Lenovo Yoga Impressions.

Posted by slashtom on October 27, 2012 02:03 am 4

Hey all.

First thing is first. What I wanted from Surface RT was a tablet that could handle PC like functions and also provide a tablet experience at the same time. Something portable and something powerful. It's such a tough combination that for me personally, I think the Surface is a great machine in itself but RT will still be limiting me.

I need apps like VLC, mIRC, Visual Studio, but I also wanted the fun of Metro IE, being able to touch and play tablet games, full screen video applications like hulu plus and what not.

I first preordered the Surface RT because coming from the iPad and my PC, RT offered way more of an OS than iOS would ever be able to offer. We've become so locked into the notion that tablet OS cannot be a powerful OS because it's a tablet, boy were they wrong. RT is a great step into that direction, for that I applaud Microsoft.

Lenovo Yoga, to me, combined the great aspects of tablet computing, which means a great display and awesome ergonomics with the possibility to do more, including lenovo style keyboard and traditional usage.

:::Multi Tasking:::

Usage case right now, I'm in desktop with mIRC running, VLC with a 1080p MKV streaming from my NAS, Hulu plus open on the metro side, and so forth. It's amazing, we're finally here. Tablet + Full PC. I also have it set up with the screen right in front of me bent up in "stand" mode, so I'm touching the x, even using the on screen keyboard when replying in mIRC. For this, I am using the lenovo keyboard to write this up. Honestly, with a 1080p MKV in VLC, the CPU usage doesn't go above 10%. Intel HD 4000 handles it very well. Memory isn't a problem yet also. I plan on installing aperture and using this machine on the go to handle my photos.

::: Hardware :::

Hardware is awesome. Like I said, it's a 1600x900 IPS panel, colors are vivid and brightness is awesome. The keyboard is great, I feel like I can write a novel on this thing. When they say Lenovo keyboards are great, they really mean that. The hinges that allow the screen to go a full 180 degrees works well, it's very sturdy. I can leave it in "stand" mode and type on the screen and the screen won't move from it's original position. It'll shake but it won't move, not sure how to be more clear on that. Trackpad is awesome, reminds me of apple trackpads, glass and feels very smooth. So glad PCs have started ditching crappy trackpads. One thing I notice, and I think this is windows or not sure, is that scrolling isn't as smooth as it's on Apple. Now if you're scrolling with your hand it works great, but scrolling with the trackpad seems to either go too fast or if you're going slowly it's still jerky. It's slight, but this may just be how Windows is.

::: Software :::

Windows 8 is awesome, I really think if you combine the tablet functions with a full function PC you're going to have a really fun time using your computer. Right now in my type mode, I am using it as a traditional laptop, but 90% of the time i'm in some hybrid tent or stand more, even full tablet but when I'm sitting on my chair reclining, I love stand mode with the hinge holding the display up to whatever positin you want. Sorry I went off topic. Software is great, nothing I can complain so far. I do wish that Windows 8 made the battery life more prominent, maybe on the charm on the bottom. Lol... as I was typing this if you do swipe for charms the battery icon is on the left side with the clock, PERFECT!

I'm not sure what else to say, for someone who wants a full PC but the FUN of a tablet, this is the perfect PC, especially at the 999 price point that I got from bestbuy. If you're someone who doesn't want a PC, there is surface RT which will work great. I'm really happy with the purchase, I'll probably upgrade next year as well when haswell is more introduced.

If you have any questions feel free to comment.

This is a great day for innovation guys.