How will a new entrant like Huawei fair in the PC market remains to be seen. Pricing is not a very big differentiator here and aside from some general differences, there's nothing that seems to make the Matebook stand out from competition, some of who smartly include both the keyboard and the pen accessories in the device's price.
Huawei's getting into the 2-in-1 game following the likes of Dell, Lenovo, Samsung and originator Microsoft which all have Surface-like devices that are tablets which can shapeshift into notebooks thanks to keyboard cases. It must be noted that Huawei is using lower-powered m processors instead of Intel's Core line of processors preferred by notebooks and desktops. This means that the MateBook should yield better battery life by be limited in terms of performance for heavier desktop class applications.
Canadians will be able to pre-order Huawei’s first 2-in-1 convertible tablet starting today at all Microsoft Stores across Canada, and online at microsoftstore.ca. Additionally, the MateBook will be available from Amazon and Newegg starting on July 11th.
Starting at $909.00, MateBook answers the demand for an ultra-thin, stylish computer that allows users to be productive in any setting. Designed as a total solution for consumers who enjoy the flexibility of a convertible device and the power of a PC, MateBook is the work companion that perfectly balances mobility, productivity and design. Canadians can expect to paying around $200 more for the privelege of owning these devices as seen by the pricing chart below.
"Huawei MateBook has generated incredible excitement since its launch at Mobile World Congress and attracted rave reviews from technology enthusiasts around the world," said Yanyan Ji, Vice President of Marketing, Huawei Device USA. "MateBook combines the best of a tablet and laptop, and demonstrates the type of premium experience Huawei customers expect and Huawei is known for."
MateBook runs on Windows 10 and is powered by a 6th Generation Intel Core m-series processor. Its metal unibody weighs in at just 640 grams and is 6.9 mm thin. MateBook features an immersive 12-inch touchscreen with a 2160 x 1440 resolution and 160-degree viewing angles.
The high-density lithium-ion battery is quickly charged via USB Type-C to provide enough power for up to nine hours of work. MateBook also features an ultra-fast fingerprint sensor, taking only one touch to unlock the screen through Windows Hello.
The MateBook takes advantage of Intel's power-sipping premium m-series processors, built especially for hybrid computing devices.
How will a virtual unknown like Huawei will fair in the competitive PC market remains to be seen. Their pricing is not a very big differentiator here and aside from a thinner profile, there's nothing that seems to make the Matebook stand out from competition, some of who smartly include both the keyboard and the pen accessories in the device's price.
Still, some diversity in the 2-in-1 market is good, but consumers will likely stick to products from companies they know and trust, or at least those with an established sales and support mechanism for repairs and returns.