'Transformable' laptops - new trend in the computer market

Not simply a software upgrade, the appearance of Windows 8 can be considered the biggest inspiration in design for many computer manufacturers over the past two years to produce unique multi-functional "hybrid" computers.

In addition to supporting traditional tasks well, Microsoft's new operating system also brings an eye-catching and smooth touch interface, something that iPads and Android tablets have proven to be superior to for many years. The versatility of Windows 8 has posed a problem for "big guys" such as Asus, HP, Samsung, Toshiba and Sony to produce devices that take full advantage of these strengths.

Such a product must have both a physical keyboard and a touchpad like a regular laptop, and a touch screen and be as easy to use as a tablet. As a result, the market has welcomed a series of new ideas that have been realized, helping to increase competition and create a rich selection for consumers.

Asus is one of the pioneers in launching lines of devices with special designs such as detachable keyboard tablets such as Transformer, Asus Taichi with two screens on the back and a complete keyboard system. Sony and Toshiba focus on designing sliding keyboards. Lenovo chose to use a 360-degree flip screen while Dell designed the XPS 12 line with a screen that rotates around the center axis. With these products, users can use them as a traditional laptop with a physical keyboard and can access the touch screen more easily than usual.

Among the above "transformable" designs, the trend of detachable keyboards has proven to be the most effective and now many manufacturers have followed Asus to launch similar products on the market. Meanwhile, Asus is also increasingly upgrading and making the Transformer line more consumer-friendly, such as the Transformer Book T100 that the company has just launched in the Vietnamese market.

Unlike the sliding keyboard or 360-degree rotating screen of Sony or Lenovo, the keyboard detaches from the body like Asus Transformer, making it lighter and less difficult for users to use as a tablet. Moreover, the use of a hinge through the port is more secure and less prone to durability concerns than the hinge style that has to work a lot like the other "transformers".

For example, the new Transformer Book T100 model sold in Vietnam, when the keyboard is removed, the device weighs only 550g, equivalent to and even lower than some high-end tablets on the market. At this time, the 10.1-inch touch screen and Windows 8 operating system will help users experience touch operations, music entertainment, web surfing or gaming not inferior to Android tablets or iPads.

Meanwhile, when installing the keyboard dock, users can work, check mail, and compose documents with Microsoft Office similar to a regular laptop. The total weight is now just over 1 kg, not inferior to high-end ultrabook models on the market today. With the ability to meet many different needs in both entertainment and work, the two-in-one device with a detachable keyboard tablet is expected to continue to be a strong development trend in the computer market in the near future.

According to Hanoi Moi.com