Sony VAIO Duo 11 hybrid running Windows 8: Review & Specs

Sony VAIO Duo 11 combines the best of Japanese hardware with best software of Microsoft i.e. Windows 8. And today we get the chance to bring you the review of this hybrid which seems almost perfect. This review will guide you through pros and cons of this Sony device.

Sony VAIO Duo 11

Technical Specs of Sony VAIO Duo 11:

• Manufacturer: Sony
• Model: Sony Vaio Duo 11
• Processor: Intel i5, 1.7 GHz
• 4GB RAM
• 128GB SSD
• Display: 11.6 inches
• Weight: 1.3 kg
• Web: sony.com
• Price: From 1,099 euros

Sony has put all eggs in one basket with this half tablet half ultrabook. And we say this because the product may be just a tablet while having the power of any high-end laptop market. One product that stands out for its elegant design and its seamless integration with Windows 8.

When you take the Sony VAIO Duo 11, first thing that attracts attention is its weight, rather than a tablet but less than a laptop. Its 1.3 kilograms make it totally unfit to have it in my hands for a while as we enjoy our work or multimedia content. With a thickness not exceeding 18 mm make it, this is a compact and easy to carry.
The next unique feature of Sony VAIO Duo 11 is its design. Coming from Sony VAIO range and we could not wait for another result. Aluminium chassis and good finishes give this device a very sleek design, Japanese-style care to which we are accustomed Sony.
Below the screen of Sony VAIO Duo 11 you will find the physical keyboard of the computer. Perhaps, at this point the most accomplished in their design that it come in hand opening system. The brand name is Surf Slider. This is a mechanism based on metal rails almost invisible, covered with high quality plastic for wiring and pipes that hold the screen with a solidity to which we are unaccustomed. The system can show a very soft and comfortable keyboard without looking like we’re going to break the computer, as in models of other brands.

However, this system carefully result in the screen movement. Thus the screen is fixed with two side open possible positions the physical keyboard on the PC view or closed mode with the keyboard hidden in traditional tablet form.

Sony VAIO Duo 11
As for the physical keyboard in Sony VAIO Duo 11 is backlit full integration under the screen. Its keys are not too big and are not intended to write Don Quixote. However, as one lives around with it, getting used and becomes much more comfortable than the virtual. It is also fair to note that the keyboard is designed so that the user does not touch the screen at any time while typing.
The keyboard in Sony VAIO Duo 11 also includes a trackpoint for users more accustomed to conventional mouse that works perfectly, despite its small size, without interfering in the writing. Thus the TrackPack disappears towards this first.

Sony has not forgotten the connectivity in Sony VAIO Duo 11: VGA, NFC, HDMI, Ethernet, USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0. Thus the device is perfect for connecting to a projector, Internet or extract information without interfering too much in the design.

The autonomy of the Sony Vaio Duo 11 is suitable for travel or use at home or office without cables for about five hours, according to the paper. However, the truth is that depending on the type of use, the battery can last us just four hours. However, this point is retouched to improve in future versions with an extension.

Integration with Windows 8 in Sony VAIO Duo 11:

Beyond the hardware specifications, it is interesting to talk about the operating system that includes in Sony VAIO Duo 11. The brand-new Windows 8 integrates seamlessly. Although it shows it is still has a bit of shooting with, for example, most applications in its Windows Store, the fact is that the user experience is good.
The screen responds perfectly to the requirements of touch Windows 8 and Intel Core i5 and RAM of 4 Gbytes makes the performance does not drop at any time, even using several programs at once.
If we talk about the experience with Windows 8, we can say that is positive not only in performance but also on usability. Panels much simpler and clearer that also have their disadvantages. For a user is unfamiliar with the Modern UI interface at first be a little tricky to use. Find additional buttons in the mailer, namely close programs or shutdown are functions that can cost initially. However, with a little practice, these problems are solved and the use of the touch screen becomes an addiction.
Also worth noting improved boot speed in Sony VAIO Duo 11 for Windows 8 and as the 128 GB SSD is included.

Sound and Display of Sony VAIO Duo 11:

Sony has taken care of not only its design but also the quality of picture and sound. The screen of Sony VAIO Duo 11 is of 11.6-inch that offers a resolution 1920 x 1080 Full HD. In addition, the technology integrates OptiContrast screen to give more contrast and natural color images. And it shows even more with Windows 8. So, watch a movie on this tablet-PC is an experience for the eyes.
The screen also allows you to use a capacitive stylus -included in the kit purchase and to write, paint or use applications. In fact, the detection system makes do not need to touch the screen with the stylus to use. Still, except for exceptions like the drawing, the finger mechanism becomes more comfortable.
If we have to get some sticks to the screen is the accelerometer function. Although the concept of tablet is a fully integrated this device does not finish as expected. So that when you turn the screen it usually takes or even stays in a particular position. Hence, at least until an update comes out, we recommend disabling the option to avoid problems. The sound is also a careful look. The Sony Vaio Duo 11 includes technology Dolby Home Theater v4 PC that offers a really good listening experience. However, by integrating the speakers on the bottom of the device is lost some quality and volume of sound if we posed on any surface.
Within this section not forget the front camera including in Sony Vaio Duo 11. The webcam can record and take pictures in HD. More than enough is to talk on Skype with others or take a picture for our profile of Windows 8.

Price

The first thing to notice that, Sony VAIO Duo 11 is not a budget tablet-PC. However, if we consider its value for money we can say that the price fits all it offers: a high-end device suitable for lovers of mobility, design and Sony world.

The base price of Sony Vaio Duo 11 is priced at 1098.99 euros. This model comes with standard Intel i3 1.8 GHz, 128GB SSD, 2GB RAM. However, to benefit the performance recommend choosing a setting slightly higher (Intel i5 1.7 GHz, 128GB SSD, 4GB RAM) that only raise the price to 1,199 euros. We can also make the most of choosing the most powerful model (Intel i7 to 1.9 GHz, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM and fingerprint). Yes, the price will stay at 1909 euros.

Thus, the price range starts at about 1,100 euros and can reach nearly 2,000. A good range of options tailored to discerning users.

Conclusions

Sony has combined the power of an Ultrabook in Sony VAIO Duo 11 with saberhacer in picture and sound. This only needs good mobile integration add Windows 8 to make it outstanding.

Few drawbacks beyond an accelerometer that sometimes fails that are a set buffer and an operating system with lack of experience but full of potential. Yet many advantages such as design, system opening screen, its picture and sound quality and good integration with Windows 8 makes it one of the most interesting alternative for those who want to maximize the potential of the new system Microsoft operating.

This was all regarding one of the hybrid tablet – ultrabook running Windows 8 i.e. Sony VAIO Duo 11.

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