be rattled. Chinese tech company Huawei, which already made a name with its Android-based smartphones and tablets, is now expanding its reach to other markets, starting off with its Windows 10 MateBook tablet.
The Huawei MateBook features a 12-inch IPS TFT LCD display that offers a 2160 x 1440 pixel resolution. It is 194.1 mm (7.64 inches) high, 278.8 mm. (10.97 inches) wide, 6.9 mm (0.27 inches) thick, and weighs only 640 grams, which is thinner and lighter than its primary competitors.
The new tablets packs a dual core 6th Gen Intel Core m processor that clocks at up to 3.1 GHz. Memory modules of 4GB and 8GB are available, and there are multiple storage space options -- 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, all SSD type.
Connectivity-wise, the Huawei MateBook is loaded with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMI and Bluetooth 4.1. A single USB 3.1 Type-C port, a keyboard smart cover connector, and a headset jack are also available to use. Moreover, it has a front-facing 5MP camera, dual speakers and its metal unibody is offered in either gold or silver color.
The battery is rated at 4430mAh, which is estimated to offer up to 29 hours of music enjoyment, 9 hours of movie watching or 10 hours of work.
Huawei also stated that the new MateBook will be compatible with its Mate P and Mate 8 series smartphones, allowing users to transfer files between the two gadgets smoothly. The company also claims to have the first tablet/laptop with a side fingerprint sensor.
To make matters more interesting, PCWorld reported that Huawei has also introduced accessories for its MateBook; however, this will not come along with the original package. First, there's a water-resistant keyboard that offers comfortable typing and costs $129. Second is the $59-worth Mate-pen that offers a 2,048 pressure levels that also contains a laser pointer and can also be used as remote for PowerPoint presentation. Huawei is claiming it to be usable up to 100 hours on a single full charge. Third is the MateDock, priced at $89, which goes to the USB Type-C port and gives the MateBook additional ports such as HDMI, VGA, and Ethernet, plus two USB ports. The MateDock comes with a leather case that also includes a 12-volt pocket charger.
CNET featured Huawei's MateBook on their YouTube channel.
The price of the Huawei MateBook starts at $699, which includes 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM and Core m3 processor. It is also said that the company is targeting a March release in the U.S.
