Huawei’s latest 2-in-1 tablet computer, the MateBook, includes a 12-inch display, Windows 10 and a choice of Intel processors, and is aimed squarely at enterprises seeking mobile devices that can be custom-configured to meet the needs of business users.
The MateBook, which starts at $699 and runs up to $1,599, was unveiled by Huawei on Feb. 21 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
The machine, which will be available in North America, Asia and Europe in the coming months, is available with a wide range of sixth-generation Intel Core m3, m5 or m7 processors in speeds up to 3.1GHz as well as RAM configurations of 4GB to 8GB of LPDDR3 memory and solid-state disk (SSD) storage from 128GB to 512GB. The MateBook line is fanless for noise-free operation.
The MateBook includes a 12-inch IPS multitouch screen with a resolution of 2,160-by-1,440, as well as 160-degree wide angle viewing capabilities. The device is built around an aluminum unibody for strength and lightness and includes a 4,430mAh battery, promising users up to about 9 hours of work time, 9 hours of Internet use or 29 hours of music playback, according to Huawei. The machine also includes power-saving technology and can be fully charged in 2.5 hours or reach a 60 percent charge in 1 hour.
Also included is a 5-megapixel fixed focus front camera, a touchpad input system, dual digital microphones and dual speakers. The tablet is 10.97 inches wide, 7.64 inches deep and 0.27 inches thick, and it weighs about 1.41 pounds.
For user security, the MateBook tablet includes a fingerprint reader that supports 360-degree sensitive identification for accuracy. The fingerprint reader is designed for one-touch unlocking.
Several optional accessories are available to complement the MateBook, including a MatePen stylus that can capture a user’s personal handwriting style with its 2,048 levels of sensitivity, according to Huawei. In addition, the stylus supports graphics and mathematic functions, and can be used as a laser pointer for delivering presentations. Also being offered are a detachable MateBook Portfolio Keyboard and a MateDock docking station.
Connectivity for the MateBook comes through WiFi 802.11, MIMO and Bluetooth 4.1 protocols.
The device also includes wireless data transfer capabilities that allow drag-and-drop document transfer to and from Android smartphones, according to the company.
The MateBook will be available in Gray or Golden colors.
“With this landmark device, Huawei is demonstrating our industry-leading design and manufacturing expertise by bringing a beautifully crafted flagship product to market that is redefining the new style of business—connected computing across all devices in almost every scenario,” Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, said in a statement. “Huawei has successfully channeled its comprehensive experience and excellence in building premium mobile products into the needs of the modern business environment by introducing a highly efficient device, seamlessly capable of integrating work and entertainment functions.”
A MateBook equipped with a sixth-generation Intel Core m3 processor, 4GB of memory and a 128GB SSD drive will be priced at $699, while a device equipped with an Intel Core m5 processor, 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD drive will be priced at $999. A MateBook with an Intel Core m7 processor, 8GB of memory and 512GB of SSD storage will be priced at $1,599.
The optional keyboard will be priced at $129, while the MatePen will cost $59. The MateDock device will be priced at $89.