A Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 Mini-Review
Published on 12 February 13
Hathem
1657
0
Much has been said about Windows 8-primed computers the past few months, and the subclass of portable PCs collectively known as hybrids (computers which are part-laptop, part-tablet) seems to have become the de facto flag bearer for Microsoft’s latest operating system.
Of all the hybrids that have come out, big-name companies like Intel and Microsoft have touted Lenovo’s IdeaPad Yoga as the prime hybrid representative. While I personally am keeping my fingers crossed for the Asus Taichi (whose release date has been postponed until next year), I can definitely see why the major players are all gaga for the Yoga.
Specs Report
First, the preliminaries: For the basic $999 model, the Yoga comes with an Intel Core i3 CPU, 4 GB of 1,600 MHz DDR3 RAM, a 128 GB SSD, and an Intel HM77 chipset with integrated HD 4000 GPU. The next upgrade level will set you back by $1,099, but will have an Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB of memory. Finally, the full-on $1,299 model changes the CPU to an even more powerful Intel Core i7. Choose accordingly, but for my money, I’d say the $1,099 variant’s specs are adequate enough to handle most tasks expected of a 13-inch laptop.
As far as ports go, the Yoga only has one each of a USB 3.0 and 2.0, an SD card reader, and an HDMI video port. While many users might balk at the thought of having just one USB 3.0, I don’t think it’s entirely detrimental. It’s not ideal, no, but it is still workable, as long as you don’t mind peripheral-switching when necessary. Besides, how many people do you know use more than one USB 3.0 laptop peripheral under normal circumstances?
The Hybrid Angle
What makes the Yoga truly stand out, though, is its physical design. Like many hybrids, the Yoga’s transformation from laptop to tablet and back again is handled with clever modifications via the chassis hinges. However, unlike most hybrids, the Yoga still retains the more stable two-hinge design (as opposed to one-hinge “rotatorsâ€).
A Flexible Package
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Yoga 13 offers great laptop components, optional laptop replacement parts, and a design that’s more than just an aesthetic choice. As far as hybrid PCs go, it indeed is one of the better ones.
Much has been said about Windows 8-primed computers the past few months, and the subclass of portable PCs collectively known as hybrids (computers which are part-laptop, part-tablet) seems to have become the de facto flag bearer for Microsoft’s latest operating system.
Of all the hybrids that have come out, big-name companies like Intel and Microsoft have touted Lenovo’s IdeaPad Yoga as the prime hybrid representative. While I personally am keeping my fingers crossed for the Asus Taichi (whose release date has been postponed until next year), I can definitely see why the major players are all gaga for the Yoga.
Specs Report
First, the preliminaries: For the basic $999 model, the Yoga comes with an Intel Core i3 CPU, 4 GB of 1,600 MHz DDR3 RAM, a 128 GB SSD, and an Intel HM77 chipset with integrated HD 4000 GPU. The next upgrade level will set you back by $1,099, but will have an Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB of memory. Finally, the full-on $1,299 model changes the CPU to an even more powerful Intel Core i7. Choose accordingly, but for my money, I’d say the $1,099 variant’s specs are adequate enough to handle most tasks expected of a 13-inch laptop.
As far as ports go, the Yoga only has one each of a USB 3.0 and 2.0, an SD card reader, and an HDMI video port. While many users might balk at the thought of having just one USB 3.0, I don’t think it’s entirely detrimental. It’s not ideal, no, but it is still workable, as long as you don’t mind peripheral-switching when necessary. Besides, how many people do you know use more than one USB 3.0 laptop peripheral under normal circumstances?
The Yoga also has Ethernet, Bluetooth, and 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity. It doesn’t have an optical drive, but that’s par for the course for laptops below 15 inches nowadays.
The Hybrid Angle
What makes the Yoga truly stand out, though, is its physical design. Like many hybrids, the Yoga’s transformation from laptop to tablet and back again is handled with clever modifications via the chassis hinges. However, unlike most hybrids, the Yoga still retains the more stable two-hinge design (as opposed to one-hinge “rotatorsâ€).
Even better, the Yoga’s distinctive form expands its practicality. Like its namesake, the two halves of the laptop’s chassis can bend all the way back, giving it its “slate†form. You can also use the keyboard half as a makeshift stand, aptly called the “stand†mode. You can also position the two chassis halves in such a way that both act as legs for the computer, giving you the “tent†mode. And finally, of course, we have the default “laptop†mode.
A Flexible Package
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Yoga 13 offers great laptop components, optional laptop replacement parts, and a design that’s more than just an aesthetic choice. As far as hybrid PCs go, it indeed is one of the better ones.
Of all the hybrids that have come out, big-name companies like Intel and Microsoft have touted Lenovo’s IdeaPad Yoga as the prime hybrid representative. While I personally am keeping my fingers crossed for the Asus Taichi (whose release date has been postponed until next year), I can definitely see why the major players are all gaga for the Yoga.
Specs Report
First, the preliminaries: For the basic $999 model, the Yoga comes with an Intel Core i3 CPU, 4 GB of 1,600 MHz DDR3 RAM, a 128 GB SSD, and an Intel HM77 chipset with integrated HD 4000 GPU. The next upgrade level will set you back by $1,099, but will have an Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB of memory. Finally, the full-on $1,299 model changes the CPU to an even more powerful Intel Core i7. Choose accordingly, but for my money, I’d say the $1,099 variant’s specs are adequate enough to handle most tasks expected of a 13-inch laptop.
As far as ports go, the Yoga only has one each of a USB 3.0 and 2.0, an SD card reader, and an HDMI video port. While many users might balk at the thought of having just one USB 3.0, I don’t think it’s entirely detrimental. It’s not ideal, no, but it is still workable, as long as you don’t mind peripheral-switching when necessary. Besides, how many people do you know use more than one USB 3.0 laptop peripheral under normal circumstances?
The Yoga also has Ethernet, Bluetooth, and 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity. It doesn’t have an optical drive, but that’s par for the course for laptops below 15 inches nowadays.
The Hybrid Angle
What makes the Yoga truly stand out, though, is its physical design. Like many hybrids, the Yoga’s transformation from laptop to tablet and back again is handled with clever modifications via the chassis hinges. However, unlike most hybrids, the Yoga still retains the more stable two-hinge design (as opposed to one-hinge “rotatorsâ€).
Even better, the Yoga’s distinctive form expands its practicality. Like its namesake, the two halves of the laptop’s chassis can bend all the way back, giving it its “slate†form. You can also use the keyboard half as a makeshift stand, aptly called the “stand†mode. You can also position the two chassis halves in such a way that both act as legs for the computer, giving you the “tent†mode. And finally, of course, we have the default “laptop†mode.
A Flexible Package
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Yoga 13 offers great laptop components, optional laptop replacement parts, and a design that’s more than just an aesthetic choice. As far as hybrid PCs go, it indeed is one of the better ones.
Related Posts:
Post a Comment
