Multi-touch ultrabook convertibles is the future

The recent excitement is focused around ultrabook convertibles and touch based ultra-books. Intel is going to launch over 140 Ivy Bridge-based ultra-books in the coming year, of which more than 40 will be touch-based and around 12 convertibles. These touchscreen laptops, based on Windows 8, shall bring the tapping and swiping experience found on tablets to laptop users.

An ultra-book convertible is an ultra-book that can be converted to a tablet. Intel thinks it has tremendous potential to bring many of the best attributes of these platforms together. Some of the first ultrabook convertibles are Lenovo Yoga, Toshiba Satellite U925t, Sony VAIO Duo 11 and Dell XPS Duo 12. They are secure and powerful like ultra-books and also lightweight and fast like tablets. These ultra-books come in the swivel, fold and detachable form factor. Lenovo Ideapad Yoga, which gives 8 hours’ battery back-up with 8GB RAM, is an ultra-book convertible that can flip 360 degrees and can be used as a notebook or tablet. The advantage with such a design is that it allows users the experience of two devices without actually needing them. Similar products from others vendors with touch capability in Windows 8 shall soon be available. Toshiba Satellite U925T is made to sync up to tvs and access on-demand online content. Dell’s XPS Duo 12 has a 12.5-inch touchscreen that rotates within its bezel and can be used like a tablet or a notebook.

Intel believes usage models are changing, as now 80% of consumers prefer touch based devices and with convergence being witnessed between smartphones, tablets and ultra-books, and notebooks, there would be greater focus on merged devices. An ultra-book convertible is a result of that only. It was believed that iPad and other tablets could usurp the dominance of notebooks and ultra-books will never take-off, but with ultra-book convertibles and multi-touch features, tablets face a stiff competition!